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Looking for the best seafood restaurants in Rockport, Texas?
There is something magical about Rockport that makes it one of the most charming places in Texas. This former fishing village offers some of the freshest seafood you can find, and the local restaurants have perfected their recipes over the years.
If you are a seafood lover, you must visit Rockport, and this is some of our favorites when we come down there.
SEAFOOD RESTAURANTS IN ROCKPORT TEXAS
1. Glow
Located in downtown Rockport, Glow offers a unique concept that combines a retail store with a restaurant. The atmosphere is elegant and modern, with an accent on artistic decor.
The natural light, outdoor seating, and soothing musical background create a relaxed, sophisticated ambiance that is perfect for brunch or dinner.
The menu is diverse, and the focus is on locally-sourced, sustainable seafood. You can start with the Charcuterie Board or the Ceviche, and then move on to the Fried Seafood Platter or the Poisson du Jour. The signature dish is the Thai Green Curry Mussels, which give you a taste of the Asian cuisine blended with Gulf Coast seafood.\
SEAFOOD RESTAURANTS IN ROCKPORT TEXAS
2. Paradise Key Dockside Bar and Grill
Paradise Key Dockside Bar and Grill is located on Aransas Bay, a peaceful and picturesque spot that provides a perfect view for diners. The restaurant has an impressive ambiance, with nautical-themed decor, exposed beams, and a high ceiling.
The open-air seating area is surrounded by palm trees and decks that allow you to dine on the waterfront. The menu is extensive, and the portions are generous. You can try the grilled oysters, the crab cakes, or the fried shrimp as starters. Then, move on to the Seafood Platter or the Stuffed Flounder.
The restaurant’s famous dish is the Jamaican Jerk Chicken, which adds a spicy Caribbean flair to the seafood extravaganza.
SEAFOOD RESTAURANTS IN ROCKPORT TEXAS
3. The Boiling Pot
If you are in the mood for something spicy and authentic Cajun, visit The Boiling Pot.
This lively and colorful place is famous for its Cajun-style seafood boils, where you can choose shrimp, crab, crawfish, or a combination of all. The seafood is boiled in Cajun spices, potatoes, and corn, and served with garlic butter or cocktail sauce.
The vibe is bustling, and the tables are covered with butcher paper instead of tablecloths, which adds to the playful and informal atmosphere.
The Boiling Pot serves beer and wine, and you can enjoy your meal with your hands, as gloves and bibs are provided.
SEAFOOD RESTAURANTS IN ROCKPORT TEXAS
4. Charlotte Plummer’s Seafare Restaurant & Bar
Charlotte Plummer’s Seafare Restaurant & Bar has been a fixture in Rockport for over 30 years, and it is known for its classic, homestyle seafood dishes.
The restaurant is housed in a historic building that dates back to the 1800s, and it has a beautiful garden and a pet-friendly patio.
The ambiance is cozy and intimate, with vintage decorations, a fireplace, and a stained-glass ceiling. You can order the Crab Cake appetizer, the seafood gumbo, or the Fried Calamari to start.
For the main course, try the Shrimp Scampi, the Blackened Redfish, or the Seafood Fettuccine. Charlotte Plummer’s signature dish is the Seafood-Stuffed Flounder, a delicate and flavorful masterpiece.
SEAFOOD RESTAURANTS IN ROCKPORT TEXAS
5. Latitude 28°02′ Coastal Cuisine
Latitude 28°02′ Coastal Cuisine is a fusion-style seafood restaurant that blends Asian, Mexican, and American flavors.
The restaurant is located in a converted 1920s bungalow, and it has a cozy and intimate ambiance, with colorful walls, a fireplace, and a covered patio.
The menu is diverse and creative, and you can start with the Tuna Tataki, the Lobster Bites, or the Crab Cheesecake. For the main course, try the Seafood Paella, the Almond Crusted Cod, or the Baja Fish Tacos. The restaurant’s signature dish is the Lobster Mac N Cheese, made with Maine lobster, aged cheddar, and crispy pancetta.
SEAFOOD RESTAURANTS IN ROCKPORT TEXAS
6. Moondog Seaside Eatery
Moondog Seaside Eatery is a quaint and casual restaurant that serves fresh and simple seafood dishes. The restaurant is housed in an old gas station that has been converted into a cozy diner, with colorful murals, vintage signs, and a dog-friendly patio.
You can start with the Gusto Bread, the Crab Dip, or the Fried Pickles. For the main course, try the Grilled Fish Sandwich, the Shrimp Po’ Boy, or the Fish Tacos. The restaurant’s signature dish is the Oyster Nachos, a tasty and unique appetizer that combines crispy corn tortillas, grilled oysters, spicy salsa, and melted cheese.
SEAFOOD RESTAURANTS IN ROCKPORT TEXAS
7. SteerBurger Grill & Grub
If you are a seafood lover who needs a quick bite, head to SteerBurger Grill & Grub.
This food truck serves classic American and Tex-Mex dishes, and it offers a selection of seafood options that are cooked to perfection. You can start with the Fried Calamari, the Coconut Shrimp, or the Seafood Gumbo for a quick seafood fix on the go.
For the main course, try the Blackened Catfish, the Fried Shrimp Basket, or the Cajun Fish Tacos. The restaurant’s signature dish is the SteerBurger, a juicy beef patty that is topped with fried shrimp, cheddar cheese, and a secret sauce.
SEAFOOD RESTAURANTS IN ROCKPORT TEXAS
8. The Groove
The Groove is a seafood restaurant that combines a unique dining experience with live music and a laid-back atmosphere.
The restaurant is housed in an old piano bar that has been transformed into a beachy and eclectic eatery, with colorful walls, surfboards, and comfortable chairs. The menu is classic seafood, and you can start with the Oyster Rockefeller, the Crab Stuffed Mushrooms, or the Texas Gulf Ceviche.
For the main course, try the Grilled Redfish, the Seafood Enchiladas, or the Pan-Seared Scallops. The restaurant’s signature dish is the Shrimp and Grits, a spicy and creamy dish that showcases the versatility of southern cuisine.
SEAFOOD RESTAURANTS IN ROCKPORT TEXAS
FAQs about Rockport:
1. What is Rockport famous for?
Rockport is famous for its beautiful beaches, artistic community, wildlife watching, and fresh seafood.
2. Does Rockport have a beach?
Yes, Rockport has several beaches, including Rockport Beach Park, the only Blue Wave certified beach in Texas.
3. How do I get to Rockport?
Rockport is located about 30 miles from Corpus Christi, and you can reach it by car, bus, or airplane. The closest airport is the Corpus Christi International Airport.
4. When is the best time to visit Rockport?
The best time to visit Rockport is from November to April when the weather is mild and perfect for outdoor activities.
5. Is Rockport safe for tourists?
Yes, Rockport is a safe town for tourists, and it has a low crime rate.
6. What is the average temperature in Rockport?
The average temperature in Rockport is 70°F, and it can get hot and humid in the summer.
7. What are the best things to do in Rockport?
The best things to do in Rockport include visiting the Fulton Mansion State Historic Park, taking a boat tour, going to the Rockport Center for the Arts, and birdwatching at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge.
8. Is Rockport pet-friendly?
Yes, Rockport is a pet-friendly town, and many restaurants and accommodations welcome pets.
9. What is the local cuisine in Rockport?
The local cuisine in Rockport is seafood, and it includes shrimp, oysters, crab, redfish, and flounder.
10. Can I go fishing in Rockport?
Yes, Rockport is a popular fishing destination, and you can go on a guided fishing trip or fish from the pier.
11. Are there any festivals in Rockport?
Yes, Rockport hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Rockport Film Festival, the Seafair, the Oysterfest, and the Hummer/Bird Celebration.
12. What are the best accommodations in Rockport?
The best accommodations in Rockport include the Lighthouse Inn at Aransas Bay, the Pelican Bay Resort, and the Bayfront Cottages.
13. Can I visit nearby attractions from Rockport?
Yes, you can visit nearby attractions from Rockport, including Port Aransas, Corpus Christi, and the Mustang Island State Park.
14. What is the history of Rockport?
Rockport was founded in the 1800s as a fishing village, and it grew into a shipping and lumbering town. The town was hit by several hurricanes, including Hurricane Harvey in 2017, but it has rebuilt and improved its infrastructure.
15. What are the best water activities in Rockport?
The best water activities in Rockport include kayaking, paddleboarding, boating, swimming, and fishing.
16. Are there any art galleries in Rockport?
Yes, Rockport has several art galleries, including the Rockport Center for the Arts, the Art Center for the Islands, and the Blue Moon Gallery.
17. Can I go birdwatching in Rockport?
Yes, Rockport is a birdwatching paradise, and you can see hundreds of bird species in the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge.
18. What is the local music scene in Rockport?
The local music scene in Rockport is diverse, and it includes jazz, blues, country, and folk. Many restaurants and bars offer live music performances.
19. Can I rent a bicycle or a golf cart in Rockport?
Yes, you can rent a bicycle or a golf cart in Rockport from several rental companies, including Port A H2O.
20. Where can I buy souvenirs in Rockport?
You can buy souvenirs in Rockport from several art galleries, gift shops, and specialty stores, including the Blue Crab Gifts, the Pearl Cottage, and the Coastal Creations.
