Port Lavaca is a charming coastal town with an expansive culinary scene that caters to various tastes. Whether you're craving a hearty brunch, authentic Mexican flavors, or some mouthwatering BBQ, you'll find something to satisfy your appetite.

August 18, 2024

Beachside Staff

13 Top Restaurants in Port Lavaca, TX

Trying to find the best restaurants in Port Lavaca, Texas? Port Lavaca is a charming coastal town with an expansive culinary scene that caters to various tastes. Whether you're craving a hearty brunch, authentic Mexican flavors, or some mouthwatering BBQ, you'll find something to satisfy your appetite.

Let's dive into the best restaurants Port Lavaca offers visitors and locals!

Best Restaurants for Brunch in Port Lavaca

Lighthouse Cafe

Address: 2090 TX-35, Port Lavaca, TX 77979
Hours: Monday – Saturday (7 AM – 10 PM), Sunday (7 AM – 4 PM)

Lighthouse Cafe offers a classic American brunch experience with a coastal twist. Enjoy fresh seafood omelets, fluffy pancakes, and hearty breakfast sandwiches while enjoying the beautiful waterfront views. This local favorite is known for its friendly service and generous portions, making it a perfect spot to start your day.

Habaneros

A close-up of a plate with three soft tacos filled with a variety of toppings including seasoned meat, chopped onions, and fresh cilantro. The tacos are garnished with slices of radish and lime wedges. A small bowl of green salsa is placed on the side, with a bottle of hot sauce visible in the blurred background.

Address: 2128 W. Main St., Port Lavaca, TX 77979
Hours: Monday (4:30 AM – 2 PM), Tuesday – Friday (4:30 AM – 9 PM), Saturday (5 PM – 3 PM)

For a taste of Latin America, Habaneros offers a unique brunch experience. Indulge in flavorful dishes like chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, and breakfast tacos with a spicy kick. The vibrant atmosphere and authentic flavors make Habaneros a must-visit for brunch lovers. They also have a great lunch and dinner menu during the week!

Best Restaurants for Casual Dining in Port Lavaca

El Mirador

Address: 721 TX-35, Port Lavaca, TX 77979
Hours: Monday – Sunday (10 AM – 8:30 PM)

This Mexican restaurant is a local institution known for its delicious and authentic cuisine. Enjoy classic dishes like tacos, enchiladas, and fajitas prepared with fresh ingredients. The friendly staff and lively atmosphere make El Mirador an excellent spot for a casual meal with friends or family.

The Green Iguana Grill

A close-up of a fresh salad topped with shredded cheese, vibrant red cabbage, and grated carrots, served on a white plate. In the background, a person is squeezing a lemon over the salad, with another dish partially visible on the table.

Address: 137 E Main St., Port Lavaca, TX 77979
Hours: Monday – Friday (11 AM – 2 PM)

For a healthier and lighter dining option, The Green Iguana Grill offers a variety of fresh salads, wraps, and sandwiches, making it the perfect choice for dine-in or takeout. Their commitment to using local ingredients shines through in every dish. Enjoying your meal on their outdoor patio and soaking up the Texas sunshine is one of the best things to do in Port Lavaca.

Scully's Sports Bar & Grill

Address: 802 Fulton St., Port Lavaca, TX 77979
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday (11 AM – 10 PM)

With its waterfront location and outdoor seating options, Scully's is a perfect place to watch the game and enjoy delicious food. Their menu features a wide selection of appetizers, burgers, and seafood, making it an excellent option for groups of all sizes. The grill’s full bar, featuring beer, wine, and cocktails, makes it one of the best bars in Port Lavaca.

Texas Traditions Grill & Bar

A close-up of a juicy, medium-rare steak being cut with a knife and fork on a wooden board. The steak is seasoned with coarse black pepper, and a basket of golden French fries is visible in the background, along with a bowl of salad.

Address: 234 E Main St., Port Lavaca, TX 77979
Hours: Monday – Thursday (11 AM – 9 PM), Friday (11 AM – 10 PM), Saturday (12 PM – 10 PM)

This classic American eatery offers a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. The menu includes juicy burgers, tender steaks, and classic comfort food. Texas Traditions Grill & Bar is an excellent choice for families and those craving a hearty, home-cooked meal.

Book a Land Tour

Beachside is open for private tours 6 times a year! Book a land tour by clicking below.

book now

Best BBQ Restaurants in Port Lavaca

LaVaca BBQ

Address: 532 N. Virginia St., Port Lavaca, TX 77979
Hours: Thursday – Friday (11 AM – 2 PM), Saturday (11 AM – 6:30 PM)

This local favorite is known for its slow-smoked meats, tender brisket, and juicy pulled pork. The smoky flavors and generous portions have earned LaVaca BBQ a loyal following.

White's BBQ

A close-up of a barbecue grill loaded with various meats, including racks of ribs, chicken pieces, and skewers. The grill flames are flaring up, adding a smoky char to the food. The background shows patio furniture, suggesting an outdoor grilling setting.

Address: 1728 W. Main St., Port Lavaca, TX 77979
Hours: Monday – Friday (10:30 AM – 7 PM), Saturday (10:30 AM – 4 PM)

With a rich history in the community, White's BBQ offers authentic Texas barbecue. Their smoked meats are flavorful and tender, and their sides complement the main dishes perfectly.

Best Mexican Restaurants in Port Lavaca

Don Julio's Mexican Restaurant

Address: 227 W. Main St., Port Lavaca, TX 77979
Hours: Monday – Thursday & Saturday (5:30 AM – 9 PM), Friday (5:30 AM – 9:30 PM), Sunday (7 AM – 3 PM)

Don Julio's is a family-owned restaurant serving classic Mexican dishes with a modern twist. Their menu features a variety of tacos, enchiladas, and fajitas, as well as specialty items like seafood cocktails and carne asada.

La Antigua

A plate of Mexican food featuring two tacos filled with grilled chicken and topped with pico de gallo. The plate also includes sides of refried black beans garnished with tortilla chips, guacamole, a lime wedge, and a small serving of rice. A small dish of salsa is placed on the plate, and the meal is set on a wooden table with a person in a teal shirt in the background.

Address: 737 TX-35, Port Lavaca, TX 77979
Hours: Monday – Sunday (5 AM – 10 PM)

La Antigua is a local gem offering traditional Mexican cuisine. The menu features flautas, tacos, seafood, steaks, fajitas, and other Mexican food favorites. The authentic flavors and generous portions keep customers coming back for more!

Casa Jalisco

Address: 1928 W. Main St., Port Lavaca, TX 77979
Hours: Monday – Friday (5 AM – 10 PM), Saturday (6 AM – 11 PM), Sunday (7 AM – 10 PM)

Casa Jalisco is a vibrant restaurant that brings the flavors of Jalisco to Port Lavaca. Enjoy delicious tacos, burritos, and other Mexican specialties in a lively atmosphere. The menu also features Tex-Mex favorites and all-day breakfast, including pancakes, chiliquiles, and omelets.

Best Asian Restaurants in Port Lavaca

Taiyo Sushi Fusion

A person with red-painted nails uses chopsticks to pick up a piece of sushi from a rectangular plate. The sushi roll is drizzled with sauce and topped with sesame seeds.

Address: 915 TX-35 North, Port Lavaca, TX 77979
Hours: Monday – Thursday (11 AM – 2:30 PM; 5 PM – 8:45 PM), Friday – Saturday (11 AM – 2:30 PM; 5 PM – 9:45 PM)

Craving sushi? Taiyo Sushi Fusion has a wide variety of fresh and delicious rolls, as well as other Japanese dishes, such as soups, salads, noodles, fried rice, seafood, ramen, and more. Their modern take on classic sushi rolls and Japanese food is sure to impress!

Magic Asian Cuisine

Address: 101 N. Commerce St., Port Lavaca, TX 77979
Hours: Monday – Friday (11 AM – 8 PM)

This restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring Chinese, Thai, and Japanese dishes. From sizzling stir-fries to flavorful curries, Magic Asian Cuisine satisfies all Asian food cravings.

Indulge in All the Port Lavaca Eats From Beachside

Port Lavaca has a vibrant, diverse culinary scene that caters to all tastes and preferences. From the fresh seafood at Scully's to the authentic Mexican flavors at El Mirador, Port Lavaca has a restaurant to satisfy every craving.

If you're ready to eat at these Port Lavaca restaurants year-round, look no further than Beachside. Beachside is a waterfront community in Palacios, just a short 30-minute drive away from Port Lavaca. With its prime location and stunning natural beauty, Beachside offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy the best of both worlds — a vibrant culinary scene and a tranquil coastal lifestyle.

13 Top Restaurants in Port Lavaca, TX