Padre Island Burger Company Chef Jason Johnson took the complete tour of the high-end hospitality industry before fulfilling his ambition to bring gourmet cooking to his hometown. Johnson’s burger creations take ingredients once unconsidered on a burger, and synchronizes them in culinary harmony—”The Famous”Dr. Padre is the Burger Co.’s standard 1/2 lb. Angus patty and topped with corn smoked bacon, Dr. Padre sauce and cheddar cheese— the Corpus Cold Front combines cream cheese, roasted red peppers, tomato and cucumber—and this editor’s favorite, the Mr. Beckham, brings together bacon, wild mushrooms, caramelized onions, avocado and American cheese. 11878 State Hwy. 361@ Park Rd. 22 (SPID) • (361) 949-3490 PadreIslandBurgerCompany.com • $$ Padre Island Burger Co. Texas Flame Steakhouse In 1942 Papa Louie and his family came to Corpus Christi after escaping war torn Greece. Twelve years later his son opened The Astor restaurant on Leopard St., which stood as a city landmark for decades. This family tradition of serving great food at a great price is carried on today at Texas Flame Steakhouse, which has operated at its current location on SPID for over 30 years. Your hunger level will jump three notches when the smell of Mesquite smoke hits your nose in the parking lot, and once inside your next challenge will be choosing from a broad menu of mouth watering options. Steaks at Texas Flame are USDA Choice, Certified Angus Beef only—the best quality for the price that the pickiest consumer will find—and the entire range of cuts are offered here, from sirloin and rib eyes to filets and the porterhouse. 4535 S. Padre Island Dr. • (361) 853-5664 TexasFlameSteakhouse.com • $$$ Texas Flame Steakhouse Black Diamond Oyster Bar This reviewer remembers his first time eating at the Black Diamond in around 1975, at its original location at Gollihar and Airline Roads. It had been open for just seven years at that point, but had made its name as the best place in town for awesome Texas seafood at a price you could afford. Fifty years later, this family owned seafood house has made its name once again, now tucked away on NAS Drive in Flour Bluff. This kid’s favorite was always jumbo fried shrimp, and here it is prepared perfectly every time, as are the fried oysters, grilled fish, steaks and as well a number of highly creative menu selections that might not be expected. Try the crab stuffed flounder or the Ahi tuna burger for a delicious meal you will not soon forget. 418 N.A.S. Drive in Flour Bluff Dr. • (361) 353-4210 • $$$ Black Diamond Oyster Bar Atomic Omelette This popular south side haute has been pleasing locals and visitors alike for years with a creative menu of breakfast and lunch specialities, starting with perfectly made, French style omelettes. You will find all the traditional omelette varieties here plus several you will find nowhere else, like the tamale filled omelettes and the namesake Atomic Omelette. The French toast and pancakes are second to none, and were urge you to try the very scrumptious Crab Cake Eggs Benedict and the Hawaiian French toast. Enjoy some of the best burgers in the city, a ter- rific Philly cheese steak sandwich, shrimp and chicken pasta dishes and fantastic soups and salads. Above all, customers of Atomic Omelette come back time and time again for the personal service and attention to detail and quality offered by owners who are there everyday. 6313 Wooldridge Rd. #10 • (361) 334-3942 AtomicOmelette.com • $$ Atomic Omelette