Port Isabel

Setting: Port Isabel is on the coast at the southern tip of Texas, from Mexico ( by car). The 2.6 mile-long (4 km) Queen Isabella Causeway across the Laguna Madre connects it to South Padre Island and the Gulf of Mexico. The gated community of Long Island Village is across a short swing-bridge to the south. A few miles westward along the shore of the Laguna Madre is the settlement of Laguna Heights and the Village of Laguna Vista. This group of communities are collectively known as the “Laguna Madre Community” or “Laguna Madre Area.” The four counties at the southern tip of Texas are called "The Rio Grande Valley" (the "Valley").
Commercial-industrial: The Port Isabel-Brownsville shrimping fleet is highest dollar-value commercial fishery on the east coast of the United States. The Port Isabel - San Benito Navigation District (end of Port Road) mainly supports the offshore oil and gas industry and the industrial area on its property. The Subsea-7 “Spoolbase" prepares pipe on 5,000 foot-long (1,500 m) and spools it onto special ships for pipeline installation throughout the Gulf and Caribbean Basin.
Sports fishing: The Port Isabel - South Padre Island sports fishing industry directly serves anglers from other parts of the Rio Grande Valley and supports the tourism industry, retirement community, and winter residents. There are several marinas, tackle shops, bait stands, and fishing guides to serve anglers. Several fishing tournaments, including the large Texas International Fishing Tournament, bring anglers to the area for fun, comradery, and friendly competition.
Tourism seasons: Traffic tends to stand still during “Texas Week” when Texas schools are on Spring Break in mid-March. Visitors from Mexico fill the area during about two weeks of Semana Santa, for about a week around Cinco de Maya, and sometimes during late summer to escape the stifling heat of northern Mexico. Sports fishing activities increase in spring, especially for anglers hoping for record weight speckled trout, and continues throughout the summer. Summer family visitation corresponds to the schools' summer vacation period. Often, visitors are seen wearing camouflage clothing during the first two week-ends of September because many who hunt the Special Whitening Dove Season in Cameron County stay in Port Isabel lodging, partially to accommodate non-hunting family members. “Winter Texan Season” corresponds to “winter,” because many retirees spend that part of the year in the Laguna Madre Area and the other part of the year “back home.” The fall and spring bird migrations attract many birders to the area.
Visitor information The Port Isabel Visitor Center and the Port Isabel Chamber of Commerce office are located in the Lighthouse Keeper's Cottage museum (see below), located on the southeast corner of the Port Isabel Lighthouse Historical Site property. Hours: M-F 9AM-5PM; Saturday 10AM-4PM

History

Port Isabel highlights its proud history as an attraction for visitors. In addition to the Lighthouse State Historical Site, Port Isabel has three historical museums, nine state historical markers, and 21 sidewalk medallions highlighting notable generals who served here.
Native Americans of the Port Isabel area were members of the Eastern (coastal) Carrizo-Comecrudo Tribe of the Coahuiltecan people. Lipan Apaches often passed through on hunting and trading migrations and some splinter groups settled in the area during the late eighteenth century. Both have organizations in south Texas to preserve their heritage and language. There are several sites with surface artifacts of early peoples near Port Isabel, including an unmarked National Historic Site just southwest of the city.
Spanish explorer Francisco Gara sailed into the bay in 1523 and named it Brazos Santiago Pass, which is one of the oldest named sites in the United States.
In 1554, a treasure fleet wrecked on Padre Island about north of Port Isabel. Only one survivor reached safety at Tampico, Mexico. Port Isabel's Treasures of the Gulf Museum is dedicated to that event and the salvage from the ships.
During the War of 1812, the pirate and privateer Jean Laffite used the harbor as a hideaway and is said to have drawn water from a well in nearby Laguna Vista to restock his ships.
The new U.S. President James K. Polk sent General Zachary Taylor and his Army of Occupation to Port Isabel to start the U.S.-Mexican War. Port Isabel-Brazos Island harbor was a strategic asset for Mexico because it was the only safe harborage along nearly of the then Mexican coast. General Taylor established Fort Polk at Port Isabel on March 24, 1846, and used it as a supply base for his operations in Texas until 1850. During that period, several important U.S. officers who would eventually face each other in the Civil War served at Port Isabel. The second floor of the Port Isabel Historical Museum is devoted to the war.
The Port Isabel Lighthouse was completed in 1852, and by 1847 a third-order fresnel lens had been installed.
The lighthouse was used as a lookout post during the First Cortina War from 1859 to 1860, but the Cortinistas did not approach Port Isabel.
Port Isabel was again a haven for pirates and blockade runners during the early part of the Civil War. Port Isabel was occupied at one time or another by both the USA and CSA, and the lighthouse was used by each as a lookout post. A Union attack destroyed all the ships in the harbor in 1863, and the last battle of the war (Palmetto Hill) was launched from an encampment at nearby Brazos Island by Union soldiers.
The first railway in south Texas was began operation in 1872 between Port Isabel and Brownsville. This opened up an export market for the Port Isabel fishery. The new demand was met with the development of the extremely effective Port Isabel Scow-Sloop fishing system, which was eventually outlawed in the 1930s.
In 1916, the most powerful wireless transmission station in the world was built at Port Isabel. Among the reasons the station was built here was to facilitate communication with the operators of the newly completed Panama Canal, because of the intensifying border skirmishes with Pancho Villa, and because of growing expectation of the U.S. entering the First World War.
Some U.S. troops were stationed at Port Isabel during Pancho Villa’s bandit activities in 1916.
When the Missouri-Pacific Railroad reached Port Isabel in 1927, it opened up the town’s tourism and sports fishing industries. It also formed a catalyst for the formation of the Port Isabel Tarpon Rodeo (now the Texas International Fishing Tournament). With help of the railroad’s public relations department, the Tarpon Rodeo and the excellent fishing at Port Isabel became nationally known.
During the early part of the Second World War, German U-Boats were sinking ships in the Gulf of Mexico (eventually sinking 56), and there was an oil refinery at Port Isabel. Because of this, the U.S. Navy established lookouts along the coast, and a group of Port Isabel residents were enlisted into a militia and trained to respond against possible land intrusion by Germans.

Climate

Port Isabel has a semi-arid, Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm to hot summers. In winter, average highs are in the mid-70s F and lows in the mid-50s F (24°C and 13°C, respectively). Summer average highs are high-80s (30°C) and lows in to mid-70s (22°C).  Port Isabel’s coastal climate is typically two to five degrees warmer in the winters and cooler in the summers than even nearby communities. The summer temperature difference, supported by the cooling Gulf breeze, is noticeable a few miles out of town to visitors arriving by automobile. About 26" (66 cm) of rain is expect each year, with concentrations usually in September and secondarily in June. Throughout history, residents of surrounding areas have flocked to the coast in summers to escape the heat.
Because of the higher coastal humidity, people who find themselves blocked from the sea breeze during hot, late-summer days will very quickly feel their personal heat index rise. Port Isabel is breezy to windy most of the year. In fact, the Laguna Madre bay and nearby Brownsville Ship Channel are nationally famous among wind-surfers for strong sustained winds during the mid to late Spring.  For some other people, this period of never-ending, day and night, wind becomes tiring. During other months, the wind doesn’t begin to rise until mid-morning; the pleasant early light breeze is heaven for drift fishing across the shallow, clear, seagrass meadows. Steady wind across the long Gulf fetch provides the waves enjoyed most of the year by surfers on South Padre Island.
Port Isabel had a white Christmas in 2004. That was the first recorded snow in 109 years. Hard freezes occur only about once every fifteen years. However, wet, windy “northers” (cold fronts) can be more uncomfortable than below-zero weather for some people.  Most days during the winter are pleasant and this is highly predictable. In fact, some visitors and owners of second homes will book flights according to the national weather map, leaving home before a cold front arrives there and returning before it reaches Port Isabel.
Major hurricanes (Beulah, 1967; Allen, 1980; Gilbert, 1988; Dolly, 2008) impact Port Isabel about once every fifteen years. Minor hurricanes and tropical storms are more frequent and, although they interrupt vacations and impact the tourism industry, are not especially of concern to locals and some years the rain is welcomed. September is the peak month for tropical weather, followed by August.

By plane

• (BRO), 700 Emilia Earhart Dr, +1 956 542-4373. Take Minnesota Avenue (FM 313) from FM-48 and follow it south for two miles. It is serviced by the following airlines:

• American Eagle (Non-stop service between Dallas and Brownsville)
• United Express (Non-stop passenger service to/from Houston)

(HRL), 3002 Heritage Way, Harlingen TX, 78550, +1 956 430-8600. Take Ed Cary Drive exit from US-77/83/69E and follow it north. It is served by the following airlines:

• Southwest Airlines (Non-Stop service to/from Austin and Houston-Hobby)
• United Express Airlines (Non-stop service to/from Houston-Intercontinental)

Port Isabel–Cameron County Airport

phone: +1 956 233-4424

address: 27617 Buena Vista Blvd, Los Fresnos

No commercial airline service.

By bus

• Metro Connect Blue Line

  phone: +1 956 681-3550
  Provides service to Brownsville - South Padre Island Airport and connects in downtown Brownsville to routes extending to Harlingen and McAllen.

• South Padre ShuttleProvides door-to-door, non-stop service to/from Harlingen International Airport. Per person, $35 (one-way); $50 (round trip)

By car

• Highway 100 - This is generally the preferred highway access from the north. It connects to US Highway 77/83/69E about south of Harlingen. It is long and passes through the City of Los Fresnos and Village of Laguna Vista ( from Port Isabel).
• Highway 48 - it is long and connects US Highway 77/83/69E in Brownsville to Port Isabel. It passes the Port of Brownsville and the Brownsville Shrimp docks and continues along the Browsville Ship Channel to join Highway 100 in Port Isabel. Two-mile long Minnesota Avenue (FM 313) connects the Brownsville - South Padre Island Airport to Highway 48.
• FM-510- It is long and connects US Highway 77/83/69E just south of San Benito (Line M Road) to Highway 100 at Laguna Vista ( west of Port Isabel). It passes through Bayview.
• Queen Isabella Causeway - It is long and connects South Padre Island to Port Isabel. The only bridge that connects them. It can be very busy on week-end afternoons during the summer and during Spring Break Texas Week.

By car

Ample parking is usually available at nearly all locations. Traffic is light to moderate most of the time, but Highway 100 through the city and across the causeway can be extremely slow during holidays and summer week-end afternoons. Rental car services are limited.

By bus

• Island Metro

  phone: +1 956 761-3864
  Provides free rides on three different routes to multiple locations in Port Isabel and South Padre Island every half-hour from about 7AM to about 9PM, depending on location.

By foot or bicycle

The town is relatively small, so taking a bicycle would get you around most of the area within minutes. There is much to see and do in the few square blocks of the Lighthouse District. The Island Metro buses (free) make it convenient for visitors on foot to move between districts and to South Padre Island. Some Island Metro buses have bicycle racks. However, bicycle racks for parking bicycles are found at only few locations.

Museums

The Port Isabel Historical Museum Board administers three museum facilities: Lighthouse, Treasures of the Gulf Museum and Port Isabel Historical Museum. Combination tickets (all three sites) are $9 for adults, $7 for Seniors 55 yrs and older, and $4 for students with ID cards. There are discounted tickets for patrons interested in only one site. There is no admission charge for the Keeper’s Cottage.

• Port Isabel Historical Museum

  phone: +1 956 943-7602
  address: 317 E. Railroad Ave.
  Housed in the historic Key to the Gulf Champion Building built in 1899 as a dry goods store. The facade features the famous ‘fish mural’ painted in 1906. The first floor interprets Port Isabel history with interactive exhibits and video presentations. The second floor is dedicated to the U.S.-Mexican War with many locally salvaged artifacts.

• Treasures of the Gulf Museum

  phone: +1 956 943-7602
  Last ticket sold at 3:30PM. Interprets three Spanish treasure ships that wrecked north of Port Isabel in 1554. They are brought to life with murals, artifacts and hands-on activities. Also featured is a Children’s Discovery Lab, Ship theater and Nautical Gift Shop.

• Port Isabel Lighthouse State Historical siteThe Port Isabel Lighthouse was constructed in 1852. It was opened to the public in 1952 as a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department state historical site. Lighthouse summer hours are Sunday-Thursday, 9AM-6PM (Saturday until 7PM). On Friday Movie Night (see in “Events”) it closes at 5PM. During the winter, the Lighthouse is open 10AM-5PM.

• Lighthouse Keepers Cottage museumIn addition to interpretive exhibits, the Keeper’s Cottage houses the Port Isabel Visitors Center and the Port Isabel Chamber of Commerce. Free admission.

Other Museums and exhibits

• Sea Life Center

  phone: +1 956 299-1957
  address: 110 N Garcia St
  Popular tourist attraction featuring aquaria and touch tanks of various sea animals like turtles and starfish.

• Laguna Madre Art Gallery

  phone: +1 956-943-1407
  address: 403 East Maxan St.
  Non-profit gallery and outlet for 21 local artists. Provides a venue for art education, workshops, demonstrations, and other fine art activities, including music, theatre, and dance.

• Doubleday Bar's Sports Memorabilia Collection

  phone: +1 956 493-4992
  address: 402 TX-100
  Extensive collection of sports memorabilia. Original portraits of sports legends by owner, Manuel Hinojosa. Most portraits signed by the athlete. See separate listing in "Drink" section

• Lighthouse square. It is worth a half-day to stroll around the one-to-two block area of the lighthouse District, visiting the many small shops, cafes, ice cream parlors, bars, fishing pier, the shore at Al’s Restaurant, and the visitor center in the Lighthouse's Keeper's Cottage. Note the large metal medallions embedded in the sidewalks on corners that commemorate the US-Mexican War and Civil War generals who served at the fort that was once on this site. Add another couple of hours by visiting the Port Isabel Historical Museum and the Treasures of the Gulf Museum which are at the southwest corner of the Square.

Events

• Longest Causeway Run and Fitness Walk

  phone: +1 956 943-2262
  These cross-causeway events each include Texas Track and Field Certified 10K races and noncompetitive 5K fun “fitness walks." The causeway run and fitness walks have been held annually for more than thirty years and each event attracts over two thousand entrants. Administered by the Port Isabel Chamber of Commerce. Includes tee-shirt for first 1,000 registrants. Second Saturday in January and first Saturday in June annually.

• Texas International Fishing Tournament

  phone: +1 956 943-8438
  First weekend in August. The largest saltwater fishing tournament in Texas with more than 1,500 anglers each event. 2017 marks the 78th year of TIFT. There are both offshore and inshore divisions and TIFT prides itself in its family-oriented tradition. Registration is usually done in advance, but late registration begins on Wednesday night. Thursday is devoted to boat preparation and a Playday for juniors. Fishing is on Friday and Saturday. The awards ceremony is Sunday afternoon. Registration includes dinner parties on Friday and Saturday night.

• World Championship Shrimp Cook-off

  phone: +1 956 943-2262
  First Sunday in November annually in the parking area across from the Highway 48 approach to Port Isabel. 2017 marks the 24th year of the event. The skills of amateur and professional chefs from around the Valley are judged on appearance, aroma and taste of their specialty dishes. Live music is provided. Tickets are available for purchase of dishes. Organized by the Port Isabel Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by area and Valley businesses and organizations.

• Lighthouse Establishment Cinema

  phone: +1 956 943-7602
  Every Friday night beginning at 9:30PM during June and July. Free, family-friendly movies are projected onto the lighthouse. Sponsored by the Museums of Port Isabel.

Piers

• Pirate's Landing Fishing Pier

  phone: +1 956 943-7437
  address: 501 Maxan
  Fishing pier, tackle shop and bait stand. Oct-Mar: Su-W 7AM-2AM, Th-Sa 24 hrs. Apr-Sep: 24 hrs.

Boat tours and charters -- non-fishing

• Fins to Feathers

  phone: +1 956 299-0629
  address: 500 South Point Dr.
  Small group birding, dolphin watching and photography tours for education and conservation.

• Black Dragon Pirate Cruse

  phone: +1 956-943-6283
  address: 501 E Maxan
  A modern day replica of a 17th-century galleon. Pirates entertaining with Pirate stories, face painting, treasure hunt, water pistol battle, sword fighting, booty, music and loads of family fun for all ages. Available for purchase on the ship: sodas, snacks, beer, and wine.

• Dolphin Docks

  phone: +1 956 943-3185
  address: 510 E Queen Isabella Blvd
  Afternoon dolphin watch & marine ecology cruses (12:30PM-2PM. Adults $16), evening dolphin watch (adults $13. Sunset cruses May-Sept (adults $13), fireworks cruses. Children up to 2 years free, ages 3-12 $13. See also "Fishing trips."

• Time for Sailing

  phone: +1 956 451-8113
  Sailboat charters and classes. Two-hour to all-day trips.

• Bay Wind Sailing Charters

  phone: +1 956 867-1422
  address: 1 Pompano Ave. public park and boat ramp
  Stiletto 27' Catamaran. Sailing trips with and without swimming or snorkeling. For 2 people for two hours or Friday fireworks cruise $120. Half-day trips $200. See website for all day trips, dinner cruses, charges for additional people etc.

Fishing trips

Types of fishing trips. Head-boats are larger boats that charge by the person and take several to many fishermen and spectators. Inshore head boat mostly bottom fish for king-whiting and sand trout in and around the pass and the causeway area on half-day trips; these are the least inexpensive and most relaxing; some people take these just for the relaxing boat ride. Offshore head-boats are mostly all day, offshore trips bottom fishing over reefs for snapper.
For charters (fishing guides) the entire boat is chartered, Most of these have "six-pack" licenses restricted to a total of six passengers, including spectators and children; some serve fewer people per trip. Inshore charters are mostly half-day in the Laguna Madre targeting speckled trout, redfish, snook, and flounder; fishing is usually anchored or drifting with live bait under corks or by cast-and-retrieve artificial lures. Offshore charters are usually on somewhat larger boats with cabins. These troll (pull lures or baits) for surface fish such as mackerel, tuna, cobia, sailfish, and marlin. The listings below are for boats docked in Port Isabel. There are many others docked on South Padre Island.

• Dolphin Docks

  phone: +1 956 943-3185
  address: 510 E Queen Isabella Blvd
  Bay fishing head-boat trips on the double-deck 70' "Fish Tales". Offshore and tarpon charter trips (half day to overnight) on "Reel Madness."

• Buccaneer Bay Fishing

  phone: +1 956-943-6283
  Inshore head-boat. Daily bay fishing trips: 8AM-noon, 2PM-5PM & 7PM-11PM.

• Family Fun Fishing Adventures

  phone: +1 956 456-9414
  Bay fishing charters. All tackle and gear provided. 21' shallow draft boat. Successful guide for tournament fishing. Summer fishing instructor at junior high.

• Poppn' Rodd Charters

  phone: +1 956 51-3483
  Bay fishing charters. Life time, third generation local fishing guide. Successful tournament guide. Experienced fishermen and beginners. 58-hour trips. Maximum four people.

• Austin Fishing ServiceBay fishing charters. Bait and tackle furnished. Shallow water and family specialty. See web page for reports of recent trips.

• Captain Gencho Fishing Service

  phone: +1 956 345-8299
  address: P.O Box 13003
  Bay fishing charters. 24' Carolina Skiff, roomy for up to 6 people. 5-8 hr trips. Bait and tackle provided. 26 years experience. Pronounced "Hencho."

Boat rentals

• Go Fish Boat Rental

  phone: +1 956 533-7543
  address: 418 TX-100
  Must be born before 1993. Ask for Chente.

Lighthouse Square

• Thomas Gifts

• Laguna Madre Art GalleryNon-profit gallery and outlet for 21 local artists. Original art work for sale. Post card prints of local art work. See main entry at “Museums”.

• Tesori

  phone: +1 956 943-7281
  address: 407 E Maxan St
  Pricey boutique selling paintings, jewelry, scented candles and other accessories. Each piece of jewelry is hand-crafted from Venice, Italy.

• Mercado FaroIndoor flea market, gifts. About a half-dozen independent businesses. Jewelry, crafts, imports, geodes, rocks, and Misc.

• Alchemaille ExploratoriumChain mail creations.

• Seas the Day

  phone: +1 956 203-3040
  address: 421 E Maxan
  Thousands of stones to choose from: Larimar, Turquoise, Sonoran Sunrise, African Turquoise, Rhodochrosite, Lapiz Lazuli and Opals.

• Art Sea Gallery and Goods

  phone: +1 956 943-3200
  address: 423 E Maxan St
  Gift shop selling beautiful outdoor lanterns and ceramics made in the shape of shells.

• Welcome Abroad

  phone: +1 956 943-4890
  address: 114 N Garcia St
  Shop selling a variety of decor for yachts. Photo post cards.

• The Light House Lighting Center

  phone: +1 956 943-9316
  address: 414 Queen Isabella
  Home lighting fixtures and decor

• Indigo Art and Apparel

  phone: +1 956 943-7070
  address: 412 E Queen Isabella, Ste B
  Local clothing store selling accessories, colorful shirts and prints. Paintings surround the interior of the store.

• The Rusty Pelican Antiques Market

  phone: +1 956 943-6889
  address: 412 E Queen Isabella Blvd
  The only antique store in town. Sells a variety of goods such as home decor, ceramics and furniture.

• Coastal Winds

  phone: +1 956 943-1989
  address: 406 E Queen Isabella Blvd
  Specializes in custom-framing and sells handcrafted jewelry from around the world and unique chainsaw-carved pelicans in various sizes.

• Deja VuConsignment apparel

Other locations

• Harris Sea Castle

  phone: +1 956 943-3234
  address: 1014 TX-100
  Extravagant castle-shaped souvenir store selling wind chimes, bracelets and other decor. Most of their inventory is influenced by the ocean theme.

Bait, tackle, boating supplies

There are several bait stands selling live bait along channels and associated with most public marinas in addition to these listings

• Anglers Marine Center

  phone: +1 956 433-5425
  address: 121 E Queen Isabella
  Inshore and offshore boating and fishing supplies and tackle. Kayak supplies.

• Quick Stop

  phone: +1 956 943-1159
  address: 51 Queen Isabella Blvd.
  Live, fresh dead and frozen bait. Fresh local seafood market. Fishing tackle. Fishing & boating apparel inc. Guy Harvey. Family owned and operated since 1983.

• The Bait Gallery

  phone: +1 956 943-9054
  address: 423 TX-100
  Live bait.

Lighthouse Square

• Will and Jack's Burger Shack & Beer Garden

  phone: +1 956 640-7440
  address: 413 E Maxan St
  Very popular, rustic burger place. Outdoor space reflects a vintage environment. Street-side and patio dining.

• Pirate's Landing

  phone: +1 956 943-3663
  address: 110 N Garcia St
  Pirate-themed restaurant serving sandwiches, seafood and steaks. Sits next to the ocean where a deck and pier are attached to each other. Visible sign "Welcome to Port Isabel" can be seen from the Causeway. A staple for tourists and locals.

• Krispy Krunchy Chicken

  phone: +1 956 943-7437
  address: 501 E Maxan
  Fried Chicken w/biscuit and Combo -- 2 pc up to 25 pc. Family platters, Cajun tenders, Cajun fish

• Davy Jones Ice Cream LockerIce Cream, sundays, splits, raspas (shaved ice). Ice cream cups and cones $3 scoop & $5 double. Order inside; tables in patio.

• Dirty Al's at Pelican Station on the Bay

  phone: +1 956 943-3344
  address: 201 S Garcia St
  Serves primarily seafood and has a gulf side deck. Bar. Perfect for a weekend night. Wifi.

• Causeway Cafe

  phone: +1 956 433-5004
  address: 418 E Queen Isabella
  Street-side, inside & patio dining. Lunch specials. Sandwiches ($8), wraps($5-$12), salads ($7-$12). Vegan & gluten-free options. Fresh pastries and desserts. Expresso, mocha, latte, etc. Craft beer on draft. Wifi.

• Yogo YogurtYogurt, shakes, smoothies, raspas (shaved ice). Order and eat outside.

• Porky’s Pit

  phone: +1 956 772-8143
  Real Pit BBQ. BBQ Brisket, links, pulled pork, chopped beef, chicken. Entrees w/2 sm. sides ($10-$13), sandwiches ($7-$8) & by the pound ($7-$9). Wifi.

• Marcellos Italian Restaurant & Bar on the Piazza

  phone: +1 956 943-7611
  address: 110 N Tarnava St
  Modest Italian eatery serving coastal entrees in a vintage layout. A local favorite. Attached, separate full bar. Wifi

• The Chef House's Restaurant

  phone: +1 956 943-7797
  address: 313 E Queen Isabella Blvd
  Dishes served with a creative touch. Primarily provides Mexican meals but has extended its cuisine to feature American and other types of meals.

• Los Cabos

  phone: +1 956 943-3777
  address: 309 E Queen Isabella Blvd
  Mexican restaurant serving seafood, sandwiches and burgers.

• Manuel's

  phone: +1 956 943-1655
  address: 313 E Maxan St
  Small and popular Mexican food eatery known for its huge flour tortillas. Local family owned and operated. Cash only (but has an ATM inside). WiFi

• Joe’s Oyster Bar

  phone: +1 956 943-4501
  address: 207 E Maxan St
  Shares half its building with Gulf Seafood Market. Serves seafood and also operates as a mini-mart. Local family owned and operated.

Other locations

• Los Tortugos Seafood Market

  phone: +1 956 943-5602
  address: 1683 TX-100
  Popular seafood eatery in a cozy, home-style setting. Blends traditional Mexican-style meals with seafood options. Local family owned and operated, including family fishing boat.

• El Papa's

  phone: +1 956 943-7133
  address: 814 S Garcia St

• Tokyo Express

  phone: +1 956 433-5266
  address: 100-206 Basin St
  The only Japanese eatery in town. Serves traditional meals such as sushi, noodles, rice and chicken teriyaki.

• J & Bubba's Bar & Grill

  phone: +1 956 943-7240
  address: 201 N Musina St
  Popular eatery serving Mexican meals, seafood and homemade-style foods. Has a pool and beer selection as well as live music on the weekends.

There are stand-alone bars at Al’s Pelican Station Restaurant (1/2 block south of Lighthouse on Garcia) and Marcello’s Italian Restaurant (west side of Lighthouse Square). Sip a tropical drink or craft beer on tap at street-side Causeway Cafe (southeast corner of Lighthouse Square). J & Bubba’s Bar and Grill (201 N Musina) is as much a bar as it is a restaurant.

• Canon Bar

• Doubleday Bar of Champions

  phone: +1 956 943-4992
  address: 402 TX-100
  Popular sports bar with a spacious parking lot. Has a kids arcade room. Serves wings, nachos and burgers. See entry at “museums” for sports memorabilia display. Wifi

• Ernie's Roundup Bar and Grill

  phone: +1 956 943-7673
  address: 823 S Garcia St
  Serves beer, provides a DJ during the weekends and has a home-feel atmosphere.Wifi

• American Legion Post 498

  phone: +1 956 943-3666
  address: 819 S. Garcia
  Affordable beer, wine and setups. Public welcome. Pool tables. Especially popular during winter months, especially because it is right across the bridge from Long Island Village, which fills with winter visitors. During that period, bingo is held two nights a week, live music, Karaoke, covered dish suppers, etc. Wifi

• La Casa Rosa Inn

  phone: +1 956 943-2052
  address: 761 TX-100

• Port Isla Inn

  address: 200 Second St.
  All Suites feature a full kitchen, living area and full private bath. Sleeper sofas are available in select rooms.

• Queen Isabel Inn

  phone: +1 956 943-1468
  address: 300 South Garcia Street
  Historic Hotel built in 1906 as a fishing club. http://queenisabelinn.com/history/ On the Laguna Madre, with docks and boat ramp. One and two bedroom suites. Four night minimum stay.

• Southwind Inn

  phone: +1 956 943-3392
  address: 600 Davis Street

• White Sands Restaurant & Bar Motel & Marina

  phone: +1 956-943-2414
  address: 418 TX-100
  On-site dining, marina, bar, tackle shop, bait and fuel

• Port Isabel Event & Cultural Center

  phone: +1 956 943-0719
  address: 309 Railroad Ave.
  The Port Isabel Event & Cultural Center has capacity for small groups and groups up to 1,200.

• Port Isabel Animal Clinic

  phone: +1 956 943-6022
  address: 421 E Railroad Ave
  Small animal clinic

• Port Isabel Health Clinic

  phone: +1 956 943-1774
  address: 202 2nd Street
  Family practice medical clinic

• Port Isabel Medical Clinic

  phone: +1 956 943-6675
  address: 1506 TX-100
  Family practice medical clinic

• Boys and Girls Pediatric Clinic

  phone: +1 956 943-2600
  address: 1710 TX-100
  Pediatric medical clinic

• Brownsville is a 20-minute drive West of Port Isabel and is home to many museums, art galleries, Gladys Porter Zoo, Mitte Cultural District, great local restaurants, bars, hotels, many oxbow lakes, bike trails, palm trees, several battlefield museums and will be the site for the new SpaceX facility.
• South Padre Island is a bridge away and offers a much vibrant scene, concerts, condominiums/hotels, beachfront restaurants, bars, Schlitterbahn Resort Waterpark, Gravity Park, dolphin watch, charter tours and splendid ocean views.
• Matamoros is located directly across Brownsville. Generally considered safe to walk across the bridge to Garcia's Restaurant, bar & store. It is strongly recommended to go no further.