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.
Ann Snook-Moreau says
June 21, 2018 at 4:04 pmFinding little hole in the wall restaurants is the best! And I agree, any seafood place with chips and salsa is ok in my book haha.
EstherIrish says
June 28, 2018 at 12:57 pmYes! I love finding little local spots. They are usually the best food and not too pricey.
Crystal says
June 21, 2018 at 4:07 pmI LOVE finding local hot spots! This looks like a great place to stop – I’ll have to remember it if I’m ever in the area! Yum!
EstherIrish says
June 28, 2018 at 12:58 pmMe too! Thank you, Crystal.
GiGi Eats says
June 21, 2018 at 7:48 pmSeafood MARKET?! Yeppppp! I am so so so so so there! 😉
EstherIrish says
June 28, 2018 at 12:58 pmHa ha. You and your fish!
Sarah Bailey says
June 22, 2018 at 8:53 amOh my goodness this sounds like the place to go for seafood! I most definitely need to to go there if I ever end up in the area!
EstherIrish says
June 28, 2018 at 12:59 pmWe love the area! You’ll have a blast.
Heather says
June 22, 2018 at 11:04 amI love places like this! They always have the best and yummiest seafood!
EstherIrish says
June 28, 2018 at 12:59 pmAgree!
Heather says
June 23, 2018 at 8:57 amThis looks like such a fun place to visit! My brother lives in Texas and we are currently in the process of planning a short vacation there.
EstherIrish says
June 28, 2018 at 12:59 pmCome on down, Heather!
Rachel says
June 23, 2018 at 4:24 pmI have never tried fish tacos but I think I would actually love these. They sound so good!
EstherIrish says
June 28, 2018 at 1:00 pmTacos is one of my favorite ways to eat…anything. lol
Jennifer says
December 10, 2018 at 9:21 amIf you get back to Port Isabel go check out Joe’s. It has been our go to for a few years now for great seafood.
EstherIrish says
December 10, 2018 at 9:23 amOh we just came from there, but we will visit again. Thanks so much for the recommendation. We will try it next time!