Chuy’s doesn’t pretend to be a hidden local gem – they’re an Austin-founded Tex-Mex chain that’s been serving since 1982 with the kind of consistency that builds loyal followings.
The restaurant operates at 5933 S Padre Island Drive with weekday happy hour featuring $5 chips and queso, plus menu items like Chicka-Chicka Boom-Boom Enchiladas that lean into playful naming.
Founded in Austin in 1982, Chuy’s expanded across Texas and beyond while maintaining the casual, loud, family-friendly atmosphere that defines Tex-Mex dining when done right.
What Makes Chuy’s Special
The Chicka-Chicka Boom-Boom Enchiladas showcase how Chuy’s approaches menu naming with personality while maintaining authentic Tex-Mex preparation.
Chuy’s operates weekday happy hour with $5 chips and queso, making the entrance into Tex-Mex dining accessible during after-work hours.
The casual atmosphere welcomes families with kids while accommodating groups in loud, energetic space that matches the Tex-Mex category expectations.
The Story Behind the Restaurant
Chuy’s launched in Austin, Texas in 1982 with an authentic Tex-Mex approach that would eventually expand to multiple locations across states.
The 1982 founding established the playful menu naming convention and casual family-friendly atmosphere that defines all locations including Corpus Christi.
The expansion maintained consistency in menu items like Hatch green chile enchiladas and chicken tortilla soup while adapting to different markets beyond Austin origins.
Food Highlights
- Chicka-Chicka Boom-Boom Enchiladas: At $17.69, these enchiladas showcase Chuy’s playful naming while delivering traditional Tex-Mex preparation. The dish represents the menu personality that’s defined Chuy’s since 1982. 🌯
- Queso: For $11.53, this Tex-Mex staple appears during weekday happy hour at $5 with chips. The cheese dip provides the foundation for appetizer ordering. 🧀
- Baja Shrimp Tacos: At $17.30, these tacos bring coastal influence to the Tex-Mex menu. The shrimp preparation adds seafood options to traditional offerings. 🌮
- Chuychanga: This $17.56 dish puts a Chuy’s spin on chimichanga format. The naming convention extends throughout the menu items. 🌯
- Famous Steak Burrito: At $18.72, this burrito earns “famous” designation through consistent execution. The steak preparation fills a large-format burrito style. 🌯
- Chicken Tortilla Soup: This traditional soup provides warmth and spice in Tex-Mex soup format. The preparation stays true to authentic Tex-Mex soup traditions. 🍲
Atmosphere
Chuy’s sits at 5933 S Padre Island Drive, where the casual atmosphere and loud energy levels create the Tex-Mex dining experience families expect.
The restaurant welcomes kids and groups in a space designed for celebration and noise, with outdoor seating available during good weather.
Operating 11am-10pm weekdays and until 11pm on weekends provides lunch through late dinner service with weekday happy hour making chips and queso $5.
Bottom Line
Visit Chuy’s because 1982 Austin founding and expansion across states means they’ve maintained consistent Tex-Mex execution that builds loyal followings.
The Chicka-Chicka Boom-Boom Enchiladas and weekday $5 chips and queso demonstrate a playful approach to authentic Tex-Mex that welcomes families without sacrificing flavor.
The Austin heritage, casual loud atmosphere perfect for groups, and commitment to authentic Tex-Mex since 1982 prove this Padre Island Drive location delivers the chain experience Corpus Christi expects.
Address: Chuy’s
5933 S Padre Island Drive, Corpus Christi, TX 78412
📞 (361) 985-0608
🕐 Mon-Thu & Sun: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Fri-Sat: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Founded Austin 1982 | Weekday happy hour $5 chips & queso | Family-friendly | Groups welcome | Outdoor seating | Authentic Tex-Mex