The food is great , the service is great and the ambiance is great for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. And also for the Margaritas! read more

Trying new places in the area around SPI - 1 of 2 One night, I was craving something like meat loaf. One of the long running restaurants on the island - Padre Rita Grill - used to have it on their menu, at least one night a week. Padre Rita Grill has closed. It was a 3 to 4 star kind of place and it would have been convenient. In hunting around for diners, I found Bayside Cafe. It's close to TX 100, beyond Port Isabel in the direction of Los Fresnos and Harlingen. They get very good reviews and they had a meat loaf special one day of the week. I got there in time to make sure they didn't run out. So, I think I've figured it out: Taco Tuesday, Filet-O-Fish Friday, and Meatloaf Monday are all alliterations so that they are easy to remember and work with. Bayside Cafe is exactly what I expected: small, quaint, and folksy. If it's comfort food you want, they have it. The meatloaf was a good sized portion and the mashed potatoes helped. I enjoyed it. The price was appropriate. The service was much like the locale - quaint and folksy. In other words, that means they were friendly. I'm going to bring this up because, while funny and predictable, it took away from the meal. Upon entering and being seated, I saw that they had Fox News on. People started to leave and the restaurant thinned out. Some of the remaining seated patrons made comments along the lines of how Fox News leans and one or two of the employees agreed with some understated but still understandable banter. It never fails. With a waitress in San Diego who looked like she had majored in saving the whales at UC Santa Cruz, she was curt to our table because I, or we, looked like "the establishment." Here, at Bayside, sporting short hair with no facial hair, and wearing clean jeans and a polo shirt, I must have been seen as tribe, so people just proceed to talk about their spin on current events in front of me ... or directly to me. Both parties would have guessed incorrectly. I look at these anchors up on the screen whose silver spoon factor is off the charts and you've got small town Americana, who they would probably snub, helping them succeed? What's up with that? I had a feeling that, as the herd was thinning out, this experience would come down the pike before I left ... and it did. Check it, please. You get up and pay at the register when you leave if using a card. I had a good meal, got the meatloaf I was looking for (and isn't as easily found as people would think), and headed back to the island. I think I understand the dynamics. Bayside Cafe isn't on the beaten path, so not on the island nor even in the shopping areas of Port Isabel. It's a little ways up from TX 100, so my guess is that they pull in more locals, which includes retirees from nice subdivisions, and fewer tourists, and "understand" their demographics through that lens. read more

Bayside Cafe - Ok, so you have this on, but I can do without the commentary from customers ... and even an employee or two. It's not a pub. - Cafes Near Me - Laguna Vista, Texas

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Big fan of this place very tasty food, good service and hardy portions. Been going here almost 20 years and will another 20 God willing. read more

Bayside Cafe - Catfish dinner - Cafes Near Me - Laguna Vista, Texas

The food is always fresh and tasty. The service is always very friendly and timely. The atmosphere is very family oriented.

Loved my eating experience here. Mom and pop type place. Friendly, fast, attentive. Homemade from scratch. I will definitely come back when I'm in the area. read more

We had the prime rib, non-flavorful and very tough way overpriced for what you get $41. Had the peach cobbler for dessert. Found out it was four days old already, that's why they wanted to put ice cream on it so it wouldn't be so dried out read more

Great Burger with a thick patty and a yummy charbroiled taste! My husband loves the Grilled Chicken Mesquite Club. It is your classic small-town diner with daily specials, including Spaghetti night. Apparently they have fresh pies and the Hummingbird cake is a dessert staple. The setting is casual, the staff is friendly, and you will probably meet the owner Sandy at the cash register. I prefer grabbing dinner here rather than eating in Port Isabel. We have been told "Steak Night" is a local favorite & they sometimes sell out on this dish. read more

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Another great meal at Bayside Cafe, the Chicken fried steak was crispy on the outside but was tender on the inside. The gravy had remnants of a bacon flavor and was great on the main course and on the creamy potatoes. The roll was soft and tasty, it appeared to be homemade. read more

Bayside Cafe - Chicken Fried Steak - Cafes Near Me - Laguna Vista, Texas

This cafe is the BEST in town! The food, the prices and customer service is 10/10!!! I have had several items from the wide range menu and it just never disappoints! And can't forget their desserts!!! My favorite was the cinnamon roll! read more

Bayside Cafe - Steak Finger Basket - Cafes Near Me - Laguna Vista, Texas

Down home friendly Cafe. Food is amazing. Went on a Friday for the fried fish platter which was fried catfish, coleslaw, fries & hush puppies. It was DELISH! Everything was perfectectly seasoned & very good. The service is friendly, fun & very welcoming. I also had the peach cobbler, which was out this world. This is definitely a hidden gem in Laguna Vista. read more

Had a wonderful meal at a small old school cafe in Laguna Vista. The waitress was very friendly and helpful. I had the daily special, a catfish basket. The order came with two large pieces of catfish, fries and very nice coleslaw . read more

Bayside Cafe - Inside view - Cafes Near Me - Laguna Vista, Texas

Great place! Great food! Great service! The grilled mesquite chicken salad was very good.

So wanted to like this little friendly cafe...but unfortunately it was pedestrian and underwhelming. The French Dip was bland and lacked any flavor and their steak fingers were institutional and again - lacked flavor. The service was excellent and the food was hot and served quickly. However we both left half our meals on the plate because we were looking for something a bit more flavorful. read more

Good food and wonderful service. Husband got a turkey club and everything was fresh and homemade.

Good food and desserts. Homemade options, friendly service, nice small town feel cafe.

Decent food, island prices, big portions! The family stopped in for a to-go order on the way back from the island. Service was friendly and efficient from the beginning and a short, 10-minute timeline was given. (And met) The menu is traditional cafe faire: sandwiches, salads, soups, 3 texmex items. We ordered a burrito, chicken strips, and a patty melt. The burrito was huge! Smothered in enchilada sauce and cheese. The meat inside was ample, but underseasoned. The chicken strips were chicken strips, perfect for the picky eaters out there. The patty melt cheesy, flavorful meat, and tasty rye bread. Slightly overtoasted. Overall the prices were higher than inland but considerably less than just a few miles closer to the beach. We'll keep this little cafe in mind next time we visit and need a taste of comfort. read more

Bayside Cafe - Wednesday-spaghetti - Cafes Near Me - Laguna Vista, Texas

Really good food at very reasonable prices!! The service is always good. A lot of different things on their menu so you'll find something you like. I often get their patty melt for a quick meal, theirs is really good with plenty of caramelized onions! read more

This little cafe is close to our home in the valley. They are open for breakfast and lunch and close midafternoon and then reopen for dinner. They are not open on Saturdays nor Sunday, except for breakfast. They have a great variety on their menu and their prices are reasonable. You can even call ahead for a to go order. Make sure to check out their desserts...we had a strawberry cake on this trip and it was fabulous! They offer a daily special during the week. Monday is the meatloaf; which is one of my hubby's favorites. It comes with a side salad and a small dessert of their choosing...you can pay to upgrade if you want something specific. Thursday night's their special alternates between Chicken Fried Steak and Chicken Fried Chicken....very good. Friday nights they have Prime Rib. I do believe every Wed night is spaghetti and Tuesdays vary. Great food! read more

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Huge portions and low prices make this a local gem. The breakfast taco is 3 eggs plus some other ingredients of your choice in a giant tortilla. It was very good. read more

Bayside Cafe - Giant breakfast taco - Cafes Near Me - Laguna Vista, Texas

I've come to really like this place. They have a good selection of breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast: They have good omelets, and the pancakes are legit! Lunch/dinner: Taco salad, Philly cheesesteak, mesquite grilled chicken sandwich, French dip have all been really good. I don't fully remember everything I've had there but I've enjoyed it all. Very laid back atmosphere, old school Diner style restaurant. If you like small town old fashioned diners this is a great place to go. If you are the higher maintenance type, you may not see the charm. read more

Little cafe, we loved it, more people should give it a try at least once, my boyfriend and I had the pecan pie a la mode and it was just amazing! Both of our plates were really tasty! read more

Great food, very reasonable prices, and nice staff. Sit down food @ service station prices. Tight quarters if your in the non-smoking section. But a great local cafe that's always fun to visit. read more

Bayside Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Laguna Vista, Texas

If you love good home cookin' then you'll love the food at the Bayside Cafe. Plus, the ladies who run the place make you feel like you are dining at home! A cozy, family-friendly atmosphere and GREAT FOOD!!! They have weekly specials. Today, Friday was catfish for lunch (or dinner). Served with hush puppies, fries and coleslaw. Excellent food! Other times when we've eaten here, we've enjoyed their meatloaf, a Reuben sandwich, chicken-fried-chicken, Caesar salad, beef dip, and taco salad. Last, but not least, they make their own cakes, cookies, cinnamon rolls and blackberry & peach cobbler. You're missing out if you don't try it out!!! Connie read more

Great little Mom & Pop place which are our favorites. Had beef philly and patty melt which was huge. homemade potato salad was just like my mom's. Delicious. Food stayed hot to the last bite. Friendly staff aim to please. We'll be back! read more

This place has really good food. Reason for the lower rating is due to the smoking of cigarettes, and very small tables that are close to each other, and being rushed to order. I love the burgers but they always over cook, even when asking for medium. Don't show up at 10:15 expecting breakfast unless you hurry and order. The kitchen switches to lunch at 10:30 or around there and they don't take orders for a bit in the mean time. read more

Living locally, we occasionally find ourselves eating at the cafe. It is a small mom & pop restaurant, which in my opinion makes it better. The food is consistently good. It is always hot and fresh when it gets to the table. The owner and employees are very nice and they are also good about making recommendations. The prime rib dinners on Friday evenings are always a great value for your money. For lunch today I ordered the patty melt and fries. The bread was toasted perfectly, the sandwich was steaming and the French fries had come straight from the oil to the table. Perfect! I highly recommend this little gem as a destination to satisfy your hunger. Good food , good portions at a good price. You can't beat it! read more

Embarrassing comments by owner when she takes order and it differs from her routine! Happened two times too many ! Loud and others hear her. They turn and look ! Food is good.‍ read more

Always love their chicken fried steak. Not an easy find for one you can always depend on to be an easy chew and flavorful. Always feel like a stuffed toad after this meal because it is so good and I want to eat the whole thing. I can't believe I ate the whole thing! . The best sides and country gravy on the steak and taters. What a great down home place! Stop by today and tell me I'm wrong. Bet you can't! read more

Overall very good. We visited recently on a Sunday night for the meatloaf special at Bayside Cafe. Called ahead to ask question and gentle man that answered seemed annoyed at first by the call but tone changed by the end of the call realizing we were considering trying the cafe out for dinner. Arrived shortly after cafe opened for dinner, so were seated right away. Staff is very much like a small town diner. Older gals that tell it like it is. That was enjoyable and provided a couple laughs! Ordered meatloaf dinner and beef Philly sandwich. Meatloaf was excellent, perfectly seasoned and not greasy. Came with green beans (canned) - would have preferred fresh or frozen green beans. Beef Philly was delicious but cooked on a flattop grill with a bit too much oil. Ate it all but had tummy issues all night. Both meals came with small side salad, which were typical diner salads but very good. Ranch dressing was excellent. Served Coke Zero which I appreciated since we are cutting out sugar. Desserts looked delicious but we did not order. Locals sitting next to us were personable and chatted with us. Would recommend! read more

I keep returning with friends and family hoping ...really hoping for even adequate service...Zero choices in Laguna Vista, so one tends to get optimistic. More of the same poor service! Highly opinionated staff who treat you with such disdain if you enter the restaurant as one person, then get downright ugly if you don't want to tolerate the "smoke" The cooking is usually very good, but the service is just horrific. This is definitely my last time. They take no responsibility for how they treat customers, or what they say. Today, RAW EGGS..not just a little bit..the entire taco. One would think they would be curious why I didn't eat my food. OF course NOT, they simply take your money, and give poor service. Incredibly unprofessional and RUDE. My final time! read more

Best service, Very clean and courteous! Food is All American Quality. Had BLT they were nice and added a fried egg. Changed my Life!! It was so good I forgot to take a picture lol... read more

Very good customer service and good blueberry pancakes. Downfall is they serve nursing home bacon and cheap coffee. Other than than negative downside, decent cheap food. read more

Just had an excellent chicken fried steak lunch, the special. Real food, nice people, clean, friendly, and serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. Wish we weren't leaving tomorrow! read more

We love Bayside cafe! I've been eating here for at least 12 years, and I can say I still crave their food a minimum of 4 days a week, it's so darn good! My favorite dish is the #3, with eggs any style, a huge biscuit with sausage gravy and a side of homestyle hash browns, something I TRY and re-create both ordering at other restaurants and at home, and nothing beats bayside. They have a great selection of other delicious breakfast options, awesome flavorful lunch options, and phenomenal homestyle dinner selections as well. Pay attention to their specials menu for items like, meatloaf, spaghetti and meatballs, etc, and the delicious homemade desserts that accompany them! This is truly a family owned and operated business, they really care about their customers and the food they put out to them. I started coming here with my dad around age 9/10, now I come with my boyfriend, and I look forward to bringing my children someday! They do have some interesting hours but it is definitely worth getting in there! On weekdays, breakfast is served till 10:30am, and they do close for a few hours between 2pm-5pm, between breakfast & lunch / dinner. They are closed on Saturday's Sunday's they are only open till 12pm and serve breakfast ALL DAY. read more

In terms of the food its a 5 star. I give them a 5 star but...they have a smoking section which they shouldnt. Dump that and this place would be superb. Homemade hash browns and pancakes...really superb yankee style breakfast rather than tex mex. I highly recommend this place read more

Horrible!! So horrible it deserves no stars.. We arrived at 1:45 but it was closing time (which we didn't notice) so the woman across the counter gave us the meanest look when we walked in. ( she could have said it's closing time and were not open but NO!) Then I asked if you just sit anywhere & she said sure (sure in the rudest way possible.) They stand over you like some prison guard. The said in the most arrogant/evil voice "don't look at that, you can't have breakfast." (Just because we looked on the other side of the menu.) Once the last couple was leaving we said we were going to leave since it was closing time. I told them we were just going to leave since it was time to close then she finally said that the food was almost ready. Well we stayed (shouldn't have though regret that!!!) Now to the food, everything was most definitely canned, &/or packaged. Nothing homemade, minus the cupcakes. The cupcakes were at least good but again the lady just stood over our table watching us eat. They stood in the kitchen area and talked about us right in front of us. Pointing, laughing. my husband got up and left because they were just utterly rude in practically everything they said. NO TIPS DESERVED ! Minus my middle finger.... read more

Checked Yelp reviews before deciding to eat here and I was very skeptical because of the comments about customer service but my experience was rather different. Lady who bakes the desserts and was our waitress was very sweet and funny! Went for lunch, perhaps I just got lucky, not sure. From Denver visiting Laguna. read more

For this family of grandparents and finicky grandsons, this was the PERFECT lunch stop on the way home from South Padre to Dallas. Good variety, well prepared food and friendly folks made this a stop we'll definitely make again! If you are looking for local flavor instead of the usual chains, you'll do well here. read more

I gave this restaurant two stars only because our food was good. However, servers were rather rude, rudely announced that breakfast was over ( it was barely 10:30)argued about decaf coffee being fresh when it had a burnt taste to it and we were told made fresh that morning and put thermos, yet the coffee was pored out of a pot?? They also charged for sharing a meal, since one couple cannot eat two meals..they just ordered one meal, when the meal came they just ate off the same plate. No extra work for anyone. Of course, the waitress commented on the fact. Again,bathe food was prepared satisfactory, the atmosphere was not very accommodating. If we had been the police or workers from the detention center, I am sure the 'attitude' would have been much different. read more

I hadn't eaten here in a while, but now I'll definitely be back. I had breakfast this time. My eggs were exactly over medium unlike some places where it's a craps shoot what you'll get. The service was prompt and very friendly. Bayside has V-8 Juice. I love V-8 Juice, and you can almost never find it. On the way out I couldn't resist trying one of their house made cinnamon buns. They are big and yummy. Strongly recommend Bayside for it's good food and great local flavor. Update April 2018: Bayside makes one of the best cheeseburgers in the entire Rio Grande Valley. I've been meaning to add this comment to my review, but keep forgetting to do it. Their fries are always served fresh and hot. read more