5 stars (for the island -- probably 4.5 anywhere else) Just very solid, affordable seafood. As you walk in, the front is sort of a grocery store -- coolers and frozen food, shelves with salsas and sauces, drink coolers you can grab from, and a fresh fish cooler. So if you want to come in and buy fresh fish, or pick shrimp or fish out of the cooler to have them cook for you, that's the kind of thing they're doing. The seating area is large with big tables, so there was plenty of room even though it was pretty full at lunch. We came in with a family of six and were seated right away. It did start getting busy as we were leaving, with some people waiting for a table, so you probably want to come early. Grilled fish, shrimp & oyster platter, $15.50 -- everything on the plate was good. And I want to highlight the coleslaw -- super good, some of the better coleslaw you're going to have. Crab fingers (pound order), ~$31 -- very good, and probably one of the better ways to eat crab since they're already shelled for you. You're just picking and eating. One note: this is a no-frills place. You're not getting fancy silverware or fine dining -- everything's served on paper plates with plastic utensils and paper napkins. It's just a place you go to eat fresh food and not worry about the rest. In general, nothing our party had was bad. Everything was pretty solid and very affordable. Definitely a place to stop in for lunch and give a try -- bring the whole family, because there's something on the menu for everybody. Would highly recommend, and would return. read more

Joe's Oyster Bar - grilled seafood. - Seafood Near Me - Port Isabel, Texas

Hidden one street behind the main road is this treasure. We started with a dozen oysters. Always a win. We shared a grilled platter. You can't go wrong with flounder, shrimp, oysters and a stuffed crab. read more

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Must have place! For a fish market it is clean compared to some other places! Fast and friendly service! We got fried & grilled shrimp and Joe's combo platter. Will definitely make this a go to spot! read more

Folks, please don't waste your time going to a bunch of trendy so-called seafood places in South Padre. Cross the bridge to Port Isabel and go here!!!!! Fresh out of the gulf seafood, family owned and operated for 41 years. The staff are amazing and the seafood.... It's some of the best prepared that I've ever had!!!! Extremely affordable for the quality and portions you get! read more

Joe's Oyster Bar - Fried Shrimp, fish and Oyster plate. Grilled Shrimp, oyster and fish plate. - Seafood Near Me - Port Isabel, Texas

Went to this location because I waanin town for a conference and my buddy said it was good. Walked in and location looked like a little convenience store with a restaurant. Got a seat and saw the Joey's special and got that. Also ordered a salad and hush puppies. The appetizer came out almost at the same time as my meal no biggie. Huskies were ok nothing special. Now the salad was a huge disappointment first off the waiter didn't ask what dressing I wanted and brought out ranch no biggie went and just changed it out. They dont have a huge selection of dressing but got one. Now the salad was warm room temp warm gross first time I have ever eaten a room temp salad not my favorite but on principle at it anyway. My meal came out and everything looked fantastic the fish, shrimp, oysters, and crab. Everything tasted greeted except the coleslaw it was room temp and who eats room temp coleslaw every restaurant I've ever eaten coleslaw slaw its cold and delicious. Fried fish 5 outa 10 ok Fried oysters 5 outa 10 ok Fried shrimp 5 ouat 10 ok Salad 2 outa 10 Not good Hush puppies 3 outa 10 ok Coleslaw 1 outa 10 warm I'd come.back for the fish and shrimp. My buddy got the grilled shrimp and they looked fantastic read more

Joe's Oyster Bar - Joey's plate was decent but coleslaw was room temp.everything else was great but who eats room temp coleslaw hell - Seafood Near Me - Port Isabel, Texas

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This place was a hidden gem in Port Isabel, TX. We've stayed in SPI now 4 times over the years and never have been to Joe's, but since the reviews were great we decided to try it today and WOW are we glad we did. I had the fried fish (flounder) PoBoy and it was delicious my wife had the grilled shrimp plate and she loved it. So if you're down at South Padre Island, TX don't forget to try this place in Port Isabel you won't be disappointed!!! read more

Joe's Oyster Bar - Grilled shrimp and fried fish PoBoy sandwich. Oh and a cold beer - Seafood Near Me - Port Isabel, Texas

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This is nice hidden gem in Port Isabel. The food is amazingly fresh and delicious!!! Will definitely be coming here every time we are at SPI. Prices are great too!!! read more

Fathers Day dinner in Port Isabela. This place is a Diamond in the Rough!! Unassuming on a little back street away from the touristy SPI traffic. When you walk in you wouldn't even know there's a restaurant if you didn't KNOW there was a restaurant! It's a lil fresh seafood Mercadito in front w a small display case of fresh catch of the day.... But move Just a little further in and off to the back and MAN!! I was reading another review earlier and they were Spot on - it IS like the Tardis from Dr Who inside!! It just EXPAAAAAANDS Our server was ON IT!! He took Great care of us!! Had great suggestions and even took me up front to pick out my Snapper for Whole Deep Fried Yumminess!!! They cook to serve and make it their business to make sure you get it how you want it! You can Tell this place takes Pride in what they do! There is a real Family feel to the place!! This is definitely a local Favorite dining spot! The Menu packs a lot for the money too! You can get everything from fish (snapper or Flounder or if they catch something else!) to shrimp to - oh YEA OYSTERS!!! And you can get em fried or Grilled and MAN are they done RIGHT!! SUPERBLY seasoned guys!!! I got my whole BEAUTIFUL snapper - Fresh caught and plucked from Crystal clean ice - Hard Fried as Requested WITHOUT breading and Perfectly seasoned. OMG!!!! I was in HEAVEN guys!!! And the portions!! As you sit there and just watch all of the MASSIVE plates coming out of the kitchen you're like WOW!!! These guys know how to fry!!! MOLTO BELLO!!! GOLDEN AND PERFECT!!! Oh!! And wait til you see their giant plank fries!!! Hot and salty and YUM!!! We also had their ceviche. Which we absolutely LOVE. It's the perfect blend of fresh fish cooked in zesty citrus and pico. The perfect appetizer to whet our appetites!! These guys are Definitely worth a check in! A Feast for the eyes and DEF for the tastebuds!! Thanks guys! read more

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Oh my god! This is the absolute best seafood place on the south coast of Texas hands down! I might be extremely biased here but this restaurant has a special place in my heart. Me and my family have been coming here for over 10 years and they are always kind, consistent, and passionate. Family owned you can feel the love in this place. I have NEVER had a bad experience here and always recommend stopping here. Food is fresh and very tasty. The workers are committed to making this place the best and it shows. Must try! read more

Joe's Oyster Bar - Calamari, fish - Seafood Near Me - Port Isabel, Texas

Very nice meal. We had the "Nathan's special" good portion size and virtually had leftovers, but I managed to finish it all. Fresh raw oysters with fresh horseradish and cocktail sauce. Service was great too! read more

Everything was great. Slightly low on salt. But nothing that can't be fixed with a salt.

Awesome grilled fish and shrimp and sides! Friendly and fast service . Great value and comfortable, welcoming environment. Can't wait till next time read more

Food was so well cooked and prepped. Tasty as hell!!! Sorry fresh and well prepared. The service is so quick and responsive. Glasses full food prepared quickly and everything moved along on a great pace. So glad we took our fishing guides recommendation to come here for lunch!!! read more

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Reasonable prices and lots of fresh fish! Quick and friendly service! Beer and wine. Very family friendly. My only drawback is I prefer to eat with real utensils and not plastic, but food is great! I had combo shrimp and oysters fried and it was delicious! read more

Fast service, great food! You can also buy fresh seafood from their market. Bring your own catch and they'll will cook it up for you!

As a former Doctor Who fan, I can say without a doubt that Joe's is a TARDIS of a restaurant. Not much to look at in the outside, but DAMN does she open up and clean up on the inside. This place appears to be owned and operated by some very hard-working vatos bringing fresh seafood to locals and tourists alike. White collar, blue collar - you will see both here. We had some fresh oysters - meaty and briny - a great start to the meal. I had the Nick's Plate, which normally comes fried, but I was offered the grilled option. Score. Perfectly seasoned and prepared flounder accompanied by grilled shrimp, grilled oysters, and stuffed crab. Amazing! We also had the Stuffed Jalapeño- something unique to this establishment - a gigantic jalapeño stuffed with seafood (shrimp, fish, and crab), lightly beaded and fried. It is HUGE and worth every penny. The service here was great - hard workers who look out for their customers and make sure they want to come back again. We certainly do. read more

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Definitely the best meal we've had during our stay at SPI. Everything was fresh, cooked/prepared perfectly and affordable. We were however shocked by the price of their oysters. $28.99 for a dozen oysters on a half shell is outrageous! They were fresh alright but man, were they expensive! Aside from the oysters, we also tried the following: * Crab fingers - grilled and dipped in butter is the way to go. Yum! * Fried shrimp platter * Joey's deluxe seafood platter * Grilled fish, shrimp and oyster platter All the meals were served with fries, coleslaw and dinner roll. Everything was fresh and delicious. Service was good. All the staff were really nice and helpful. This is one place we will definitely come visit the next time we're in the area but I'll make sure to check their price for oysters first. read more

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Joe's does it right, EVERY TIME. Been coming here for years I am originally from Brownsville, Texas and happy to say you will not be disappointed dining here. This family owned business takes great pride in what they do and you can taste it in every dish. Had the great pleasure of having the crab fingers as an appetizer, it normally comes with cocktail sauce but I recommend asking for a side of melted butter to dip those babies in. Their menu has an array of seafood options and is sure to tickle anyone's fancy. The service was nothing short of excellent. Super attentive and friendly. This place is deeply rooted in the community, you'll notice locals all around and for good reason. Super welcoming, relaxed ambiance, and great food, what's not to like? Joe's remains a mandatory go-to when I'm hitting up the island. Support local! read more

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The first time we tried this restaurant and we love it the food was delicious and grate service this is a grate sea food restaurant read more

Joe's Oyster Bar - Boil shrimp - Seafood Near Me - Port Isabel, Texas

The spot where the fishermen go! You can order fresh seafood, or bring your catch in for the staff to cook any way you'd like. Can't go wrong with the Joey's Deluxe Seafood platter. Recommend grilled. Two fish fillets, 4 shrimp, 4 oysters, and a stuffed crab. All for $16! Oh and with fries and coleslaw. read more

Joe's Oyster Bar - Outdoor entrance - Seafood Near Me - Port Isabel, Texas

Best meal we've had on our beach trip! Joe's sat us immediately, service was friendly and efficiently fun, and food was out quicker than ever! I had the seafood sampler, my son had shrimp and my wife had grilled sampler. All were the best seafood (or meal period) we had on trip. So tasty! Sauces were ample and a great complement to the food. About the only thing not great was the roll but put it to the side and enjoy all the other delicious items! Great restaurant! Beware of the road construction out front of business as road is shut down but you can park behind building and it's well worth it read more

Joe's Oyster Bar - Seafood sampler plate - Seafood Near Me - Port Isabel, Texas

They messed up my carry-out order and I didn't realize it until I got back home. I ordered the GRILLED fish, shrimp & oysters combo. What i got was FRIED everything. So dissapointed. Dirty Als is better and I've never had them get my order wrong. read more

Food was good, shrimp on the small side. Cole slaw and fries were good, grilled oysters are exceptional! Will go back, servers are friendly.

Someone recommended this place and I'm so glad they did. I don't think I've tasted such great grilled shrimp. My husband had oysters on the half shell and was very prayed as well. The staff were very pleasant and attentive. The restaurant was full of people-speaks to the quality. read more

The food was good and servers were attentive. For a fish market I would expect more selection of fresh fish and better quality. The peel and eat shrimp were mediocre and we had to ask for things to accompany the food often. I would go back and give it another tr. read more

This place is a dive bar and includes a little deli/meat market to buy fresh seafood and other foods. From the outside, it appears small but once inside, there are plenty of tables to sit. We went in the early evening, right before the major dinner rush. When we arrived, a gentleman directed us to find a table and a waiter would come to take our order. I settled on the Grilled Nathan Special, which includes 1 fish fillet, 1 crab cake and 4 shrimp. That comes with coleslaw and French fries. Everything was delicious. No complaints at all. Overall, based on atmosphere, food and service, I think 4 stars is sufficient. read more

Joe's Oyster Bar - Grilled Nathan Special - Flounder, crab cake and shrimp with coleslaw, French fries and a dinner roll - Seafood Near Me - Port Isabel, Texas

Everything was amazing, from the ambiance to the employees... the small town island vibes and fresh seafood did not disappoint! The oysters, grilled shrimp, and grilled fish filets tasted so fresh and the coleslaw and French fries were the perfect pairing. Definitely recommend read more

You can tell the employees are very proud, they are very friendly. Expect a wait time even with the additional seating it was constantly full. The oysters are very fresh not fishy and served with every condiment, including their homemade hot sauce, which we bought two bottles. It was so delicious. Was not a fan of the fried oysters however they were not fishy, but I might just not like fried oysters. I would go back there just for the Mexican shrimp cocktail. It was delicious fresh not fishy. Every bite was amazing. read more

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Four of us for lunch. Great greeting, service. Fried shrimp were over cooked and so tough! Chicken fingers hard encased in batter. Skimpy, skimpy shrimp poboy. The worst part, were the throw away dishes and cups. Styrofoam. So sad for the environment. read more

The service is excellent, and quick. It's very homie feeling. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. It fits right in with the port Isabell vibes. The food is amazing I recommend the "Big shrimp" and the grilled crab cakes. Food is fresh flavorful, and worth coming over and over again for. read more

Joe's Oyster Bar - Big shrimp plater - Seafood Near Me - Port Isabel, Texas

This charming and laid back spot is a true gem in port Isabel. Wonderful location near the lighthouse, the food is beyond fresh, the menu is varied and the service is top notch. Food arrives quickly and piping hot, overall a fabulous experience. Special mention to crab fingers and market price items. read more

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Joe's is super solid! We were staying at an RV resort 20 Miles from here and a couple fellows told us about this place in Port Isabel. They said it was good, and they weren't lying! Seafood platters are amazing, and they don't break the bank. The oysters are reasonably priced also. On Wednesday you can get a dozen for $10, but they are noticeably smaller than the other days, but for $10 a dozen you can't complain too much. This place is great. read more

Went to joes yesterday for early dinner, it's fresh seafood, and all other things doesn't matter!! As soon you enter, strong smell of ocean welcomes you which isn't pleasant, you go inside they have two dinning rooms, with patio, patio wasn't open yesterday, we order grilled fish platter, fish and shrimp platter(fried), stuffed crab and fried shrimp. Everything was fresh and cooked perfectly, I'm not a fan of styrofoam plates, but definitely a fan of fresh seafood, so dint mind styrofoam. This is definitely not a fancy place, service was good, overall if you like fresh seafood, definitely check this place out, you won't be disappointed read more

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Super fresh seafood and great service! The crab fingers were my favorite -- perfectly cooked and full of flavor. Can't wait to go back!

This is the quintessential seafood restaurant, all business no fluff. It's about the seafood. Plenty of parking. read more

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What a delightful find! Thank you Yelp. This is a no apologies, old style fish house. Fresh seafood. Attentive service. Good sanitation. Good team work. I ordered a grilled plate of fish (Flounder), shrimp and oysters. Hot food, served hot from the grill. read more

Joe's Oyster Bar - Grilled Flounder, shrimp and oysters. - Seafood Near Me - Port Isabel, Texas

Great place to eat. Awesome service, food & atmosphere. The oysters on half shell so so good! Order extra horse radish! read more

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The staff was very friendly and did a great job. This is absolutely a dive and the good kind. Food was excellent and had a wonderful experience read more

This place is amazing. Today was my second time here. The first time was Tuesday morning and we walked right in and were sat at a table. Today, we walked in to a line. We waited only 10 minutes though. We got 1/2 dozen oysters and a pound of boiled shrimp to start us off. The oysters were so fresh and the shrimp was so good. For lunch we ordered a fish and shrimp plate and a shrimp po boy. They both came with coleslaw and fries as a side. The coleslaw was so tasty. The fries are a little soggy but still good. I prefer mine crispy. The fish was so soft and fresh. I love that it was crispy on the outside but broke apart in your mouth. The shrimp were also crispy. There was a bandq there today playing music. I loved everything about this place. I even bought a truckers hat as a souvene 10/10 recommend. read more

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Oh man! Old School Gulf Coast! Going,going,gone! These places are few and far in-between. If your goal is to have your mind blown by just out of the water fresh seafood,this is it! The crab cakes I would put up against any no matter the restaurant or price! Unbelievable and a must order. Everything else,Perfect! Fried shrimp,flounder etc. I ate a dozen oysters by myself. Haven't had any that fresh in decades. These guys are friendly and have an attached seafood market with lovely products ready to take. Back. A huge.... Must Go! read more

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