Beyond BBQ: The Best of Corpus Christi's Food Scene

Texas is justifiably proud of its reputation for first-class BBQ, and Corpus Christi is no exception. But that's only one part of the area's diverse food scene that includes both traditional and modern cuisine styles.

Our Springs at Corpus Christi staff is sharing their suggestions for some of the best dining around. Which ones get your taste buds watering?

Best Burgers

J.P. Bombers
6109 McArdle Rd
361.334.0067

Everything's bigger in Texas, including the gut-busting burgers found at this no-frills eatery. Customer favorites include the Atomic Burger, topped with cheese, bacon, grilled onions and jalapeños, and the Cheezy Bomb Burger, with two grilled cheese sandwiches standing in for the bun. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Best Fusion

Z Counter
1220 Airline Rd
361.991.1115

Fusion continues to be one of the hottest dining trends, and Z Counter takes it to a whole new level. Asian flavors like Korean, Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese are blended with a sprinkling of Cajun and Creole. Try a Mongolian cheesesteak with a side of sesame tater tots, or dive into a bowl of Creole fried rice with crawfish tails, andouille sausage, fried okra, peppers and jalapeños. Z Counter is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m.

Best Cafe

Hester's Cafe
1714 S Alameda St
361.885.0558

Once upon a time there was a pair of high school sweethearts with a dream. One became a baker, the other became a chef, and the result is Hester's Cafe. This charming restaurant serves top quality, made from scratch omelets, sandwiches and salads. The showcase displays a revolving selection of Hester's freshly baked desserts and pastries such as cheesecakes, muffins and cookies. Hours are 7 a.m. through 3 p.m. every day but Sunday. There are two additional locations in Lamar Park and the Art Museum.

Best Tapas

Dragonfly
14701 S Padre Island Dr
361.949.2224

Tapas is a classic form of dining in Spain that inspired the small plates trend. Dragonfly's menu includes a creative selection of hot and cold tapas that are perfect for sharing. Dishes include caramelized bacon with spicy pralines, pig wings with panang coconut curry sauce and Texas fondue served with tortilla chips. Dragonfly is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Friday and dinner only on Saturday.

Best Date Restaurant

Luciano's
1821 S Alameda
361.882.3191

What's more romantic than sharing a bowl of pasta and a bottle of red wine? Even if you've been married for years, you'll fall in love all over again at Luciano's. Start off with a traditional antipasto before a luscious meal of linguine with clam sauce or fettuccine Alfredo. Lunch and dinner are served each weekday with dinner service only on Saturday.

Do you have a personal "best" restaurant to add to the list? Tell us about it in the comments!