For more than 70 years, Texans have made the trek to King’s Inn on Baffin Bay to enjoy the legendary fried shrimp, seafood and tartar sauce. Food is served family style, and gentlemen (and small boys as well) are asked to remove their hats and caps upon entering. Located about 20 minutes south of Kingsville via U.S. Highway 77, King’s Inn has been in the Ware family since 1945.
King’s Inn began as a bait stand in the mid-’30s, built alongside a fishing pier and owned by the Underbrink family. Fishermen grew hungry, and, before long, the bait stand became known for its grilled fish and burgers. Eventually, the food became the mainstay thanks to cook Cottle Ware. In 1945, Ware and his wife, Faye, bought the place and renamed it King’s Inn.
Every meal begins with a plate of fresh, sliced tomatoes and a dish of the famous King’s Inn tartar sauce, the recipe of which is a guarded family secret. There’s no printed menu except for the one on the wall at the entrance. The waitstaff recite the menu tableside. Favorites are fried shrimp, fish and oysters.
Diners most frequently request the east dining room overlooking Baffin Bay. The west dining area was part of the original 1940s building and featured a stage at the north end. Live bands played on this stage and made King’s Inn a popular spot for dancing in those early days.
By the 1960s, the stage had been removed to make way for more seating, and a jukebox was placed in the center of the west wall. Dancing continued to be enjoyed in that west dining room with “Red Sails in the Sunset,” an oft-played tune on the jukebox.
Partake in this classic Texas tradition by visiting King’s Inn for the seafood and songs.
