90 THE COASTAL BEND MAGAZINE • January/February 2018 TheCoastalBend.com Saltwater Grill This establishment has earned its place among the very best seafood restaurants in the entire Coastal Bend, let alone the south side of Corpus Christi. Almost every variety of seafood cooking, except maybe sushi, can be found here, and it is all done very well using high qual- ity, fresh product. Starters range from fried calamari and crab cakes, to ceviche and seared tuna—and we have found the biggest and freshest raw oysters at Salt- water Grill. Fish and shrimp are prepared char grilled or fried, and signature dishes Mahi Mahi Alto Cocina topped with blue crab and avocado, Teriyaki Grilled Salmon, and Crab Stuffed Flounder. Landlubbers will love their hand cut Angus steaks and homemade des- serts include the exceedingly famous Te“Key”La Lime Pie. 2401 Cimarron Blvd. • (361) 993-7258 SaltWaterGrillCC.com • $$$ Frank’s Spaghetti House Post World War II Corpus Christi was certainly a different era—when no one but an Italian would open an Italian restaurant, and only a Mexican will own a Mexican food place, and in 1947 when Frank’s opened west of down- town every recipe and every ingredient was genuine to classic country Italian cuisine, passed down for genera- tions starting in the motherland. Seventy years later, virtually nothing has changed at this local treasure, still in its two-story, red brick house that the family’s new gen- eration knows as home. Classic dishes include spaghetti with meatballs, irresistible lasagna, and chicken Parmesan that is arguably the best in town. Wine and beer served, as well as terrific desserts. 2724 Leopard St. (361) 882-0075 • $$ Wonders Bar & Grill One step inside Wonders Bar & Grill and you are struck by the clean, stylish look and first class approach to each element of design and decor. It’s clear that no corners were cut, and that idea conveys over to the surprisingly high quality of every item on their food menu. Nothing is frozen here, so the fried mushrooms and jalapeno poppers, for example, are hand made and perfectly prepared every time. Special pride is taken with Wonders’burgers. 4733 S. Alameda St. @ Airline Rd. • (361) 334-0394 • $$ Oso Grill & Pier This long standing public fishing pier located in a most discreet location on Ocean Drive, provides one of the most beautiful and inviting settings anywhere in the Coastal Bend for a wonderful time with friends and family—both to enjoy terrific homemade seafood and hamburgers and even to fish on the lighted pier that extends into Corpus Christi Bay. Crawfish boil all week- end, Friday through Sunday, and live music on Friday nights brings the place to life. Located on Ocean Drive at Ennis Joslin Road, on the way to the university. 6124 Ocean Dr. • (361) 906-0042 • $$ Hester’s Cafe & Bakery Hester’s has stood as a consistent local favorite for over a decade, and has expanded in recent years to the delight of regulars and visitors. In addition to creative cooking for lunch, dinner and in the bakery, Hester’s is known for high quality, generous portions and friendly service at all three locations. Baked goods are made from scratch Frank’s Saltwater Grill