Definitely time for an update. Long story short, Go! Shortys was opened in 1946 and is the oldest bar on the island. But those are just basic dry facts and the history of Shortys is far from basic and dry. Most recently,Shortys survived yet another drenching by a hurricane. This one was one of the worst in Texas history. Somehow,this little wooden structure survived when cement ones down the street were totaled. Somehow,the person that owned the ground below Shortys decided not to renew the lease. Believe me when I say, it was controversial on the island, is an understatement. So,the owner did the right thing. Found another spot and moved the building there After months of closure,repair,add on etc. Shortys next life began. This is my first trip down since it reopened so I just had to go. Walking in,you just can't believe it's exactly the same after surviving a hurricane and being moved. Wow! The old original floor boards are there as proof and a constant reminder to never loose faith and where there's a will there's a way Definite Big GO! read more

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The dive bar on the Island is exactly what this imagine. Guys playing pool in the back and strong drinks getting made in the front. Happy hour prices can't be beat in a vacation town... read more

The service here was the UNfriendliest we have experienced at Port A, maybe because we were not as pale as the regulars....

Returned to Shorties. Just missed their 80th Anniversary by a few days. Shorties doesn't serve food, just good beer and a place to unwind and talk with friends. The bar service is tops. If you find your way in the vicinity of Port Aransas, Shorties is a Dive bars Dive bar. Love this place. read more

We were really glad to have found a place open past 9pm in Port A, and upon entering it looked like where the locals might hang. For a Tuesday night, it was busy but not hard to find a table. We were down in Port A with family who traveled here from out of state. Unfortunately, while we were hoping to show off Texas hospitality, we were met instead with what was either unhappiness at our non-local presence, or straight bigotry from both the staff and patrons. We stayed, enjoyed terribly made cocktails and played pool and ignored it all. If you're white, you'd probably have more fun here. I really hadn't experienced this here in Texas until Shorty's. So sad. read more

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Anyone who doesn't leave this place 5 stars doesn't deserve to be on the island of Port Aransas. I've never had a bad night here. Or morning. Or afternoon. Great drinks, great music, free pool, you can smoke inside, and a fantastic patio. Go fuck yourself non 5 star losers read more

The hats were the cutest thing I ever seen in a dive bar.they were all over the ceiling; I have never seen anything like this before. read more

Shorty's Place - Hats inside. - Dive Bars Near Me - Port Aransas, Texas

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It was so hot in this small place. The bartender was trying her hardest to get everyone's drinks out. She was great but other than that, it's a local joint to just chill with friends. Nothing fancy. read more

Shorty's Place - Dive Bars Near Me - Port Aransas, Texas

An out-of-the-way hidden gem. The owner is very sweet and her cheese bread and pizza are amazing plus array of offerings on her menu. We will definitely return. read more

We were told this was a great place to come for a cold beer. We were told there's a Bartender by the name Ann,unfortunately, she was not there and unfortunately the one who was there was very unfriendly (actually down right rude) It did not take long for us to realize that outsiders were not welcome. I urge anyone not familiar with them to stay away. They will treat you like crap. read more

Shorty's is well... beachy, divey, and a local nirvana. Many local's drop by here and there is definitely a neighborhood bar feel. If you haven't been before, it is worth a drop in. I have popped in a few times over the years when we venture to Port A and the good news is that wasn't destroyed in the Hurricane a few years back. They often have something going on, on their back porch. This time around it was a crawfish boil. We had a pass on that, however we did sit up at the bar and have a few cold beers. The service was friendly, however, I was with my bro in law, who knows everyone in the world down in these parts. Don't be ordering any manhattan's or the like, just get a shot of tequila or whysky. We visited with the owner and there is apparently a rumor/factoid that the bar itself will be moving... the whole building that is. Hopefully, if they do, the will remove all the ceiling hats and other knick knacks and give it a good clean. If you are a little freakish about cobwebs and the like hanging from the thousands of ball caps stuck to the ceiling, you may want to make this a pass. Or sit out front or back. It is part of the charm, but if a flame hit any of this, the bar would light up in minutes due to the lint etc around the place. They have a pool table and a juke box blaring tunes out, that are danceable, which we found fun. This is beach wear, beach vibe and carefree environment, so no Karen's please, I'm sure you will find something to complain about. It was humorous to see a couple of tied up business, off work HH types playing some of the worst pool I have ever seen.. but that is what's great about the space, since they were having fun as was everyone else. It will always be a stop in when we are in town. read more

Shorty's Place - Hats... and... HATS - Dive Bars Near Me - Port Aransas, Texas

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The owner of our RV park suggested this stop. "If you like to drink (we do), if you love finding whole in the wall places (which we do), and if dive bars are on your list of where the locals drink..... Shorty's is your place. It's worth the stop just to see the hats that have been hanging from the ceiling for 20 years!! read more

Grungy dive bar, grumpy bar tender. Cold beer, no A/C. We stayed for one drink, it was just too hot inside and outside there was not much seating in the shade. read more

Service was not what I expected. She was friendly to the regulars, but not to the tourists. Never ask if we needed another beer as She ask the gentleman next to me if he needed another drink. She never made us feel welcome or wanted. This place maybe the oldest but today was NOT the friendliest. So sorry!!!!! read more

Port A's Oldest and Friendliest! This place seems to be where all the locals go and everyone knows their name. It seems to be a lot of regulars here- maybe that's why there's so many hats stuck to the ceiling. I swear, the entire ceiling is filled with baseball caps, all dusty from the last seventy years or so of people coming in and drinking. When I went, they had a full bar, and accepted credit cards! Shots all around! They had a good selection, and the prices were quite reasonable. The beer was cold, and Lone Star was served in long necks. I happened on to a kickin' island band when I went! Yehaw! Parking was easy- there's a big dedicated lot, along with another bar next door if you need to liven things up a bit. It's a cool dive bar- you can take your beers outside, where the weather is generally good out in Port A. This place is a nice change from drinking on the beach! My favorite thing about this place is that it was mentioned in the song, "Gulf Coast Romance" by Luke Olson. Wear your best tank top! read more

The lady that was bartending was very drunk or on drugs.. seems like she couldn't comprehend anything. And she was pretty rude to us but nice to the regulars. 6/14/24 I really like dive bars but the service completely ruined it for that place. read more

For a dive bar at the coast... I'll give it a 5 stars! Yes, it's still standing after Hurricane Harvey (Fri/Sat 25-26 Aug 17)... and opened just a few days later... been serving Port A since 1946! Shorty's... "The Oldest and Friendliest"... is the place to see and be seen with the local crowd. Last time I stopped in, I ran into four friends from out of town... all were down there working separately post Hurricane Harvey. It's open air with a nice porch in the front and on the side... so you've been warned, no A/C... it's a dive! Let's say about 20 years ago, I would get a kick out of watching the old lady watching over the young boys that would come in. She would sit in the window at night. I told my husband that was going to be me one day! Ha! The original owner passed away, then her grandson Brian came back in town to take over for a few years... ... and yes, you can still find Brian behind the bar during the day although the bar is now owned by another... and with those changes came liquor and credit cards. (I could swear it was beer and cash only in the old days.) Domestic Beer is $2.25 HH $3.25 regular hours. Jukebox is internet... AND has a photo both app on it! How fun is that? (see pic). Sometimes you can find live bands or karaoke at night. For me tho, people watching is the best entertainment! *Note* Watch your step... the floor is buckled in several places and who is looking down to see the bright orange strips warning you... Lol... it has to be great entertainment for the locals watching everyone, including me, trip around the bar. Ha! *Note* If you are not into dirty dive bars, pass this place on up... quit complaining that it's old, it's cluttered, blah blah blah... it is what it is... Cheers! read more

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If you want to get a taste of local life while in port a, this is the spot for it! This dive bar is filled with locals who are regulars, making for such a great community vibe. There is live music on the patio where everyone sings along. Good selection of drinks, and they also had a jambalaya for sale! read more

Popped in here for a quick beer.Heavy on the local drinkers.Probably need a thick skin to hang out for a session.Not moaning being an ex smoker,but better ventilation could have kept me there longer.A dump to be sure.Dusty hats and cobwebs on all the pig collection.BUT...bartender was spot on and friendly.Prices seemed normal.Not for date night! read more

(note: I accidentally posted this for the wrong yet near by place with the same name. Trying to fix as this was a great place!) My first impression was this place is owned by an organized hoarder. The ceiling is covered in dingy caps and there is a wall with everything pig (stuffed animals, ceramics, spam cans etc). This bar is pretty small inside. The doors and windows are opened in the evening, making the live music on the patio more than audible. They didn't charge a cover at the door and had an awesome band playing. There is one employee and they stick behind the bar so if you want to order, you will have to get off your happy butt and order it from the bar. With cheap drinks, relaxed vibe and good music, this was easily my favorite bar in Port A so far. Tip: Bring cash, it's the only form of payment excepted. read more

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Classic salty dog esque tavern. Good dive bar, live music juju. You can enter no shoes Not sure about the shirt, though. Colorful pig collection, huge irreverent Bhudda on the bar. Cheap stiff toddies. Yum yum frozen Jell-O shots. Colorful local young ladies behind bar. A friendly, locals meets tourist place. You just gotta experience it for yourself. read more

Shorty's Place - Dive Bars Near Me - Port Aransas, Texas

Definitely a local bar non chain. Just small bar, if your looking for basic low profile drinks with locals and maybe even after work atmosphere with sprinkled in tourist this is the spot. read more

fun place to grab a beer and mix with locals...nothing fancy, but a fun dive bar...i'll be back

Spent a weekend in Port A and hit up Shorty's all three day/night. Loves the hospitality and Hazel was a top notch sever both days we were there. She made great drinks, was very personable and was very attentitive. I would highly recommend Shorty's. Locals are great! read more

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Particular about wearing your mask. Great service, drinks and fun. We had a great time! Excellent hole in the wall.

Use to love Shorty's and would never miss a trip without coming by. Not anymore. Last trip my daughter stood waiting for the bartender to wait in her well over 10 minutes and being ignored. This place is NOT big. She was 6 feet away from the bitter older bartender who was having a personal conversation with three regulars and didn't care to acknowledge anyone around. When my daughter walked over between the group and asked for assistance she received a "excuse me, I'm talking over here reply" and an eye roll from the old bag. The oldest bar in Port A is not the place to be any longer. Take down the dusty hats from the ceiling, pack up the pigs and close. It was a good ride but not with the current owner. read more

Just a great beach dive!!! Don't miss this spot for a great time. Really captures the soul of the community.

Shorty's is a great old family run dive bar right off the marina in Port A. Cheap beer, a great jukebox, cheap pool tables, and quirky regulars -need I say more...... warning - cash only and doesn't have a full bar read more

You like dive bars with character out the a**? This is the real damn deal. A must for those seeking off the beaten path! read more

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This bar is like something you would see on Travel channel.Oldest and friendliest the sign reads. It is exactly that established in 1946. Down to earth casual neighbor bar. There are Koozies above the bar for the regulars. When you look up your amazed to see tons of hats hanging from the ceiling. I had to ask how it all got started. The story goes when the owner died someone hung there hat beside her picture. Then from that time forward people have Hung there hats out of respect. The Bartender said they have people come in looking for their Grandpa or Dads hat they hung years ago. It is only a beer bar and only excepts cash. A place ya got to see for yourself. read more

Shorty's Place - Dive Bars Near Me - Port Aransas, Texas

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Worst service I've ever seen anywhere. I rarely refuse to tip but with this kind of service I wish I could give a negative tip.

Truly the oldest and friendliest bars in Port Aransas! Everyone was welcoming. They are celebrating their 77th? Anniversary tomorrow!

Worst experience. Bartender talks me into a shot I think is disgusting tries to steal more than my 20% tip, and wont exchange the horrible shot he talked me into. eight dollars no drink a 20% tip and This guy has no business bartending. I will never go here again and if this guy isn't fired soon I will never go to Giggities again either. read more

Best live music on the island BUTTT the bartender was suuuper rude to us, which sucked. read more

Good however young blonde waitress working tonight needs to work on customer service. Was rude

Great local dive bar! Very friendly bar tenders, fun crowd, and nice live music. The frozen Jell-O shots are delish. Top ambiance and decor. Your visit to Port A would be incomplete if you didn't check out Shorty's. read more

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They say friendly but my 3 friends came by spoke to bartender and tried to be friendly and I would have to say more of the unfriendly bar would be be a better description so we had one drink and left. read more

5 stars for being the best hole-in-the-wall bar on the island! Customer service is good. Good prices and vibe. I would highly recommend it if you like these types of bars. read more

Best part of this bar is the fact they play Garth Brooks. Otherwise, not a fan. Super expensive. Not good. Dirty. Won't be returning.

Terrible service. Somehow it cost $20 for two drinks. Bartender seems mentally challenged. Covered in dust and dirt and stinks. No thanks.