MISSION — Somehow and someway, the Rio Grande Valley always finds its way on to the world stage. Either through politics, art, food or culture, our home, for better or for worse, makes a name for itself to the world.
McALLEN — With the FIFA World Cup about halfway over, I’ve been trying to watch as many games as possible and learn about all the different cultures and nations competing.
McALLEN — With the Rio Grande Valley often feeling like an isolated bubble at times, it’s easy to fall into the habit of doing the same things, especially with food.
EDINBURG — Taco Tuesdays are great, and especially in the Rio Grande Valley, with endless taquerías to try. I could have gone the easy path for South Texas Flavor and picked a new taquería, but I decided to switch it up.
McALLEN — The glorious 2026 FIFA World Cup will soon be upon us, and I found the perfect place for any futbol match with superb game day atmosphere, cold beer and mouth watering food.
HARLINGEN — The rather quaint and simple place with the marks of wear, the chipped paint and the weathered wooden steps, conceal a wealth of Asian flavors dancing inside.
BROWNSVILLE — The waitress in her perfect black uniform steps into the outdoor dining area and approaches a table where four young people enjoy the early evening.
EDINBURG — The Rio Grande Valley heat is upon us, and among the many things that it brings, there might not be a better snack during this time than elote.
SOUTH PADRE ISLAND — The pepperonis and the mushrooms and the black olives poke through the thick melted cheese and invite me to explore their wonders.
MISSION — Driving around the Rio Grande Valley, I recognize there are so many restaurants I want to try, and I always tell myself one day I’ll stop there for lunch — and in a blink of an eye, a whole year goes by.
McALLEN — Afrospice, the newest addition inside Mercado Food Hall, offers authentic West African flavor and a unique experience that comes from wanting to share traditions and embrace community.
EDINBURG — Stepping into Country Cafe is like walking into an antique store, but this one serves you some delicious American and Mexican food to go along with the southern charm.
McALLEN — On the last Taco Tuesday of the year, I checked out El Plebe Tacos & Beer Garden in McAllen, which is a taquería that should be on your list of spots to check out for the new year.
HARLINGEN — On a warm evening, I drop by Fairfield by Marriott Inn and Suites in Harlingen. I see a bright red truck, and it immediately grabs my attention and I must approach closer to discern its purpose. As I draw near the bright red truck I see the words “Dirty South Cajun Comfort Food,” and I am glad I have come. New Orleans is one of my favorite cities and its signature Cajun cuisine is one of my favorite kinds of food.
BROWNSVILLE — The Broken Sprocket is a fun place and an energetic place. I arrive later in the evening and cars fill the parking lot and they spill onto Paredes Line Road and onto the side streets. There is music inside, a live band, and the sounds of much drinking and reveling.
McALLEN — The quesadilla before me, the quesadilla made with a blue corn tortilla, teases me with memories of flavors I had not experienced in quite some time.
HARLINGEN — The heavy wooden tables and the cow painted on the brick wall in the cavernous dining hall declare this place as a classic South Texas experience.
DONNA — The Rio Grande Valley is full of delicious food. The problem is, in the Upper Valley, it might be hard to find where these spots are outside the McAllen-Edinburg area.
BROWNSVILLE — Evening spreads across the city, and a breeze cool and fresh carries tastes and aromas with invitations for something unique and beautiful.
McALLEN — Hidden on busy, vibrant Nolana Avenue, you’ll find many places to dine out. But K-Food Korean Restaurant stands out with its service, colorful environment and mouthwatering food, which makes it a great place to eat out with friends, family or for a date.
McALLEN — If you ask anyone in the Rio Grande Valley, everyone has a story about Downtown McAllen on 17th Street. Good or bad, those couple of blocks of bars and clubs are the Valley’s main nightlife corridor.
EDINBURG — In downtown Edinburg, Vargas BBQ — a small Tex-Mex barbecue spot run by Ramiro and Nidia Vargas — exemplifies one’s passion for food and love for each other.
EDINBURG — University of Texas Rio Grande Valley football is finally here for the Valley, and a big part of the whole college football experience is the food and the drinks that come along with it.
SOUTH PADRE ISLAND — I went fishing for the first time in my life last weekend on the Island, but this new harvester of the ocean needed energy before I spent all day in the sun, so I went to Padre Island Brewing Co. for a brew and some lunch.
EDINBURG — With the Fourth of July this upcoming weekend, I thought to myself, what would be the most American food I could eat for South Texas Flavor?
EDINBURG — The city’s newest gem, Kokiri Korean Bistro, is a prime example of the expanding diversity and high quality flavors in the Rio Grande Valley and is a must-try for any lover of the cuisine or a foodie looking for their next favorite spot.
McALLEN — Taco Tuesdays are pretty much normal Tuesdays for us in the Rio Grande Valley, but drive around El Valle and you’re sure to find specials to feast on.
McALLEN — It’s finally here, folks, our 100 degree weather. One of the best ways to deal with the humid days and warm nights is drinking some cold refreshing teas from McAllen’s newest boba spot, TeaBox.
ALAMO — Every festival has its own special thing for its attendees, from Brownsville’s Sombrero Festival to McAllen’s MXLAN, but Alamo’s Watermelon Festival is unique.
EDINBURG — In the Rio Grande Valley, everyone has that one bakery, either from their childhood or just another time of their lives, which they hold close to their hearts.
WESLACO — I woke up Monday morning not feeling great. I needed a hearty breakfast to get me through the fog of the work week. Also, I was forced to do a food review, and I elected to wait until the day it was due. Oops.
McALLEN — Upon entering Seymour’s Deli, you’ll see a framed Monitor article from 2010 with the headline “Still Cookin’ After All These Years.” While making your way to the pick counter of the restaurant, you’ll see Jim Wood still hard at work.
MISSION — The Rio Grande Valley is full of hidden gems in the most random places, and my quest to find a good burger joint has taken me all the way to North Mission — to HamburgeLunas, which serves up mouthwatering burgers with a South Texas twist.
MISSION — With the first triple digit day of the year, the inner Mexican in me yearned for some hot caldo. I decided to mix it up and try some warm Vietnamese food at Pho Le Lai.
PHARR — If you’re like me, you aren’t a morning person but love breakfast food. Cast Iron Cafe in the bustling part of downtown Pharr might be your perfect spot.
WESLACO — Driving down Texas Boulevard through downtown in the evening, you’ll see a surprising bit of nightlife but one restaurant that seemed to draw the biggest crowd is Felice, a new pizzeria and Italian restaurant that serves up traditional Italiano recipes with their unique flavors to the menu.
SAN JUAN — I had lots of anticipation walking into GW’s BBQ Catering Co., and I’m happy to say it meets and exceeded my expectations. Just like a sign inside the restaurant says, “No Bull, Just Beef,” they stick true to that with the best brisket I’ve had in the Rio Grande Valley.
McALLEN — 10 Mas Seis, a ramen restaurant hidden near McAllen’s downtown area, not only serves flavorful ramen but cooks up a variety baos, burgers, hotdogs and pizzas that are sure to hit the spot for any kind of occasion.
PORT ISABEL — The cooler temperatures have ensured a quieter place and a calmer place where I can enjoy my dinner looking out the windows at the dark waters accented by shimmering light.
McALLEN — Unapologetic, impassioned and savory are a few ways to describe Philly’s Cheesesteaks 215, a food truck that brings an authentic Philadelphia flavor to deep South Texas.
McALLEN — The holidays are right around the corner and with family in town or just spending more quality time with them, you might be looking for something else to eat after all the tamales, pozole or even turkey that was consumed Christmas Eve and the leftovers on Christmas.
WESLACO — It’s a rare chilly Saturday morning, in the low 50s, in Weslaco. You would think people want to stay inside in the warmth, but what would make it better is some steaming tamales and warm pastries
ALAMO — It’s a fresh Sunday night, I’m drinking some craft beer with friends from a self-pour tap wall, entertained by some live wrestling and have the option of various food trucks to munch on. It’s like I’m somewhere in Austin but I’m somewhere better. I’m in Alamo, Texas, baby. #PP956ALV
McALLEN — With the football season halfway done, you probably can tell if your team is a contender or pretender and Howling Rabbits, a restaurant and brewery is the perfect place to celebrate your team’s success or at least have some good craft beer made on-site to forget about the terrible season.
WESLACO — Keno Cafe, located in downtown Weslaco, was established almost a century ago and while trying a couple of their signature plates, I could tell why throughout the decades the restaurant has survived by being a local favorite.
DONNA — Biscuits & Gravy Neighborhood Kitchen has a simple but delicious menu that is perfect when you’re in the mood for some homestyle breakfast and brunch.
MISSION — Han’s Katsuya, a small Japanese restaurant hidden on busy Shary Road, offers great traditional food with a welcoming experience perfect for newcomers or foodies that need a new go to spot.
EDINBURG — My girlfriend and I really wanted to eat some barbecue at Ace’s BBQ in McAllen, but my editor said that I couldn’t review a restaurant in McAllen since the other guy had just done that. So we drove to Edinburg and decided to review the Ace’s BBQ there.
McALLEN — Zen Asian Bistro & Sushi offers people a unique way to eat to their hearts desires and the chance to try new things as the restaurant has an extensive menu full of flavor.
PHARR — Crowded places are usually a good omen when picking a restaurant, but for years we ignored this place because it’s too pharr. Well, just far from sight.
BROWNSVILLE — The mid-afternoon sun sends its gray light from the clouds into the lower lands of the rippling resacas and cocktails and drowsy conversations.
For this week’s South Texas Flavor, I had the chance to explore the versatile world of potatoes by visiting Papas & Papas— and you guessed it. It’s about to get cheesy, buttery, creamy and whatever else you like in your Papa Asadas.
McALLEN — It is no secret that the Rio Grande Valley has produced some of the most talented and creative culinary minds not only in Texas, but throughout the country.
HARLINGEN — The slow Saturday afternoon eases my mind as I park on a quiet street and step into a place of memory and flavor, of neon lights and “Drag City” playing and the smells of brisket and salami.
McALLEN — Recently-opened Noodles & Dumplings provides a great flavorful variety of Chinese food, perfect for almost every occasion for newcomers or foodies.
McALLEN — There was a subtle manic energy you feel walking into Diego’s Farm to Table restaurant along Pecan Avenue in Central McAllen that you may be tempted to yell “yes, chef” when the host asks you to take a seat. Think more “The Bear” Season 2 than the implosive Season 1.
EDINBURG — Looking to beat the heat and try something new this summer? Check out Mochi Ring Donuts in Edinburg which offers a variety of mochi donuts, Korean rice hot dogs, bingsoo and plenty of refreshing drinks.
WESLACO — Wanting to try something new and different, I came to Lê Phở House — a Vietnamese kitchen in Weslaco — with an open mind and I left with a stomach full of delicious noodles, broth, beef and a curiosity into a new cuisine.
McALLEN — Mikhuna, a Japanese-Peruvian restaurant in McAllen brings a one-of-a-kind taste to the Valley with a mix of traditional South American dishes and Nikkei, a fusion of Peruvian ingredients shaped by Japanese techniques.
McALLEN — I am usually not open to suggestions when it comes to these food reviews (just ask my editors), unless my girlfriend suggests that I take suggestions, in which case I will.
Rock & Roll Sushi in Hidalgo is a small restaurant that offers good sushi at great prices. It’s an exciting spot for those observing Lent, or wanting to try something new in the Rio Grande Valley with a beautiful area surrounding it.
McALLEN — I don’t think that you can put a price on friendly service, and the folks at Azúcar Y Sal seem to have a monopoly when it comes to treating customers like family.
McALLEN — Walking into the Universal Market & Indian Restaurant you are instantly surrounded with traditional Indian aromas coming from the restaurant buffet and awestruck with the selection of food in the market.
BROWNSVILLE — The blue-green lights breaking through the cold and the wet of a January night beckon me into the welcoming warmth of a place thick with aromas and music of a faraway place.
McALLEN — Nak Won Jung not only offers some of the best Korean cuisine in the area but also gives customers a Korean authenticity upon entering the restaurant.
EDINBURG — I was asked to do a sort of New Years Eve-themed review of a local restaurant. I was also told that I need to stop reviewing Mexican and barbecue restaurants.
BROWNSVILLE — The papel picado hanging from the line across the dining area seems out of place in a quiet dining area where only one table entertains diners.
WESLACO — There is a scene in the movie “Tombstone” — arguably the greatest cinematic masterpiece of all time, starring Kurt Russell as famed lawman Wyatt Earp and Val Kilmer as infamous gunfighter and subpar dentist Doc Holiday — that really resonates with me.
HARLINGEN — There’s a rumbling, a stirring and an excitement in conversation over a noon meal that brings freshness and lift after a rather dismal morning.
BROWNSVILLE — There's a hot stretch of road along a less traveled part of the city where a small restaurant grabs my attention with its bright yellow facade and colorful signs.
MISSION — Good dining experiences can create unforgettable experiences in the same way a bad experience can ruin a day — it’s in the way that the quality of the food and the service wields a transformative effect on our minds and moods.
McALLEN — Taquerias Tlaquepaque Hnos is an unassuming restaurant sandwiched in between a slew of other businesses at a small plaza on North 10th Street in McAllen.
SAN BENITO — Pappasito’s Smokehouse And Then Some sits on the corner of East Stenger Street and East Milam Street in a building that for many years housed the Diamond G Food Store, a staple for many San Benitians throughout the 70s, 80s and 90s.
HARLINGEN — The city streets have entered the dead zone of the hot mid afternoon, and I find refuge in the colorful dining room of Taqueria El Buen Pastor.
BROWNSVILLE – There’s a small seafood restaurant along the farther reaches of town, where cars along a busy thoroughfare have already broken away to their separate destinations.
HARLINGEN — It’s a Tuesday night at La Playa Mexican Café, and the warm lights spread from the ceiling and fall onto wooden tables and tiled floors while country music fill the dinner air.
