Best Restaurants in McAllen
McAllen, a vibrant city in Texas, is a gastronomic paradise that offers a diverse range of culinary experiences. This article will guide you through the best restaurants in McAllen, where you can savor everything from authentic Mexican cuisine to delectable seafood, and from gourmet steaks to mouth-watering Italian dishes. Whether you're a local foodie looking for new places to explore, or a tourist seeking to indulge in the city's culinary scene, this list will provide you with the top dining spots that McAllen has to offer. So, prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable journey through the flavors of McAllen.
The republic of the rio grande
4.5
(1657)
A sumptuous, indoor-outdoor bar & grill serving a Mexican-American menu, including steaks & pizza.
Reviews:
I decided to go to The Republic of the Rio Grande for my birthday lunch. Since the staff didn't recognize me as a single eater, I'm assuming this is the kind of restaurant for groups and gatherings. The atmosphere and architecture is really nice. Inside it's dark and intimate. Outside it's really nice and open. I chose to stay inside. My waiter was very attentive and nice. I chose water and the salmon and avocado dish for my order. The wait didn't take too long before my order arrived. The salmon was on a bed of rice and delicious! The vegetables were good, but I tasted a lot of butter, and the pool of butter below them on the plate backed up my thought. The dish is really more salmon and guacamole, than salmon and avocado. I was expecting avocado slices, but received avocado cream. I'm still not sure if the texture of avocado cream really paired well against the salmon. Still, I did enjoy my dish and finished it all. I ordered dessert. Vanilla ice cream on a brownie. I was expecting an experience like the lava chocolate brownie explosion at Chili's. Instead, my dessert was a bit plain, and the brownie was dry. And yet, I still did enjoy my meal. This feels like a place for events, taking clients out, and a nice date. My guess is this place is known for its ambiance.
Rafael Sepulveda
We had our monthly book clip meeting at the Republic of Rio Grande. We came here because it was a place that was super recommended by friends and family. The appetizers were actually the best part of our lunch when it came to the meals, I ordered a fajita plate which was the status fajita plate that I’ve ever seen it look like someone was trying to learn how to cook. My friend had the rotisserie chicken, which was bland, and the skin was Crispy at all my sister had a pizza that had salmon and that was good. My friends daughter had a burger and that was very good from what I gathered the alcohol beverages were a little bit strong but they were good. The favorite of the group margarita will be coming back I don’t think so. I was very down based off my plate but I wish them the best.
crystal guevara
I was craving a good steak and my meal at The Republic of the Rio Grande did not disappoint! My meat was done to perfection and was so tender and juicy - it was heaven. The scalloped potatoes and summer vegetable medley were both delicious and complemented the meal perfectly. My service was top notch. I could not find a singe fault with my experience!
Sunnybrook Family
Wonderful service, food, atmosphere. The avocado chicken was excellent. We had fantastic service.
Gilda Trevino
This is an amazing restaurant extremely good food and customer service, food is top notch 10+, Bar has amazing selection of Bourbons and spirits. Special thanks to Brandon he is super helpful and cool
Adolfo Hernandez
1411 S 10th St, McAllen, TX 78501, USA
Olive garden italian restaurant
4.4
(2888)
Lively, family-friendly chain featuring Italian standards such as pastas & salads.
Reviews:
The server did okay… kinda. Although, the organization of it was off. We asked for a reservation for a certain time and well we had to wait longer. The food was eh, the noodles weren’t right. The seating was cramped. I literally had someone behind me within 1 ft, basically back to back. Would I come here again? Nope
Michael Garcia
We waited over 40 mins to be seated. I know it was packed but people who got the later were being seated before us. When got called service was great. Food was delicious and we didn't have any problems with anything. Even took some home cuz it was too much. I will go there again.
Chuck Garcia
It was not a great experience this time around. Have been to Olive Garden many times and will go again. This was just an isolated, poor experience. The service was bad. Our waiter was not attentive, causing us to call servers from other tables to help us. When he was available, he could not follow requests and had to be told several times after the fact. We went for never-ending pasta bowl and this was the weakest it's been in years. Sauces and pasta were as basic and generic as it got. Nothing new. Nothing special.
Humberto Rodriguez
I had the pleasure of experiencing exceptional service from Adrian C. at Olive Garden. His attentiveness, knowledge, and kindness truly stood out during my visit. He went above and beyond to ensure a memorable dining experience. Adrian's dedication to his role reflects his commitment to customer satisfaction. With his outstanding qualities, he certainly deserves recognition and a raise. Thank you, Adrian C., for making my visit truly delightful.
Noe Gutierrez
I had a great experience, but unfortunately, I had to pay for a gnarly mango tea. Since I asked to swap that tea for a better one I got charged double. At least it was just $4. Everything else was amazing.
Vanessa Borgia
7812 N 10th St, McAllen, TX 78504, USA
Mikhuna japanese-peruvian cuisine
4.6
(510)
Diverse dishes from Mexico, Bolivia, Peru, Spain, Argentina, Cuba, & Italy with art-driven decor.
Reviews:
This is a very unique restaurant featuring options from several cuisines. Upon entering, you will notice they spent a lot of time to perfect the atmosphere. Everything is well designed and decorated. The service was extremely good. We had Marcello and he explained everything, provided several great recommendations, and checked on us just enough to make sure everything was good. The food is outstanding. Everything was reasonably priced for the quality. Their menu exhibits the kitchen's capability to cook a variety of dishes. Everything we had was great.
Alex Bowman
Amazing!!! — The food was delicious, the menu is unique, the atmosphere is fun and elegant, the cocktails were tasty, and staff was fantastic — we were helped by Misael and he was incredibly friendly! 10/10 would recommend to a friend. We are definitely coming back!
Alessandra Monzon
I was finally able to try this place, and it was very enjoyable. Santiago took great care of us! My BFFs and I had our monthly dinner yesterday, and we tried the following: Palta Rellena de Camarones, Fusion Ropa Vieja, and Arroz Chaufa w/chicken. For desert, Santiago recommended the Gianguja & Aji Amarillo Namelaka. Great pick! It didn't disappoint. Overall, I enjoyed everything that we ordered, but my friend's favorite was the Arroz Chaufa w/chicken. If you are in the mood for a cocktail, the Passion Fruit Tamarindo is amazing! The ambiance is very relaxing and unique. I noticed that the lights were dimmed as the evening progressed. It was a nice touch. Thank you for an exceptional experience! Kudos to Santi** 😃 Outdoor seating is available.
Janet Saucedo
Ordered the lamb, chicken lomo saltado, & ropa vieja. Ordered tostones & calamari for appetizer. Ordered maduros w/ ice cream for dessert. Everything was ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS! Every meal, every bite, every cocktail was amazing! Loved the vibe!
Monica Gonzalez
Excellent upper end cuisine, friendly staff, and a cozy environment makes it a great restaurant option in McAllen. We visited for our anniversary and were thrilled throughout our evening.
Hector Cerda
905 N Main St, McAllen, TX 78501, USA
Saltgrass steak house
4.4
(2041)
Informal Texas-themed chain offers a meaty menu & full bar amid cattle kitsch decor.
Reviews:
What an outstanding experience I had at this restaurant for the first time. Everything we had is great! The waitress was very attentive and kept checking on us during our visit. The portion is very large. It is great for sharing. The steak that I had was cooked to perfection and had tons of flavor. This was the best steak I have eaten in a very long time! My husband had the Salmon Oscar plate with the sweet potato fries and a potato soup, and everything was absolutely delicious. I would highly recommend eating here!!!
Alice Phuong Tran
I was kind of disappointed at first. I ordered a medium rare ribeye and it came out close to well done. I was just going to eat it and not say anything but I couldn’t. The staff was very kind and quickly changed it for the steak I desired. The manager even came out and offered his apologies. This doesn’t make me think less of this restaurant, it makes me think more highly of them. I know stuff happens and they can get it wrong sometimes, but it’s the attitude and the speed of fixing when there are problems. This location get 100% from me. They are superb in their customer service and satisfaction. Thank you
Timothy Aguiar
My wife enjoyed her chicken fried steak. The complimentary bread and butter are very good together. The house salad was good and fresh. The carrot cake was delicious. They delivered a huge slice and was very good. Service was excellent. Kept our drinks topped off.
Rock rodriguez
First time here. Service was great! The food was not pushed on you to rush you out, your able to enjoy your meal. Steaks were cooked just right and that melt in your mouth moment with the first bite was outstanding!!! Pocket book feels it but we definitely felt it was worth it. ( it is what it is now a days)
Michelle McDaniel
Great rib Ribeye with Brussels sprouts and sweet potato fries , Excellent carrot cake. Great service
Armando Glz
3000 W Expy 83, McAllen, TX 78501, USA
Il forno a legna
4.3
(717)
Popular trattoria offering modern Italian dishes & wood-fired pizzas, plus a long bar for cocktails.
Reviews:
My wife and I went on a weekday so it wasn’t very busy but this is a nice little gem we have in the Valley! Wife ordered lamb chops and she gave it a 10 and I ordered the beef rib and I think I’d give it a 10 as well. Our appetizer was fried calamari which was slightly salty but we both said it was probably the best fried calamari we’ve had in the RGV.
George Andershock
🍝🇮🇹🍕 Nice restaurant in McAllen. I was pleasantly surprised. The food was good and the service was okay. Quite certain the waiter was stoned out of his mind but whatever. 😑 I can get past repeating myself 4 times & rearranging the drinks & plates bc of the lack of short term memory. At least he was polite 🤷🏻♀️ I would have given it 5 ⭐️ if it weren’t for the foul odor. I’m not blaming it ON the restaurant bc several other establishments in the area smell repugnant as if they’ve cleaned the floors with water from the septic tank. Would prob be wise to get the back flow preventer checked out or have the city check water lines. If it weren’t for the odor we’d prob be regulars.
Cori Muse
What an amazing experience!! The food was awesome and the service was great!! Got the Italian sausage and mushroom pizza, and our daughter got the spaghetti and meatballs! The teas with flavor added was so delicious! We will come back!❤️
Shauna Hernandez
Food was ok. Service was decent. Atmosphere was mediocre. It was overall a very neutral experience. The drinks were by far the best part but were pricey too. I've have better Italian food around the area with better atmosphere as well. Probably wouldn't come back as nothing stood out in any way to make it more appealing.
Jaydrienne
The pizza is delicious especially because it is cooked in the brick style oven. I ordered pasta and I wish the sauce wasn’t so runny. The ambitious indoors was calm and relaxing and I enjoyed the vast option of wine. The steak options are at an affordable price. I do wish our server was more attentive to our table but nevertheless she brought a birthday dessert to the table which was really nice.
Keisha H
3817 N 10th St #5, McAllen, TX 78501, USA
Bodega tavern & kitchen
4.4
(639)
New American eats & unique craft cocktails served in a hip, modern-rustic space with outdoor seats.
Reviews:
The service was great from the moment we were walking toward the building. The food was delicious. Every bite was so good! It's a chill spot with many options for you, and it's family-friendly. Check it out for yourself
Karina Garcia
We checked this place out a few weeks ago and it was nice. The service was good, talked a little too much but nice. We tried their brunch menu and one item from their regular menu, very accommodating. Some also had a drink. Overall, everyone enjoyed their food except me. The waffles were dense and needed syrup. The chicken breading was very bland, like flour with no seasoning. I think next time, I will try something different. This place had a great atmosphere, seating was also outside and the bathrooms were very clean and nice.
Graciela Conklin
Awesome place!! Ordered the Deviled Eggs, Pork Belly, and Chicharrones for appetizers. The Pork Belly was fantastic. Had the Duck Confit Tacos and those were really good. We ordered a side of the Brussel Sprouts as a side for the table and they were awesome! Highly recommended this place!!
Rick Evans
I attended Birthday Party for two of my girlfriends in Bodega’s private room! The food was absolutely delicious and service was warm and attentive! Great job guys!!🤩
Andrea Rodriguez
First time eating hear and I was very impressed with their beet fries 🍟 Totally blew me out of this world they were amazing! I ordered a Paloma cocktail and was mixed to perfection. Definitely see myself coming back with my family and friends.
Juicy Fresh (Natalie Flores)
2901 N 10th St, McAllen, TX 78501, USA
Romano's macaroni grill
4.4
(1106)
Lively Italian chain with an open kitchen, known for small plates, pizzas, pastas & wine.
Reviews:
Absolutely loved the food, I personally ordered the Mom's Risotta Meatballs+Spaghetti, with some additional Parmesan put on top. The service was great and amazing, and they were all very nice. Lastly, the atmosphere was great, with it being family friendly and it was not to loud and not to quiet. I would absolutely recommend going here.
Kyoto Mugoza
Came here for my partner’s 28th solar return. The server Christian was absolutely immaculate. He helped so much with every request possible. The energy was beautifully crafted for an intimate dinner. The lady who sang happy birthday in Italian was such a beautiful experience and I would recommend this restaurant for any occasion in the future!! Thank you so much. 🧿💓 I’m sending the highest energies to this establishment!!
Zen Matamoros
The food was delicious! I don't remember their food being that flavorful before. The only thing that needs TLC is the bathrooms. Replace toilet seats, door signs on the inside, and toilet brushes.
Karina Garcia
Haven’t been to a Macaroni Grill in a few years so decided to give it a try. Regretted our decision to come here for pasta. Create your own pasta was $16 and included only 3 non-protein toppings. Portion was small, even for lunch, and the arabiatta sauce was not spicy at all. Lasagna had no texture; the noodles were overdone and not worth $19. To boot, the soup of the day, lobster bisque for $3 add on, tasted more like tomato basil with a strange, seafood-like aftertaste. After sending it back, the server discussed with the manager. And to their credit, they took it off the special menu because it was prepared incorrectly and credited our bill. We used to love this franchise, but the food quality has declined and prices have skyrocketed. We won’t be returning. Kids pepperoni pizza was “really good.”
Dave Schmoeller
First time coming to the Macaroni Grill. The place is very nice, good music 🎶. Food was OK. To me some tasted over salted but maybe just me?
Kelly Alvarez
3500 W Expy 83, McAllen, TX 78501, USA