106 THE COASTAL BEND MAGAZINE • March/April 2018 TheCoastalBend.com The Exchange It has taken the right partnership with the right amount of energy, along with a vision that works, to create a successful F&B operation in downtown Corpus Christi, or just about anywhere for that matter. The Exchange has achieved that, and has done it by opening up their ample space at the corner of William and Mesquite Streets to all elements of the community. This is hip, rock and roll spot with a Reggae-folk theme and em- phasis on art space, great burgers and beer. It’s also an awesome place to grab a quick, delicious and healthy lunch, and a craft beer after work that is priced based on demand—known as the Beer Exchange. Happy hour also brings daily drink specials from the very creative bartenders at The Exchange, and don’t forget to take a turn at (as far as we know) the city’s one and only oxygen bar. 224 N. Mesquite St. • (361) 414-9788 TheExchangeCC.com The Post at Lamar Park A new high level of dining and mixology made its way onto Corpus Christi’s culinary scene when this first “gastropub”opened this year at the old U.S. Post Office location in Lamar Park Center, in Midtown just two blocks from Ocean Drive. So many facets of The Post set it apart from other local establishments, starting with one of the best stocked bars south of San Antonio, and bartenders who take their profession seriously. Both classic and modern fusion cocktails are created with great skill, from the Old Fashioned and classic Mojito and Brandy Alexander, to innovative martinis like the Mexican and the Cucumber. Food offerings at The Post are equally interesting and well done, including ter- rific burgers, unique takes on fish tacos and egg rolls, Lobster Truffle Mac & Cheese, and even a first class Ten- derloin sandwich. 411 Doddridge Street @ Alameda in Lamar Park Center • (361) 452-0907 • $$$ The Exchange The Post at Lamar Park Kiko’s Kiko’s Restaurant & Cantina Before the onslaught of taquerias in Corpus Christi that started in the early 90’s, before the chain Mexican joints popped up on SPID, there was Kiko’s. In the way that Mi Tierra has earned its spot as the“top”Tex-Mex eatery in San Antonio, Kiko’s has very much earned that distinc- tion here—and the same basic formula seems to be at the heart of success for both—perfect food, consis- tently. You will find every one of your favorite Mexican dishes here, breakfast, lunch and dinner, except for Sundays when Kiko’s is open 11 to 6 only. Enjoy the per- fect margarita from the Papalote Bar, where happy hour is 5 to 7 Monday through Saturday. If you haven’t been to Kiko’s yet, or not in years, gather family and friends and head over for the city’s most loved Mexican food. 5514 Everhart Rd. • (361) 991-1211 • $$