Los Tortugos Seafood Market Port Isabel

While most know South Padre Island fame, Port Isabel, Texas is right before you cross the bridge to the island and worth your time to explore. It is one of the oldest south Texas cities and the only Texas city whose town square is a light house!

We asked the locals where to eat and multiple times we were pointed to Los Tortugos Seafood Market, which boasts the freshest seafood in town.

As you walk in you will find the seafood market. If you’re looking to purchase fresh fish this is the place.

Upstairs is a little dive of a place. The truth is none of us are huge on seafood, but when on the coast one must venture that direction, if ever. We wondered how we would like it.

We soon found out Los Tortugos has a very loyal following as many of the other patrons came over to give us their recommendations. Evidently their Caldo de Mariscos is to die for and sells out early each day. Several came in super disappointed that they were out.

The minute chips and salsa were placed on the table this became my favorite seafood place ever! Yum!

After the fish soup hands down everyone recommended the fish or shrimp tacos, most saying their favorite was the shrimp.

We tried both, and they were delicious! Of the two our family preferred the fish tacos. Served over corn tortillas and topped with marinated cabbage slaw and avocado, and peppers and onions on the side. Squeeze some lime on them and they are amazing! Served with slaw, hush puppies, and french fries the tacos are a huge meal.

If you’re looking for more food options in Port Isabel Pelican Station is a favorite of our family. The restaurant is at the exact site that the Rio Grande Rail Road ran in the late 1800s and it overlooks the water. Pirate’s Landing is another fun place to eat. The Red Snapper Sandwich is always a hit.