Remember how mixologists were all the rage about five years ago? All that moving and shaking and curlicued orange peels and sugared rims? Well, a cool thing about Corpus Christi is that sometimes trends take a while to get here. And they’ll stay en vogue long after the practice has dropped off in other cities. There are bars, restaurants — some are even dog- and kid-friendly if that’s your bag — at different corners of the city serving the pickiest and fanciest cocktail connoisseurs. And they’re actually affordable. Take a look:
The Goldfish
This place was a cleaners about four years ago. Now, it’s one of the best places to hit up after work for an alcoholic beverage and a really varied musical playlist. Whether you’re into full-bodied Old Fashioneds, minty Mojitos or a Moscow Mule in a copper mug, the Gold Fish has something for every particular taste. The bar itself has an industrial feeling with walls shrouded in green vines and overgrown planters hanging from the ceiling. This is one of those places where it’s actually much nicer to be in at night because you get a full view of downtown Corpus from every angle. Started by Corpus Christi native Robert Cooper, The Gold Fish is the local version of a dive bar he helped start in Tbilisi, Georgia. It’s intimate, but not intimidatingly so. When you go, make sure to ask for The Gold Fashion, the bar’s take on an Old Fashioned. You won’t be sorry. 
Bar Under The Sun
Now, this bar was a Greyhound bus station less than four years ago (Corpus is really good about taking a place and retrofitting the inside to be something completely different and cool). Bar Under The Sun, more commonly known as BUS, opened in 2017 as the bigger cousin over yonder from The Gold Fish. Owned by Corpus Christi natives Lesley and Ben Lomax, the brightly-lit and spacious bar is a combination patio and outdoor food truck park. It’s family- and dog-friendly and serves as a space for local creatives to sell their wares during the monthly Art Walk and other special events. Like The Gold Fish, BUS’s bartenders are well-versed in all the cocktails (honestly, they usually split their time working at both bars). There are some go-to favorites, like the frosé.It’s frozen rosé with a touch more alcohol served in a champagne glass. Don’t drink it too fast, though.
BKK Thai Kitchen + Bar
Executive Chef Ben Hague has brought a unique flavor to Corpus Christi’s Lamar Park neighborhood with BKK thai kitchen + bar. But while it’s serving up some of the most experimental dishes in the city, the spot is quickly becoming an all-night hangout with delicious drinks. The cocktails have recognizable monikers (Manhattan, Bloody Mary, White Russian), but each has a different taste and smell profile than what you might find elsewhere. Our pick? Green and Amber. Take vodka, a single-malt scotch, honey, lemon and a splash of green tea, and you’re going to have a good night.
The Post at Lamar Park
There’s a lot going on at The Post. But, like, in a good way. It’s got a full menu of items like Parmesan truffle fries and lobster mac and cheese and a cake in a jar (which I haven’t had, but it sounds hella cool). But this is one of those places that locals bring their friends when they visit. It’s got sort of a sports bar vibe with the number of TVs in the joint, but how else are we going to know who’s winning the big sports ball event? Their drink menu doesn’t remotely fit on one page, so I’m not going to try to list it here. But there are reds, whites, IPAs, porters, bocks and a list of tasty cocktails for any mood you may be in that day. Listed under “New” on the menu is a Fox Hold Atheist: Woodford Reserve bourbon, Zaya-spiced rum, sweet vermouth, bitters, falernum and lemon zest. Idk about y’all, but that sounds like an Instagram post to me.
Dokyo Dauntaun
Tannin’s Wine Bar and Tapas, 3855 S. Alameda Street
OK, so this one doesn’t have cocktails. But Tannin’s Wine Bar and Tapas has the longest list of wines from here to San Antonio, so I want to give it much-deserved love.
The ladies that work at this bar are so nice, the food is good and on small plates, and the lighting is low, so it’s great for getting romantical.
I don’t know much about wine, but I do know there is literally one for anyone at Tannin’s based on the length of the menu and the short novels that explain each type.
Also: charcuterie boards. It’s got two, and one features chorizo. I mean… **shrug emoji**.
