Viva is an upscale, open air waterfront restaurant on South Padre Island, TX, serving Latin inspired coastal food. The Viva South Padre Island menu covers Gulf seafood, signature tacos, hand cut steaks, and craft drinks. Starters run about $10 to $24. Tacos run $12 to $22. Most main plates fall between $26 and $49. Prices here come from the official menu at vivaspi.org, checked on September 15, 2026.
This guide lists every menu category with prices you can scan fast: Starters, Cold Bar, Salads, Viva El Taco, Mains/Entrées, Cook Your Own Catch, Sides, Kids, and Drinks. It also covers hours, location, parking, payment, and common questions. All prices reflect the single South Padre Island location (202 W Whiting St), taken from the restaurant’s official site on September 15, 2026.
Viva SPI Restaurant Facts
| Detail | Information |
| Restaurant | Viva (Viva SPI) |
| Cuisine | Latin-inspired coastal, Gulf seafood |
| Service type | Full-service, open-air waterfront dining |
| Typical price range | Starters $10-$24, tacos $16-$22, mains $15-$49 |
| Menu verified | September 15, 2026 |
| Price location | 202 W Whiting St, South Padre Island, TX 78597 |
| Price channel | Official website (dine-in menu) |
| Official website | vivaspi.org |
| Phone | (956) 707-8482 |
Source note: All prices below come from Viva’s official menu at vivaspi.org, for the South Padre Island location at 202 W Whiting St. These are dine-in menu prices, accessed September 15, 2026.
Prices and availability may vary by location. Delivery prices may be higher than pickup prices. Tax, add-ons, and fees may cost extra. Check your nearest Viva for the latest local menu.
Viva Menu Categories and Prices
Starters
The starters lean bright and bold. You get tableside guacamole with pomegranate seeds, crispy shrimp-topped Brussels sprouts, and a Maryland-style crab cake. Prices run from $10 for the chimichurri carrots up to $24 for the ribeye or crab cake. The Aguas Chile Ribeye and tuna items are marked as raw or lightly cured on the menu.
| Item | Simple Description | Price |
| House Guacamole | Avocado, lime, pomegranate seed, tomato, onion, cilantro, serrano, pressed tostadas | $16 |
| Crispy Brussels Sprouts | Crispy shrimp, honey sriracha glaze, cilantro | $18 |
| Shishito Peppers | Sea salt, a hint of garlic, lime | $12 |
| Aguas Chile Ribeye | Soy ponzu, pickled onion, avocado, serrano, cilantro | $24 |
| Fire Roasted Street Corn | Spicy mayo, lime, queso fresco, cilantro | $12 |
| Spicy Calamari | Fried crispy, pickled Fresno chilies, cilantro, remoulade | $16 |
| Jumbo Lump Crab Cake | Maryland style, paprika aioli, mixed greens | $24 |
| Savulitos Nachos | Gulf shrimp or steak, beans, cheese, serrano, crema, cilantro | $18 |
| Churrito Chimichurri Rainbow Carrots | Grilled, chimichurri, lemon | $10 |
Cold Bar
The Cold Bar is chilled, citrus-forward seafood. You will find ceviche made with mahi mahi, tuna tartar, yellowfin crudo, and a shrimp cocktail. Peel-and-eat Gulf shrimp comes in three sizes, from $12 to $25. Most other plates sit at $18 to $20.
| Item | Simple Description | Price |
| Gulf Peel-N-Eat Shrimp | Gulf shrimp boiled in Cajun spices, cocktail sauce | $12 / $18 / $25 |
| Velloutini Tuna Tartar | Pickled cucumber, guacamole, raw tuna, tostada, soy glaze | $20 |
| Viva Ceviche | Mahi mahi, red onion, mango, serrano, cilantro, lime | $18 |
| Velvetin Crudo | Yellowfin, mandarin orange, green onion, serrano, soy ponzu, truffle oil | $18 |
| Coctel de Camaron | Avocado, pico de gallo, cilantro, cocktail sauce, lime | $20 |
Salads
Salads here are full plates, not sides. The Beet-Goat Cheese salad mixes roasted beets, greens, and a molasses drizzle. The watermelon-feta bowl is light and minty. You can add shrimp, chicken, salmon, or steak for an extra charge. Salads run $12 to $18 before add-ons.
| Item | Simple Description | Price |
| Viva House Salad | Mixed greens, rainbow carrots, tomato, cucumber, celery, red onion, house vinaigrette | $12 |
| Beet-Goat Cheese | Roasted beet, spinach, arugula, pickled pear, orange, walnuts, pomegranate | $18 |
| Shredded Brussels Sprout and Green Apple | Brussels sprout, candied pecans, raisins, shallots, walnut, ginger vinaigrette | $12 |
| Blue Cheese Tartar | Iceberg, cherry tomatoes, red onion, bacon, chives, blue cheese dressing | $18 |
| Watermelon-Feta Salad | Mint, basil, radish, red wine vinaigrette | $14 |
Salad add-ons: Shrimp +$9, Chicken +$10, Crispy Salmon +$14, Grilled Outside Steak (10 oz) +$23.
Viva El Taco
Tacos come three per order on homemade corn tortillas, with house salsa on the side. The flounder fish tacos and ribeye tacos are the ones reviewers name most. There is a cauliflower option for $12 if you skip meat. Prices run $12 to $22.
| Item | Simple Description | Price |
| Fish Tacos | Gulf flounder (fried or blackened), purple cabbage, pico, spicy mayo | $16 |
| Shrimp Tacos | Gulf shrimp (fried or blackened), pico, cabbage, avocado, cilantro crema | $17 |
| Ribeye Tacos | Ribeye, chipotle, guacamole, queso fresco, cilantro, Fresno peppers | $22 |
| Pork Belly Tacos | Pickled onions, grilled pineapple, cilantro | $18 |
| Cauliflower Tacos | Roasted cauliflower, cabbage, roasted corn, chipotle cream, scallions | $12 |
Mains / Entrées
This is the biggest section. Seafood plates like Texas Red Fish, flounder, and scallops sit at $34. Steaks and surf-and-turf plates climb higher, topping out at $49 for the Perfect Pair filet and shrimp combo. The cauliflower steak at $15 is the cheapest main. The Wagyu smash burger is also $15.
| Item | Simple Description | Price |
| Texas Red Fish | Pan-grilled, red pepper romesco, vegetable slaw, cilantro lime rice | $34 |
| Wild Caught Flounder | Pan-grilled, lemon butter caper sauce, rainbow carrots | $34 |
| Scallops Veracruz | Pan-seared scallops, spicy mango relish, cilantro lime rice | $34 |
| Salmon-Shrimp | Crispy skin salmon, grilled shrimp, spinach, orange beurre blanc | $32 |
| Shrimp De La Torre | Gulf shrimp, Spanish chorizo, white wine cream sauce, capers, baguettes | $29 |
| Fresh Gulf Shrimp (8) | Blackened, grilled, or fried, with vegetables, fries, or rice | $26 |
| Seared Velloutini Tuna | Crispy Japanese fried rice, miso marinade, pickled cabbage, chipotle mayo | $37 |
| Tequila Pollo Asado | Ancho half chicken, tequila cream sauce, peppers, onions, cilantro lime rice | $26 |
| Steak ‘N Frites | Black Angus outside skirt, chimichurri, parmesan truffle fries | $29 |
| Teriyaki Ribeye and Shrimp Skewers | Grilled, onion, bell pepper, mushroom, teriyaki glaze, rice | $32 |
| Perfect Pair | Black Angus 10 oz filet, 3 sautéed Gulf shrimp, parmesan fries | $49 |
| Cauliflower Steak | Grilled cauliflower, potato and leek purée, gravy | $15 |
| Brush Smash Burger | Double Wagyu, American cheese, grilled onion, pickles, brioche, truffle fries | $15 |
Cook Your Own Catch
This is a build-your-own plate for $50 per person. You get up to one pound of fish, cooked blackened, grilled, or fried, plus two sides. Extra fish is $10 per pound. You can add a taco set-up for $5 more.
| Detail | Information |
| Base price | $50 per person |
| Fish included | Up to 1 lb per person ($10/lb for more) |
| Preparation | Blackened, grilled, or fried |
| Sides (choose two) | House fries, seasonal vegetables, or cilantro lime rice |
| Taco set-up (add-on) | +$5: tortillas, cabbage, limes, chipotle mayo, salsa, pico |
Sides
Sides run $5 to $8. The parmesan truffle fries show up on several main plates too. Rice and house fries are the cheapest at $5.
| Item | Price |
| Cilantro Lime Rice | $5 |
| Grilled Seasonal Vegetables | $8 |
| Crispy Papas Bravas | $8 |
| Parmesan Truffle Fries | $8 |
| House Fries | $5 |
| Chiles Torreados (grilled peppers and onions) | $5 |
Kids (12 and Under)
Kids meals are $10 to $12 and come with house fries. Choices include chicken bites, a cheeseburger, fried fish, and popcorn shrimp.
| Item | Price |
| House Battered Chicken Bites | $10 |
| Kid’s Cheese Burger | $10 |
| Kid’s Fried Fish | $10 |
| Kid’s Popcorn Shrimp | $12 |
Drinks (Non-Alcoholic)
The official site lists soft drinks and bottled water at $3 to $4. Viva also has a full bar with cocktails, beer, and wine, but those bar prices are not posted on the official menu, so they are left out here.
| Item | Price |
| Coke, Sprite, Coke Zero, Dr. Pepper, Lemonade | $3 |
| Iced Tea, Topo Chico | $3 |
| Acqua Panna Bottled Water | $4 |
Best Value Picks (Editorial Opinion)
These are my picks based on price and portion, not on sales data. This is opinion, not a verified popularity claim.
The Brush Smash Burger at $15 is the cheapest way to eat well here. The Cauliflower Tacos at $12 are the best low-cost option for vegetarians. For a splurge, the Perfect Pair at $49 gives you filet and shrimp on one plate.
Hours, Location, and Visit Details
Hours
Viva is open seven days a week. It closes at 9:00 PM most nights and stays open until 10:00 PM on Friday and Saturday. Hours are from the official site, checked September 15, 2026. Confirm before you go.
| Day | Hours |
| Monday | 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Thursday | 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Friday | 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Saturday | 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Sunday | 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM |
Location and Parking
Viva sits on the bayside at 202 W Whiting St, South Padre Island, TX 78597. Phone: (956) 707-8482. The restaurant offers free street parking and a free parking lot. See the official directions on Google Maps.
Payment and Accessibility
Viva accepts credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payment. The open-air space is wheelchair accessible, with accessible seating, parking, restrooms, and entrance.
About Viva
Viva opened in March 2023. It took over the spot once known as the Painted Marlin Grille. The same team behind Yummies, a local breakfast and lunch favorite, created it. Viva brought a more upscale, Latin-inspired menu to the island’s bayfront dining scene.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Viva on South Padre Island?
Viva is at 202 W Whiting St, South Padre Island, TX 78597, on the bayside waterfront. You can reach it by phone at (956) 707-8482. It has free street parking and a free lot. The open-air dining room faces the bay, which is why sunset seats fill up fast.
How much does a meal at Viva cost?
Prices vary by dish. Starters run about $10 to $24. Tacos run $12 to $22. Most main plates fall between $26 and $49. The cheapest mains, the smash burger and cauliflower steak, are $15 each. These prices are from the official site, checked September 15, 2026.
What are Viva’s most talked-about dishes?
Reviewers often name the House Guacamole with pomegranate, the flounder fish tacos, the ribeye tacos, the Texas Red Fish, and the Shrimp De La Torre. Menu prices for these range from $16 for the guacamole up to $34 for the Texas Red Fish, per the official site on September 15, 2026.
Does Viva have vegetarian options?
Yes. The menu includes Cauliflower Tacos ($12), a Cauliflower Steak ($15), and several salads like the Watermelon-Feta Salad ($14). The House Guacamole and Shishito Peppers also work as meat-free starters. Prices are from the official site, checked September 15, 2026.
What is Cook Your Own Catch at Viva?
It is a build-your-own seafood plate for $50 per person. You get up to one pound of fish, cooked blackened, grilled, or fried, plus two sides. Extra fish is $10 per pound. You can add a taco set-up for $5 more. This is listed on the official menu.
Does Viva have a kids menu?
Yes. Kids meals are for guests 12 and under and cost $10 to $12. Options are chicken bites, a cheeseburger, fried fish, and popcorn shrimp. Each comes with house fries. Prices are from the official site, checked September 15, 2026.
What are Viva’s hours?
Viva is open daily. It runs 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM Sunday through Thursday, and 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM Friday and Saturday. Tuesday opens at 11:00 AM. Hours are from the official site on September 15, 2026. Confirm before you visit, since hours can change.
Does Viva serve alcohol?
Yes. Viva has a full bar with cocktails, beer, and wine, including margaritas and mimosas that guests mention often. The official menu does not post bar prices, so exact drink costs are not listed here. Check with the restaurant for current bar pricing.
What kind of food does Viva serve?
Viva serves Latin-inspired coastal food. The menu centers on Gulf seafood like flounder, redfish, scallops, and shrimp, plus tacos, hand-cut steaks, salads, and ceviche. It is an upscale, open-air spot, a step above typical fried island fare.
Does Viva take reservations?
Viva is a busy sunset spot, and outside guides report that reservations are accepted and recommended, especially at peak times. The official site does not list a booking link, so call (956) 707-8482 to check. Walk-ins may face a wait during busy hours.
What payment methods does Viva accept?
Viva accepts credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay. This is stated on the restaurant’s official site, checked September 15, 2026. There is no note about cash-only service, so card payment is the norm.
Is Viva good for families?
Yes. Viva has a kids menu for guests 12 and under, priced $10 to $12, and an open-air layout with accessible seating. The bay views and casual setting suit both families and date nights. Kids meals come with house fries.
Conclusion
The Viva South Padre Island menu gives you Latin-inspired coastal food with real range, from $12 tacos to a $49 filet-and-shrimp plate. Seafood is the strength, but there are steaks, salads, and vegetarian picks too. All prices here come from the official site at vivaspi.org for the 202 W Whiting St location, checked September 15, 2026. Prices may change, so confirm at the restaurant.
