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    Emilia's Restaurant

    4.3 (35 reviews)
    InexpensiveMexican
    Closed 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Emilia's Restaurant Photos

    EMILIA'S RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups
    Good for kids
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - Emilia's Restaurant

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    Rack of lamb
    Smiley L.

    There are three Emilia's all are good in certain areas. The Emilia's on Elizabeth st. Is awesome at breakfast there lunch not so good . The Emilia's on South Padre highway and price next to Jack in the box is awesome at lunch plates . The big Emilia's a little further down always has parking that one is a hit and miss on breakfast and lunch they got some great plates for breakfast but not that great barbacoa super greasy and a lot of fat. Lunch we ordered the fajita Guadalajara and it was not good at all didn't even come in molcajette

    The entomatadas were good, no complaints her.
    Sandra C.

    We were in the area for lunch, so we went to the South Padre Island Hwy location since it's bigger and the parking options are better. This was around 1:30p.m. so the lunch rush was over and we had no problem finding a spot. Our server was helpful and efficient and since this was our first visit, really patient. I ordered the cheese entomatadas with a jamaica drink and my husband ordered the carne guisada with lemonade. I enjoyed the entomatadas, the serving size is generous, there's 4 of them, so I only ate 3. The plate comes with beans and rice which were pretty good too. Unfortunately, my husband was disappointed that the carne guisada looked and tasted like beef stew since it comes with carrots and potatoes. It was definitely not what he was looking for. They serve chips and salsa and a small cup of fideo before the main dishes come, so that was good. The food was pretty good, so we might be back again some other time. The only bad experience, which soured our visit, was that the employees chose the middle of the day to mop the dining area, our server was mopping around us, which was a little annoying because we were trying to eat and have a good time. On our way out, I needed to use the restroom. I couldn't wait, we had a long drive ahead of us, so I went in anyways even though the entrance was blocked by trashcans. When I came out, the employee cleaning it was super rude and complained to one of the other employees, that they needed to do something because guests were coming in as she was trying to clean. Shouldn't the employees do the cleaning at the end of the day. Mopping around the tables where the guests were trying to eat and then complaining that guest had to use the restroom. Give me a break! Talk about an inconvenience.

    Fideo y tortilla de harina

    El fideo era como lo que cocinaba mi mamá. Las tortillas de harina recién hechas. Todo era delicioso!

    Hungry.
    Carlos Z.

    Went to eat during 12:00pm to 1:00pm. A little crowded but the order was quick. Ordered a milanesa and quite happy. Service was good and the place was nice and clean.Ill be back.

    Enchiladas Americana
    Lindsey A.

    I stopped by here with my family on our way to the airport. The menus and signs are all in Spanish, but the staff was really friendly and helpful in translating for us. The salsa is really spicy, but delicious. They also serve a small bowl of really flavorful soup as an appetizer before your meal arrives. The enchiladas were good, but the tacos were really incredible! They tasted very authentic and everything was full of flavor. We had such a great experience here and wish there was one closer to home

    Karina P.

    Emilia's has one of Brownsville's best breakfast and lunch menus. Every time I visit Brownsville, this is my 'to-go' spot. Speedy service and delicious food.

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    8 months ago

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    10 months ago

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    6 months ago

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    6 months ago

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    3 months ago

    Food was good, service was good. Menu was really tough for a couple of English speaking anglos. Basically close your eyes and pick one, lol.

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    1 year ago

    The food was ok, a bit expensive I ended up spending $25 with tip for a quesadilla and soda. Staff was friendly and restaurant was clean.

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Very good service, the rstablishment is clean, the prices are affordable, and their menu is quite extensive. Definately reccommend.

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    1 year ago

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    2 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    15 years ago

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    14 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    8 years ago

    Great location family atmosphere good was outstanding had the papas and egg taco. Tacos are x-large

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    8 years ago

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    10 years ago

    Excellent top quality food and service. Not too much not too little. Ingredients were fresh and what one would expect.

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    13 years ago

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    8 years ago

    ive been coming here with my family since I was born. the food is always good and the staff are always happy to be there.

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    11 years ago

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    Ask the Community - Emilia's Restaurant

    Review Highlights - Emilia's Restaurant

    The salsa I spicy, chips were fresh and beans and papas on point with the fresh tortillas!!

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

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    El Ultimo Taco Taqueria - TOSTADAS, FLAUTAS, Y TOSTADAS

    El Ultimo Taco Taqueria

    4.2(419 reviews)
    1.9 mi
    $

    If Brownsville had a culinary passport, this place would be on Page 1…read more Stopped here on a road trip and honestly wasn't expecting much but BRUHH this taqueria humbled every overpriced "artisan taco" I've ever had in my life. Let's start with the soup. A $2.99 Frijoles Special bowl that tasted like somebody's abuela has been guarding this recipe since the Aztecs. Rich broth, perfect seasoning, actual depth of flavor. Meanwhile my lemonade cost 10 cents less than the soup which tells you EVERYTHING about how real this place is. The tacos? There are 7 types of tacos so we ended up ordering one of each type LOL including the intestines one. Ridiculously good and ridiculously cheap. $1.79-3.29. You know how some restaurants give you one sad tortilla and a spoonful of meat? Not here. These tacos come correct, juicy, flavorful, generous portions, fresh tortillas, and salsa that lets you know it's alive. I could feel the love going into these 7 tacos for real. Real border-town flavor. Zero tourist traps, zero nonsense. Everything tasted fresh, fast, and made with actual pride. No shortcuts, no gimmicks, no "Instagram aesthetic." Just real food for real people at prices that make you question every taco you've ever ordered north of San Antonio. Service was friendly, food came out fast, and the whole vibe feels like a community spot where locals have been eating for years. If you want authentic Mexican food without getting scammed by trendy taco bars, this is THE place. I'd drive back to Brownsville just for another bowl of that soup.

    Decent food, Decent service. May return soon, it a taqueria in The Rio Grand Valley it's got a busy…read morevibe.

    Photos
    El Ultimo Taco Taqueria - Inside

    Inside

    El Ultimo Taco Taqueria - TACO GRINGO

    TACO GRINGO

    El Ultimo Taco Taqueria - TORTA, TACOS Y FRIJOLES

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    TORTA, TACOS Y FRIJOLES

    La Gardenia Restaurant & Bar - Chips with different salsas.  Salsas too hot for us to try

    La Gardenia Restaurant & Bar

    4.3(8 reviews)
    4.4 mi

    A Hidden Gem of Authentic Mexican Flavor and Elevated Hospitality…read more If you're searching for a truly unforgettable dining experience, look no further than this incredible spot. From the moment we walked in, we were welcomed with warmth and enthusiasm that set the tone for an exceptional evening. Let's talk about the food: the grilled octopus was nothing short of perfection--expertly charred on the outside, tender on the inside, and paired beautifully with fresh, vibrant microgreens. Every bite was a masterclass in balance and flavor, showcasing the kind of culinary skill that can only come from recipes passed down through generations. The authentic Mexican flavors here are deeply rooted in tradition, yet elevated with a modern touch. It's clear the chef-owner has honed their craft under Michelin-starred mentors. That level of expertise comes through in every dish--from the nuanced seasoning to the thoughtful plating. And then there's the drink: La Paloma de Mi Corazón--hands down one of the most refreshing, clean-tasting cocktails I've ever had. Bartender Benito is a true artist behind the bar, blending flavors with precision and passion. He absolutely rocked that drink! The customer service was exceptional throughout. Attentive without being overbearing, every staff member made us feel genuinely cared for. It's rare to find a restaurant where both the front and back of house operate in perfect harmony. Whether you're a local foodie or just passing through, this place is a must-visit. Authentic, elevated, and unforgettable. Can't wait to come back. A Hidden Gem of Authentic Mexican Flavor and Elevated Hospitality If you're searching for a truly unforgettable dining experience, look no further than this incredible spot. From the moment we walked in, we were welcomed with warmth and enthusiasm that set the tone for an exceptional evening. Let's talk about the food: the grilled octopus was nothing short of perfection--expertly charred on the outside, tender on the inside, and paired beautifully with fresh, vibrant microgreens. Every bite was a masterclass in balance and flavor, showcasing the kind of culinary skill that can only come from recipes passed down through generations. The authentic Mexican flavors here are deeply rooted in tradition, yet elevated with a modern touch. It's clear the chef-owner has honed their craft under Michelin-starred mentors. That level of expertise comes through in every dish--from the nuanced seasoning to the thoughtful plating. And then there's the drink: La Paloma de Mi Corazón--hands down one of the most refreshing, clean-tasting cocktails I've ever had. Bartender Benito is a true artist behind the bar, blending flavors with precision and passion. He absolutely rocked that drink! The customer service was exceptional throughout. Attentive without being overbearing, every staff member made us feel genuinely cared for. It's rare to find a restaurant where both the front and back of house operate in perfect harmony. Whether you're a local foodie or just passing through, this place is a must-visit. Authentic, elevated, and unforgettable. Can't wait to come back. A Hidden Gem of Authentic Mexican Flavor and Elevated Hospitality If you're searching for a truly unforgettable dining experience, look no further than this incredible spot. From the moment we walked in, we were welcomed with warmth and enthusiasm that set the tone for an exceptional evening. Let's talk about the food: the grilled octopus was nothing short of perfection--expertly charred on the outside, tender on the inside, and paired beautifully with fresh, vibrant microgreens. Every bite was a masterclass in balance and flavor, showcasing the kind of culinary skill that can only come from recipes passed down through generations. The authentic Mexican flavors here are deeply rooted in tradition, yet elevated with a modern touch. It's clear the chef-owner has honed their craft under Michelin-starred mentors. That level of expertise comes through in every dish--from the nuanced seasoning to the thoughtful plating. And then there's the drink: La Paloma de Mi Corazón--hands down one of the most refreshing, clean-tasting cocktails I've ever had. Bartender Benito is a true artist behind the bar, blending flavors with precision and passion. He absolutely rocked that drink! The customer service was exceptional throughout. Attentive without being overbearing, every staff member made us feel genuinely cared for. It's rare to find a restaurant where both the front and back of house operate in perfect harmony. Whether you're a local foodie or just passing through, this place is a must-visit. Authentic, elevated, and unforgettable. Can't wait to come back. The most important part is that if you ask for water you will get FIGI water because Brownsville water has contaminants that are EPA approved but in the long run not safe. GARDENIA HAS CUSTOMER HEALTH AND TASTE IN MIND.

    The food looks great but the spice in the sauces (even the mild) were too hot for us. They need…read moreEnglish captions with the menu. Service was excellent and our server read the menu

    Photos
    La Gardenia Restaurant & Bar
    La Gardenia Restaurant & Bar - Rib eye appetizer. The menu is in Spanish so I can't give you the name,

    Rib eye appetizer. The menu is in Spanish so I can't give you the name,

    La Gardenia Restaurant & Bar - Chicharron on a bed of guacamole

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    Chicharron on a bed of guacamole

    Emilia's Restaurant - mexican - Updated May 2026

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