The Gaff — Old Town pirate-themed dive bar, pizza, and Sunday belt-sander races
323 Beach Street. Arguably the most iconic dive bar on Mustang Island — pirate-themed, scratch-made pizza, and the World-Famous Belt Sander Races every Sunday afternoon.
The Gaff is one of the most distinct and beloved establishments in Port Aransas — a pirate-themed dive bar that doubles as a scratch-made pizza kitchen and hosts the absurd, locally famous Belt Sander Races on Sunday afternoons.
The concept
The Gaff has spent decades earning its reputation as the definitive Port A dive bar — pirate decor, weathered wood, a long bar, an outdoor patio, and a scratch-made pizza program that punches well above the usual dive-bar food line.
The Sunday Belt Sander Races are exactly what they sound like — modified belt sanders raced down a custom downhill track, with a crowd, prizes, and bar specials. It's one of the genuine cultural events of the island.
What The Gaff does well
- Genuine dive-bar atmosphere — irreverent, pirate-themed, locally-loved, not built for Instagram.
- Scratch-made pizza — well above standard bar-food execution. The pizza is the actual reason most regulars go.
- World-Famous Belt Sander Races on Sundays — a real, weird, only-in-Port-A spectacle worth planning around.
- Live music and a full outdoor patio — the kind of evening that turns into a long evening.
- Long history as a local institution — this isn't a polished resort bar, it's a real island dive.
What to keep in mind
- It's a dive, on purpose. If you want a polished bar, this isn't it.
- Sundays around the Belt Sander Races get extremely busy — arrive early or expect to stand.
- Cash-and-card flexibility and food timing depend on the night — busy patio nights can mean long pizza waits.
- Not a fine-dining option — go for pizza, beer, and the vibe.
Map & directions
323 Beach St, Port Aransas, TX 78373
Frequently asked questions
When are the Belt Sander Races at The Gaff?
Traditionally Sundays at 4:00 PM in season, weather permitting. Confirm directly with the bar before you go — schedules shift in the off-season and around weather. The races are free to watch but it gets very crowded; arrive early.
Is The Gaff just a bar, or do they really have good food?
Both. The Gaff is a true dive bar by design, but the kitchen makes scratch pizza that's the actual reason a lot of regulars show up. It's well above standard bar-food execution.
Is The Gaff family-friendly?
The Gaff is a bar first — the vibe is loud, irreverent, and adult-leaning. Families occasionally bring kids during early-evening pizza hours, but it is not a polished family restaurant. For a family-friendly Cinnamon Shore evening with pizza, see <a href="https://beachedinn.com/dylans-pizzeria-cinnamon-shore">Dylan's Pizzeria at Cinnamon Shore</a>.
How far is The Gaff from Cinnamon Shore?
About 12 minutes by car or golf cart from the front door of Beached Inn — straight into Old Town Port Aransas on Beach Street.
Stay at Beached Inn at Cinnamon Shore
3-bedroom luxury vacation rental in Cinnamon Shore, Port Aransas — pool, boardwalk to the beach, walk to the village.
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