Jake's Restaurant & Bar

A Hidden Gem with the Best Beef Tacos in Town! 🌮🔥 I've been to Jake's Restaurant and Bar five times now, and I have to say—I've found my go-to dish. On my first visit, I ordered the Mexican plate, which came with one beef taco 🌮. That one taco was so good that every visit since, I’ve taken to ordering the three beef taco entrée—because one taco 🌮 just wasn’t enough! These tacos 🌮 are packed with flavor—the spices, the way the beef is cooked, and the generous portions of fresh ingredients make every bite amazing. I like to add sour cream and guacamole, and with a side of rice and my choice of refried or charro beans, it’s always a hearty, satisfying meal. And at just $12? Absolute steal! Beyond the food, the service is top-notch. The servers are attentive, friendly, and quick to offer recommendations. A server nicknamed Cricket has helped me multiple times and always made me feel welcome—asking about my time here, where I’m from, and making sure I had everything I needed. One standout moment: They let me bring my dog, Samantha, into the bar area on a warm 85-degree day. We both got to enjoy the A/C, some amazing tacos 🌮, and a relaxing time at the bar. That kind of hospitality is rare and much appreciated! If you're looking for great food, excellent service, and a welcoming atmosphere, Jake’s is a must-visit. And trust me—get the three beef tacos! 🌮🌮🌮

Amazing food!!! I got the seafood platter, and it was soooo much food. Everything tasted amazing! We also ordered the spicy pickle fries as an appetizer, and they were just as good. The service was exceptional. The staff was very attentive and kept our drinks full. I would highly recommend grabbing some food here!

My wife and I stopped by for the inaugural breakfast. The food was fantastic. My wife had the Migas and I had the Chilaquiles. She also got a side of hash browns and a Mimosa. As expected, the service was a little slower than normal because the turnout was much better than expected.

Went for lunch and wasn't too busy. The food was the best we had on the island, and the drink was mixed strong. The waiter was very helpful. Able to order food that was safe for a person with tree nut and peanut allergies. Would definitely recommend and would go back next time we're on SPI.

Available vegan/vegetarian options. Friendly local folks for service. Service can be improved by asking before taking the unfinished dishes away. Good restrooms. Nice portions.

We needed a place to eat after spending the day at the beach with the dog, and we came across Jake’s. The best part of our visit was our server, R-knee, he was a joy to talk to and made our experience top tier. He came with friendliness and great recommendations. Our food was very tasty as well. Would definitely come back again!

I came here with my mom for lunch. We wanted a simple and delicious fish sandwich and that’s what we got. I also needed a dog friendly place as we had my dog, so that was great. The service was great, and the food was excellent. We both ordered the fish po boys. I also appreciated that the bread for the sandwiches was not extremely thick like most po boys. The restaurant had a nice layout, and we’re glad to have discovered this place. We will be back!

Good place if you don't have any specifc cravings. They have a little bit of everything and it was all good. The fries especially were amazingly good! It's quieter in the morning/afternoon if you just want to enjoy the food instead of the bar.

Went here on a Tuesday night around 8 pm. We were the only ones in the place although another family did come in for dinner before we were quite done. I was a little apprehensive about the food based on the occupancy of the restaurant but it was a pleasant surprise. My husband really enjoyed his chicken fried steak and loved the sides esp the green beans that came with it. I had the beef enchiladas and these were really good as well. Kids had the typical chicken tenders and fries and they were a little different than other places, the breading was like a chicken nugget style. They seemed to like it. Ambiance is casual. While our servers were nice the main lady who took our orders neglected to refill our drinks and was a little inattentive during dinner service. For example took half our drink orders than walked away. Prices were fair. Would stop by again if on SPI.

Ponchos, chili, fish tacos all great entries, service was great. I would recommend it to everyone!! Live entertainment on Fridays and football all the time..

I have no idea why this isn't one of the top places to eat at in SPI! The food was absolutely amazing! Everything was great! The shrimp and fries, the mahi had great flavor, the quesadillas were very good, and grilled cheese was great for a kids choice. All of these had great sides and great condiments that came with the food (sour cream, salsa, guacamole) Food came out fresh and fast, restaurant was nice and cold, clean, and spacious. Our server was absolutely amazing. Ask for Mario! He's very prompt, nice, and informative! You will not be disappointed!

Our favorite dinner on SPI! Jakes is just so solid. Every plate was a hit! The restaurant theme is a boat, and deck. The menu tends toward oysters and po boys with a side offering of Mexican entrees. They all deliver. We had the special plate gumbo, the fish po boy served with the best french fried ever, and the chicken fajitas. All solid well made meals. Just good food. Even my beans were delishish. The tortilla came out warm and rolled up. The mexi-rice was on point. Prices are reasonable for a vacation island. And service was good. I saw the staff hustling to re-arrange tables to accommodate large groups twice during our meal. I included pics of our dishes, as well as the super adorbs sea turtle on our wall, and the funny Ms Pac Man machine that looks like it got unplugged in 1982 and left there

Just visited this spot for dinner to see how it was, & it wasn't too bad. I enjoyed my chicken fried chicken with a loaded baked potato. Mi apa didn't care to much for his shrimp meal, but everyone's different. Service was good, waitress did a great job so thanks Jakes for a nice dinner. Kids liked their meals too.

Local grill that seemed to serve about as many locals as tourists. Tasty burgers and piping hot fries sent out quickly. The Missus and I craved burgers at the same time, which happens about once a decade. Meaning, she eats one every decade. Jake's hit the spot. We got the 1/2 lb Angus burgers, she choosing mushrooms and I getting grilled red onions. The mushrooms were fresh not canned, nice. I've never had grilled red onions but they worked. Regular and sweet potato fries were fine, and most importantly, served piping hot. As all fries should be. The hostess was a real delight, a casual, friendly older lady, and our younger waitress was also friendly and super nice. Jake's sits on SPI's main drag and we sat on the patio watching a colorful scene of vehicles heading off the island. Lifted trucks, loud music from cars with yelling/laughing people, and the remnants of people who'd gathered for Jeep's go topless day (some nice vehicle modifications for sure $$$). Full bar and drinks (except the toity hoity ones) were cheaper than other places on the island.

Amazing food, best margarita on the island. Homemade food done to perfection. Blackened Fish Taco with Chipotle Mango Aioli is my personal favorite. Oysters on the 1/2 shell - awesome!!

Wanted someplace we hadn't been to and that wouldn't take all night so we stopped here. It's a typical bar/restaurant place. The staff were friendly. The menu s decent - mostly fried fish and Mexican cuisine. I tried the fried shrimp and fries. Both were fine - nothing bad about them and nothing remarkable. My wife tried the 1/2 lb cheeseburger and fries. The hamburger bun was very good - it was light. The burger was good - and big. All in all - an average place - nothing to complain about and nothing to write home about.

Great food! Excellent service! Large portions! Favorite place to eat on the island. Highly recommend!

The food was raw I actually threw up that night all the food they made the service was bad she wasn't attentive and the manager Jake over charged us for no reason honestly i wondered to myself why is it empty now I know why honestly first and last time the bar was better established than this restaurant

Literally the worst food I think we've ever eaten. The service was good and the food arrived quickly but we all left hungry and wishing we had just gone to McDonalds. Do not waste your money.

So disappointed in the customer service here. We arrived and the moment we stepped in an older woman pretty much told us and I quote "look I just seated some people so if you leave leave" so pretty much do go here they don't need anyone's business here so leave.

Visiting S Padre for the first time I was super hungry after getting off of a 5 hour fishing excursion found this restaurant that had very little wait time. We were a party of 11 with children 5 and up. Our waitress was very attentive and polite. We all ordered a variety of different dishes. Hamburgers, enchiladas, seafood such as fish shrimp and oysters. With side salads. I have to be honest that the two combined tabs were $350. The food was not worth it. The shrimp were soaked in oil and tasteless. The enchiladas were taco meat to best describe. The little one bit off the cheeseburgers and left them. The baked potato was brown in color definitely did not taste good. The only things that were fresh and tasty was the salads and the strawberry daiquiri. I'm very disappointed. Not sure if I would allow another chance at these prices. A lot of money to literally leave on the table. I was so impressed with the service I could not believe the food was presented as such

Great service ! Rude manger tho terrible attitude . Old lady who was racist to us . She asked us if we were Mexican and threatened to call ICE Food was super great .

The food is good. But not something I would always crave. I definitely would recommend just because of the super friendly staff and great service. We just got out from the beach and were damp and the lady at the front didn't hesitate to turn off the ceiling fan. Totally her idea! She was awesome for that.

So yum highly recommend. My family and i loved our meals the service was great:) Best restaurant in Padre in my opinion!

First time I went there by myself (a Sat. nite) and it was really good. The place was busy but the wait wasn't too long and the food was great. Took the whole family back the next night based on that experience and ended up apologizing to them for taking them there. I was ready to pay the tab for food I hadn't gotten just to get out of there. Doesn't matter how good the food is, an hour and a half for 2 burgers and three sandwiches (two were kids grilled cheese) is truly awful. Never again.

We brought our own trout, which we caught that day and they prepared it and it turned out quite well. Not sure about their other menu items as we ate what we brought. Sides were Good and service was good the table we sat at felt very sticky - waitress said it was clean and that was just the nature of the sealant.

Super kind and helpful staff and good food. Also great to find a spacious patio where we could include our dog.

We had a Cuban and Corned Beef sandwiches with draft beers. Watched football and received lots of local insight from our friendly bartender.

We had a fantastic experience here. I had the Mexican plate, it was great. Others had: Chicken fried chicken Beef Enchiladas Shrimp Platter. Everyone was pleased with their meals and the service was exceptional. I'm very pleased. I'd absolutely recommend Jakes.

Great food and lots of menu options. Fried fish was great, shrimp was great. Nachos great, kids burger great. Battered mushrooms were good. Great baked potato and our server Gabe took great care of us. Very satisfied.

Have lived on SPI for 10 years now, and I must say Jakes is my new favorite. Dined there last night with my family and I was absolutely impressed with the ambiance and especially the food. Our waiter Brian was prompt and attentive. The live music was an added bonus. I ordered the Seafood platter and was blown away by the deliciousness and freshness of the food. Thank you so much Jakes for providing the kind of service, food and ambiance I have looked for in a restaurant for the past 10 years. I will return.

The food was fantastic!!! We had oysters on the half shell, cheeseburger, sweet potato fries, a shrimp basket, and a chicken strip basket. It was very clean and the staff were

Found this place as we were looking for somewhere not crowded like everywhere else on the island... thank goodness we did because we were not disappointed. The staff and service were phenomenal and the atmosphere was very laid back. Music was a bit old for my taste but still good entertainment. Food was delicious, hot and fresh. Drinks were strong which is always a plus! Recommend to anyone looking for a great spot for good food that's not a "tourist" attraction.

We had takeout from Jake's. 100% the best on the island and VERY affordable! We had the chicken fried steak and a Mexican plate. Both were delicious. The breaded mushrooms were so good! A lot of food for a low price and great customer service!

Your run of the mill family dining experience. Nothing spectacular on the menu but the staff was kind and curious and pie food was hot and good. Nice family place

A hidden gem on SPI - great bar service from Vicki and Larry. The secret that shouldn't be is their bar menu - great portions and excellent value. Always very comfortable atmosphere. Everyone visiting SPI should stop in at least once on every stay.

My family & I came to Jake's for dinner, hoping for a great bite to eat after a long day of the beach & fishing. We were skeptical of the restaurant, because of the menu off the bat. They had a wide variety of food from burgers, soup/ salad, fish & shrimp, 2 appetizers & Mexican food. The reason I bring this up is because of my keen eye for GOOD Mexican food & food in general. I'm Mexican haha. Of course, it's South Padre so I'm hoping that the Mexican side of things would be covered. We order drinks first * 1 coke - watered down, flat & had 1/4 of "Coke" flavor, had a hint of chlorine aftertaste * 2 waters - chlorine aftertaste * 2 sweet teas - tasted like powder tea & chlorine aftertaste We ordered chili con queso as an appetizer & asked our waitress what "chili" was & if that meant carne (meat). She said "yes". * queso was canned nacho cheese mixed w/ Rotel diced tomatoes & no carne I along w/ my dad & brother ordered a burger, because "it's hard to mess up a burger". Boy was I wrong. * burgers were made to specified order , but were charred on the outside & tasted frozen. Didn't actually taste like meat. * onion rings were good, but they didn't have any sauces to compliment them :/ * fries were soggy & flavorless We're a tolerable family, but that was a hard meal to swallow.

This was our first stop on the island and I have to say it was pretty bland. Nothing special stood out about the location, service, or food. Our server while pleasant did seem like he forgot about us, and the food was greasy and had no seasoning (unless you count the vegetable oil it was soaked in). I was also shocked that for almost $13 I only got five pieces of shrimp, I could have gotten a way better deal in my land locked city of San Antonio. Most likely won't be back. I do want to commend them on their cleanliness however, they were very quick to sanitize areas after each customer use. It was also great that they offer outdoor dining.

Quick service, spacious place, tasty food, simple and understandable menu. I'm from houston but next time I come down to South Padre I will definitely stop by here again!!!

We got here right when they opened on a Sunday, we had our two dogs and toddler with us and we were greeted at the door. We sat on the patio with the dogs and they loved it, the waiter even brought out a water bowl for them without us asking. Awesome service and food. I had the blackened fish tacos and my husband got the shrimp po-boy, both phenomenal. Will be back!!

My mom and I had outdoor dining during covid. It was very nice and the staff was extremely attentive. THIS PLACE IS PET FRIENDLY. The food is an average price for the island (which is pricey). The batter on their shrimp and onion rings needs more salt other than that, I had a great experience and loved the old music they played on the speakers outside.

Had the BEST service at Jakes foodies! Ask for Janey and then! Boiled shrimp, Tuesdays Mexican lunch special, margaritas, chips, salsa and delish guacamole, which had cilantro, jalapeños, and crisp chips. It was all very, very good! Pet friendly and two outdoor areas. We sat street side. The roads aren't crowded here yet...

We went here for dinner upon arriving the wait staff commented how he did want to be at work and that is about the service we got. We couldn't get any decent service and if we asked for anything such as a lime and sour cream for tacos you would get and attitude with nothing brought to the table. At check out the bill was way more than the food was worth and it took 20 mins to checkout as no one knew how to use the system. It is a beautiful location and building. I really do hope the owner can fix these issues as from talking to other guests this was not a one time experience.

Very nice mom and pop place. Loved the fried pickles. Very large portions. The chicken fried chicken was delicious

I visited Jakes on Labor Day weekend. They had outstanding service and the best fried shrimp basket I've had in a LONG time. Everyone was very friendly and our server was very attentive. Definitely recommend this place for some delicious lunch!

Food needs an upgrade but staff was nice and very accommodating. It was ok which I hate to say because I wanted to like this place.

Went back to Jake's again today for some good comfort food. Always clean, great service, friendly and amazingly delicious food. Husband order pork chops special with (2) pork chops, mashed potatoes and gravy, Italian green beans with bacon and a roll all for $8.95. It was amazingly delicious and he ate every bit of it. I had my favorite blackened mahi-mahi fish tacos with homemade mango chipotle sauce, Mexican rice and ranchero beans. Triple Yummo Yummo Yummo!

burger was delicious and huge, the bread was sort of sweet which made it even better, fries were well seasoned, if you go hopefully tim is your server, he was awesome :)

Jake's is very clean, nice furnishings, friendly staff. My burger & onion rings were very good. My son's fish po-boy was great. Spicy pickle fries were an excellent appetizer. Give this place a try.

OMG!!! I was super worried about eating here because of the mixed reviews. DO IT!!! I think this is the best dinner we had the whole time we were here on vacation. Staff was super nice & yummy food! If we ever vacation here again this will totally be a stop!

Decided to try a restaurant we had never been before. Soooo glad we did. We were a party of 4. Food & waitress were great. Ordered appetizers, Mahi-mahi, burger, shrimp and fish platter. Food came out fast and was delicious. Would definitely come back again.

Food was disappointing and a little worrisome. Waiter was nice but service needed improvement

Looked forward to eating here since we did last summer. We were told we had about a 45 minute wait, no problem! We left my cell number and went shopping across the street. After about 45 minutes, went in to check on our wait. Even told them we would happily sit outside. Confirmed my number, went to sit in the parking lot with the rest of my party of 6. An hour later, went in to check and if everything was okay. That's when we found out that they passed us up. The guy who took my number said that "the girl tried calling you, but it was the wrong number". This was after I watched him write the correct number down and confirmed it 45 minutes later. No thank you.

Out of a party of six, one person enjoyed their meal. He had a grilled cheese. Hard pass on the BLT, Club and Chicken Fried Chicken.

Looked poppin, but it was a disaster... service was s***, food was s***, my mojito & daiquiri were disgusting, the singing was just the cherry on top. Our server had our credit cards for 15 minutes saying there was problem with our cards, but he couldn't tell us what the problem was? And the food was really gross. Wouldn't recommend.

I went there about a month ago, and they have the best fish and chips I've ever had in my life. Not greasy, large thick fillets. I dined at the bar and the bartender was quite friendly. I will definitely go back.

The service (to go person) started well, but stopped when we picked up the food. And the food - no sauce enchiladas, the fish tacos were cold and dry, the onions on the tostados weren't diced, beans had more juice then beans, the guacamole was bland, and the prices were too high, especially for the food we got. Dry, dry and bland! Ugh!