Coaster Saloon

Most Mission Beach spots lean into location — rooftop decks, sunset angles, slider engineering that plays to the boardwalk crowd. Coaster Saloon sits beachfront but doesn't chase that angle. The draw here is smoke: Central Texas brisket technique, pork ribs that pull clean, street corn that shows up alongside potato salad and mac. It's the kind of BBQ that gets southerners nodding approval, which doesn't happen often this close to salt water.

The pork ribs run tender without crossing into fall-apart territory — enough chew to prove they spent real time in the pit, seasoning that doesn't need sauce backup but takes it well if you want the layer. The brisket shows proper bark and smoke ring, though fattier cuts sometimes slip through depending on when you order. Mac and cheese skews creamy over sharp, the kind that works as ballast against heavier plates. The brisket burger plays the menu's utility role: all the smoke flavor, faster to the table, easier to eat one-handed if you're posted on the patio.

The beachfront patio pulls double duty — post-surf crowds in the afternoon, after-work groups once the sun drops. Service runs friendly-efficient even when the room fills, and the beer list goes deeper than most beach-adjacent spots bother with. Onion rings arrive properly greasy, which is the correct state for onion rings. Parking's standard Mission Beach chaos, but takeout and delivery both move quickly if you'd rather skip the search.

The move: pork ribs, mac and cheese, extra napkins. If you're feeding a group, the family-style spreads handle vegetarian requests without relegating them to side-dish status. Skip the apple dessert — it runs too loose, more compote than structured plate.