Screenshot
By JACQI LEYVA-HILL
Special to the PARADE
As summer visitors begin arriving in the Laguna Madre area, local restaurants are preparing for another busy season filled with live music, community events, waterfront dining and family-friendly entertainment.
Two popular destinations, Lobo Del Mar Cafe on South Padre Island and Hopper Haus Bar n Grill in Port Isabel, are offering packed schedules of live music, food specials and seasonal events aimed at both visitors and local residents.
Waterfront Fun at Lobo Del Mar Cafe
Summer is heating up at Lobo Del Mar Cafe, where live music, waterfront dining and family-friendly entertainment continue drawing both Valley residents and visitors to South Padre Island.
According to Lobo Del Mar Cafe manager Brady Buntin, June is one of the restaurant’s busiest and most popular times of the year as families begin summer vacations and locals take advantage of seasonal specials.
“June is always a favorite time of year here at Lobo Del Mar Cafe,” Buntin said. “School’s out, the weather is perfect and the kids are ready for the many awesome water activities available at the docks of the Cafe.”
Located along the Laguna Madre waterfront, the restaurant offers a mix of dining, entertainment and dockside activity throughout the summer months. Buntin said visitors can expect rotating live music acts, drink specials, coupons and special events all season long.
“We have deals, coupons and special events all through the summer so check out the Lobo Del Mar website for updates,” he said.
Buntin noted that live entertainment has remained a major part of the restaurant’s identity since it first opened nearly 10 years ago.
“With a rotation of performers and a variety of musical genres, Lobo Del Mar is always serving fresh entertainment and classic favorites,” Buntin said. “Everything is family friendly and available for all ages. Even pets are welcome.”
The restaurant also offers specials geared toward local residents.
“It pays to be a 956’er in June at Lobo Del Mar,” Buntin said, referencing discounts available to Valley customers during the summer season.
Along with entertainment, Buntin said the restaurant’s menu and signature cocktails continue attracting loyal customers year after year. Popular drinks include the oversized “Lobo-Rita,” the “Sea Turtle” melon and coconut rum cocktail and the “Trump Card” cocktail.
On the food side, Buntin said the award-winning Captain Morgan’s shrimp and the hand-battered coconut shrimp remain longtime favorites among guests.
The restaurant opens daily at 7 a.m. with breakfast, coffee and espresso drinks before transitioning into live music and evening entertainment later in the day.
One tradition that continues to stand out on the Island is the restaurant’s nightly sunset bagpipe performance.
“Lobo rocks all day long and heralds in each sunset with the ethereal sound of the Scottish bagpipes every single evening,” Buntin said. “An unforgettable experience for your summer fun.”
Live Music and Community Events at Hopper Haus
Just across the bridge in Port Isabel, Hopper Haus Bar n Grill is also preparing for a busy summer season filled with live entertainment, community events and Texas craft beer.
According to Barton Bickerton, Hopper Haus offers entertainment throughout the week, including Open Mic Night every Tuesday and live music performances on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
“Taco Tuesday with Open Mic has become a big weekly event,” Bickerton said.
Known for its laid-back atmosphere and rotating selection of craft beer from across Texas, Hopper Haus has become a gathering spot for both locals and visitors looking for live entertainment during the summer months.
“Summer means live music and the best craft beer from around Texas,” Bickerton said.
In addition to food and entertainment, Hopper Haus is also involved in several community-centered activities and fundraisers throughout the year. Bickerton said the restaurant supports Fishing’s Future fundraising efforts and participates in the Laguna Madre Movement, a local wellness initiative that hosts yoga sessions and fun runs twice a month.
“We are always trying to find ways to give back to the community,” Bickerton said.
The restaurant also hosts several annual events that have become familiar traditions for many local residents. Those events include Crowfest and Barktoberfest each October, along with the Lighthouse Music Series held during January and February.
Daily food and drink specials continue throughout the summer season, giving visitors multiple reasons to stop by during the week.
With regular live entertainment, community involvement and a strong focus on Texas craft beer, Hopper Haus continues to build a reputation as one of the area’s active gathering spots during both tourist season and the quieter months for local residents alike.
For updated schedules, specials and event information, visitors can follow Hopper Haus on social media or contact the restaurant directly.
As summer tourism ramps up across South Padre Island and Port Isabel, both restaurants are offering visitors and residents a variety of ways to enjoy the season — from waterfront dining and sunset bagpipes to open mic nights, craft beer and live music throughout the week.