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B&M BISTRO
7017 N. 10th (956-793-7987)
Open Mon-Sat noon-10, Sun by reservation only.
map | latest review | access ++ | |
$$ |
Continental |
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(From May 2009) Every time we go to this restaurant, a bistro/fashion boutique owned by a local Romanian couple, we leave raving about the excellent food and the wonderful service. We always start off with an appetizer plate of smoked pork loin, bacon, kashkaval cheese, salami, red carp roe, and black olives. And if the superb off-the-menu lamb shanks are available, we inevitably order them as our entrée. (Call ahead to be sure they’re offered the night you go.) BYOB. |
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BAJIO
5712 N. 10th (956-687-1222)
Mon–Thur 11–10, Fri & Sat 11–11, Sun 11–9.
web site | map | latest review | access ++ | |
$ |
Mexican |
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(From July 2009) Magnificent chandeliers, talavera mosaics, and hanging copper pots adorn this spot, named for the rugged region northwest of Mexico City. You order at the counter, where you can choose from a variety of dishes and select from the various salsas and condiments on display. The smoked beef tacos were great, but the pork al pastor tacos were a little too sweet. |
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ESPI & T’S
2101 N. 10th (956-686-7467)
Open 7 days 6 a.m.–10 p.m.
map | latest review | access ++ | |
$ |
Mexican |
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(From October 2008) Named after its owners, this restaurant is sparsely but creatively decorated—pink and blue neon lights, plus two Texas license plates (on the way out) that spell “thank” and “you.” You’ll be grateful yourself when you order the massive chimichanga, a flour tortilla filled with meat, chile con carne, cheese, rice, beans, salad, and sour cream. The tacos de trompo—made open-faced, with corn tortillas—are also delicious, if a little salty. |
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ESPI AND T'S
2101 N. 10th (956-686-7467).
Open 7 days 6 a.m.–10 p.m.
latest review | access ++ | |
$ |
Mexican |
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(From November 2008) Named after its owners, this restaurant is sparsely but creatively decorated—pink and blue neon lights, plus two Texas license plates (on the way out) that spell “thank” and “you.” You’ll be grateful yourself when you order the massive chimichanga, a flour tortilla filled with meat, chile con carne, cheese, rice, beans, salad, and sour cream. The tacos de trompo—made open-faced, with corn tortillas—are also delicious, if a little salty. |
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HOP TUNG
4200 N. 10th (956-688-5888)
Open Mon-Thur 11-9:30, Fri 11-10:30, Sat noon-10:30, Sun noon-9:30.
map | latest review | no access | |
$$ |
Vietnamese |
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(From June 2009) The spring rolls are a must, be they fried or fresh (the latter come with a delicious peanut sauce). This restaurant serves a variety of Asian dishes, like a delicious pad thai and an excellent bo luc lac (Vietnamese shaking beef): a yummy dish of chargrilled beef with lots of onions and bell peppers served with a tangy sauce. The great food makes up for the lackluster atmosphere. Beer & wine. |
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KOREA GARDEN
3424 N. 10th (956-683-7339)
Open Mon-Sat 11:30-10, Sun 2-10
map | latest review | access ++ | |
$$ |
Korean |
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(From March 2009) If you’re unfamiliar with many of the dishes on the menu, don’t be intimidated. The staff is extremely friendly and will take the time to not only recommend something but also show you how to eat it. All entrées come with the customary banchan (side dishes), like sprouts, potatoes, squash, pickled cabbage, green beans, and seaweed. Both the bulgogi (seasoned sliced barbecued beef) and the yukgaejang (spicy beef stew) are outstanding. The Korean television shows playing in the background are a little distracting but do add to the atmosphere. Beer & wine. |
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LA BUSSOLA
3300 N. McColl Rd (956-661-1967).
Open Mon–Thur 11–10, Fri 11–11, Sat 5–11. Closed Sun.
map | latest review | no access | |
$$+ |
Italian |
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(From December 2008) Maps adorn the walls of this popular Italian-Argentinean spot. We like to start with the prosciutto and mozzarella. The kitchen did well by our rare grilled tuna, but we suggest you skip the bland spaghetti alla carbonara. Bar. |
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LA MARINA SEAFOOD & GRILL
7001 N. 10th (956-688-6375)
Open Sun-Thur 11:30-9, Fri & Sat 11:30-10:30.
map | latest review | access ++ | |
$$ |
Seafood /
Mexican |
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(From May 2009) Stepping into this restaurant feels like diving into the ocean. Turquoise colors the furniture, the walls—even the staff’s clothing. After deliberating over the extensive menu, which has a Hispanic bent, with dishes from Peru, Mexico, and Spain, we decided to try an oyster shooter and tuna tartare served with fresh herbs and red onions on a crispy wonton. They turned out to be great choices, as were our entrées of shrimp ajillo and Peruvian seafood soup. The staff is extremely friendly. Bar. |
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LA MEXICANA
4300 N. 2nd (956-994-1597)
Open Mon-Fri days 11-10, Sat & Sun 11-11.
map | latest review | access ++ | |
$$ |
Mexican |
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(From March 2009) La Mexicana Decorated with mirrors, ornate sombreros, colorful paintings, and plastic palm trees, this restaurant is old-fashioned Tex-Mex all the way, the kind of place where, regardless of your order, you can expect to be served a cup of tasty vegetable soup to start. We wiped the Veracruz plate clean, and it was by no means a small portion—two tacos al carbón, two enchiladas, rice, and beans. Be sure to avail yourself of the plentiful, hand-chopped pico de gallo. Bar. |
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LANSKY & BRATS
400 Nolana (956-631-3463)
Dinner Mon–Thur 5–10, Fri & Sat 5–11. Closed Sun.
web site | map | latest review | access ++ | |
$$$ |
Eclectic |
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(From June 2008) A return visit found this place in fine form. We chose a booth that shielded us from the busy dining room and delighted in the food and the soft jazz playing in the background. We started off with the Spicy Prime Brats, jalapeños stuffed with prime rib, then tried the ribeye (extremely tender) and the sesame-crusted tuna (cooked to perfection). Sides of hash browns and creamed spinach were good complements. Watch the portions—they’re so big you won’t want dessert. Bar. |
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