Recent visitor, Jerry, raved about the stuffed peppers that he had eaten, some ten years ago, at the old Yacht Club and Hotel in Port Isabel, TX. Port Isabel is located on the mainland, just across the bridge from South Padre Island and a couple of blocks north of Hwy 100.
So off we went to experience this epicurean delight. As luck would have it, the restaurant doesn’t open until 5:00 PM. Since it was noon, and we were getting hungry, we decided to forego dining at the Yacht Club until a later date.
But, while there, we decided to look around. Easily recognizable by its red tile roof and dome, the Yacht Club, established in 1926, had fallen into a state of disrepair. In recent years, under new management, the facility has undergone progressive renovation, beginning with the guest rooms. The new owner, John Hiller, is extremely nice and eager to answer our questions.
The unusual symmetry of the entry door, seen below, looks like one side or the other was an afterthought. It seems like another door was added to allow something to be brought into the building.
Most of the furnishings are antique and fitting the design of the inn all the way down to the front desk. Across from the desk is this fantastic ship model. You can see some of the period lobby furnishings in the background.
The dining room is bright and cheery. Too bad they didn’t open until 5:00 PM.
The lighting is assisted by the windows surrounding the room at ceiling level.
If you’re in the area, it is certainly worth a visit. If you try the stuffed jalapeños, let us know how you like them.
Wow what a great place… If walls could only talk right? Great pictures… Have fun & travel safe!
Donna
Yes, we are sorry we missed eating there. We will try to eat there sometime.