Corpus Christi is known for seafood and beachy Tex‑Mex, but burger fans are very well taken care of too—especially near the bayfront and on the Southside. These five spots are where locals send you when you say, “Forget fish, I want a burger.”
1. Wallbanger’s Gourmet Hamburgers
Wallbanger’s has a major “local legend” vibe: casual, slightly retro, and very serious about burgers. Think build‑your‑own patty perfection.
You pick your patty, cheese, and toppings from a long list—bacon, grilled onions, mushrooms, jalapeños, avocado, different cheeses, and sauces. The patties are thick and juicy, cooked to order, and the buns are sturdy enough for whatever you stack on them.
They also do turkey and other patty options, but beef is the move if you’re chasing that classic Corpus burger experience.
2. Padre Island Burger Company (North Padre)
Over the bridge on North Padre, this spot feels like a pure beach bar—flip‑flops, salty air, and big, messy burgers.
Burgers lean creative:
- Surf‑and‑turf‑style builds
- Spicy burgers with jalapeños and pepper jack
- Bacon‑loaded classics with house sauces
Patties are juicy, buns are toasted, and sides like fries, onion rings, and queso‑topped everything are common orders. The rooftop deck and live‑and‑let‑live vibe make it perfect after a day at the beach.
3. Executive Surf Club
Downtown by the water, Executive Surf Club is a local institution: live music, broad tap list, and a menu full of casual coastal comfort food. The burger is a sleeper hit.
You’ll find burger builds with cheddar, Swiss, bacon, grilled onions, mushrooms, and sometimes a Tex‑Mex flair—green chiles or queso. Patties are char‑grilled, buns are classic, and the basket of fries or onion rings feels very “concert food in the best possible way.”
4. Snapka’s Drive Inn
Snapka’s is old‑school Corpus through and through: drive‑in burger joint, neon signs, and a menu that’s barely changed in decades.
The burgers are thin, griddled patties with that perfect crispy edge, stacked with melty American cheese, pickles, onions, and sauce. Double or triple up if you want a proper feast. Add crinkle‑cut fries, tater tots, or onion rings, plus a shake, and you’ll understand why locals talk about this place like a childhood memory.
5. Brewster Street Ice House
Known as a music venue, family spot, and big hangout, Brewster Street also puts out a strong burger. It’s the kind of place where you grab a seat, order a burger and beer, and settle in for the night.
Patties are substantial and char‑grilled, with options like bacon cheeseburgers, mushroom‑Swiss, jalapeño‑topped, and more. They’re usually paired with a generous pile of fries, and you’ll see lots of folks swapping in onion rings or tater tots.
When there’s live music and the weather’s nice, it’s one of the best “burger and a show” combos in town.
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