When you need a break from Corpus Christi’s sun and surf, Hester’s Café and Coffee Bar is a great place to stop in for a delicious meal made from scratch. Hester’s is a casual restaurant with a menu that will please everyone from sweet tooth foodies to health conscious diners. All of Hester’s baked goods are made in-house with flavors that change daily. Beautifully showcased at the front counter – brownies, cheesecake, muffins, pies and cookies are just a few of the items on the bakery menu.

Although Hester’s may be best known for their baked goods, coffee lovers won’t be disappointed.  As you walk in the Six-Points location, you are greeted by a wall of all the in-house roasted coffee beans. Choose any flavor to go with the most popular item on the menu – Hester’s Griddle Toast. If fluffy Challah bread dunked in egg batter, covered with secret spices, sugar and cinnamon is your idea of heaven, welcome my friends – you have arrived.

Paninis, pastas and salads are what’s for lunch at Hester’s and you won’t go home hungry; the portions are large and most come with a side of fresh fruit, salad or kettle chips. The seasoned chips are made fresh daily in Rockport and delivered to all three locations. The Texas Wave is the most popular lunch item on the menu and for very good reason. How can you go wrong with roasted turkey breast, avocado, tomatoes, Monterrey Jack cheese and lettuce, with chipotle-mayo on ciabatta bread? The answer is: you can’t, unless you forget to pair it with one of the delicious flavored teas. When I visited there were three fruity varieties to choose from; perfect after coming in from the South Texas heat.

Hester’s began at the Six-Points location, but has expanded to Lamar Park and the Art Museum of South Texas. The Art Museum not only boasts a great menu, but also fantastic bay views. Relax on your lunch break or take a detour after seeing the sights in Corpus Christi’s Museum District. Breakfast is served all day at the Six-Points and Lamar Park locations, but don’t wait too long for Hester’s great food, because all locations close right after lunch service; Six-Points and the Art Museum locations close at 3 pm and Lamar Park closes at 4 pm.

By Gabi De La Rosa