Support Port Aransas Explorer by clicking the links in this post to shop products we use, love and recommend. We earn a small commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you, so we can create more helpful content for you. Thank you for your support! | Disclosure
There are few places in Port Aransas that offer coastal comfort food quite like Island Cafe. Beloved by locals, it’s an easy-going restaurant with great food for beach-lovers in Port A.
From classic breakfast favorites to fried seafood for lunch, Island Cafe offers a little something for everyone in a down home atmosphere. It’s an ideal spot to grab a quick meal before spending the day on the water in Port Aransas.
RELATED: Enjoy the View from Roberts Point Park in Port Aransas
What it’s like inside
Once you step inside the bright yellow building, you’ll find it bright and open inside as well. The booths and tables inside Island Cafe are spaced generously and are pretty comfortable.
Island Cafe almost has a diner-style atmosphere with a simple menu with classic coastal dishes and comfort food.
TIP: If you're planning your beach trip to Port A soon, check current availability on VRBO or Expedia here. Popular dates like Spring Break, Summer weekends, SandFest and holidays book up fast, so don't wait to secure your rental ASAP.
My kids liked trying to name the fish they saw on the walls and marvel over the single huge fish in the fish tank by the door.
RELATED: 60+ Feel-Good Songs for When You’re Missing the Beach
What to order
Island Cafe is certainly known by locals to be a great no-frills breakfast restaurant. It’s a morning hotspot for coffee and conversation, as well as breakfast classics like eggs, bacon, omelets and biscuits with gravy. So go early and enjoy a quick morning meal before venturing out to the beach.
However, on our most recent visit, we stopped in for lunch since most of the nearby restaurants were super busy. It was a great choice because we managed to get seated with no wait.
We ordered the fried shrimp with fries and a side salad. The salad was fresh and the shrimp tasted great. My youngest ordered the kid’s chicken strips and loved it, especially the crinkle-cut fries.
Our meal was served fast, tasted great and our whole meal took less than 30 minutes. It was a perfect quick lunch before heading off to Roberts Point Park for some turtle-watching.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: 8 Ways to Tour Port Aransas from Home or Anywhere
Where to find it
Island Cafe & Smokehouse
301 South Alister Street
Port Aransas, TX 78373
361-749-1741