By ALEXANDREA BAILEY
editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com
Port Isabel is in mourning of a local legend responsible for one of the community’s most beloved staples. Joe Castillo Sr, founder of Joe’s Oyster Bar, took his last breath on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, at 4:50 p.m., surrounded by family, according to his son, Joe Castillo Jr.
“He went peacefully and quickly. He loved his family, traveling, and of course, his business,” stated Joe Castillo Jr. “Thank you to everyone who has reached out to the family. We really appreciate your support and hearing how you loved Joe’s Oyster Bar and everything my dad built in his lifetime. My dad’s legacy will continue to live on through his hard work and we will continue to make him proud by ensuring Joe’s Oyster Bar continues to thrive.”
The community took to social media to express their condolences and share memories of Joe Castillo Sr.
Jim Caputo, a frequent South Padre Island visitor and longtime patron of Joe’s Oyster Bar commented, “From the very first time we stopped at Joe’s Oyster Bar about 20 years ago, your dad was very friendly, gracious, and made us feel like he had known us for many years. Every year, when we would head down to South Padre, we would stop in and see him and of course get some great seafood.”
Cameron County Constable Norman Esquivel stated, “My deepest condolences to Mr. Castillo’s family during this difficult time. May God bless and comfort you. His memory will live on, and he will always be remembered.”
Another patron of Joe’s Oyster Bar, Belinda Garcia, commented, “Our deepest condolences to you and your family. Your father was one of a kind. Because of your father’s hospitality, kindness and delicious seafood, my father continues to visit Joe’s Oyster Bar and recommends it to everyone to this day. Your father will be missed.”
According to his daughter, Cebrina Marin, Joe Castillo Sr. was born and raised in Port Isabel. He was one of 14 children in an impoverished family and eventually dropped out of high school to help support the household by joining the workforce. She says that he made $5 a week at one of his first jobs, cleaning a bakery. As he grew older, he wanted to get into the restaurant business, so he started gaining experience in the industry, working in various eateries on the Island as a busser and a cook. He saved money in pursuit of his dream of owning a restaurant. According to Marin, during this era of her father’s life, the property at 207 E Maxan Street in Port Isabel, caught his eye, and just seemed to have a hold on him. One day, he called the owner of the building, who told him it was not for sale. This caused much disappointment for Joe Castillo Sr., but the dismay was short-lived, as the owner called him back and gave him an offer on the building. Then, according to Marin, her father took all the money that he saved and purchased the property. There, he opened his seafood business on Feb. 5, 1983.
“He had buckets of ice and not much more at the beginning, but he was determined,” said Marin.
On Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025, Joe’s Oyster Bar celebrated 42 years of business just a few days after Joe Castillo Sr.’s passing.
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