Lantern Grill   

3109 Padre Boulevard
South Padre Island, TX 78597
956-761-4460

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Opened two and a half years ago by Denise and Robert Goga (the restaurant's manager and head chef, respectively), the Lantern Grill is located in the heart of South Padre Island's 3-mile-long developed area. The restaurant resides in a classic Mediterranean structure with a stucco exterior and tiled roof. Its interior is distinguished by huge brick archways, tile floors and numerous tin lanterns hanging from the ceiling (hence the name). Stunning frescos by Dallas-based artist Jacques Lamy adorn the walls, joined by paintings by local artist Marie Goga (the owner's sister).Chef Goga, who trained at the Culinary Institute of America, demonstrates his skills in creating the Lantern's American cuisine with a Southwestern flair. He recommends sampling the beef tenderloin, tortilla- crusted chicken, or sauteed red Gulf snapper. For non-meat eaters, a vegetarian pasta dish is available. Unlike most establishments on South Padre Island, the Lantern Grill makes a point of not catering to the Spring Break crowd; in fact, last year they closed for the entire week. This is the place to come for carefully prepared food, elegant dining and soft jazz (compliments of the Keith Disantis Duo) -- not a beer-soaked brouhaha. --Kim Mattingly