Port A Beachlodge — the only restaurant on the beach in Port Aransas

The history

Beachlodge has held its spot at Beach Marker 9 since 1969 — more than 50 years as the only restaurant structure built directly on the beach in Port Aransas. The property splits between a quirky retro budget-friendly motel and an open-air bar and grill that captures the unpretentious essence of old-school Texas island living.

Guests walk straight out of the Gulf waves, across the sand, and onto the deck without changing out of a swimsuit.

What it does well

• Unrivaled "steps-from-the-surf" location — you literally cannot eat closer to the water in Port A.
• Massive savings on beach parking — the private lot at the end of Anchor Drive (off 11th Street) is free for customers and eliminates the need to buy the Port Aransas city beach parking permit just for a meal.
• Generous all-day kitchen hours — hot breakfast 8:00–11:00 AM, grill running all afternoon, dinner until 9:00 PM (Sun–Thu) or 10:00 PM (Fri–Sat), bar until midnight. 7 days a week.
• Pet-friendly open-air veranda — your dog is welcome on the deck.
• Kid-friendly — dedicated ice cream freezer and custom snow cones to beat the summer heat.

What to keep in mind

• The elements are unfiltered. A brutally humid August afternoon or a stormy, driving-rain day pushes the open-air experience into intense heat or wet.
• Proud, unpolished dive vibe. The building is old, weathered by five decades of salt air, and utilitarian. If you want modern luxury decor or a quiet romantic dining setting, this is not it.
• Sand and damp seating are part of the deal — patrons walk straight up from the waves, so floors, benches, and decks carry a light layer of beach sand and dampness.

What to order

• Oyster or Shrimp Po' Boys — the lunch house specialty: hoagie rolls packed with plump Gulf shrimp or fresh oysters, heavily battered and fried golden, with shredded lettuce, tomato, and house tartar.
• Beachlodge Burgers — thick-cut classic backyard-style on toasted buns with crinkle-cut fries. Juicy after a long swim morning.
• Peel-and-Eat Shrimp — fresh, ice-cold Gulf shrimp steamed in coastal spices, with lemon and cocktail sauce. The go-to deck starter.
• Pre-11 AM Breakfast Platters — scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, golden hash browns, buttered toast. A favorite beachcomber morning fuel-up.
• Frozen Agave-Ritas — wine-based frozen margaritas. The signature midday cooler.