The Highs and Lows of the Galley: 2026 Health Inspection Rankings

By Walter Perry

Rockport Pirate

In the newspaper business, we often talk about transparency. Whether it's city council meetings or police reports, the community has a right to know what’s happening behind closed doors. This week, we’re opening the kitchen doors.

Using the latest 2026 inspection data from the Aransas County Environmental Health Department, the Rockport Pirate has compiled a definitive list of the cleanest operations in town and those that are currently sailing in troubled waters.

The Cleanest Galleys in the Bend

A perfect score—zero demerits—is no small feat in a high-volume kitchen. It requires constant vigilance, proper temperature controls, and a culture of cleanliness. These ten establishments (listed alphabetically) have set the gold standard for food safety this year:

• 7-Eleven #36506J (Hwy 35 N)

• Aransas County Council on Aging

• Bella La Brew

• The Boiling Pot

• Cuero Pecan House

• Dogs by the Bay

• Live Oak Learning Center

• MA S BBQ

• Rockport Fulton Middle School

• The Groove

It is particularly heartening to see our local schools and senior centers leading the way. When our most vulnerable citizens are being served, there is zero room for error, and these institutions have delivered.

The Watchlist: Highest Demerits of 2026

On the other side of the ledger, several establishments have struggled significantly with compliance. Scores in the double digits or those labeled "Inadequate" typically signal systemic issues that require immediate correction and follow-up inspections.

Rank Establishment Demerits Status

1 Original Vallarta #4 29 Inadequate

2 GASFUSION INC 28 Inadequate

3 Pirate's Galley 14 Satisfactory

4 NEMO'S SEAFOOD GRILL 12 Satisfactory

5 Sunrise Market 11 Satisfactory

6 Checkout # 70 11 Satisfactory

7 BECNHWARMERS/HUDAT, LLC. 10 Noteworthy

8 LA ARANDINA COCINA AND CANTINA 10 Noteworthy

9 THE SKI BAY DONUTS 9 Noteworthy

10 Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen 9 Noteworthy

The "Inadequate" ratings for Original Vallarta #4 and GASFUSION INC are particularly concerning, as they represent the highest demerit totals seen in the county this year.

Why These Numbers Matter

Health inspections aren't just about paperwork; they are about public safety. A demerit can be issued for anything from a refrigerator running three degrees too warm to improper handwashing stations or evidence of pests. When these demerits stack up, the risk of foodborne illness increases.

As your neighborhood watchdog, the Pirate will continue to monitor these scores. We hope to see the establishments on our "Worst" list make the necessary adjustments to climb into the "Exceptional" category by their next routine check-up.