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Are you ready to discover the best restaurants in Brownsville, Texas? If yes, this is the ultimate guide you’ll only need on your upcoming visit! Sitting at the extreme southern tip of Texas, Brownsville is a vibrant city with numerous monuments, historical sites, and outdoor adventures.
The dining scene here is on the rise, as shown in the diverse cuisines well-presented by many long-standing eateries. From Asian, Mexican, and Latin to Texan, Brownsville is a city with its own character regarding food.
On your journey, you’ll find mouth-watering underground smoked meat (unique to the city itself), authentic pizzas from traditional brick ovens, or umami-packed Pho with sizzling broth that takes hours in the making.
Though the dining scene here is not expansive, what’s available here surely rivals those in the top-rated restaurants in bustling Dallas, Texas or far beyond!
Culinary Delights Await At These Stunning Restaurants In Brownsville, Texas
If you want to dine in Brownsville like a local, all you need to do is head to any of these destinations. They are all local-approved spots; some even has a decent wait around the block. So, let’s check them out!
- Madeira
- Toddle Inn Restaurant
- Dodici Pizza + Wine
- Toscafino
- Cevi Chelas Brownsville
- Pho & Chinese
- El Mesquite
- La Pampa
- Mariscos De La Rosa
- Taqueria Ultimo Taco
- Vera’s Backyard Bar-B-Que
- The Broken Sprocket
- Vermillion Restaurant And Watering Hole
- Gazpachos Restaurant Bar
- Terras Urban Mexican Kitchen
- Bigo’s Bar & Grill
- Lola’s Bistro
17 Brownsville’s Hidden Gem To Eat And Drink!
Join me on a culinary journey through the flavors of Brownsville, a lovely city of the Lone Star State. Whether you’re searching for Asian, Latin, Mexican, or classic Texan delicacies, the city always has something to please!
1. Madeira
This hidden gem in Brownsville whips up steller Argentine-inspired fares. As a well-rounded dining spot, Madeira treats its patrons with its first-class service, ambiance, and cocktails. Look no further if you’re having a business lunch, a romantic date, or something to celebrate!
Why should you visit this restaurant?
Madeira offers upscale dining with its chic design and romantic vibe in the dimly lit space. Located near the river, the eatery also boasts a pleasant patio if you prefer to dine with a waterfront view.
Inside, while the tables sit quite close to make it feel like communal dining, the music is just at the perfect volume to allow you to carry on a private conversation. There’s also a decent yet thoughtful wine collection, from roses and whites to sparkling wines.
What to eat?
In such a lovely setting, you might want to try ribeye wagyu, served with truffle fries, with a glass of wine to pair. Their Carpaccio De Res (beef tenderloin), Chuletillas De Cordero (New Zealand lamb chops), and Ahi tuna tostadas are impeccable choices for the night.
Location: 805 Media Luna Rd #800, Brownsville, TX 78520
Website: https://madeirarestaurant.net/
Phone: (956) 504-3100
2. Toddle Inn Restaurant
Established in 1961, this restaurant has proudly served gourmet Mexican and Tex-Mex fares to the neighborhood of Brownsville. Their enchiladas, beef fajitas, and other breakfast plates have earned several praises and awards.
Why should you visit this restaurant?
Toddle Inn is a no-frills establishment where genuinely authentic food, friendly service, and reasonable prices are their main focus. What guests will also appreciate are the free chips, salsa, desserts, and fideo during the meal, which is always a pleasant surprise.
What to eat?
Their flour tortillas are the best in class, especially when you enjoy them with Barbaco or Machacado tacos.
Breakfast plates like El Mexicano, Chilaquiles, and fajitas breakfast are also huge hits of the place. Delectable migas, French toast, Spanish omelets, and Sheriff specials only make it harder to decide.
Location: 1740 Central Blvd, Brownsville, TX 78520
Website: http://www.rgvmenu.com/
Phone: (956) 542-8838
3. Dodici Pizza + Wine
With a collection of authentic Neapolitan pizzas and fine wines, this downtown Brownsville pizzeria is the place to satiate your carb cravings.
Why should you visit this restaurant?
Dodici is a cozy little oasis across the street from Market Square with a laid-back vibe. There are wooden tables lining the windows, a lovely bar that can seat around 6, and an open-air backyard for those into alfresco dining.
In addition, most pizza ingredients, such as cheese and pepperoni, are imported straight from Italy, whereas the brick oven used for baking the pies is also authentic. The food menu is backed up by an ever-changing wine list; many items are available by bottle and glass.
What to eat?
Their Sweet Sting, Mia Margherita, and chorizo are well-done, with big flavors and a perfect crust.
Appetizers are also a big part of the menu, and you can’t go wrong with their meat + cheese plate combo and meatballs. Add grilled Caesar or arugula salad to boost your green intake, too!
Location: 1200 E Adams St, Brownsville, TX 78520
Website: https://www.dodicipizza.com/
Phone: (956) 801-2420
4. Toscafino
Toscafino is an upscale yet approachable restaurant with seafood, pizzas, and appetizers inspired by Italian cuisine. Top-notch service is what guests always mention about the place, so feel free to ask for expert suggestions from the servers there if you don’t know where to start!
Why should you visit this restaurant?
Toscafino is a family-friendly place for a brunch but also turns itself into a romantic spot (with soft lighting and classical music), perfect for dining with your date at night.
They also have a Happy Hour, when half-priced appetizers and drinks are offered from 4-7 PM daily. Toscafino also has a lovely Sunday brunch, with extended hours from 12-5 PM.
What to eat?
Your best bets include the cooked-to-perfection Tomahawk steak and ribeye. Their tuna tartare, Mexican ceviche, meat ravioli, and tuna tostadas are also praise-worthy. There are also 7 choices of pizzas for you to choose from.
Toscafino is among the few places in Brownsville that know how to make proper martinis, so add to your order, too. Their Old Fashioned cocktail is also equally impressive.
Location: 3001 Pablo Kisel Blvd, Brownsville, TX 78526
Website: https://www.facebook.com/
Phone: (956) 574-9888
5. Cevi Chelas Brownsville
Stop in Cevi Chelas Brownsville for a huge beer selection to quench your thirst and exquisite ceviches to satiate your seafood cravings.
Why should you visit this restaurant?
This Brownsville eatery features a wide variety of micheladas and ceviches, all of which are the best in town.
The restaurant offers the freshest dishes by using newly caught Gulf shrimp. At the same time, they also have complimentary additions like squid, oysters, and calamari to give diners the best meal ever.
You can customize your ceviche as you see fit by choosing from options like cucumber, red onion, olives, radish, pineapple, etc. Accompanying their sumptuous food are many drink options, from Mexican cokes and lemonade tea to beers. All come at unbeatable prices in the area.
What to eat?
Cevi Chelas is a regular stop for many folks for its delicious seafood soup, shrimp cocktails, and of course, shrimp ceviche. Also, don’t forget to add the crowd-favorite micheladas to your meal. Alternatively, their tasty Vuelve a la Vida cocktail brings you back to life during a scorching day.
Location: 943 North Expy #17/18, Brownsville, TX 78520
Website: https://www.facebook.com/
Phone: (956) 621-0176
6. Pho & Chinese
Take your taste buds on an Asian culinary tour at this Chinese restaurant. Pho & Chinese menu is a marriage of Vietnamese and Chinese cuisines, and everything from beef noodle soup Pho to rice plates comes in Texas-sized portions. Expect to find some great Mexican delights there, too!
Why should you visit this restaurant?
Pho & Chinese is a no-frills place where waitresses constantly check on their diners and keep their drinks filled. The order timing is quick, so your food is always hot and fresh when reaching the table. This local staple also has a decent drink menu, the most popular of which is its bubble tea smoothie.
What to eat?
As the name suggests, you shouldn’t sleep on their Pho, which comes with exceptional broth. The kitchen also nails its meatball soup, shrimp spring rolls, and egg rolls, so you might want to give them a shot, too.
In the Chinese section, the highly recommended items include General Tso chicken, combinations of Lo Mein, and sweet & sour chicken.
Location: 2155 Ruben M Torres Blvd, Brownsville, TX 78526
Website: https://phonchinese.weebly.com/
Phone: (956) 621-0913
7. El Mesquite
El Mesquite’s breakfast and lunch buffets are always the highlight of this restaurant. So, come hungry and indulge in their all-you-can-eat meal at a budget-friendly price. Yet, those with a smaller appetite can also order from the menu.
Why should you visit this restaurant?
This family-owned restaurant easily makes their diners feel at home with their thoughtful waitresses. Before the meal, you are also treated to their free Mexican sweet bread, which is a huge bonus. El Mesquite also serves great coffee, so you can have a cup to pair with your food.
What to eat?
There are many great items to replenish your plate in the buffet, but the highly recommended dishes are chicharron (deep-fried pork), Menudo (Mexican soup), barbacoa, and tamales. From the menu, their fajitas, Carne guisada, and huevos rancheros are all you can try.
Location: 3302 Coffee Rd, Brownsville, TX 78521
Website: https://www.elmesquiterestaurant.com/
Phone: (956) 574-9477
8. La Pampa
La Pampa’s warm and inviting Argentine-style decor and gourmet steak make the place perfect for date nights and celebrations. Hit this upscale restaurant to get a taste of Argentinean cuisine with an interesting European twist that’s bound to impress.
Why should you visit this restaurant?
Previously located at 3479 Pablo Kisel, La Pampa has moved to a new location on the same street. Its new home is equipped with better ventilation and a high ceiling to solve the smoking problem from the old spot.
The dining space is also more modern and prettier, with the ambiance just right for a special occasion. After the meal, you can check out the nearby Gastrobar if you still have room for a cocktail or two.
Another huge bonus (that the restaurant still keeps from the previous place) is their free fresh bread with pate and chimichurri. This always leaves a good impression on me.
What to eat?
The star here is, of course, their Arrachera – the iconic Argentine-style grilled steak skirt. Equally memorable is their Bife De Lomo Con Tocino, wood-fired beef tenderloin accompanied by chimichurri-topped greens. But don’t forget to start your meal with the phenomenal empanadas Argentinas.
Location: 3230 Pablo Kisel Blvd Ste F-102, Brownsville, TX 78526
Website: https://www.lapamparestaurant.us/
Phone: (956) 504-5858
9. Mariscos De La Rosa
This hidden gem is the ultimate destination for Mexican seafood-based dishes in the South Texas valley. Mariscos has reasonable prices for the huge food portions it serves, but the freshness of the seafood is unrivaled in the neighborhood!
Why should you visit this restaurant?
Mariscos is a family-oriented eatery that can accommodate both solo dining or big partying, with the maritime decor matching their seafood-centric menu perfectly. Once you settle down on your table, you’re immediately treated to a cup of seafood soup and chips; both are free.
What to eat?
Big shrimp fans will return for more Mariscos en salsa de chipotle, La Famosa Mariscada (seafood platter), red snapper, and whole-fried fish. You shouldn’t sleep on their most popular dish: Sopa de Mariscos, which is a flavorful seafood soup that you can enjoy the meat in every bite.
Location: 7738 Padre Island Hwy, Brownsville, TX 78521
Website: https://www.facebook.com/
Phone: (956) 550-0024
10. Taqueria Ultimo Taco
This family-owned spot does an excellent job of making its Flautas, tacos, and tostadas. As much of a culinary landmark as Toscafino or Madeira, Taqueria Ultimo Taco began as a street food stall in 1982 before growing into a brick-and-mortar establishment.
Why should you visit this restaurant?
Ultimo has been regularly voted as the “Best tacos” in the Rio Grande Valley, and it’s shown in the crowd waiting to be seated late in the morning until closing. The dining room and patio have a casual vibe, which is meant for family dining.
What to eat?
Their Frijoles Especiales is a bomb that any first-time diner should get a taste of! What should come next are the tacos de bistec, al pastor tacos, and birria tacos. Their charro beans, Flautas, and tostadas are also something to write home about!
Location: 938 North Expy, Brownsville, TX 78521
Website: https://www.facebook.com/
Phone: (956) 554-7663
11. Vera’s Backyard Bar-B-Que
Ever heard of underground pit-smoked cows’ heads? If not, head to this local institution to get an insight into this South Texas barbacoa tradition. Vera is the only place in the Lone Star state permitted to practice this underground smoking method.
Why should you visit this restaurant?
Vera is constantly voted among the 50 top BBQ spots in Texas, with its smoked meat that can rival those in the best BBQ restaurants in Houston, Texas, or other nearby cities.
Their meat is wrapped in aluminum foil and cooked in the traditional brick-lined BBQ pit for up to 12 hours to nail the tenderness and juiciness.
Another great thing about this smokehouse is that diners can bring water and coffee. If you’re lucky to meet the pitmaster Armando, he can give you more insights into this smoking tradition.
What to eat?
Go on a unique BBQ experience with Vera’s brisket, Lengua (tongue), and cheek meat. Vera’s also whips up the best carnitas and Menudo in the area, so make sure to give them a try. Taco lovers can also customize their tacos with different homemade salsa and hot corn tortillas.
Location: 2404 Southmost Rd, Brownsville, TX 78521
Website: https://www.facebook.com/
Phone: (956) 546-4159
12. The Broken Sprocket
Beyond a dining spot, The Broken Sprocket is a cultural spot where you can mingle, soak in live music, and enjoy tasty craft beers. With up to 7 food trucks on the site, this dining spot will surely satisfy your cravings.
Why should you visit this restaurant?
Rather than having a single kitchen, The Broken Sprocket boasts many food trucks serving different cuisines. Their Smash Bros offers gourmet sliders, while Nopal Loco dishes up some great Mexican fares. For a true taste of Texas BBQ, diners can hit up their Holy Smokes truck.
The key feature of the place is live music, which happens all night from Wednesday to Sunday. Join the crowd to listen to different genres, from classic rock to DJ performances. There are also many events occurring during the month, including Dog Park Day, Markers Market, and Bike Show.
What to eat?
In such an outdoor dining setting, getting some brisket, hot pizza, and burgers is always a great idea. Don’t forget to grab some soft drinks or cold beer at their bar to complete your evenings.
Fans of Mexican cuisine shouldn’t pass on their savory street tacos, and nachos, accompanied by stellar guacamole and chips
Location: 6305 Paredes Line Rd, Brownsville, TX 78526
Website: https://www.thebrokensprocket.com/
Phone: (956) 545-0295
13. Vermillion Restaurant And Watering Hole
Since 1934, this local staple has served some of the best a variety of appetizers, nachos, and chicken wings to its loyal customers. You can also savor many Mexican delicacies like tacos and fajitas at this popular spot.
Why should you visit this restaurant?
Vermillion is a spacious dining spot with an always-crowded bar that hangs some large screens for sports fans to catch up with their favorite games. The eatery treats diners to an extremely diverse menu, from nachos, snacks, and salads, to burgers, so there’s always something for everyone.
This local treasure also offers daily specials, such as hamburger steak on Monday, Fajitas on Tuesday, or ribeye on Saturday. You might want to jot down when your favorite dishes are available!
What to eat?
It’s ideal to start with their ceviche and enchiladas plates, which always leave diners happy and content. The restaurant also whips up phenomenal Pancho Villa plates, chicken fried steak, fried pickles, and chalupas.
Many specialty burgers have become a hit at Vermillion, including Old Fashion burgers, Cheesey BBQ burgers, avocado bacon burgers, and fajita melt burgers you can try.
Location: 115 Paredes Line Rd, Brownsville, TX 78521
Website: https://www.thevermillion.com/
Phone: (956) 542-9893
14. Gazpachos Restaurant Bar
Tucked in a strip mall, this upscale restaurant prides itself on an eclectic menu that showcases France, Mexico, Italy, and Spain. To round out the dining experience, the restaurant also thoughtfully curates a wine list that matches the global-inspired dishes they offer!
Why should you visit this restaurant?
Gazpachos is an elegant dining spot where you’re greeted by sharply-dressed servers (whose black-and-white attire gives off a European vibe). The local oil paintings hanging on the wall also make the dining space more artsy and cozy at the same time.
You should plan your visit to Gazpachos on Thursday when the restaurant splashes 50% off their appetizers and tapas (dine-in only).
What to eat?
Their Azteca is pure comfort, which is authentic tortilla soup served with Mexican cream, white cheese, and avocado. I also highly suggest other soul-comforting choices like Poblana crepes and ceviche.
Regarding the tacos, it would be a sin to miss out on the crowd-pleasing las tablitas, shrimp tacos, and Jimmy’s special. The restaurant also nails its cucumber martinis!
Location: 2451 Pablo Kisel Blvd suite B -1, Brownsville, TX 78526
Website: https://www.gazpachosbrownsville.com/
Phone: (956) 546-9200
15. Terras Urban Mexican Kitchen
Situated in Historic Downtown Brownsville, this restaurant is the brainchild of Christian Nevarez (Head Chef) and Juan Flores (Bar Manager). The owners aimed to provide culinary delights through their Ribeye Mole, Pineapple Moscow Mule, Sangre de Azteca, and beyond.
Why should you visit this restaurant?
Terras Urban features an upscale dining space set in the 100-year-old historic building, giving it a timeless charm you will instantly recognize from the worn brick entrance.
The eatery also proudly introduces a mixology bar, bolstered by a happy hour from 5-7 PM between Wednesdays and Saturdays and all day on Tuesdays.
Botanas, cocktails, and tacos are a real bargain during this time. Brunch enthusiasts will delight in the restaurant’s Sunday brunch menu, offered from 11 AM to 3 PM.
What to eat?
Must-try dishes at this upscale destination include chilaquiles de ribeye, barbacoa, Cochinita Pibil, and Chicharron Prensado tacos. Other than these Mexican fares, classics like avocado toast and Chicken & Waffles are also excellent choices.
The kitchen also features chef’s specials, like chicken marsala and lamb burgers, that change weekly. So, you can ask the server what’s available on your visit.
Location: 1212 E Washington St, Brownsville, TX 78520
Website: https://www.terrasurbankitchen.com/
Phone: (956) 641-4223
16. Bigo’s Bar & Grill
This local staple has won “the best fajitas in Brownsville, Texas” for 8 years in a row. They also build a nice selection of Mexican beers and mixed beverages, making it a perfect place to savor a well-rounded Mexican meal.
Why should you visit this restaurant?
The from-scratch tortillas and totopos (corn tortilla chips), paired with quality in the unique blend of Mexican spices, guarantee every bite of their dishes is as authentic as possible.
You can bring your favorite bottle here to wash down the food. Yet, if you don’t, it’s worth every penny to taste their craft cocktails or Mexican beers.
What to eat?
You can never go wrong with their soft and flavorful fajitas. The highly-recommended options are fajitas de res (grilled beef fajitas), fajitas de pollo (grilled chicken fajitas), fajitas de res estilo Texana (Texan-style beef fajitas).
Their highly acclaimed Parrillada plate is also really worth the hype. While the salsa here is charged, it’s incredibly tasty that you might take home some.
Website: https://bigosusa.com/
Location 1: 464 Paredes Line Rd, Brownsville, TX 78521
Phone: (956) 986-0786
Location 2: 1233 E Alton Gloor Blvd #2, Brownsville, TX 78526
Phone: (956) 372-1744
17. Lola’s Bistro
Whether you’re hunting down gourmet weekend brunch or home-cooked style American classics, Lola’s Bistro is the answer!
Why should you visit this restaurant?
Led by Chef Sandra Quezada, this downtown restaurant features a tempting variety of appetizers, small and large plates, and desserts. Lola’s Bistro shines the brightest with their weekend brunch (Saturday & Sunday), with plenty of options for early and late risers.
Besides the gorgeous dining room, Lola’s Bistro also has a beautiful backyard outdoor seating; be sure to check it out if you want to dine with a view. It’s dog-friendly, too.
What to eat?
The kitchen is highly prized for its salmon, whether it’s smoked salmon flatbread or grilled salmon. Tuna wontons and beet salads are also great choices for dinner. Their brunch menu is full of customer favorites like avocado toast, eggs benedict, and chilaquiles verdes & lengua de res.
It’s best to wrap up your night with their decadent cheesecake and creme brulee (with the best fruits the season can offer).
Location: 1335 Palm Blvd, Brownsville, TX 78520
Website: https://www.lolasurbanbistro.com/
Phone: (956) 542-2200
Brownsville’s Top Restaurants Unveiled!
Thanks for following this far on this list of the best places to dine in Brownsville. This lovely Texas city boasts a growing restaurant scene, but the listed options shine the brightest with their exceptional service, well-crafted drinks, and authentic foods.
Next time you come to town, grab this compilation to explore the amazing dining options there. On your journey, if you come across more tasty destinations by any chance, please keep me informed by dropping your comment. Before you leave, please hit the like and share button!
