104 THE COASTAL BEND MAGAZINE • Winter 2018-19 TheCoastalBend.com JB’s German Bakery & Cafe and Strudel Mania The Coastal Bend’s first, and only, authentic German bakery opened to the raves of grateful Padre Islanders a few years ago, and JB’s popularity and notoriety has spread across South Texas. Stories of San Antonians’ three-hour, spontaneous day trips to“the beach,”that always include a long stop at JB’s for a big bag of baked goods to go, have given way to more frequent testimo- nials of those who drive half an hour from“in town”for their taste of the best baking in the region. JB’s pastries, breads, cakes, pies and yes, the strudel, will take you back to Europe if you’ve been, and will transport your taste buds to a new, delightful place if you’ve not. Owners Juergin and Brigitte exhibit their love of food daily through the hard work and precision with which they deliver culinary bliss to their lucky customers. 15137 S. Padre Island Dr. on Padre Island (361) 949-5474 • JBsGermanBakery.com • $ JB’s German Bakery Catfish Charlie’s Catfish Charlie’s For years this Southern-style fish house has delighted generations of diners who enjoy the very best, fresh- water pure water Mississippi Fried Catfish you will find in South Texas, along with crowd favorite fried shrimp and oysters. True to the Southern tradition, Catfish Charlie’s is one of the few local establishments where you’ll find Cajun style Frog Legs. Terrific Opelousas style seafood gumbo and those awesome Hush Puppies, along with Bayou Teche Creole Shrimp complete the simple but delicious menu. Beer, wine, homemade San- gria and the friendliest service in town. 5830 McArdle Rd. at Airline (361) 993-0363 • CatfishCharlies.net • $$