Catfish Charlies Corpus Christi, TX

     With a vast area encompassing Portland, Rockport, North Beach, Padre Island, and the entire bay region Corpus Christi offers literally dozens of restaurants for seafood dining.  In fact they come and go seasonally.  For over 30 years this establishment has been a cornerstone to Corpus Christi culture.  Generations of families have frequented this place, including my parents for the years they 'wintered' at Rockport.  I did not want to follow the 'retiree craze dining trail', but was looking for a good, sit down, dining experience offering the best of local cuisine.   Catfish Charlie's is just such a place. 
     Located very much on the Hwy 358 corridor exiting at the corner of Airline and McArdle , it is a pretty easy commute from anywhere in the bay area.  This area consists largely of a strip mall so you have to look carefully to spot it.  Barb and I visited here on a Thursday so as to avoid the weekend crowd and 'Winter Texans' this time of year.  Actually, I guess we qualify as 'Winter Texans' now as well. 

 

     The atmosphere is very down home, relaxing with a long, high ceiling dining area and tables covered with red/white checkered table cloths that add to the comfortable feel.  Although I came here on the advice of great catfish the menu quickly led me to believe that great Cajun food is available here as well. 

 



     We both got large ice teas and were treated to a basket of some of the best hushpuppies I have ever had.  Barb also ordered a basket of fried dill pickle spears w/ranch which I must admit were pretty tasty. 

 



 

     Giving in to our Cajun desires Barb ordered the Catfish Po Boy and I went with the Oyster Po Boy with a side cup of Seafood Gumbo.  When the food arrived we were both a bit overwhelmed.  The portions are very generous with Steak Fries and Coleslaw.  The Seafood Gumbo?  As delicious as any I have ever tasted.  Both sandwiches were served on a whole wheat hoagie style bun with lettuce, tomato, and dressing and were 'Hmmmm-Doggee-Good' as well as the coleslaw.  The catfish is cornmeal breaded and fried to a delicious moistness.  The oysters are fresh, battered, and fried perfectly. Of course half the meal required a 'to go' box cause there was no way we were going to destroy this feast in one sitting. 

 

 



     The servers are very friendly and efficient.  The manager made a trip around to us once just to share some thoughts on the food and service.  She told me she loves oysters as well and always gets a side of extras just to fill up her sandwich.  Our total came to just under $30, pretty reasonable for fresh food served in such generous proportions.  This place gets 4 stars!  Ok Mom, you were right, Catfish Charlies is one place well worth trying when in the Rockport Corpus Christi area! 

  

http://www.catfishcharlies.net/

 

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