The Phoenix Restaurant & Bar

One of our very favorite restaurants in Port A!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I was incredibly disappointed by this experience, especially after hearing such positive things about the restaurant. Because it is a smaller restaurant with limited seating, the only reservation available was at the bar, which, unfortunately, defined the entire evening.

From the moment I arrived, the hospitality felt lacking. The hostess was dismissive and unwelcoming. After being seated at the bar, the experience did not improve. The bartender took quite some time to acknowledge me and remained disengaged throughout the meal. There was no eye contact, no warmth, and no effort to make the experience feel comfortable or enjoyable.

At one point, I noticed scallops being served and asked about them because they weren't listed on the menu, and I was told, “They’re off menu,” with no further explanation or effort to elaborate. I genuinely would have loved to order them, but the interaction felt so uncomfortable and dismissive that I chose not to inquire any further.

Later, I asked how long the restaurant had been open and received the response, “I don’t know. Sometime in the 2000s,” which only reinforced the overall lack of professionalism and engagement. At that point, I got it, don’t ask any more questions. I was a nuisance to her.

I have worked in fine dining as a bartender, so I fully understand that bar seating can offer a different dynamic than table service, but yikes….. I also travel solo often and dine alone regularly, so I do not expect entertainment, attention or conversation, but do expect, at this price point, common courtesy, basic hospitality, and professionalism. I got none of that.

The food itself was excellent, but unfortunately, the atmosphere and service completely overshadowed the meal's quality. I left feeling uncomfortable rather than cared for, and based on this experience, I would not return or recommend the restaurant to others.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 5

Service: 1

We seat outside because we took a small dog. The service was a bit slow and they should have one person serving outside instead of splittting between outside and inside. We had to go inside to pay

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 3

Delicious crab cakes, flounder and firecracker shrimp as appetizer. Dirty Martini was unusual with blue cheese stuffed olives but a favorite by far. Best food in Port A.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Such a hidden GEM! I had the scallop special and it was to die for. Everything cooked perfectly. Great view if sitting outside. Service was very friendly and really everything was just a 10/10

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

My experience at The Phoenix Restaurant & Bar was pretty normal overall. It’s not a bad place, but it doesn’t really stand out, especially for the area—nothing particularly exclusive about it.

One thing to keep in mind is that the interior is quite small, so it can get pretty loud and crowded. Because of that, it’s not the most comfortable spot if you’re looking for a calm, relaxed dinner where you can really enjoy the moment. It feels more like a place to eat quickly and move on rather than sit and unwind.

In terms of food and pricing, everything was okay, but the prices felt a bit high for what you get. There are definitely other options nearby that offer more value or a better overall experience.

That said, the location is a big plus. It’s very nice on the outside and being right by the pier gives it a great view and easy access, which makes it convenient if you’re already in the area.

Overall, it’s a normal spot—not somewhere I’d choose for a special occasion or a quiet dinner, especially because of how busy and noisy it gets. It works if you just need a quick bite, but I probably wouldn’t go out of my way to come back.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 4

Very rude bartender (overwhelmed and took it out on part of my party), hostess visibly stressed. Witnessed a party walk out that never got acknowledged at their table. It was obnoxiously loud (probably inevitable) yet Eric our server was calm and professional and we appreciated that. The food was good.
Will never eat here again on a busy night to be treated like that.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 4

Service: 4

We had a reservation for six people Saturday night, April 25th at 730. We didn't even get to our table till a little after eight, and when we tried to get drinks at the bar while we waited 45 minutes to be seated , the bartender was so rude and she literally said all I can serve, you is beer and wine, you see this whole restaurant and all those people outside… I'm busy serving them. You'll have to find someone else if you want a drink. Shocking!!! We literally tried to leave and started calling other restaurants that we love on the island and we couldn't get in anywhere so we had to stay there, if we wanted to eat dinner! We ordered a Prosecco and she said we're out of Prosecco. So I just walked off and one of our friends got a drink and there was six of us. And the hostess and a bus boy I also tried to ask them if they knew how long our wait would be and they both were also incredibly rude and said I'd have to ask someone else. There were other people there too that were not having a pleasant experience either. The saving grace was Eric our server, he was amazing. The food was really good. The wait was a while, but what was also a little bit off putting was they wouldn't do separate checks and it was three couples. That's ridiculous in this day and age. And then three people ordered scallops, but they only had two orders so they offered my husband two individual scallops for $25, which we declined. It was so loud inside too. We would never sit inside IF we ever even go back here again. I hope they do some training on customer service with their staff because their Frontline staff was awful last night. And our bill was $700!! As much as we hated to give them our business, we did because we've had many great experiences there in the past, but probably won't try it again

The absolute best restaurant on the island. Everything is absolutely perfection.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Excellent smaller restaurant. The food is top tier and the service was intimate and welcoming. Off the menu drinks were mixed and well done. Don’t have a plane currently but it would make a great fly-in dinner.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We were at your Restaurant Friday March 27th. We were early but the hostess squeezed us in before a later reservation which we thought was great! We have to give the kitchen 5 stars for the food. It was super. The huge, special, port chop was so good, so tender, never tasted anything so good. The presentation of the Greek salad was just marvelous, really took time to prepare it that way. The snapper was great as well. We were so impressed we wanted to share our experience with everyone. It was awesome. Would come back there in a heartbeat. Thank you for all you do.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

My fish was fabulous, melt in your mouth tender. Veggies were wonderful enough that I'd be tempted to become vegetarian, except for the fish. The chocolate torte was not as good, very dry. My husband's tuna was also excellent as was his carrot cake.
Our waiter was very attentive without being intrusive.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Unbelievable service Kim was a 5 start plus herself service personnel very caring to make sure all 100 percent satisfied highly recommend you asking for her and the cuisine was as always remarkable when in Port A definitely a go to and really worth the drive or flight from wherever a MUST restaurant to enjoy

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We very much enjoyed our visit and dinner. Their pricing matches the quality of their food!
I highly recommend this restaurant when visiting Port Aransas.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Jumbo Lump Crab Cake

My wife and I dined there last night, 1/7/2025 and were more than pleased. We were shocked at the quality of the food, the fantastic service. The atmosphere was light and inviting. The staff was amazing. The crab cakes were great with substantial crab and little if any filler. The quail were to die for. The old fashioned was very tasty as well. I will recommend to anyone going to Port A!!!!! John & Laurie L

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5