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.
Finding 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.
Yes! I love finding little local spots. They are usually the best food and not too pricey.
I 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!
Me too! Thank you, Crystal.
Seafood MARKET?! Yeppppp! I am so so so so so there! 😉
Ha ha. You and your fish!
Oh 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!
We love the area! You’ll have a blast.
I love places like this! They always have the best and yummiest seafood!
Agree!
This 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.
Come on down, Heather!
I have never tried fish tacos but I think I would actually love these. They sound so good!
Tacos is one of my favorite ways to eat…anything. lol
If 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.
Oh we just came from there, but we will visit again. Thanks so much for the recommendation. We will try it next time!