A Hidden Gem for Mexican Seafood -- Don't Sleep on This Place!…read more As a traveler from California in town for a swim meet, I was on the hunt for good Mexican seafood and stumbled upon La Costa Grill. Based on the reviews, I had decent expectations -- but this place blew them out of the water. The ratings honestly don't do it justice. From the moment we walked in, the hospitality was warm and genuine. We were greeted by the hostess and seated right away, even during the lunch rush. Then came a wonderful surprise: our server brought out a mini skillet of the most incredible black refried beans for dipping, alongside four salsas ranging from mild to hot, all served with tostadas -- compliments of the house. Back in California, you're lucky to get one salsa, let alone refried beans as a free starter. It immediately set the tone for the meal. Our server was knowledgeable and genuinely helpful with recommendations. We ended up sharing a lunch portion of paella, an octopus taco, and a fish ceviche tostada -- and every single dish delivered. The octopus taco was a standout; served over a layer of refried beans, it was a flavor combination I didn't know I needed. The ceviche tostada was fresh and bright, and the paella was satisfying and well-seasoned. I also have to give our server extra credit for her transparency -- she mentioned upfront that the paella leans heavier on rice than seafood. That kind of honesty is rare and really appreciated. We ordered it anyway, and we were glad we did. If you're visiting McAllen and want authentic, flavorful Mexican seafood with outstanding service and hospitality, La Costa Grill needs to be on your list. I'll absolutely be returning before I head back home.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Soy cliente asiduo de la costa pero hoy estuvieron de lo peor…read more1.- Pedí un plato que siempre ordeno, y la mesera me dijo que ahí no lo ofrecían, lo cual era incorrecto 2.- la máquina de sodas no funcionaba (lo cual lo comprendo) pero de jodido regálanos agua!!! 3.- nos trajeron la comida (otro mesero) y no nos dieron cubiertos ni de plástico 4.- se los pedimos a otro mesero y contestó: ahorita le digo a tu mesera 5.- cuando nos trajeron unos tenedores la comida ya estaba fría .... Y mi mujer ENCABRONADA Y diciéndome: cómo me voy a pasar la comida sin nada que tomar 6.- nos trajeron los refrescos y eran puro jarabe (horribles) 7.- pedí hablar con el Gerente y no vino, cuando lo vi pasar llegó en chinga dijo Sorry y se fue... Y mi mujer MÁS enojada y ya sin tiempo para comer .... Llegamos de buenas y salimos de malas Aplica al Restaurante de Mission solamente McAllen y San Juan Nunca me han fallado

The food was alright. I didn't enjoy my meal as much as my husband enjoyed his shrimp tacos…read more Overall I think it was too pricey. Waitress was very attentive even though the restaurant was busy. The atmosphere was good. The restrooms could use some improvement. It's such a small space that makes it awkward for people to walk past each other.

This place was pretty good, pretty expensive but with reasonable servings. The restaurant was very…read moreloud with sounds of dishes and vacuums and soccer and music, the restaurant was nice aesthetically. The service was okay nothing crazy just regular.

Celebrated our 10 year anniversary here with friends on Friday. Arrived at 5pm to beat the rush…read more Was nervous because the lot was full. To our surprise we walked right in and was seated. We had 6 in our party and sat outside. Two of us ordered the weekend special (1pc lobster, 1/2 lb of shrimp and 1/2 pound of snow crab. It was delicious. Would definitely order again. The others that ordered off the menu under something fried received their order way before us. They were done eating before we got our food. Bar now opens only means you can order beer. No wine or mixed drinks. They have all the liquor displayed in the bar but I think it's just a teaser. Our waitress was super nice.

super slow service. I wanted to order the wings off the lunch special, and the waiter told me I…read morecouldn't since it wasn't in the time frame. Okay, but the wings are on the kid's menu?? I understand if it has to be a different price that's fine but to not let me order them at all was annoying. we were a party of 4 and my boyfriend's food came out 30 minutes after everyone else's. It wasn't even a crazy order either it was a basket of fish and shrimp. I would not recommend this place at all unless you aren't hungry and have 2 hours to spare.

Mambo's: The Restaurant with Nothing on the Menu…read more In the heart of downtown, nestled between a laundromat and an empty yoga studio, sits Mambo's -- a restaurant shrouded in mystery, local legend, and chronic ingredient shortages. With its bold neon sign flashing "EAT!" and its doors always open, Mambo's lures the hungry and curious like moths to a flame. But those who enter quickly learn the truth: Mambo's never has anything to eat. The concept is baffling. One might assume Mambo's is a pop-up art installation, a social experiment, or perhaps a prank that got out of hand. But no -- Mambo's insists it is a legitimate restaurant. It has a full staff, a printed menu with mouthwatering descriptions, and an upbeat hostess named Carla who greets you with the confidence of someone about to seat you for a five-star meal. Yet once you sit down and begin to order, the Mambo's experience begins. "We're out of that," the waiter says, the moment you mention the house special. "What about the octopus ?" "Also out. Shrimp?." "Do you have anything?" "Let me check." You'll wait twenty minutes while the waiter disappears into the kitchen, only to return with a shrug and a glass of lukewarm tap water. It's the same story every time. No steak, no salads, no sides, no soup. Occasionally they offer crackers. But they are always "just about to run out." The mystery deepens when you notice that no one ever seems to leave with food. Customers walk out dazed and confused, muttering things like, "They had nothing. Again." And yet Mambo's remains open, night after night. The Yelp reviews are poetic in their disbelief: "Waited 45 minutes for a grilled cheese. They said they were out of bread. And cheese. And a grill." - Sandra T. "Mambo's is the place to go when you're full, but want to be disappointed anyway." - Alex G. "Five stars for the vibe. Zero for the food. Because there was none." - HungryAndSad89 There are theories, of course. Some say Mambo's is a money laundering front. Others claim it's a metaphor for late-stage capitalism. A few romantics believe it's a test of patience and that those who endure the hunger will be rewarded with the most delicious meal of their lives -- someday. But that day never seems to come. And still, people return. Maybe it's the music -- a never-ending loop of jazz-funk that distracts from the hunger. Maybe it's Carla's unwavering optimism ("We might have fries tomorrow!"). Or maybe it's the faint hope that this time, Mambo's will have something to eat. But they won't. They never do. In Conclusion Mambo's is a restaurant in name only -- a culinary paradox where the atmosphere is rich, but the plates are forever empty. It's an enigma, a joke, and a strangely comforting ritual for those who frequent it. Because in a world of uncertainty, one thing remains constant: if you're hungry, don't go to Mambo's. Unless you're just there for the water. Which, incidentally, they are also running low on.

Mambo rice is amazingly delicious. One place is enough to serve at least 6 people. The restaurant…read moreis always clean and employees are very courteous.

Fresh, fresh, fresh! Innovative Mexican seafood appetizers and entreés. Fish tacos were delicious…read moreand well served. Stuffed fish filet was stuffed with octopus, shrimp, and calamari. The Ceviche Tropical can be shared by 3-4 guests.

So good! I stopped by this restaurant over the weekend and we were served great food. I ordered the…read moreshrimp tacos and my mom ordered the fried fish. I highly recommend the cucumber water, is freshly made and tastes amazing.

It was great. Clean. Excellent service. I started out with chips and puréed habanero salsa that was…read morea mild spiced salsa. They also brought a tomato sea food flavor broth that had a small amount of onion and carrot. Then I had mixed fajitas with corn tortillas. Chicken, beef and shrimp cooked in onion and bell peppers. It also came with a side salad with ranch type dressing and rice. I thought it was all cooked and seasoned perfectly. Highly recommended!

Fun time with my sister-in-law! The shrimp in a garlic, red sauce or camarines al moja de ajo was…read moregood, just a bit too much salt. I added pepper and enjoyed my meal. Sergio was a very helpful and friendly waiter. This dish came with rice and a small salad. Both were good! My sister-in-law had camarones el culichi. I had a bite, and the green sauce and cheese tasted good, too. The atmosphere was fun and inviting! It's a big place! A set up for a band and/or karaoke is ready! They remain open until 2:00a.m. Wednesday-Friday! Great evening out! Great company!

We came to Prime in McAllen planning to just have drinks, but the atmosphere was so inviting we…read morecouldn't resist ordering more. The cocktails were excellent, and what started as "just one round" quickly turned into sharing a delicious appetizer of chicharrón de rib eye, beautifully plated and full of flavor. We couldn't leave without trying the warm, golden cornbread dessert, and it did not disappoint: soft, sweet, and absolutely addictive. The ambience is elegant yet relaxed, making it easy to linger, and the service was top-notch--attentive, friendly, and perfectly timed. What was meant to be a quick stop turned into one of the highlights of our evening.

Not sure what happened but this place is amazing! Music is on point. Atmosphere so relaxing. Staff…read moreare so professional and courteous. Must try. Feels as if there's been a change in management.

The food is AMAZING here. Came down on Ash Wednesday and wanted some fish, and one of my coworkers…read moresuggested this restaurant. I'm happy she did-I will definitely be back! The fried fish in the number 1 was crispy and not greasy in the least, which is hard to do on a busy day like this. Bravo!

Great environment for celebrating and hanging out with family and friends. The Mariscos are…read moredelicious with friendly and accommodating staff. Had dinners with friends here and were able to just talk and laugh while we enjoyed big portions of mariscos (seafood) in a lively environment. Music playing and tvs with soccer games on the screens. Someone was celebrating their birthday and to our surprise the place sang their version of La Mañanitas that was fun and unique. Ordered the Mullecito Never have I ordered something on a menu based on a photo and the photo be smaller than the portions I received. If I'm back, I'll have to go with their ceviche but I can't wait.

Si comes aquí debes tener cuidado Las meseras son…read moremalintencionadas Cargan de más y si no te das cuenta en el recibo dicen ...Hoo ! olvide' quitar este cargo (Si lo de pide recibo ... si lo cargan ) No recomendable :(

A good little lunch place with plenty of variety. Our service was fast and the restaurant clean…read morewith plenty of options to choose from on the menu.

Here's a short, clean, and strong version:…read more Papadeaux's in Pharr, Texas was excellent. The shrimp were fresh, big, and full of flavor, and the fish, crab meat, and rice were truly unforgettable. We also enjoyed the fried seafood platter--perfectly crispy and delicious. The service was amazing, and the staff was very accommodating with a wheelchair, which we really appreciated. Highly recommend!

Clean, spacious restaurant. Got seated in a booth and had terrific service. Our server, Brian, was…read morefriendly and on point with his check ins. I had the crawfish combination. Very large portions. A nice place to dine alone, or with family and friends in the RGV.