Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Corpus Christi, TX

SOUTH CORPUS CHRISTI. This is the place to start your day, take a break, or wind down. In the early hours, order the...

SOUTH CORPUS CHRISTI. This is the place to start your day, take a break, or wind down. In the early hours, order the wake-up call of your preference, and have a frappuccino or iced coffee for mid-day refreshment. Then, choose from hot chocolates, mochaccinos, and cappuccinos to reward yourself after a long day. From flavored coffees and cafe lattes to teas and ciders, the menu on the wall has it all. An enticing selection of muffins, biscotti, and pastries also tempts taste buds. This store offers wireless Internet access too.

Hours: Mon-Fri 5am-Midnight; Sat 5:30am-Midnight; Sun 6am-11pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

SOUTH CORPUS CHRISTI. There's nothing overly fancy about this lively, bayou-style seafood shack, whose plank wood floors...

SOUTH CORPUS CHRISTI. There's nothing overly fancy about this lively, bayou-style seafood shack, whose plank wood floors and vinyl tablecloths anticipate such down-home delights as crispy hushpuppies, cole slaw, baked beans, country-fried potatoes, and the obligatory bucket o' beer. Of course, these go down better when paired with one of Charlie's tasty "ontrays." Fried Mississippi catfish, of course, is the signature, but you'll also find great satisfaction in other Cajun-inspired items, which include fried shrimp, fried frog legs, classic red beans and rice with ham, and the aptly-named S.O.B. (shrimp stuffed with oysters and wrapped in bacon).

Hours: Sun-Tue 11am-9pm; Wed-Thu 11am-9:30pm; Fri-Sat 11am-10:30pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

SOUTH CORPUS CHRISTI. If you think this casual, family-friendly eatery looks and feels like a roadside diner... well,...

SOUTH CORPUS CHRISTI. If you think this casual, family-friendly eatery looks and feels like a roadside diner... well, that's probably because that's exactly what it is. Step inside and you'll find a veritable what's-what of Americana, from a classic pinball machine to a color scheme of reds and blacks. As for eats, the kitchen serves a tasty repertoire of everything from cheeseburgers, onion rings, and fries to pizzas, calzones, and pastas. They even toss in a few Tex-Mex specialties like burritos and fajitas for good measure, just in case you'd forgotten you're in the Lone Star State.

Hours: Sun-Thu 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat 11am-11pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

DOWNTOWN. One of the city's more well-thought-of dining establishments, Yardarm gets high marks for its intimate (some...

DOWNTOWN. One of the city's more well-thought-of dining establishments, Yardarm gets high marks for its intimate (some may say "snug") setting, friendly service, and excellent food. Indeed, once you add in terrific views of Corpus Christi Bay, it doesn't take a NASA scientist to figure out why this Ocean Drive charmer is so popular. Menu highlights range from the terrine (premium cuts of steak) to the marine (fresh Gulf lobster and other well-prepared fruits of the sea). Superb desserts and a wine list that rivals any in town round out this unique dining experience. Reservations are encouraged.

Hours: Tue-Sat 5:30pm-10pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express

DOWNTOWN. If you're visiting Corpus Christi from the Northeastern states and find yourself hankerin' for a deli...

DOWNTOWN. If you're visiting Corpus Christi from the Northeastern states and find yourself hankerin' for a deli experience ­ South Texas-style, of course ­ pay this Lamar Park establishment a visit. Stylishly appointed with original artwork and glass cases displaying various and sundry delights, Small Planet sees to lunch appetites with a bevy of gourmet salads, soups, and sandwiches. Even better, diners may create their own sandwiches with everything from artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, and sun-dried tomatoes to red onion, leaf lettuce, and provolone cheese.

Hours: Mon-Fri 10:30am-6pm; Sat 10:30am-5pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express

SOUTH CORPUS CHRISTI. From the outside, La Playa looks like your standard Mexican joint, and its brick facade and palm...

SOUTH CORPUS CHRISTI. From the outside, La Playa looks like your standard Mexican joint, and its brick facade and palm tree-heavy landscaping differ little from other nearby eateries. Inside, however, it's a whole different story, and the hot pink motif tips you off that this place is somewhat different. Indeed, regulars laud La Playa's unusual, stuffed-then-fried avocados. More substantial items like fried Gulf shrimp, Texas-style fajitas, and zesty fresh fish also get extremely high marks.

Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-10pm; Sun 11am-9pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express

DOWNTOWN. Home to the famous "Eat at Joe's" tee-shirts, the Crab Shack specializes in family-friendly chicken,...

DOWNTOWN. Home to the famous "Eat at Joe's" tee-shirts, the Crab Shack specializes in family-friendly chicken, steaks, and, you guessed it, seafood dishes. The restaurant's casual atmosphere ­ picnic tables covered with newspapers, a cacophony of mallets, a friendly waitstaff, and dockside décor ­ appeal to most anyone. Reservations are suggested.

Hours: Daily 11am-Midnight

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

DOWNTOWN. Reservations are strongly encouraged at this downtown steakhouse, receipient of numerous accolades from local...

DOWNTOWN. Reservations are strongly encouraged at this downtown steakhouse, receipient of numerous accolades from local and regional travel and dining publications. With its smartly clad waitstaff and elegant, linen-dressed tables, Katz 21 exudes class and excellence. Start off your fine dining experience with an appetizer of baked formaggio and olive relish before moving on to rack of lamb or NY strip pepper steak flambé, the latter, of course, prepared tableside. Afterwards, enjoy your favorite cocktails in the posh 21 Spirits Club, where live music is a frequent feature.

Hours: Restaurant Mon-Thu 5pm-10pm; Fri-Sat 5pm-11pm
Club 21 Thu 4pm-10pm; Fri 4am-2am; Sat 4pm-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express

DOWNTOWN. Landry's has become a seafood staple in Corpus Christi and all along the Gulf Coast. One of the main reasons...

DOWNTOWN. Landry's has become a seafood staple in Corpus Christi and all along the Gulf Coast. One of the main reasons for its popularity is its vast seafood menu, comprised of dishes like shrimp Creole, herb-crusted red snapper, broiled flounder, gumbo, clam chowder, and grilled mahi mahi. There are plenty of other choices as well, including salads, pastas, and steaks for landlubbers. Casual and family-friendly, the restaurant is great for groups.

Hours: Sun-Tue 11am-10pm; Wed-Thu 11am-9pm; Fri-Sat 11am-11pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

DOWNTOWN. A popular special-occasion place, Republic enchants patrons with contemporary decor and fabulous panoramic...

DOWNTOWN. A popular special-occasion place, Republic enchants patrons with contemporary decor and fabulous panoramic views of Corpus Christi Bay. First-rate service sets an impressive tone; from there, impeccable fare does the rest. The menu is headlined by 18-ounce bone-in chops with caramelized Granny Smith apples, Axis venison with Nopalito sauce, and an 8-ounce filet mignon and 20-ounce New Zealand lobster tail surf and turf. For post-prandial entertainment, check out the piano lounge, where live music, expertly mixed drinks, and delish appetizers are nightly standards. Dinner reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends.

Hours: Mon-Sat 5:30pm-10:30pm; Sun 5:30pm-9pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club