You can find Tex-Mex food throughout the United States, but let’s not kid ourselves: The best of the cuisine primarily resides in Texas. And there are plenty of tasty options Tex-Mex in the Rio Grande Valley along the Texas-Mexico border.
The unique blend of Mexican food with a Texas twist is sometimes criticized as being a “lesser” version of traditional Mexican dishes, though that’s not entirely accurate. Tex-Mex cuisine has a rich history steeped in Spanish and Native American culture, and even borrows elements from Moroccan food.
The result? A bevy of flavorful, hearty dishes that can put a smile on even the meanest of faces. There’s a wide collection of Rio Grande Valley restaurants serving Tex-Mex, and many have won awards, from James Beard Foundation nods to regional Reader’s Choice victories. We’re highlighting eight of our favorites, plus a few items to order when you stop by.
Ana Liz Taqueria (Mission)
Ana Liz Taqueria holds an honor that no other Tex-Mex spot can claim: a James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef in Texas. Ana Liz Pulido is the first Rio Grande Valley chef to win the award, and phenomenal cooking runs in the family. Pulido was first inspired by her father’s taqueria in Mexico, making her own snacks of chamoyadas and loaded tortilla chips.
That passion for serving her community continued into Ana Liz Taqueria. You really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu here, though the Vampiro de Fajita tostada and the Especiales Copia—featuring a double mixed blue and yellow tortilla—are a couple of standouts. If you’re not incredibly full after dinner, the Pie de Queso is the perfect dessert. Or, just order it to go and save it for when you need a sweet treat.
215 N Conway Ave, Mission, TX 78572
La Playa Mexican Cafe (Harlingen)
The Trevino family opened La Playa Mexican Cafe in July of 2006, which means the restaurant has enjoyed two decades serving the Harlingen community. The restaurant is proud of its Mexican heritage, and it shows in both classic and creative menu items.
Everything on the “House Favorites” menu is worth a try, from the Fried Stuffed Avocado to the Burrito La Playa Style. And of course, you’ll want to sample the award-winning fajitas. La Playa has earned numerous Valley Morning Star Reader’s Choice Awards, including victories for the best fajitas, best happy hour, and best bar & lounge.
502 S 77 Sunshine Strip, Harlingen, TX 78550
Doña Lula (Multiple Locations)
With locations across McAllen, Edinburg, Pharr, San Juan, Brownsville, and more, Doña Lula is among the winners of Favor’s 2026 Best in Texas award. The Huevito options are excellent for breakfast, while lunch is for puerco and pollo (or frijoles, if you’re vegetarian).
Just about every item can be served as a gordita or a taco, so you can have a different vibe every time you visit. Save room for dessert, too; the Gordita de Azúcar will have your taste buds dancing.
Multiple locations
Vera’s Backyard Bar-B-Que (Brownsville)
Vera’s Backyard Bar-B-Que, which is only open Friday through Sunday, has been a staple of the Brownsville community since 1955. That’s a whole lot of BBQ! Vera’s utilizes the traditional “pozo” method for its barbacoa, smoking it over mesquite coals in an earthen pit.
It’s the only restaurant in Texas that cooks that way, and you’d be hard-pressed to find another option anywhere in the U.S., as health codes prevent most modern restaurants from doing so. The menu, handwritten on poster board, leans more Mex than Tex, though you’ll be licking your lips in delight no matter what you order (the cachete with fresh corn tortillas is a scrumptious choice). In 2020, the James Beard Foundation named Vera’s an America’s Classic.
2404 Southmost Rd, Brownsville, TX 78521
Costa Messa (McAllen, Weslaco)
Costa Messa is approaching a quarter-century of serving the RGV, with a mix of classic Mexican dishes and Tex-Mex cuisine. The molcajetes and enchiladas are highlights, though the menu is so extensive that you’ll be able to find something to suit whatever mood you’re in. Just make sure to order the Tres Leches Cheesecake to finish off the meal.
The restaurant earned a pair of nods from The Monitor Readers’ Choice Awards, including Favorite Mexican Food and Favorite Margarita. And wouldn’t you know it? Those two are a fantastic combo. Even better news: Costa Messa has a daily happy hour from 3–7 p.m., including half-off select appetizers and $4 house margaritas.
Multiple locations
Padre Island Brewing Company (South Padre Island)
Following the mantra of “handcrafting beer and feeding faces since 1995,” Padre Island Brewing Company serves up refreshing brewskis and some of the best seafood on the island. Though the menu extends beyond Tex-Mex, there are plenty of classic items to be found, from chips and guac to street tacos to a very tasty Mexican Shrimp Cocktail appetizer.
Padre Island Brewing Company has been named a Top 100 Independent Pizza place by Pizza Today Magazine, and the Texas Travel Awards named it the best brewery in the state. And for beer drinkers, it’s tough to beat a refreshing Gigante Beer on a sweltering summer day.
3400 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597
Caro’s Restaurant (Rio Grande City)
How about an award from the city for nearly a century of delighting locals and visitors alike? Earlier this year, Caro’s Restaurant received the Texas Historical Commission’s Texas Treasure Business Award. The award honors businesses who have “provided exceptional service, employment, and support to the state’s economy for at least 50 years.”
Caro’s has nearly doubled that, having operated since 1937. The restaurant is most well-known for its puffy tacos, a technique that has largely fallen by the wayside in most establishments. And it’s a shame, because that method of preparing tacos is delicious. Luckily, Caro’s is keeping the tradition going strong. Grab a trio of the puffy tacos, throw in a guacamole salad, and enjoy a fabulous meal.
607 W 2nd St, Rio Grande City, TX 78582
Taqueria El Ultimo Taco (Brownsville)
The family-owned Taqueria El Ultimo Taco has won a handful of awards and contests over the years, including a Best Taco in Texas victory during a San Antonio competition. It’s also earned a cool win in the form of a television appearance on America’s Best Restaurants.
You’ll get to practice your español while ordering, and the best course of action is to try multiple tacos on every visit. The birria queso and beef bistek are the best of the bunch. Even better, El Ultimo is open until 1 a.m. daily (and 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays), so you can satisfy taco cravings in the wee hours of the morning.
938 N Expy, Brownsville, TX 78521
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
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