I'm glad you made it in Zoe. Unfortunately, I'm out of town or I would made an effort to see you.
As for where to go, I work downtown so here are my thoughts. Many people coming into town want to enjoy the waterfront and for that
Joe's Crab Shack is a good place to go have a drink on the deck outside. This chain restaurant has average food, moderately priced. Keeping the on the water theme,
Landry's is a chain. It's a little nicer than Joe's, good food and drinks fairly priced. Both of these are in the marina. The Surf Club is a good place for drinks, no doubt.
The
best restaurant downtown is
The Viet Nam about 4 blocks north of the water street market area. It's Asian cuisine, great service, great wine list. The menu is a little confusing but the wait staff is great at making suggestions. Trust them. It has a very small bar.
Another Asian restaurant is
Thai Spice about 3 blocks north on Water Street (very near Viet Nam). Everything is fresh made, original Thai style by the owner's wife in their kitchen. The owner greets you and seats you. Beware this place only seats about 30 people. In fact, I'd recommend reservations at either of these places.
The
Republic of Texas is a very good restaurant, primarily steaks and it has a nice quiet bar and a great view in an air conditioned environment.
Brewster Street Ice House is a fun bar with live entertainment and a cover charge of about $10 although, you can sit in an area without a cover charge.
OTHERS:
http://www.downtowncorpuschristi.com/Bars.html
Have fun. Enjoy our city. Next time I hope our schedules permit us to get together so I can personally escort you to some of the best we have to offer here.
rj