Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in McAllen

OpenTable

Updated January 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in McAllen? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

SALT

4.8

4.8 (1367)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

McAllen

About the restaurant

SALT-New American Table, brought to you by the owners of McAllen’s house.wine & bistro. and Salomé on Main, Chef Larry Delgado and his lovely wife Jessica Delgado. The chef driven menu features local, organic and sustainable products, and a full service bar that boast beautiful, boutique wines, craft beers, and high end spirits!

Top review

Jeff

Dined today

Great experience from the time we entered restaurant… great service and food

Discover more

The Republic of the Rio Grande

4.7

4.7 (155)

$30 and under

Steakhouse

McAllen

About the restaurant

A sumptuous, indoor-outdoor bar & grill serving Southwest menu, including steaks & pizza.

At the Republic of the Rio Grande, our attention to detail and the way we present a platter tells you that dining here is going to be special, no matter the occasion. We strive to create a sumptuous and exciting dining experience for all of our guests

Disclaimer: For Friday and Saturday reservations please call the restaurant directly. We recommend giving us up to a 24 hour notice if you would like to book with us due to possible low availability.

Top review

Tammy

Dined 2 days ago

The food was as fabulous as ever, but when we ordered drinks the waiter told us what happy hour drinks were and when two of us ordered a margarita and glass of house wine, as he told us were happy hour drinks, we were surprised to see the check did not reflect the happy hour price he quoted. When asked he shrugged and said we didn’t order the happy hour special. Good thing we go for the food!

La Doble M Restaurant & Bar

4.7

4.7 (29)

$31 to $50

Contemporary Mexican

McAllen

About the restaurant

Un restaurante de alta cocina en la cual nuestro menú, inspirado en la exquisita gastronomía del norte de México, conjunto a un servicio excepcional distinguen este concepto.
Esta propuesta culinaria combina nuestra cocina de brasa, los cuales ingredientes y texturas dan una experiencia memorable al paladar, con un fondo donde la música y decoración se entrelazan para crear el mejor ambiente al cliente.

Top review

Jorge Alberto

Dined 3 days ago

Loved the food and Mixology, service was Great and the DJ kept the ambiance upbeat.

Il Forno a Legna

4.6

4.6 (423)

$30 and under

Italian

McAllen

About the restaurant

Since 2016, our chefs have used the finest ingredients available to recreate heirloom Italian recipes. We're inspired by the Italian way of life and the importance of sharing meals with loved ones. Il Forno a Legna is our love letter to Italian tradition, and our gift to the Rio Grande Valley. Bring a few friends and remember, a tavola non si invecchia.

Top review

MichaelVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Our first time here. Everything was tasty and the presentation was excellent. The meatballs, caesar salad ^ shrimp scampi were all really great. James took great care of us as well. Definitely a place to visit again

Discover more

Experience

Valentine's Day Dinner

Ambra

4.6

4.6 (285)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

McAllen

About the restaurant

AMBRA combines a globally inspired steakhouse and a chic lounge creating one electrifying dining experience. Inside AMBRA, every foot of space is filled with eye-catching visuals, varied lighting, contrasting materials and textures, lush plants, and a layout of space perfect for mingling, date night, and dining. Take a seat in one of our stylish dining rooms or enjoy al fresco seating in our outdoor patio while sipping mezcal cocktails until closing time, when you dine with us every experience will be one to remember.

Top review

DERIK

Dined 3 days ago

Food was excellent. Filet and sea bass cooked perfectly. Desserts and drinks top notch. Highly recommend

Discover more

Experience

Eternal Flame: Valentine’s Day at Ambra

Texas de Brazil - Mcallen

4.5

4.5 (952)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

McAllen

About the restaurant

Texas de Brazil, is a Brazilian steakhouse, or churrascaria, that features endless servings of flame-grilled beef, lamb, pork, chicken, and Brazilian sausage as well as an extravagant salad area with a wide array of seasonal chef-crafted items.

Top review

Jose

Dined on Jan 4, 2025

10/10 the date I had with my future wife🥳 was the best

Discover more

Prime Steak & Seafood

4.4

4.4 (444)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

McAllen

About the restaurant

At PRIME, we don’t just cook food. We craft a dining experience defined by excellence. Our perfectly prepared dishes reflect the full potential of the finest ingredients, because we treat the process of crafting good food as an art, not a science. Served within a luxuriously appointed dining room and paired with the very best appetizers, sides, and beverages, every meal at PRIME is one worth remembering.

Relax in our private dining area that seats up to people. Elegantly set and beautifully decorated, our dining room perfectly complements your unforgettable taste experience. Stop by for that special date, that exciting celebration, or that important business connection. The very best in fine steakhouse dining awaits.

Top review

Manuel

Dined 5 days ago

Great restaurant and great food and staff, and good drinks

Toloa Rooftop

4.4

4.4 (57)

$30 and under

Mexican / Southwestern

McAllen

About the restaurant

Overlooking North McAllen, TOLOA's rooftop space acts as a studio for creating social experiences around food and drink. A list of seasonally curated cocktails act as an accessory to the open-air patio and lounge from sunset to late night. The food offered focuses on Modern Mexican eatery and is designed to either be shared, provide a small bite, or be ordered as a multi-course dinner. TOLOA is a new way to indulge and be social.

Top review

Dan

Dined on Oct 13, 2024

Food was ok. Steak was very chewy and very small lobster/shrimp on what easily seen as a hot dog bun.

Palominos - McAllen

4.4

4.4 (40)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

McAllen

About the restaurant

Palominos Restaurant expands to the United States with the opening of its new location in McAllen, Texas. Recognized as one of the best steakhouses offering fine Sonoran-style steaks in Mexico, Palominos boasts over 50 years of experience and 11 locations in Mexico. We have become known for the unparalleled quality of our steaks and an exceptional dining atmosphere.

Our restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy a family meal, host private events, celebrate birthdays, or hold important business meetings. We offer various seating options, including indoor tables, an outdoor terrace, and private rooms.

Among our house specialties are the Black Onyx, Rib Eye Aguachile, and our iconic Filete a la Bacanora. Plus, our extensive drink menu and welcoming ambiance will make your visit a truly unforgettable experience.

You can also find us in Mexico at our locations in Hermosillo, Mexicali, Tijuana, Chihuahua, Culiacán, Mexico City, and Guadalajara.

Top review

OlgaVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Everything was fine! Delicious food, good selection of wine, great service! We passed great time with the friends

Discover more

Experience

Lunch Menu

BOND Cocktail Lounge

4.4

4.4 (16)

$31 to $50

Lounge

McAllen

About the restaurant

At Bond Cocktail Lounge, our focus is on delivering an elevated experience where every detail matters. From our expertly crafted cocktails to our thoughtfully curated dishes, we aim to blend innovation with timeless elegance. Our menu highlights fresh, premium ingredients and global influences, while our bar program is designed to push the boundaries of mixology. Whether you’re joining us for a refined evening or a social gathering, Bond is dedicated to creating a space where exceptional flavors and impeccable service come together.

Top review

MelaineVIP

Dined on Dec 27, 2024

We didn’t order food. Had a wonderful evening. Very relaxed. Music was on point, not loud and clubby. Service was great.

Explore Diners' Choice best of McAllen

Explore more Diners' Choice lists