Seafood and Spaghetti Works Menu with Prices, Calories and Popular Items
Seafood and Spaghetti Works has been a beloved casual dining destination in Port Aransas, Texas, since 1979. Known affectionately by locals as "The Works," this landmark restaurant offers a distinct fusion of fresh Gulf Coast seafood, hearty Italian pasta, and its famous boat-shaped salad bar. Whether you are craving a comforting plate of lasagna after a long day on Mustang Island or hunting for the freshest local catch, the Seafood and Spaghetti Works menu delivers options for every type of diner.
This complete guide covers the latest menu prices, popular signature dishes, and essential practical tips for your next visit. Because "The Works" relies heavily on local coastal sourcing, it is important to remember that many fresh seafood items are subject to daily "Market Price" fluctuations.
Official Source Verification
Menus, prices, calories, and availability can vary by location, delivery platform, and time. LatestMenus checks official restaurant sources where available and marks uncertain information clearly.
Latest Seafood and Spaghetti Works Menu Prices
The following prices represent the core menu items generally available at the Port Aransas location. Please note that "MP" stands for Market Price.
Appetizers (Starters)
| Menu Item | Category | Price | Calories | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peel & Eat Shrimp | Appetizers | Market Price (MP) | Not published | Sharing before seafood entrees | Chilled Gulf shrimp with cocktail sauce |
| Fried Mushrooms | Appetizers | $10.99 (Est.) | Not published | Vegetarian starters | Hand-breaded and fried golden |
| Crab Cakes | Appetizers | $14.99 (Est.) | Not published | Seafood lovers | Two cakes served with remoulade |
| Cheese Sticks | Appetizers | $9.50 (Est.) | Not published | Kids and families | Served with traditional marinara sauce |
| Calamari | Appetizers | $13.50 (Est.) | Not published | Sharing | Lightly breaded with dipping sauce |
The Pasta Works
Most pasta entrees historically include a trip to the famous Soup & Salad Bar. If you love traditional, hearty Italian spots like Battista's Hole in the Wall, you'll appreciate the old-school pasta plates served up here.
| Menu Item | Category | Price | Calories | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spaghetti with Meat Sauce | Pasta | $16.99 (Est.) | Not published | Budget-friendly appetite | A local favorite and high-value pick |
| Spaghetti with Marinara | Pasta | $15.99 (Est.) | Not published | Vegetarians | Meat-free tomato sauce |
| Lasagna | Pasta | $19.99 (Est.) | Not published | Comfort food cravings | Multi-layered with meat and cheese |
| Fettuccine Alfredo | Pasta | $18.50 (Est.) | Not published | Creamy pasta fans | Chicken or Shrimp additions cost extra |
| The "Works" Spaghetti | Pasta | $21.99 (Est.) | Not published | Large appetites | Loaded with meat sauce, meatballs, and sausage |
Coastal Seafood Entrees
Unlike fast-food seafood spots like Long John Silver's, this restaurant uses fresh, local Gulf catches. Prices for fresh catch and premium platters fluctuate daily.
| Menu Item | Category | Price | Calories | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fried Shrimp Basket | Seafood | $22.99 (Est.) | Not published | Classic coastal dining | Large Gulf shrimp with fries & slaw |
| Catch of the Day | Seafood | Market Price (MP) | Not published | Fresh local fish lovers | Often Snapper, Mahi, or Drum |
| Fried Oyster Platter | Seafood | $24.50 (Est.) | Not published | Oyster fans | Freshly shucked and lightly breaded |
| Combination Platter | Seafood | $29.99 (Est.) | Not published | Undecided diners | Choice of two: Fish, Shrimp, or Oysters |
| Stuffed Shrimp | Seafood | $26.00 (Est.) | Not published | Hearty seafood meals | Handmade with seafood stuffing |
Pizza & Sandwiches
While you might expect standard beach-town pies, their hand-tossed dough is reminiscent of dedicated pizzerias like Roseland Apizza. It's a fantastic alternative for those taking a break from seafood.
| Menu Item | Category | Price | Calories | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The "Works" Pizza (Large) | Pizza | $24.99 (Est.) | Not published | Sharing with a group | Pepperoni, sausage, beef, vegetables |
| Cheese Pizza (Medium) | Pizza | $14.50 (Est.) | Not published | Kids | Hand-tossed dough |
| Shrimp Po-Boy | Sandwiches | $16.50 (Est.) | Not published | Lunches | Served on a toasted roll with fries |
| Works Burger | Sandwiches | $14.99 (Est.) | Not published | Non-seafood eaters | Half-pound beef patty with standard fixings |
Popular Menu Items
If you are visiting this Port Aransas institution for the first time, these are the legendary items that have defined the menu for over four decades.
| Popular Item | Why People Order It | Price Note | Calorie Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Soup & Salad Bar | Famous boat-shaped station with massive variety | Add-on or standalone meal | Check official nutrition source |
| The "Works" Spaghetti | Ultimate hearty Italian comfort food | Premium pasta pricing | Not published |
| Fried Gulf Shrimp | Fresh, locally sourced sweet shrimp | Varies by market | Not published |
| Fresh Catch (Blackened) | Showcases exactly what local fishers caught that day | Market Price (MP) | Not published |
Editor Picks: Best Things to Order
These are LatestMenus editorial recommendations based on available menu research, value, popularity, customization potential, and practical ordering usefulness. They are not official restaurant rankings.
The "Works" Spaghetti
This dish captures the Italian side of the menu perfectly, loading up traditional spaghetti with a savory meat sauce, Italian sausage, and handmade meatballs for a massively satisfying plate.
Soup & Salad Bar
Served out of a unique boat station, you can order the salad bar as a standalone entree. Given the array of prepared pasta salads, fruit, and soups, it is incredibly filling.
The "Works" Pizza (Large)
Sharing a large pizza is the easiest way to feed a table full of kids or friends who might not all agree on seafood.
Catch of the Day (Grilled)
Opting for the daily fresh catch grilled, paired with a side of steamed vegetables, is a naturally lighter alternative to the heavily battered and fried seafood platters.
Fried Shrimp Basket
As a Port Aransas institution, their lightly battered, sweet Gulf shrimp is consistently one of the most ordered items on the menu year after year.
Build Your Own Pizza
With hand-tossed dough and a wide variety of fresh toppings to choose from, you can easily build exactly the pie you want.
Cheapest Items and Best Value Picks
Eating out in a Texas tourist destination can add up, but there are solid value strategies to keep the bill manageable without leaving hungry.
| Value Pick | Why It Can Be Good Value | Watch Out For | Best Ordering Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spaghetti with Meat Sauce | Often includes the salad bar, making it a complete meal. | Portions are huge, which might be too much for lunch. | Consider splitting this dish if your server allows it. |
| Soup & Salad Bar (Entree) | All-you-can-eat variety for less than the cost of standard entrees. | Beverages are separate. | Load up on protein-heavy items like eggs or ham available on the bar. |
| Kids Menu Meals | Generous portions for children 12 and under at a lower price point. | Strict age limit generally enforced. | Order the kid's fried shrimp basket to let them try local seafood affordably. |
Calories and Nutrition Notes
As an independent restaurant, Seafood and Spaghetti Works is not required to publish standardized calorie counts. Diners tracking nutrition should be aware of preparation methods.
| Menu Area | Nutrition Note | Best For | Source Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grilled/Blackened Seafood | Generally lower in calories and fat than fried platters. | Lighter diets | Low (Not officially published) |
| Salad Bar | Can be low-calorie (greens/vinegar) or high-calorie (pasta salads/creamy dressing). | Customized nutrition | Low (Not officially published) |
| Pasta & Pizza | High in carbohydrates and sodium. | Carb-loading | Low (Not officially published) |
Allergen and Dietary Notes
Always inform your server of severe allergies before ordering, as official matrices are not available online.
| Dietary Need | What to Check | Important Note |
|---|---|---|
| Shellfish Allergy | All fried items | High risk of cross-contact. The kitchen handles massive amounts of shrimp, crab, and oysters. |
| Gluten-Free | Pasta, pizza, fried breading | Opt for grilled fish or steaks. Ask if gluten-free pasta is currently in stock. |
| Vegetarian | Salad bar, cheese pizza, marinara | The salad bar and vegetable pizzas offer excellent meat-free options. |
Special Menu Sections
Kids Menu
| Item or Section | What It Includes | Price/Calorie Note | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kids Fried Shrimp Basket | Fried shrimp and a side | Estimated $9 - $12 | Kids trying seafood |
| Kids Spaghetti & Meatball | Smaller pasta portion | Calories not published | Picky eaters |
| Kids Chicken Tenders | Breaded strips and fries | Estimated $8 - $10 | Non-seafood eaters |
Best For: Who This Menu Guide Helps
This guide is especially useful for:
- Tourists planning a Port Aransas trip who want to check prices before bringing a large family.
- Seafood lovers looking to understand what "Fresh Catch" means at local spots.
- Vegetarians seeking options (like the salad bar and pizza) at a prominent seafood restaurant.
- People with dietary concerns who need to know about the lack of official allergen info and high shellfish cross-contact risks.
Ordering Tips From LatestMenus
To make the most out of your visit to "The Works," keep these practical dining strategies in mind.
- Check the official app or local restaurant for exact prices. Because fresh fish pricing changes daily based on Gulf supply, "Market Price" will vary.
- Ask about the daily "Catch." Don't rely solely on the printed menu. The server's verbal specials usually feature the best fish brought in that morning.
- Factor in Ferry and Wait Times. If traveling from the mainland during Summer or Spring Break, the Port Aransas ferry can take over an hour, and the restaurant runs on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Browse the Boutique while you wait. There is a popular gift shop attached to the restaurant, making wait times much more tolerable.
- Use official nutrition and allergen pages before ordering. Since they do not publish these officially, you must speak directly to a manager if cross-contact is a life-threatening concern.
- Watch for delivery markups. If you order online via third-party delivery apps to your beach rental, expect prices and fees to be higher than dining in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Seafood and Spaghetti Works have a salad bar?
Yes, it is one of their most famous attractions. The bar is famously built into a boat-shaped station and offers an extensive selection of fresh greens, pasta salads, fruit, and homemade soups.
What are the average prices at Seafood and Spaghetti Works?
Pasta dishes and sandwiches typically range from $15 to $22. Fresh seafood platters usually range from $23 to $35+, though Market Price items fluctuate daily.
Where can I find calories for the menu?
Seafood and Spaghetti Works is an independent restaurant and does not officially publish calorie or nutrition information.
Is there a kids' menu available?
Yes, the restaurant has a dedicated kids' menu for children 12 and under, offering items like a fried shrimp basket, spaghetti, chicken tenders, and grilled cheese.
Can I get gluten-free pasta there?
They do not consistently offer gluten-free pasta on their permanent printed menu. Guests avoiding gluten are encouraged to order grilled seafood or steaks and communicate clearly with their server.
What is on "The Works" pizza?
The signature "Works" pizza is heavily loaded with pepperoni, Italian sausage, ground beef, mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers.
Does it have an allergen menu?
No, there is no official allergen matrix published. Diners with severe shellfish allergies should be highly cautious due to the massive volume of shrimp, crab, and oysters prepared in the kitchen.
Can I order online for takeout?
Yes, takeout is very popular. You can generally order online or call ahead, which is a great option for enjoying their pizza or shrimp baskets back at your beach condo.
Does the menu change seasonally?
While staples like the Spaghetti with Meat Sauce and the Salad Bar remain year-round, the specific types of fresh fish available change based on local Gulf Coast fishing seasons.
Conclusion
Seafood and Spaghetti Works gives diners in Port Aransas a highly flexible menu, pairing a beloved "Boat" salad bar with top-tier coastal seafood and comforting Italian classics. Because seafood prices shift with the daily catch, always consult the restaurant's daily specials board or your server for exact Market Prices.
Menus, prices, calories, and availability can change by location, time, delivery platform, and restaurant updates. Always confirm the latest information with the official restaurant website, app, or your local restaurant before ordering. Information verified for 2026 where available.
