Blackbeards' Restaurant



Photo Source: Google Images



The first time I went to Blackbeard's on South Padre, over 10 years ago, we went for lunch at the end of the lunch rush on one of our early family vacation trips down here.  I fell in love with their fried shrimp po-boy.  It was so basic and simple...and so very delicious.  The next time we came down to the island was in February and we came to celebrate our anniversary and use up some Southwest Airlines tickets that were going to expire.  We had no idea it was such a winter-Texan haven and laughed about being the youngest on the island.  That time, since we were without children <hooray> we went to dinner at Blackbeards' and, while a little more crowded on this occasion, we were in such good spirits we didn't care.  We ordered drinks, we took our time, we were just glowing with the happiness only a parent of teens and pre-teens can relate to, on the exciting event of a week-end free of responsibility.  I selected Stuffed Shrimp - a delectable concoction of Gulf shrimp stuffed with a crabmeat dressing ...perfection on a plate.  There was so much on the plate, I couldn't even begin to put a dent in it.  It was superlative (or maybe I was intoxicated with Cosmos and Happiness).  Whatever it was, we went home happy. 



Photo Source: Blackbeards' Website



We made Blackbeard's a regular stop on our trips down to the island...until an unhappy meal in 2005.  You know how it is when you bring a crowd to a restaurant you've been raving about and on that particular day, it unfortunately sucks?  That's what happened to us.  After waiting in the unbelievable crush of a July dinner rush, having our food be nothing like I had raved about, my son getting sick afterwards...well, we just didn't go back again.

My sister and her husband and sons always rave about Blackbeards' and it is a "must have" when they are here on vacation...my brother-in-law gives his highest regards to the flounder particularly.  So, when we were down in April 2008, looking at real estate after our big decision to leave Austin, we decided it was time to give Blackbeards' another try.  My son had the red snapper - loved it.  I had fried shrimp - loved it.  I think my husband had the Shrimp 3-ways - loved it.  What we didn't love, was how crowded the tables were next to each other.  We couldn't talk, it was so loud and the wait staff could barely get through the tables without bumping our chairs.  We decided we didn't want to deal with that when there were so many other places we could go on this lovely island that didn't involve feeling like we were rubbing elbows with the tables next door.

Then, winter of 2010, the teen and I were driving along, scoping out a place to eat dinner when I swung right into the Blackbeards' driveway - which was half empty (or half full if you want to focus on optimism).  I thought, I miss Blackbeards' food - and since it wasn't crowded...

Photo Source: Blackbeards' Website

Sure enough - I had a lovely evening in one of the back areas where we were able to converse and I enjoyed a steak with shrimp and a lovely broiled fish for the teen.  Blackbeards' Restaurant had returned to my good graces. 

What I learned from this, is a lesson I've learned well since moving to the lower Laguna Madre...whether it is on the Island, or in Port Isabel...avoid eating out for dinner in July....go out on week nights only during most of the summer... and learn where the crowds are going to be and when they are going to be - and don't go there.  Lunch, during the summer is "a good thing".  It fulfills my need to dine out with minimal crowding (especially if you go to lunch as soon as they open).  Avoidance of crowds - THAT is what I've learned.

Photo Source:  Google Images

September and October are two of my favorite months at the coast.  Unhindered by those much-needed tourists and the beginning of a slight cooling in the atmosphere.  This is the time of year that moves me to euphoria on the island.  It's time to schedule a night out at Blackbeards' Restaurant again!

SPI FLIP FLOP FOODIE RATING:

3 – Pretty Yummy - I feel my flip flops wanting to head back from time to time!

Pirate's Landing

Pirate's Landing in Port Isabel is the Grand Dame of eateries on the mainland side of the Queen Isabella Memorial Causeway.  If you are looking for a family restaurant with a waterfront view, Pirate's Landing is a good choice.  Back when we vacationed on the island, it was always our tradition to stop there first for a Shrimp Po'boy before heading over for check-in.  The food servings are generous and the choices are many.  What keeps me going back again and again, however, is the basket of piping hot, fresh yeast rolls placed on the table with a container of honey butter.  Heck, I'm usually full before the order arrives!

Often, if I ask my youngest son "we're going out for dinner/lunch, where would you like to go?", his answer is Pirate's Landing....for the same reason.  He loves those rolls!  All of the sandwich offerings are served on their fresh baked bread as well, including hamburgers.  The food, in my opinion, is nothing fancy, but I've enjoyed our many meals at Pirate's Landing.  The kids meals are served in a "boat" and a pirate's hat and eye patch are often available for the kidlets.  During high season I often see a balloon artist strolling the tables, in Winter Texan season I've enjoyed live guitar music as we dined, and always I enjoy the view of the causeway, The Black Dragon pirate ship, and the longest fishing pier in Texas.  It's not just a restaurant, it's a destination!  It's on the Port Isabel Lighthouse Square and the list of activities in the immediate area can be found via the link to the restaurant.

Now, I have to say, out of fairness - my older sister does not agree.  She did not enjoy her shrimp sampler platter nor her seafood stuffed hush puppies.  I'll admit, that day, they didn't look very appealing.  I also don't care for their calamari strips.  I do, however, like their salads a great deal (Cobb, Chef, Seafood Pasta, Shrimp Louie to name a few) and another sister doesn't think it's vacation at the coast if she doesn't have her grilled shrimp salad from Pirate's Landing - especially with their honey mustard dressing.  I also enjoy their tortilla soup on those few blustery days each year where it is nippy at the coast.  I make a beeline for Pirate's on such occasions!  My son will tell you the Cheesecake Factory Tuxedo cheesecake can't be missed (we often take an order "to go" because we are too full to eat dessert).  My husband enjoys a cup of their espresso from time to time as well.  One of the great things about Pirate's is their service.  They have a crew that just seems to focus on drink refills and clearing plates.  The wait staff are regulars I've seen for years.  I've only had bad service once - and that server hasn't been seen for over a year :-)  Managers check around to make sure everything is going smoothly.  It's an efficient operation.  Something new I noticed last night when we were there, they offered $15 bottles of wine...and one of my favorites, Nobilio Sauvignon Blanc, was on the list!!!  I've paid $45 for that bottle of wine in an Austin restaurant...and $10-12 at the grocery store...so that was a real find in my opinion.  Don't know if that's a special thing for now or a regular deal - tell them you heard about it on my blog! 

They are open daily at 11:00 a.m. for lunch and dinner.  They are easy to find just look for the lighthouse and look over towards the bay - you can't miss it.

SPI FLIP FLOP FOODIE RATING:

3 1/2 – Pretty Yummy - I feel my flip flops wanting to head back quite frequently!