Best Fried Shrimp and Seafood Botanas. Everything I've eaten here has been delicious!

Nice food and Service, shrimp very nice !!! Ambiance was great also, i hope i come back in the short time read more

Walking into the restaurant you are hit with the smell of BO and rank seafood. The restaurant did not have any AC, so at 5pm it was a crisp 82°. The only source of air flow was two dusty small office fan. Every employee and customer were dripping sweat. There was a thin layer of grime on all of the floors and walls with broken decor scattered across them The first red flag should've been there was no wait and many open tables, which were scuffed and stained folding plastic picnic tables, during dinner rush on summer break with neighboring restaurants completely full. We should've just turn around then, but we decided to give it a chance since our kids acted like they were starving and this was one of the few places we haven't tried on the island. We were sat at a sticky table, ordered the fried fish & shrimp and fries. The fries were the only edible thing. The fish was gooey and tasted like deviled eggs, the shrimp tasted dirty and chewy. We come to the area often and have had plenty of "gulf seafood", none of it had ever tasted like that. We had let our waiter know that we couldn't eat our meals because the fish looked under cooked and the shrimp tasted off and he said he'd let the kitchen know but didn't not offer a discount or any reprieve for a $70 meal that we ate nothing of. South Padre Island has so many great seafood places and sadly, this is not one of them. Save your money and go to either of the neighboring restaurants. read more

Ok First time here. I wouldn't recommend the blackened fish or shrimp. It didn't have any flavor and they forgot my onion rings. Small portion of course. I liked the fried shrimp and fries. Costumer service was meh. Restaurant didn't look clean. Overall, I wouldn't come back again. read more

Service was good food was good as well...but honestly I wish when getting a fried basket the pieces would be bigger or at least a little more for the price. Other than that ...this was my first time at this location.... read more

Dirty Al's - Seafood Near Me - South Padre Island, Texas

See all

The Chicken Strips were so small. I went with 12 people and it was a $50 fee for a large party.

Food was good. We had the blackened fish, fried shrimp and oysters. The beer was really cold, a plus for us on a hot day. But our favorite part were the pina coladas. They were best I have had in a really long time! read more

Consistent, large portions, and great prices. We will go back. We had a dozen oysters and two seafood combos.

Probably shouldn't be open if you are understaffed. Took easily 50mins for a basket of tenders.

We got the fried platter appetizer, snapper, and King crab. The fried platter was very delicious. However, the snapper was overcooked and poorly seasoned. Also our waitress misspoke and said there was a special on the crab, which led me to order the most expensive crab. Turns out there was no special on any crab per the manager, and I paid $100 per lb. Bill was like $180 for mid food. read more

Ate here because we saw several good reviews. We were immediately seated and ordered drinks. We then didn't see our server for 20+ minutes. Took 30 minutes to receive our drinks. 40 minutes before our order was even taken. Our appetizer was served with our food, absolute biggest pet peeve at restaurants. I wouldn't even get an appetizer if it's not coming early. Food wasn't bad but nothing special. Server made many excuses about kitchen being backed up but other tables didn't seem to have the same problem. At the end of our meal waiter informed us he was new and it was his first night. Understandable he was overwhelmed however there were many servers standing around who could have helped him. I would not recommend nor would I return. read more

This is always a great place to stop by when you're in South padre Island. The food really is good. It has a nice sitting area outside where you can watch the boat and the staff is always very friendly. They have some fun merchandise and bait shop attached. We opted for the stuffed crab appetizer and a couple beers and it was amazing. read more

See all

Excellent experience here in the slower season, it was still busy with people. They were highly recommended and we are glad we went. The seafood could not be fresher and I enjoyed all the seasoning they prepared everything with. I recommend the fried shrimp basket and left no crumbs!! A mariachi band came in during dinner and performed. They also have lots of seating and it's a very casual spot. The staff check in on you frequently and are friendly. read more

See all

Just arrived on the island and found this great place to eat. We got to sit outside and see the dolphins in the harbor. Started with calamari. Fried with a great crust and there was a flavorful dipping sauce. Blackened drum fish was a generous portion and done just right. The fried shrimp was flavorful and done to perfection. Great place read more

Very sad to say, had a less than good experience as far as fish and chips. The batter was not crunchy. The size of the fillets were skittles, the servers were friendly however they knew the fillets were small, but did not say anything until after it was served. Two of the pieces tasted like it was frozen and then defrosted it. The texture was more on the Chuy side and I'm not talking about your uncle Chuy but the kind of gives you a mouth cramp. What a huge disappointment. I had to eat half of my wife's buffalo wing chicken sandwich to get full. She chose daddy's, but I wanted to come here. We should've went to daddy's. read more

Dirty Al's - Outside watching the TV video shows very good looking battered shrimp but that's not what you get served. - Seafood Near Me - South Padre Island, Texas

Casual sit down seafood restaurant just before the causeway bridge going to south padre. Really good deal on the dozen oysters so we got two dozen for the three of us. We all ordered the blackened flounder and it was very good. Wish I could have tried more of the menu. Only knock is the outdoor seating has no real seats (just bench style) so not that appealing - indoor seats were much more comfortable. read more

See all

Bad smell inside and out, there was lizard poop on the table, the waiter got every order wrong, they added a service charge when 3 people never got their food. Bad experience overall wouldn't come back. read more

Absolutely disgusting experience - DON'T EAT HERE The name Dirty Al's is painfully accurate, and we learned that the hard way. We originally went here because it had good reviews, but we were sorely mistaken. This ended up being one of the worst dining experiences we've had in South Padre Island. Starting with the food: the Oyster Rockefeller came out with cheese on top that wasn't fully melted all the way through. Parts of it were still cold, which made the dish feel rushed, sloppy, and poorly prepared. The burger was somehow even worse. It was extremely dry, with absolutely no juice and no flavor whatsoever. Every bite felt like chewing dry, flavorless meat. No seasoning, no moisture, no effort. When I calmly mentioned that the burger was dry and flavorless, instead of apologizing or fixing the issue, the manager immediately got defensive. I was told I was wrong and that they "have really good burgers." No accountability, no attempt to make things right, and zero customer service skills. After asking for the check and to have the food boxed, we were then left sitting there for about 20 minutes with no check and no follow-up. I eventually had to get up and go to the server stand myself just to get our bill and have the disgusting food comped off. That should never happen at any restaurant. The cleanliness of this place is just as bad as the service. The tables were sticky and gross, and the overall atmosphere felt dirty and unclean. Nothing about the restaurant felt sanitary or welcoming. Between the inedible food, defensive management, being ignored, and gross environment, this place is an easy skip. South Padre Island has far better dining options. I would not recommend Dirty Al's to anyone! read more

Dirty Al's - dry ass burger - Seafood Near Me - South Padre Island, Texas

See all

Some of the finest cocktails I've had on the island.All told, our group had four Piná Colada's, Margarita, and Pain Killer! Everyone was delicious. In addition, we had tasty seafood delicacies. Two 1/2# orders of NOLA fresh boiled gulf shrimp, and a dozen oysters on the half shell. Sitting outdoors and the beautiful climate of South Padre Island made it all that much more wonderful.. read more

Dirty Al's - Daiquiri, margarita, and piná colada! - Seafood Near Me - South Padre Island, Texas

See all

This place is known for their whole grilled snapper. It's right next to Sea Ranch rv park which has been around for over 50 years. The restaurant is extensive and has indoor and outdoor eating on the bay. Lots of fried and fresh seafood available. The service was okay stood at hostess stand a minute while folks walked around and completely ignored our group so the experience started out on a sour note. The hostess finally arrived and after seating the server was attentive. They are a dog friendly restaurant as well. The food is okay. The Layla's shrimp appetizer is quite tasty and of course can be a meal as well. The raw oysters came out on ice but no Tabasco available and their cocktail sauce lacked horseradish. The Po-Boy's are on a big roll and you get mostly bread when you bite into it. The seafood puppies as an appetizer were good. The Dirty Sampler was also good but all fried. The calamari wasn't great but the stuffed jalapeños were ok. The salads are just lettuce and tomato simple simple. This place is not fancy on the outside nor on the inside. It's just classic laid back come as you are and eat. It's a local staple and the prices aren't crazy. They also advertise they will cook your catch so that's super cool. They have an extensive food and drink menu so there is something for everyone. They have a guy walking around taking group and couple photos for $15. Only one photo - the group pic- has the Dirty Al logo. All in all it's worth a venture just to sit around with your peeps, your pup take in the bay views and eat, drink and be merry without breaking your pocket book. Come as you are to Dirty Al's! read more

See all

Food wasn't the greatest. Server was nice, however the kitchen needs help. My daughter ordered first and yet her food wasn't brought out until after we reminded them. They forgot the meal. They were out of a lot of things. Only decent thing was the fried fish. We ordered the botana and kids hamburger (both wasn't the decent) Atmosphere was very dirty and not taken care of, restroom was disgusted. After eating I was just praying I wouldn't get a food illness. read more

The views of the water is nice. The drinks were good and a good value. The food is decent, more of that home cooked meal feel. The Service was good. read more

Dirty Al's - Mango margarita - Seafood Near Me - South Padre Island, Texas

See all

My grilled shrimp basket was ok - shrimp were nicely done. The salad is rather humorous. Not very appetizing or tasty. My husbands fish basket was just ok. Not much flavor. Drinks were a little watery. Did allow our dog which was appreciated! read more

What a unique dinner spot with a history. We had a friendly, attentive waiter: Jorje. We split crab cakes and blackened sea bass with crab cake. The crab cakes were all crab meat and excellent. The bass was very good. My wife enjoyed the garlic potato and green bean side dishes. read more

absolutely loved their shrimp tacos, one of the best of the island. definitely make sure to try menu items with seafood as the seafood down here is amazing. more upscale ambiance with a gorgeous view of the ocean. read more

See all

I ordered fried shrimp, but got fried fish instead. It looked okay, so I didn't mention it. My husband ordered fried shrimp & oysters. The oysters were okay, but the shrimp were hard and tasteless and way overcooked. The fries were average, nothing special. The service was good. The ambiance is nonexistent, which would have been okay if the food had been better. read more

The whole grilled red snapper was amazing. Beautifully presented and tasted very fresh. They allow you to pick your red snapper from their seafood counter. The almondy was an interesting dish topped with a creamy sauce and three small crab legs on top. The generous garlic mashed potatoes were very garlicky, but savory. I would recommend the coleslaw as a lighter side. The blackened black drum was well seasoned with a crispy crust. The white cheese sauce on the steamed broccoli was a perfect combination. Service was excellent as we were one of very few customers. We were there middle of the week at about 3 PM. The ambience is nice, with Bay views throughout. read more

See all

Very good jumbo shrimp plate. We ordered the one pound option, half fried and half grilled. It was an additional $7 charge for the special order, but definitely fit our individual tastes. The mango margarita was delicious, and they were able to make a virgin one for our non drinker. Our server, Joe, was incredible. He made great suggestions on ordering and was very attentive. read more

Dirty Al's - Jumbo shrimp - Seafood Near Me - South Padre Island, Texas

Shrimp had a bad taste, found the mud vein in the shrimp, couldn't even finish meal. Service was great, 3 in our party got diarrhea during the night that day. read more

We had heard and read some good things about Dirty Al's, but it did not live up to the hype. We came on a Saturday night and it was pretty popping, a little difficult and confusing to find parking if it's your first time as they have a trailer park right beside it. We waiting about 10-15 minutes to be seated. The server was nice, and the patio at the back by the marina is pet friendly. We came with a party of 7. As you would expect from the name, the vibe is very casual and laid back, nothing fancy about it. We ordered the fried shrimp platter, and a fried shrimp, oyster, and fish platter. The servings were pretty small, and the fries were oversalted. Tartar sauce was ok, nothing special. The seafood was solid, also nothing spectacular - you could probably get something comparable or better at your local Bubba gumps. Unfortunately, we didn't really have any luck with food during our weekend trip to SPI so maybe this is normal for the area? Will have to try out some new places next time. read more

See all

I've been coming here for YEARS and they never disappoint! This past time I went, we got fried zucchini, fried pickles, cold boil shrimp, and fried shrimp. The fried zucchini was absolutely DELICIOUS!! The fried pickle were really good too (served with ranch). The cold boil shrimp had good flavoring as well and the fried shrimp came out hot and ready to eat! Our server was really great, he answered all of our questions about the menu and how to order specific items for my big party which was really helpful. This is definitely a very casual spot, no need to dress up. If you're in South Padre, this is the spot for good fried seafood!! read more

Great food and great service! We ordered ahead for pick ups and they were accurate, fast and let's not forget delicious. Great portion size for the seafood platter(ordered 2)! We took it back to the hotel and it fed 6 adults and 3 kids... and lots left over! Give them a try the take out young lady was very sweet and very attentive to our crazy order! I will dine there next visit! Enjoy! read more

Dirty Al's - July 2024 menu! Great to go service! - Seafood Near Me - South Padre Island, Texas

See all

This place is "just a joint" according to my friend Rick. And he's correct. From the plastic tables that look like Costco buys to the quirky decor, it's just a hole in the,he wall joint. Nothing pretentious here. Walk in and there's an old time butcher counter full of fresh fish, shrimp and crab for sale. I ordered the fried fish and shrimp combo plate which was very good. The shrimp were butterflied and there were 6 of them. It also came with three pieces of tasty fish, fried to perfection. Instead of fries I subbed out for a tossed salad with ranch dressing. It's all was very good. Service was good without being smothering. It's definitely a place that you have to hit when coming to South Padre Island. read more

Dirty Al's is just what you'd expect to find in a Sea Food market/ restaurant. Coming in you see a meat case/sea food case full of the days fresh catch of shrimp fish and crab legs. But I was there to eat not buy but next time we're in SPI this will be my first stop to stock up in some of their Jumbo shrimp and Red Snapper and Drum fish. Strolling in take a right and you find the dining room. It ain't fancy but who cares. I was greeted and told to sit anywhere I liked so I did. Right next to a wall of windows facing the bay. My waitress was quick to hand me a menu took my drink order while I looked over the huge menu of everything from sea food to burgers. I then ordered the Lg. Shrimp basket with fries. It only took less than 10 min. And my shrimp and fries were at my table. Everything was hot and delicious. The lightly coated corn meal breaded shrimp are fantastic with the seasoned fries were just as good. I then ordered a Lg. Fish basket with more fries to go for my next days lunch. So, if your in the South SPI neck of the woods stop by Dirty Al's you won't be disappointed. read more

Dirty Al's - Me and Dirty Al - Seafood Near Me - South Padre Island, Texas

See all

September 8th 2025 We had the Rockefeller oysters they were absolutely delicious now when we got our main dishes my wife got the shrimp basket absolutely amazing and I got the fish and shrimp fried plate everything was going great UNTIL I BIT I TO A PIECE OF FISH AND I FELT SOMETHING WEIRD SO I TAKE IT PUT OF MY MOUTH AND ITS A HAIR A HAIR. IT WAS NOT MINE AND IT WASNT MY WIFE's EITHER, they made it seem like it was ours the hair was light BROWN both our hair color is JET BLACK. this is UNACCEPTABLE for a well known restaurant. We've been wanting to try this place for over 7 months now and for this to happen is so disappointing.i have multiple family members that are food critics, I will be letting them know that this place is not it. If this happened to me a tourist at the moment what have locals been through? Absolutely unacceptable, on top of that it smelled like a bathroom up in there. read more

Really friendly and relaxed atmosphere. They have great prices and a lot to choose from and everything was really yummy. My favorite part was that they took a family photo of us on our family vacation and sent us home with the picture! That was totally fantastic! read more

Was recommended this place by a coworker as I'd be in South Padre. Not as good as everything else nearby. Health concern was the women's restroom sink not working. When brought up to the server it didn't seem like this was new news. The men's restroom hand dryer didn't work either. Food was okay but not worth the hype. read more

Scams tourists for photos. Really pissed me off as I asked them to not do it then they proceeded to stand in front of me as I was eating. Also tried to charge us $20 per photo. Absolute bullshit. read more

Wow. This was truly outrageous. What a way to assassinate any hope I had at a good meal, because everything about this place truly SUCKED. The food was rubbery, and fried in what tasted like dolphin shaft oil. The drinks were laced with the most despicable ice I've ever seen, which led to a drink as thirst quenching as eating straight sand. Do NOT EVER come here, it's truly a spit in the face to every customer. I hate you Dirty Al read more

Meh the seafood is only ok. Had the fish and chips basket. Cornflower bread crumbs are not my favorite. My wife had the shrimp, she said it was unremarkable, friend had the grilled fish and was equally underwhelmed. Location is great, beer is cold, staff are very friendly and attentive. read more