Every city has its unique brand of nightlife, and “the sparkling city by the sea” is no different. In Corpus Christi, the casual Gulf Coast style (fishing shirts and flip-flops) meets urban trendiness (button downs and high heels) in a one-of-a-kind social atmosphere. Needless to say, Corpus Christi knows how to work hard during the week and kick back on the weekends.
From the sandy beach bars of Padre Island to the waterfront patio bars of downtown, this city is booming with old favorites and new finds. So whether you’re in town for the weekend, just moving in, or finally getting out to explore some new places, here is a list of just a few of our favorite Corpus Christi bars. And for the DDs and non-drinkers out there, don’t worry: top-notch booze isn’t the only reason you’ll love these “sparkling city” gems.
1. BUS (Bar Under the Sun)
Neighborhood: Downtown
We cannot stop talking about Bar Under the Sun (BUS)…and we aren’t the only ones! Only six months after a massively-attended grand opening, this bus-station-turned-patio-bar has become one of downtown Corpus Christi’s most frequented spots for laid-back good times. Family-friendly and dog-friendly (and set against a gorgeous backdrop of city high-rises), BUS is quickly becoming a favorite weekend hangout.
Must-Try: Jameson Moscow Mule (an off-menu favorite)
Neighborhood: Downtown
A short walk from Whataburger Field and framed by the lights of the Harbor Bridge, Brewster Street Icehouse is always a good time! Bring friends or family and enjoy delicious food off the grill, a massive selection of drinks, and live entertainment every weekend. From country favorites like Jack Ingram and Kyle Park to the throwback nerds of The Spazmatics, Brewster Street offers a friendly, lively environment for everyone.
Must-Try: Cabo Tini (Cabo Wabo tequila, blue curacao, peach schnapps, house-made sour mix, and fresh squeezed limes)
Neighborhood: Downtown
After a few rounds of drinks and cornhole at BUS, walk down the block to The Gold Fish, another renovated gem. This charming indoor-outdoor bar features the city’s best mixologists, and on any given night you’ll get the owner himself mixing up a signature craft cocktail. Long family-style wood tables and Thomas Edison bulb fixtures outside provide the perfecting setting for long life chats over your favorite new drink.
Must-Try: There’s always something new, so…literally everything.
Neighborhood: Southside
If you live in or visit Corpus without ever hitting up “The River,” you are missing out! With a Texas-size (read: ginormous) floating dance floor, there’s no better place to boot, scoot, and boogie. The drink menu is no-nonsense, with all the classic beer and liquor favorites at prices that won’t hurt your wallet. Plus, with free dance classes every Tuesday, you’ll have a repertoire of killer moves in no time. So whatever your style — Country, Tejano, or a dance mix — hit the floor! When in Texas, right?
Must-Try: Shiner Bock (gotta love it) or another Texas beer on tap.
5. The Post
Neighborhood: Bay Area
For those nights when you’re craving some upscale pub grub to go with your cocktail, The Post at Lamar Park is just the thing. Once a US Post Office, this popular gastropub serves up killer eats like duck wings, lobster truffle mac & cheese, and — wait for it — salted caramel bacon cheesecake. Cue taste bud explosion! Sit with your date or friends at one of the cozy inside tables, or mingle outside on the patio (previously known as the loading dock) beneath a clear South Texas sky.
Must-Try: The Bearded Irishman (Jameson, blood orange liqueur, orange bitters, and housemade falernum)
Neighborhood: Downtown
Next time you’re in Corpus’ Downtown Marina Arts District, check out this classic homage to the Texas Gulf Coast. From surfboards doubling as tables to a whooping crane fountain at the entrance, every detail of the Executive Surf Club is pure Texas Coast. Classic bar food meets coastal Tex-Mex at the grill, and friendly bartenders serve up a no-holds-barred drink selection. Outside, sit with old friends and meet new ones beneath a canopy of trees and lights while listening to live music on the outdoor stage.
Test your knowledge with Trivia on Mondays, or join your fellow artists on Wednesday for Open Mic Night. Bonus: Dog-friendly and kid-friendly!
Must-Try: The Lemon Ginger Radler on tap.
The days are hot in Corpus Christi, and when the sun goes down (or maybe a bit before), nothing beats a cold one with good friends, good music, and that sparkling coastal skyline. And with the rise of craft brewing in Corpus Christi and the downtown revitalization trend, this city’s bar scene is only going to grow. So whether you live in town or are passing through, we invite you to enjoy a night out on the town.
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