Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in McAllen, United States
1. Mexican Poblano Soup (Sopa de Poblano)
A traditional soup made with poblano peppers, tomatoes, and chicken, served with rice and garnished with cheese and crema. Savor the unique smoky flavor of the poblano pepper.
- Authentic Flavor: Made with traditional recipes from Puebla, Mexico.
- Hearty and Filling: Perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
- Spice Level Adjustable: Can be customized to your preferred level of spiciness.
2. Tamales de Puerco con Rajas y Queso
Corn husk-steamed pork tamales filled with roasted poblano peppers and cheese. A delicious fusion of Mexican and Tex-Mex flavors.
- Unique Filling: Includes roasted poblano peppers and cheese, a twist on traditional tamale fillings.
- Portable Snack: Easy to eat while on the go or during sightseeing.
- Traditional Technique: Steamed in corn husks, a time-honored tamale preparation method.
3. El Chico's Carne Guisada con Arroz
Beef stew slow-cooked with bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes, served over rice. A popular comfort food in the Rio Grande Valley.
- Slow-Cooked Tenderness: The beef is tender due to long, slow cooking.
- Versatile Accompaniment: Can be served with rice or tortillas.
- Spice Level Adjustable: Spiciness can be customized to your taste.
4. La Loncheria's Tacos al Pastor
Marinated pork cooked on a spit and served on small corn tortillas with pineapple, onions, and cilantro. A favorite street food in McAllen.
- Authentic Preparation: Cooked on a traditional trompo (spit), just like in Mexico.
- Portable and Delicious: Easy to eat while exploring the city.
- Sweet and Savory Combo: Pineapple adds a sweet flavor to the savory pork.
5. La Casa del Pavo's Turkey Enchiladas Verdes
Turkey enchiladas smothered in green tomatillo sauce and topped with cheese. A healthier twist on a classic Mexican dish.
- Lean Protein Option: Made with turkey instead of beef.
- Unique Sauce: Green tomatillo sauce gives a tangy twist to traditional red enchilada sauces.
- Spice Level Adjustable: Spiciness can be customized to your taste.
6. El Ranchito's Fajitas Mixtas
Grilled mixed meat fajitas served with flour tortillas, rice, and beans. A Tex-Mex staple perfect for sharing.
- Variety of Meats: Includes both chicken and beef.
- Shared Dish: Perfect for families or groups to enjoy together.
- Customizable Toppings: Can be customized with your choice of toppings.
7. El Trapiche's Chiles Rellenos con Camarones
Poblano peppers stuffed with shrimp and cheese, battered and fried. A lighter, seafood-infused version of traditional chiles rellenos.
- Unique Filling: Includes shrimp and cheese, a tasty twist on the classic filling.
- Crispy Texture: The battered and fried pepper creates a satisfying crunch.
- Spice Level Adjustable: Spiciness can be customized to your taste.
8. El Jarocho's Pescado Zarandeado
Whole fish grilled over a bed of hot coals, seasoned with chiles and served with rice, beans, and tortillas. A fresh seafood option.
- Freshly Caught Seafood: Prepared with locally caught fish.
- Unique Cooking Method: Cooked over hot coals, giving the fish a smoky flavor.
- Healthy Option: Grilled, not fried, making it a lighter dish choice.
9. El Patio's Pollo al Carbon con Arroz y Frijoles
Grilled chicken marinated in citrus juices and spices, served with rice and beans. A popular dish in McAllen.
- Tender Grilled Chicken: Marinated for tenderness and cooked over hot coals.
- Shared Dish: Perfect for families or groups to enjoy together.
- Customizable Toppings: Can be customized with your choice of toppings.
10. El Norteño's Sopa de Barbacoa de Res
Barbacoa beef slow-cooked in a pit underground, served in a rich broth with tortillas. A hearty soup perfect for chilly days.
- Unique Cooking Method: Cooked in a pit underground, giving it a unique flavor.
- Hearty and Filling: Perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
- Spice Level Adjustable: Spiciness can be customized to your taste.
11. El Rincon's Enchiladas de Mole Poblano
Chicken enchiladas smothered in a rich mole poblano sauce. A traditional Mexican dish with a smoky, chocolate flavor.
- Unique Sauce: Made with a blend of chiles and spices, giving it a complex flavor.
- Hearty and Filling: Perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
- Spice Level Adjustable: Spiciness can be customized to your taste.
12. El Gato's Chile con Queso con Tortilla
A popular Tex-Mex dish consisting of melted cheese served with a warm, crispy flour tortilla. A must-try comfort food.
- Comforting and Filling: Perfect for a snack or light meal.
- Easy to Eat: The warm tortilla makes it easy to scoop up the cheese.
- Customizable Toppings: Can be customized with your choice of toppings.
13. El Tacotal's Taco de Cabeza con Consomé
Beef head tacos served with consomé (broth). A traditional dish that showcases the flavors of the meat.
- Authentic Preparation: Prepared using traditional methods.
- Hearty and Filling: Perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
- Spice Level Adjustable: Spiciness can be customized to your taste.
14. El Mirador's Tacos de Lengua con Cebolla Asada
Beef tongue tacos topped with grilled onions. A unique and flavorful taco option.
- Unique Meat Option: Tongue is not a common taco filling.
- Grilled Onion Topping: Adds a smoky flavor to the tacos.
- Spice Level Adjustable: Spiciness can be customized to your taste.
15. El Charro's Frijoles Refritos con Carne deshebrada
Refried beans simmered with shredded beef, served with tortillas. A hearty and flavorful side dish.
- Unique Combination: Beef is cooked with the refried beans, creating a unique texture and flavor.
- Hearty and Filling: Perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
- Spice Level Adjustable: Spiciness can be customized to your taste.