The Mariner — Restaurant in Corpus Christi

This has got to be one of the best restaurants in Corpus Christi. The food is 10 outta 10, I have been there once (but have friends that love it as well) and I can already say it’s a 5 star restaurant/bar. First off the red snapper dip is probably one of the best entrees I’ve ever had, the snapper is smoked and mixed into a sauce mixture of dill pickle, spices, herbs, and even a hint of jalapeño, then you get a generous portion of sliced garlic bread to dip into the slammin snapper dip. I explain because I couldn’t take a picture but it’s something everyone should at least taste, you could hate fish and still love that for real it’s not too fishy at all, but moving on I’ve seen some of the drinks which I can’t wait to try, but I’ve heard they have some amazing concoctions as well behind the bar. And then to make your mouth water…their braised ribs are ridiculous. Gordon Ramsey would be impressed… their mix of fresh bold flavors soaked into the ribs that are slow cooked so well they almost melt in your mouth. Also if you see the pictures, you can see they are sliced as well so you don’t even have to worry about the bone, and the sauce is a house made cajan aioli that is insane in itself. Everything here is as fresh as you can get, and to top it off the main chef Eric, designed and has mastered these dishes himself, to a perfection. If you want to eat like luxury…or just wanna have some of the best food you’ve ever had in general…just go to the Mariner. I will be getting more pictures of the inside for sure, it’s outstanding. To top allll of this off it is literally on the water, and the only way to enter is through the downstairs boutique, turn left through the hallway and you’ll see a warm lit staircase just waiting to be climbed ;) It is a treasure of Corpus, and once again I believe anyone who can spend at least 30 should definitely go and...

The Mariner feels like an upscale dive bar, located on the second floor of a houseboat above a gift shop. It's an adults-oriented bar with tapas dishes. Based on the reviews, I had high expectations and went out of my way to go here. I had expected something a bit more elegant, although the food itself was anything but pedestrian. I envisioned something more akin to fine dining, especially considering the price. The restaurant is small, but the tables are smaller, making it difficult to fit all the plates. The service itself was fine, what you would expect from a bar restaurant (mostly bar), and a bit slow.

The food itself looked great, but it just wasn’t that good, and we were HUNGRY! I expected to like it a lot more than I did, considering the ratings and the photos. It seems like a great bar to have a drink and get a small bite, but if you're looking for an elegant seafood restaurant, you should avoid it. I came for the food, and while I have no specific complaints, it didn't resonate with me in terms of value or vibe.

On a side note, I was amazed at how quickly and how much food they produced from the seemingly tiny kitchen. It appears to be a small business, and they were working hard. I wish...

From the moment we arrived, it was clear that the staff at this restaurant truly loves what they do. The food is absolutely exquisite! We sampled a variety of appetizers and main dishes, and I can confidently say you can’t go wrong with any choice. The lamb sliders were simply outstanding, and the coconut crème brûlée was a delightful treat.

Each dish we tried, including the octopus, scallop ceviche, beef tartare, and snapper dip, was nothing short of amazing. Our server, Andy, was attentive and made our dining experience even more enjoyable. A highlight was when the head chef came out to showcase his impressive skills, which was a real treat. The mixologist also impressed us, crafting drinks that were perfection in a glass.

This place is an absolute gem in Corpus Christi, and I highly recommend it. Just be mindful that seating is limited, so making a reservation is advisable, although they do welcome walk-ins. You won’t be...