Much of McAllen’s food and music are inspired by its friends and neighbors across the border—the city’s a short jaunt from the McAllen-Hidalgo International Bridge, which connects the city with Reynosa, Mexico.
No trip here is complete without tamales from Delia’s, where you can find 18 mouth-watering varieties of the authentic Mexican favorite. For delectable fajitas, enchiladas and caldo tlalpeño (a well-seasoned soup dish with chicken and vegetables), you can’t go wrong with a visit to Costa Messa, Palenque Grill or Koko’s.
You’re likely to hear live mariachi musicians while dining; mariachi music is a cultural community highlight. In fact, McAllen High School’s Mariachi Oro band has been named state champion multiple times. Sweet Temptations is credited with starting the community’s appetite for locally sourced dining, and the restaurant serves a great classic breakfast. SALT—New American Table has followed in its footsteps. Foodies also flock to the Patio on Guerra and for casual dining with lots of choices, the McAllen Food Park.