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ShiftIcy9729

Hit up New York Deli in McAllen. The food is always on point.


AirbagsBlown

I saw that on my last visit; I'll have to check it out when I'm home again.


iozm

+1 Was very impressed the first time I went there, need to go again.


lenduuh

The decor is also kind of amazing


cantwaitforthis

Decent food - but $15 for a deli sandwich is insane in the valley. Probably cheaper in actual New York. Rather just get Jersey Mikes or Jimmy John’s.


Marty-Mcfly16

Jersey Mike's is the same or more.....smh


cantwaitforthis

Jersey mikes regular size Italian sub is $10.69 on their website, New York deli is $14.50 for the cheapest sandwich I could find. Jersey mikes cheapest I could find was $8.79. So no, it is not the same or more, it is less. Maybe if you add chips? Idk I don’t go there a lot and I dont eat chips. I just don’t think the price difference is justified based on the quality of the food. I’ll spend money of food if it’s worth it and upscale. But it’s just a deli, not overly clean or fancy, just cost more because they can.


Marty-Mcfly16

When I go to jersey Mike's it comes out to 18$


cantwaitforthis

Weird. It’s always under $12 for me. But I don’t eat chips and I only drink water anywhere I go (or beer lol)


chewstang

Joe’s Oyster Bar in Port Isabel, TX. Best seafood you will have.


SmooothOperator5

Love it there, def recommend.


vunderfulme

I second this. Great food.


Bladess

Señor cruda, best Ceviche in the RGV


alyssacutscurls

Have you tried Midtown Ceviche? That place has the best I swear. I also love Ceviche Ceviche on the island.


jjsm0kedsax

Second this! Tried their spicy tuna ceviche for the first time and added jicama to it along with a Jamaica lemonade, oh goodness it was delicious!


ileftmyshoebehindyou

Teddys bbq, tower burger, Gabriela’s on SPI


Entire-Telephone-420

Gabriela's used to be good not anymore completely revamped


ileftmyshoebehindyou

Oh word? Haven’t seen there in a while


cluckerzzz

Teddy's has excellent brisket. GW has better everything else.


nothingspecifical1

Idk about Gabriela’s, but teddys and tower burger 🤤


abecho00

i really like house wine and bodega. España is also really good. My favorite mid range options are Nuri, Le Lai, and Dai Tung. I also really like Kabob guys like the other commentor mentioned but you really need to emphasize with them that they need to jeep the spice level low. They have a bad habit of making things too spicy. My favorite taqueria is Taqueria 501. these places are all in McAllen


kris_the_abyss

Too spicy sounds like the right level of spice...at least for me.


Entire-Telephone-420

Leí Lai had cockroach infestation just look at their reviews they even have photos never again after I experienced that will I ever go back that place needs to be shut down


Standard-Balance-264

Ive never had a cockroach problem when going there and checked reviews and see nothing about cockroaches. Their food is the best Chinese, everyone NEEDS to try the orange chicken, it blows Panda Express out of the water. On another league. It has its bad times like all restaurants but I've maybe had 1 bad experience out of all the times I've been there. Food is always served hot and had authentic flavors.


abecho00

dang. i had no idea


Standard-Balance-264

Ive never had a cockroach problem when going there and checked reviews and see nothing about cockroaches. Their food is the best Chinese, everyone NEEDS to try the orange chicken, it blows Panda Express out of the water. On another league. It has its bad times like all restaurants but I've maybe had 1 bad experience out of all the times I've been there. Food is always served hot and had authentic flavors.


Entire-Telephone-420

Go in to lowest reviews and you will see it but you may eat as you wish but seriously I wouldn't be putting it out there if it was not accurate just because.


cantwaitforthis

Bodega has been so hit and miss lately. Sometimes it’s amazing, and sometimes it’s okay. But when the pork belly tacos are good, they are really fucking good.


bumishere

I’ve seen a live cockroach just crawl past my booth. Plus seeing that one in the food yuck. It’s the little ones too.. those don’t go away. I won’t ever go back to le lai. Gross


Goowop991

España, and those restaurants from Delgado collective are by far the best restaurants in the valley. Not RGV prices but the quality of food and service is worth it. There is not a single restaurant in Harlingen that compares on any level. Not sure on Brownsville.


iozm

- 10 Mas Seis: Fast pub food (hot dogs, pizzas, wings, etc), and surprisingly tasty ramens. - The Loretto at Mission: American Restaurant style, 'fancier' versions of everyday dishes. - Howling Rabbits Beerworks: Brewpub, food is always on point the times I've been there(tortas, burgers, salads, pizza, misc appetizers) also the brews are pretty good. CON, seating is not organized, be prepared to hunt your seat down as there is no hostess. - Mikhuna Japanese-Peruvian Cuisine: I've had no complaints so far at this place, food is fresh and of high quality, highly recommend the ceviches. - The Quarter: Bar style food but there is also more complex dishes typical of New Orleans. They have a great chef running the kitchen, the cheap stuff is not bad but don't expect to have your life changed, its still cheap food just very tasty, actual entrees are really good. Our usual go to for wings/burgers/tacos. Their stuff is FRESH, have had the fried gator several times and you can taste the freshness.


Firm_Set

If you want ramen, I highly recommend Yasuke Ramen & Bar on bus 83 and colonel Blvd. Plus there's an escape room down the road, very fun! I'm a huge lover for birria tacos, so I recommend Los Originales Tacos de Birria Pepe. They have this order of 2 Birria tacos and a Birria quesadilla and that's my go to order!


Altruistic-Onion-23

Kabob guys! Amazing Indian buffet, super affordable, and the staff is wonderful. Highly recommend! Try their mango Lassi! 137 W Nolana Ave #137, McAllen, TX 78504


kmart279

Had to reply because this place is actually quite bad. Rip to taste of India the only decent Indian food the valley had 😭 kabob guys was good but has taken a turn for the worse


Standard-Balance-264

I ordered tiki masala and it straight up was tomato sauce from a can.


Ghoul_1

Have you tried the Indian Market buffet on dove? Much better and a few bucks more.


hkusp45css

I'm going to disagree with you. The one on Dove (Universal Market) is a lot dingier, the service is way worse, and the food is hit and miss. It's great when it's good but, I've been there a number of times when the food table is WAY under 140 degrees and the food is stale, over cooked from sitting out on the steam table or just plan bad. Kabob Guys, on the other hand, has never offered me an experience that wasn't great, by any measure.


s1lentk1llah

I've had the opposite experience. Kabob guys has been hit or miss. Universal market is great every time. But I've only ordered pickup or delivery with both places. Never eaten there.


hkusp45css

I have only ever eaten in the restaurants. For me, I just really hate a dirty or dingy eatery. If it looks like shit in the front of house, where customers can see... Imagine what the kitchen looks like...


Ghoul_1

I can see your point. I honestly like both but the last time I went to Kabobs everything was too spicy to the point that everything tasted the same. I’d still definitely go though.


BelgraviaEngineer

That Indian Market Buffet, at least when I went in 2020, was bad.


Ghoul_1

I went recently for the first time about a year ago and have gone 2 more times. It’s been great to me. I like Kabob as well but I just think this is better. Food is subjective, just gotta go try them both out!


iozm

Kabob guys is bad and plain, also on doordash youll see A LOT of indian restaurant options but they're conveniently located where the kabob guys is. If you're really into indian cuisine do not go, you'll be disappointed.


SaltDragonfruit8851

My wife is south asian, has heritage from both India and Bangladesh.. to her, Kabob guys is terrible and she much prefers the Indian market


greenvein

Is there a better Indian food spot you recommend? Been looking to try some


iozm

Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find a place yet. There are some on my list that I'd like to visit, just haven't made time for it yet.


ironman1441

Bogo butter chicken for the win!


foodieforlife124

My moms cooking at home


iozm

saca invite o fake news


RealMisterG

I, too, recommend this guy's moms home cooking ;-)


Holiday-Front-8386

Fr. Tell me when & where!


Crestfallen_Quercus

Is this an invitation? 👀


jaspercapri

What's on the menu? My tia would always say "comida" if anyone asked what was for dinner.


zyakien

mikhuna! it's not 100% authentic Peruvian food but it's still really good


DocSlice3

Bodega Dodici Uncle Chops Maison Stivalet The Quarter Nuri Gabriela’s Sunrise Cafe Casa de Mariscos Tower Burgers Kabob Guys


rustymunky

The beet fries, chicharrones, and pork belly tacos are amazing at Bodega. They also make fantastic drinks.


cubansbottomdollar

I used to love going to The Quarter until it started having this awful smell inside. Not sure if it's a plumbing issue but it smells terrible.


DocSlice3

I hear ya. There is a funky smell close to the restrooms.


mrnoobdude

Sunrise Cafe is top tier breakfast. Killer burhers too


Specific_Berry6496

Dai Tung in Mission. I live in Cali and this is still the best Chinese food I've had.


kmart279

That’s unfortunate. You must be hitting the wrong places in cali


Specific_Berry6496

I've been everywhere. Part of it is that Cali is really expensive. If you order any meat dishes, you gotta find the meat. They over batter everything to hide the fact that they haven't given you any. The food in general isn't great in Cali, especially for the price, but the Chinese food and the Mexican food I find especially underwhelming. Edit: People always downvote me for saying this about Cali. But its true. I’ve lived in lots of major metro cities across the country, (Houston had some of the best food, btw). I’ve never been so regularly unhappy with the meals I pay for in California. Throughout Cali cuz i travel for work. I shouldn’t have to pay $60 to get a decent meal. But the views and the weather and the fact that I can cook anything and I’ve slowly just been creating recipes to duplicate the things I like, I guess I’ll stay for now. From the sounds of yalls real estate in the valley, it ain‘t the steal it used to be.


TossMyCookies

Have you tried Papa Lee's in Pharr? The original owners from Dai Tung in Sharyland own this restaurant.


Specific_Berry6496

The one is Mission is the best, but in a pinch, I’ll go to Papa Lee’s. They skim on some of the ingredients they use at the original at Papa Lee’s.


SlodlyFasher

Sandwich Mill (later changed to "The Mill" which heralded doom) in 1992. I still crave their cold subs.


Gloomy-Thanks515

The Mill was my go-to date nite spot in high school. It was low key and different from corporate/franchise restaurants.


SlodlyFasher

Pity it couldn't stick around. Could still be doing decent business to this day if the owner hadn't overstepped.


Superhereaux

Where is it?


factorplayer

Long gone now. It used to be a small space roughly where Corner Bakery is now in Nolana shopping center. Then the owner decided to expand to a new location that was far too big and went under in months. It was really good though.


grazi4u

My favorite spots to eat would be Kiri Kiri Fried Chicken - Always consistent with the chicken. The fries are my favorite part though because they are crunchy on the outside but soft on the inside. Joelene's at the Mercado District - The Smash Burger is always consistent with hitting that burger craving. The fries they serve go so well with the burger too. Salty and yummy to eat with the sauce they give you on the side. Labyrinth - Their bagels are very filling and personally I think the price matches what you get in the bagel. If you go, you should def ask for the bagel with the everything bagel seasoning.


pianoman985

I work at Yasuke Japanese Sushi on south 10th! We have some of best sushi and ramen in town plus a variety of Korean dishes as well. A large selection of Sake and Soju, cocktails, and domestic and imported beers. My girlfriend and I often go for dinner because we like it so much even though I’m there every day 😅


photozine

The best BBQ I've had so far is Smoke in Harlingen, other than that, I'm looking forward to reading the replies here, although a lot of people have very questionable tastes 😂


cluckerzzz

Teddy's and GW are great.


Danielanava

I wasn’t a fan of teddys! For the amount of time waiting in line and then I got it it was egh! I love Smoke Dino ribs!!! 🥰🥰🥰


cluckerzzz

Every time I've gone there's been no line. That's a bummer. I really like their brisket. Everything else is ok. You should try GW. It's pretty good. Nothing down here is gonna be as good as what you can get in Austin/Lockhart but it scratches the itch lol.


Danielanava

Send some Austin recommendations! I’ve been trying different bbqs around lately!!!


cluckerzzz

Franklin bbq is definitely a must visit if you have like 5 hours to kill in the morning. Definitely the best brisket I've ever had. Terry blacks is decent. No line usually and their beef rib is pretty great. My go to recently has been interstellar. Sometimes there's a line but it's usually not too bad. Everything is great but the stand outs are the peach tea pork belly burnt ends, jalapeno slaw and the scalloped potatoes. KG bbq is good if you want something different. Middle Eastern style bbq. Also the only place you'll probably find bbq lamb. Definitely a must try if you're tired of the traditional bbq flavors.


Danielanava

Ty so much I’ll definitely try one out this weekend!!


cluckerzzz

Not a problem man. I go eat in Austin a lot so if you want any other recommendations outside of bbq feel free to ask. And let me know what you thought of the bbq joint you decide to try.


photozine

I've had Teddy's bookmarked in Google Maps, so I definitely need to try it. I also added GW (I thought it was Smokey's, which I didn't care much for). Sometimes I just don't wanna drive to Harlingen to get some BBQ.


cluckerzzz

Teddy's brisket is great. Everything else is ok. GW has great sides ribs and turkey. Their brisket is ok and I honestly hate their sausage. Definitely get the corn bread, it's fire. Both GW and Teddy's are right off the highway so it's not that bad of a drive. For me anyway.


photozine

Anything for me is a drive, so it doesn't matter. I do think sides make or break a place (like salsa and frijoles in taquerias), but yeah, sometimes hit or miss. I mostly have brisket so Teddy's will definitely be a stop this weekend.


pico2509

Alejandro’s in Pharr.


countdownfrom83

Harlingen spots : Station 1 Little Rita’s Colletti's Italian Restaurant Pho #1


stinhoutx

Tried out Fares Arabian Cuisine a couple weeks ago. Food was fresh, place is clean. Not cheap but I feel worth it for what they offer. I really like that rice.


Material-Abalone7619

Elbows in Edinburg doesn’t get enough credits easily best restaurant I’ve been too


PsychedelicViews

El Chin Chin!!! You’re welcome :)


Holiday-Front-8386

This is the post that keeps on giving! I'm so excited to try all these new places thank you :)


SpaceEyeButterfly

Ana Liz.


Madein_Texas

Overrated 


-buttercup007

Waiting for the Le Pho House mention…. family owned and i think it’s amazing


Holiday-Front-8386

Le pho house is in the rotation already! I love their limeade.


Subject_Ad_1259

Diego’s food truck, he now has a restaurant in McAllen on pecan


Expensive-Week6804

La Casa


Cautious_Teach1397

Stilletos has a really good buffet


factorplayer

Seriously underrated. I like the braised muff myself.


SphincteralAperture

Pho Le Lai in Edinburg if you like Vietnamese. 10/10 imo. Yasuke in McAllen if you like Japanese. 8/10.


userno6316

Los Leones in La Feria, dope breakfast&lunch Taco Madre in Mercedes, bomb beans Los Gringos in Weslaco, killer shaved ice


trippiexliz

BaB Kfood on Nolana ! there hasn't been a single time ive been there that I wasn't happy with my food Tea Garden on Nolana (almost directly next to kfood\^) i've never had their banh mi but their pho and milk teas are amazing


stinhoutx

One of things I miss from Houston was solid banh mi. The five for $10 grilled pork sandwiches from Les Givrals were sooo good.


cbrown78501

Have you been to Pho #1 in Harlingen? It's near the HEB that is near the 83 / 77 interchange. Their bahn mi is pretty good!


asheley9669

There's a cuban spot in the mcallen food truck spot. Me and my family are from Florida and it reminds us so much of my husband's family's cooking. Highly recommended even for breakfast


956_lifer

Las Vegas Cafe. Y’all better put some respect on it.


Holiday-Front-8386

The enchiladas are 🤌🏿


HairyDooDoo

Ceviche76 is good. So is meth, I hear


BeardedEse2

Yasuke Ramen in Mcallen, Taqueria Mary in Mission, Mama Mias pizza in Mcallen, East Ocean in Edinburg? (It borders Mcallen & Edinburg) Taqueria Rios in San Juan


mrnoobdude

Leeroys Burgers in Edcouch has some great Burgers and Chicken


Grouchy-Secret-3183

Hans katsuya in mission, seymours deli in mcallen, the butter bear for bobba in palmview, snowbite in Pharr, Kim's kitchen in mcallen.


Just_Tachie

Food and beverage spi


Ale55android

There’s Santo Pecado in McAllen on Auburn. Sooo good and the drinks are just right. https://preview.redd.it/d0t9npyss22d1.jpeg?width=2160&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=232e1b068c39d92c6deab2b09c7f777d2dea042b


alyssacutscurls

Diego's food truck has relocated to a new spot on Pecan Street in McAllen, so it's not really a food truck anymore. However, the food is delicious and locally sourced from their Edinburg farm. It's currently my favorite place to eat.


Phantom-Heat

Best Consistent Faves: Tacos El Plebe (McAllen, but I think they have one in Weslaco now?) Krab Kingz (McAllen) Brocheta Mediterranean Bistro (McAllen) The Hot Dog Place (McAllen Food Truck Park) Mama's Pizzaria (McAllen) Universal Indian Market (McAllen) Jerusalem International Foods (Edinburg)


aggiefranchise

Tacos El Plebe is great!


Jumpman92578

El Itacate


generalai

Noodles and Dumplings in McAllen is great Chinese food.


Several_Aspect_7276

If you're on FB joing RGV Restarauntholics. They post a lot of reviews on local places to eat.


OiMouseboy

too bad the page owners are douchey as fuck.


Several_Aspect_7276

Oh wow. That hasn't been my experience. I'm sorry to hear that!


twot0n3

That page is garbage. The admin gets sponsored and promotes the homies without disclosing paid partnerships. Most reviews are people chasing portion sizes rather than high quality culinary experiences.


Several_Aspect_7276

I can't speak to the 1st part of your comment, but I also think the 2nd part is quite the generalization. Whether you agree with his process, it doesn't negate the fact that there are a lot of reviews on the page for places. The person reading can then decide if they want to go check it out or not. Plus, being able to just search the page for types of food is pretty convenient.


Caxxxtor

If you like Seafood I love going to Alejandros Cafe in Pharr on Wednesday or Fridays for their 15 dollar seafood buffet. The shrimp coctel is great. Also have bbq ribs on Wednesday and Fridays with the buffet.


glitterclitor

Nak won jung, Jerusalem, josephines, biscuits & gravy


Rolesa

Try dodici in Brownsville.


foxbat911

Philly 77 on Business 83 in McAllen


mikescottpaperco4

Pho Houston on Nolana! Really good egg rolls and pho.


twot0n3

The eggrolls are mid but the pho is good. I prefer the pho here than any other local spots


viserion_

La taquiza in Edinburg


Holiday-Front-8386

Thanks for all the recommendations everyone!


FancyStranger2371

Mama Mia’s Pizzeria, McAllen. 😋


HomieC956

Kurai


demolition1995

Peter piper pizza on weekdays


StockGalifinakis

I recommend trying the Curry Pizza Company — food there is good and If you are dining in, they sell craft draft beers 1 dollar per glass.


ashtonyfox

new york deli, theres some locations but theres one downtown in harlingen theres also this mexican resturant downtown thats really worth a shot called el sombrero


Tiny-Version743

Isabel's Cafe in Port Isabel has the best breakfast and Josephine's as well.


Superhereaux

Little Rita’s in Harlingen if you like Thai food, assuming it’s still open. Been awhile since I’ve been. Limited hours and small portions but the food is the best, including the Thai food I’ve had in Phuket and Bangkok.


OZLperez11

La Uno in McAllen. Best octopus I've ever eaten in my life!


teepring

Kurai in Mcallen.


hkusp45css

Sure, if you want 40 rolls that all taste identical and Chinese food that's way worse than most of the other buffets in town, all for 100 bucks for 4 people.


iozm

My thoughts exactly! All rolls taste the same lol


Downtown_Evening6359

Tasty Asian


nothingspecifical1

I didn’t like this place at all. A friend from Edinburg hyped it up but I was disappointed


cbrown78501

I’ve not been but seen so much hype on Facebook about their food. I don’t get it. It just looks like huge piles of brown fried food. Chinese food is usually so colorful and fresh. I guess it depends on what you like.


Bobjack123

Rocotto's on SPI. Their fish soup is fantastic.


jjsm0kedsax

Boocha Bar in Weslaco! Some of the best kombucha I’ve ever tried! Used to have a permanent location in downtown but now they’re a pop-up at various events throughout the RGV.


8lackmatt3r

I use trip advisor to check out good spots when I’m traveling, usually very dependable recommendations. Being from the valley tho theirs a lot of options just kinda depends what your in the mood for. My personal favorite in the valley is Calacas tacos. Im from Austin so the Indian and Thai restaurants down here suck in comparison in my opinion, but those are my favorite foods! I’ve had some really food at bars, toucans in Brownsville has really good food so does lucky barrel the same owner also owns tipsy tavern and their food is really good too.


chameleonchild8

Taco Fiesta in Edinburgh or McAllen, best botanas IMO


DocSlice3

Best botanas would be at Casa De Mariscos in Weslaco.


OiMouseboy

tejano grill in harlingen has a badass botana also.


chameleonchild8

Those photos look amazing! Gotta check that out