The Grouchy Gringo Port Isabel

We usually try restaurants off the main tourist area. They are usually the best. To say, The grouchy Gringo did NOT disappoint. Service was great, and the food was on point. Absolutely 💯 recommend!! Sad note, they didn't have a T-shirt in my size..

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

During our annual stay on SPI we discovered this gem! The Grouchy Gringo is a New Orleans creole style restaurant that hits the mark. I am very familiar with Creole and Cajun cuisine from my time in Louisiana. I usually avoid these places when I’m nowhere near Louisiana… but boy am I glad that I didn’t avoid The Grouchy Gringo. We ended up eating there 4 nights in a row. The food is excellent. The service is spectacular. The ambiance is quirky and fun. And the chef is top notch. Don’t miss this one!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Shrimp Cocktail, Smashed Red Potatoes

The staff was friendly. I'm a vegetarian, as the menu didn't have many vegetarian options, they made me something from their breakfast menu.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This place is great! I over ordered on purpose but just a normal meal would have needed a box! I had the Cajun egg rolls, biscuits and gravy, hash browns, beignets and a mimosa. It was so good. Beignets we so soft and fluffy. Cajun egg rolls had so much flavor, and the rest of the meal was perfect, too. I’m excited for leftovers! Shane was an amazing server, but the girls were so much fun as well. Pro tip: sit at the bar for a great time.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great food and atmosphere! I had the crab stuffed flounder and my husband had the shrimp basket. They both were amazing plates. Would definitely recommend & return.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4

We went with another couple. Waitress was very friendly but not so attentive. My husband and I had finished our meal before our companions received theirs. Totally unacceptable. My Crawfish Etouffee was nice and spicy but a bit fishy. Hubby ordered shrimp/oyster basket but they didn't have oysters, so it was all shrimp which he said was overcooked. They also didn't have the chicken chicharrones which I ordered. So I settled for shrimp coctail. Love the sauce but shrimp were overcooked. 1 of our friends' dinners was fine but the other had the special which he said totally lacked any flavor. They have an interesting menu, it could be a great place if they could just get it together.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 2

Service: 4

Visiting from Iowa and stopped in the Grouchy Gringo. Very attentive staff and flavor packed dishes. I had the roast beef special and the portion was huge. Overall great experience and would definitely be back if we were locals.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Chicken Fried Chicken

Wow! What a great addition to the Port Isabel area! A restaurant based on authentic Louisiana flavors! The chicken and sausage gumbo was terrific; and the chicken fried chicken entree was also delicious (the andouille sausage sauce was excellent- not loaded with salt which I really appreciate!). The Beignets (last time I had those was three years ago passing through Louisiana!) made for the perfect lite dessert finish. The front dining room is has an open and airy feel; smartly appointed with black table cloths, and cloth napkins, large glass windows, and maroon curtains; and is eclectically decorated with tons of old photographs and unique artwork. The staff was extremely attentive and helpful, and seemed to enjoy working there! There is a comfy room in back with soft cushioned chairs and sofas, as well as the “grouchy gringo” photo spot where you can take your best grouchy selfie and submit it in the monthly contest. Thank you Grouchy Gringo for providing a great alternative to typical Mexican seafood! As for drinks, for now (Oct 2024) it’s BYOB, but may change in the future. Parking on the right side of the building and some street parking too. Delivery for $5 to surrounding areas (PI, SPI, LH, LV), $25 mínimum order.

Parking: No problem.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Gravy, Chicken Fried Chicken

Stopped in for lunch. Incredible food. Great decor. Crawfish poor boy was above and beyond what you get in Louisiana. Perfectly breaded seasoned and cooked. Fries great and well seasoned. Crawfish etouffee delicious with garlic toast.
Beignets perfectly flaky and cooked just right.
All other food we saw looked incredible. Staff very friendly.
We will be back to explore more of your menu. Thanks for a great lunch experience

Me and my sister went here today for Lunch and the food was Great!!!! The egg rolls are AMAZING!!!! The owner was so down to earth and we all had a great conversation!!! Will definitely be back in the morning for breakfast!!!!

**UPDATE 10-27-24**
Me and my sister came back for breakfast!!!!! And it was GOOD. The pancakes were ON POINT!!!! Fresh and tasted amazing!!!! My French Toast was the best I have everrrrr had in a longgg longgggg time!!! The Owner/Cook he is a very kind and Grouchy Man I really enjoyed talking to him😂. We will definitely be back here to eat when we visit again!!! Wish we had one in San Antonio!! Again Thank you for great food and wonderful customer service!!! May God continue to bless and grow your business!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Chicken Fried Chicken

Arrived to the area for tourism, first day, late lunch. Pleasant greetings, immediate service. I ordered the salmon. The Chef/Proprietor came to the table and said he was not happy with the quality of the salmon, would there be another fish I might consider? So I selected the mahi mahi and shrimp which was 1/3 more costly (important later).

We received our order and my wife and I were very satisfied. My serving of mahi mahi was EXPERTLY prepared and cooked. It had a perfect balance of heat and seasoning, fell apart with the fork, just wonderful. The size of the filet was generous!

When the bill came, the lesser charge for the salmon was billed. I mentioned it and they would not charge me more.

So, pleasant dining room, cheerful service, INTEGRITY by the owner, and wonderful food. DO NOT MISS.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This place is really cool. There is so much to look and laugh at. We will definitely be back on our next visit to SPI. The atmosphere is very bright and welcoming. Our waitress was very "grouchy" and personable. The chef/owner is also super "grouchy" and funny. The food is incredible. We shared a starter and main. They were both so flavorful. We will most definitely be back!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

LOVED IT! 🤤
When making an impromptu trip to town for a launch, we wanted to try something new. Being of Cajun upbringing, Grouchy Gringo caught my attention. Several items sounded yummy but I was leary. Restaurant Cajun food is hit or miss.
GG was a HIT!! It did not disappoint!
The food was delicious. But we were confused...no one was grouchy! 🤷‍♀️🤪
We'll be back when we're back in town!!

Vegetarian options: There were salads available and I would imagine some of the dishes could be done w/out the meat or seafood.

Parking: Small parking lot adjacent to the restaurant. Not sure where you'd park if that's full. 🤷‍♀️ But it would be worth walking if you had to park down the street or something!

Kid-friendliness: There was a kids menu & the atmosphere was kid friendly.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Asparagus and Brussel Sprouts, Cheesecake, Smashed Red Potatoes

Pulling into the parking lot I was extremely skeptical. Not only were there not many cars in the parking lot, but the outside of the building didn’t look too appealing. Despite of my skepticism, I decided to give this place a try because of their good reviews & I’m so glad I did! The overall vibe was great, the food was delicious & I loved all the wall decor. Our server, Angela, was amazing. She recommended the Cajun Eggrolls which were great! The owner personally thanked us for our business which was harm warming. Will definitely be back & spread the word about this place. Very glad I decided to give this place a try!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Food, service, atmosphere! Everything was on point! Had the fried shrimp and Cajun pasta. Flavor was perfect. And the beignets.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Shrimp and Oysters