Trying to figure out what to do after dinner in South Padre Island? Then you’ve come to the right place. On this page, we’re going to cover the best after-dark entertainment this fun-filled resort town has to offer.

Famed for its sparse sandy beaches, tranquil turquoise waters, and wondrous wildlife encounters, there’s plenty of wholesome fun to be had on South Padre during the day. However, come nighttime, this boisterous Texan resort is all about letting loose with a drink or 2 at any of its lively watering holes. Here are the top spots to visit on a night out in South Padre Island.

  • 1

    Clayton’s Beach Bar & Event Venue

    A lively venue by the beach

    Clayton’s Beach Bar & Event Venue
    • Vida nocturna

    Clayton’s Beach Bar is the largest oceanfront venue in South Padre Island and draws a raucous crowd of 20-something revellers nightly. The spot is particularly popular as an open-air live music venue, where local bands belt out rocking tunes to the sweeping Gulf of Mexico views. Come during Spring Break and you’ll find non-stop party vibes through both the day and night.

    Staff whip up an array of delicious cocktails – one favourited by many is the technicoloured Tsumani, which packs a serious punch. Although drinks are a little on the pricey side, at least you get a cool souvenir cup with each purchase.

    Ubicación: 6900 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597, USA

    Horarios: Friday–Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm, Sunday from 10 am to 9 pm, Monday–Thursday from 10 am to 10 pm

    Teléfono: +1 956-761-5900

    Mapa
  • 2

    Southern Wave Original Sunset Dinner Cruise

    A memorable dinner cruise with BYOB options

    Southern Wave Original Sunset Dinner Cruise
    • Parejas
    • Grupos
    • Vida nocturna

    Local outfit Southern Wave have made waves in South Padre with their Original Sunset Dinner Cruise, a sought-after sailing tour combining hearty cuisine with spectacular vistas and bottomless booze. The luxurious 48-ft catamaran departs South Padre Island to ply the smooth waters of Laguna Madre as the sun sets over the horizon. It’s worth it for the views alone, as the wide Texas sky puts on a spellbinding show on the glistening bay.

    Come supper time, you’ll get to indulge in tasty cuisine like chicken and beef fajitas, grilled shrimp, and fresh fruit. It’s ‘bring your own beer’, so remember to stock up on the mainland. During the summer months, the tour offers unbeatable views of the fireworks display each Tuesday.

    Ubicación: 205 W Palm St, South Padre Island, TX 78597, USA

    Horarios: Daily from 9 am to 6 pm

    Teléfono: +1 956-772-7245

    Mapa
  • 3

    Louie’s Backyard

    Sweet cocktails, cruisy tunes, and fantastic Laguna Madre views

    Louie’s Backyard
    • Parejas
    • Vida nocturna

    Louie’s Backyard is a South Padre Island institution – the vibrant, retro-themed bar and diner is the busiest watering hole on the Laguna Madre Coast. Most folks come here for sunset to enjoy the fresh seafood with a cocktail or 2, but there’s plenty of action to appease the after-dinner crowd as well.

    DJs and live bands belt out bangers on the beachfront dancefloor, while a cosy sports bar packs out with fans during the bigger games. On fireworks night – every Tuesday during the summer – you’ll probably need to make a reservation because Louie’s is the most popular point in town to watch the show.

    Ubicación: 2305 Laguna Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597, USA

    Horarios: Sunday–Thursday from 5 pm to 9 pm, Friday–Saturday from 5 pm to 10 pm

    Teléfono: +1 956-761-6406

    Mapa

    Foto de ALAN SCHMIERER (CC0 1.0) modificada

  • 4

    LongBoard Bar and Grill

    A surf-themed bar with live music and killer cocktails

    LongBoard Bar and Grill
    • Gastronomía
    • Vida nocturna

    LongBoard Bar and Grill is your quintessential South Padre hangout, a surfing-inspired waterfront spot with gnarly food, drinks, and tunes. Its superb location directly facing Laguna Madre makes it a hit with the sunset crowd, many of whom stick around to watch the fireworks pop during the summer months.

    LongBoard stays open for a couple of hours longer than the other big west-facing venue, Louie’s Backyard, making it an obvious option when you want to kick on. The live band, who perform on a spectacular stage perched precariously over the sea, work music fans into a frenzy well into the evening – a fun night out is all but guaranteed. Oh, and don’t miss their piña coladas, which are divine.

    Ubicación: 205 W Palm St, South Padre Island, TX 78597, USA

    Horarios: Daily from 11 am to midnight

    Teléfono: +1 956-772-7022

    Mapa
  • 5

    Padre Island Brew Co.

    Delicious craft beers and a warm, friendly vibe

    Padre Island Brew Co.
    • Vida nocturna

    Padre Island Brew Co. is the one-stop-shop for beer lovers on a visit to South Padre Island. The homely microbrewery is a hit for serving up the tastiest suds in town, and you can work your way through 5 at a time with their decadent taster flights. Unlike other sampler paddles, these come in decent-sized glasses, so you’ll have a buzz on by the time you’re done.

    Although the venue doesn’t boast a beautiful beachfront location, the upstairs balcony does offer city and sea views with a pleasant ocean breeze. Downstairs, a couple of flat-screen TVs play important fixtures to a local crowd.

    Ubicación: 3400 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597, USA

    Horarios: Tuesday–Sunday from 11.30 am to 10 pm (closed on Mondays)

    Teléfono: +1 956-761-9585

    Mapa
  • 6

    Wanna Wanna - Beach Bar & Grill

    South Padre Island’s best hotel beach bar

    Wanna Wanna - Beach Bar & Grill
    • Gastronomía
    • Vida nocturna

    Wanna Wanna - Beach Bar & Grill is attached to the hotel of the same name and serves drinks to the public well into the evening. The breezy, open-air, tiki-style bar serves an array of colourful cocktails (try the Tropical Wanna Wanna) to complement its fun Caribbean theme. Frothy craft beers and an extensive wine list complete the booze menu.

    If you’re still feeling peckish, Wanna Wanna makes a decent selection of pub grub and bar snacks, though the food is a little pricey as the joint is connected to a hotel. Live bands do their thing on weekend afternoons the whole year-round.

    Ubicación: 5100 Gulf Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597, USA

    Mapa
  • 7

    Kelly’s Irish Pub

    A friendly Irish pub for a quiet drink

    Kelly’s Irish Pub
    • Vida nocturna

    Classic Irish-American bar Kelly’s Irish Pub has been serving thirsty (and hungry) patrons in South Padre Island for as long as anyone can remember. Rich dark wood décor and soft lighting add a sense of authenticity to the place, which complements the big pints of Guinness and traditional Irish cuisine. Sick of beer? Try their spicy Bloody Mary with a pickle shot instead.

    There’s plenty of entertainment to keep punters amused, including a row of electronic dartboards and a pool table. DJs occasionally spin tunes on weekends, but for the most part, it’s a casual hangout space to mingle and converse.

    Ubicación: 101 E Morningside Dr, South Padre Island, TX 78597, USA

    Horarios: Daily from 11 am to 2 am

    Teléfono: +1 956-433-5380

    Mapa
  • 8

    Tequila Sunset Bar & Grill

    A lively locale to sip tequila and watch the sunset

    Tequila Sunset Bar & Grill
    • Vida nocturna

    Tequila Sunset Bar & Grill is a top spot for party-crazed travellers to enjoy an epic night out. The best thing about this bayside venue is it serves an excellent array of cocktails, including their signature creation, the Tequila Sunset – best quaffed at dusk.

    Live bands take the stage almost every night during the summer season, and revellers can watch the Tuesday night fireworks explode over the bay. The service, on the whole, is impeccable, and guests can sit inside in relative quiet should they fancy a more subdued vibe.

    Ubicación: 200 W Pike St, South Padre Island, TX 78597, USA

    Horarios: Monday–Friday from 3.30 pm to 12 am, Saturday–Sunday from 1 pm to 12 am

    Teléfono: +1 956-761-6198

    Mapa
  • 9

    Parrot Eyes

    Mexican cocktails and snacks in a laidback locale

    • Gastronomía
    • Vida nocturna

    Parrot Eyes is more a restaurant than a watering hole, so don’t rock up expecting a lively place to party the night away. Nonetheless, if you do fancy a quiet after-dinner cocktail without a rowdy college student in sight, this is one of South Padre Island’s best places to be.

    Cute seaside-inspired décor, majestic soaring pelicans, and homely Southern hospitality make this a welcoming place for a relaxed drink. If you’re still feeling hungry, the tasty Mexican menu is based on fresh seafood and goes down a treat. Remember to pop past the resident parrot for a quick chat on the way out.

    Ubicación: 5801 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597, USA

    Horarios: Tuesday–Saturday from 12 pm to 7 pm, Sunday from 12 pm to 6 pm (closed on Mondays)

    Teléfono: +1 956-772-9040

    Mapa
  • 10

    Laguna BOB

    A rowdy late-night spot to kick on in South Padre Island

    • Vida nocturna

    The neon-lit Laguna BOB keeps the party pumping until well into the early morning, making it the perfect kick-on venue after the other bars in South Padre Island have shut. Fluro blue paint and blinking fairy lights set the scene in a dazzling display, while live bands whip the crowd into a frenzy on weekend nights.

    It’s far from pretentious, either, with some of the cheapest ice-cold Budweisers in town. Grab a seat overlooking the bay in summer to watch the fireworks and get ready to mingle with fellow patrons at this famously sociable locale.

    Ubicación: 2401 Laguna Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597, USA

    Horarios: Daily from 11.30 am to 2 am

    Teléfono: +1 956-433-5499

    Mapa
Harry Stewart | Escritor