1. Make It Fajita Night At Taco Palenque
Taco Palenque
4515 San Bernardo Ave
(956) 725-9898
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 41 reviews
Here are the two words you need to remember when ordering at Taco Palenque: Fajita plate. You’ll be able to craft your fajitas to your liking with perfectly seasoned meats and a mess of crisped vegetables for stuffing. Oh, and the tortillas are freshly made, which makes all the difference in a quality fajita.
The other thing you’re going to want to keep in mind is the chip and salsa bar, which is the best you’ll find in Laredo. But anything you order at Taco Palenque is going to be worth your visit, so go with whatever your spicy little heart desires and you’ll be more than pleased.
2. Grab A Slice Or Four At Laredo’s
Laredo Pizza Factory
9652 McPherson Rd
(956) 724-6767
Yelp: 4 stars, 12 reviews
It’s Friday night and you’re all taco-ed out but aren’t really in the mood to get dressed up for a fancy meal, and you’re definitely not cooking. What do you do? Laredo’s Pizza Factory, obviously. With a name like Laredo’s, it only stands to reason that they would have the best pizza in Laredo. Lucky for you, they deliver – figuratively and literally.
Order the fried pickles as a side instead of just plain fries and you won’t be disappointed. As for pies - If your taste buds have become accustom to lots of spices and flavors, order the Buffalo pizza, which will stuff you up faster than a pillow. And if you’re in the mood for something out of the Laredo-ordinary, try out the Hawaiian pie for an awesome mix of sweet and savory.
3. El Capataz Has It All
El Capataz
7220 Bob Bullock Loop, Unit C7
(956) 723-7400
Yelp: 4 stars, 25 reviews
Despite a menu full of Mexican options, El Capataz is a unique place to dine in Laredo for a few reasons. For starters, it has the best Mexican-infused seafood that you’ll find around town. But, it’s also a great spot for watching sports on their TV.
And they also offer a really impressive tequila bar and craft beer menu. If you’re still wondering if you can get a good taco here, the answer is of course you can. The fish tacos with a draft beer is a shining example of just what El Capataz can do.
4. Meet Your New Favorite Date Night Spot, Lolita’s Bistro
Lolita’s Bistro
6950 McPherson Rd
(956) 568-5334
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 17 reviews
When you’re looking for the best spot to dine out in town where you can give your taste buds a little break from the Mexican, Lolita’s is the place to go. With great service and unmatched ambiance, it’s also a perfect spot for date night.
It’s classy, but not uptight pretentious so you can relax and enjoy your meal and company. They also offer a little bit of something to please everyone, from Cuban sandwiches to delicious lasagnas. And, to keep true to the bistro part of their name, they also serve up some of the best crepes in all of Laredo.
5. Take Taco Tuesday To The Next Level AT El Taco Tote
El Taco Tote
5603 San Dario Ave
(956) 725-8382
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 15 reviews
Any true lover of tacos knows that not all tacos are created equal, and there’s an art to making them perfect. El Taco Tote lives up to its name by showing they know exactly what they’re doing. They’re always fresh and full of flavor.
You can order tacos a la carte including unique varieties like the barbacoa tacos and pork tacos. You can load up on a ton of different salsas and spices at the condiment bar, too, like salsa verde and deep red salsa, so you can rest assured that you’re always in control of the heat. So, when your stomach is rumbling come Tuesday around lunch time, now you know where you need to be.
6. Get Your Sushi Fix At BBQ Park Korean Style
BBQ Park
416 Shiloh Dr
(956) 724-8000
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 13 reviews
Sushi at a barbecue joint? Korean barbecue, that is. And although you’ll find a ton of amazing sushi options here, the authentic Korean food is absolutely to die for. Full of flavor and blended spices, you might not ever be able to go back to American food again.
Don’t let the Korean menu intimidate you, either. Not only are there English descriptions below each item, but the servers are very friendly and accommodating. So, whatever you need to know, they’ll be happy to answer.
7. The Best Brunch In Town At Border Foundry
Border Foundry Restaurant And Bar
7718 Mcpherson Rd
(956) 724-5907
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 11 reviews
Border Foundry is one of the nicest places for a meal in town. Come early on Sundays and you’ll find yourself in brunch heaven. Order the barbacoa benedict and a morning margarita to wash it down. If you come later in the day, you’ll have a really hard time deciding exactly what to order because it’s all so good.
But go for something a little different like the oyster nachos to start and the duck confit or bacon-wrapped quail for your entrée for something a little fancier. Laredo might be known for its Mexican, but Border Foundry gives that a run for its money because once you eat here, you’ll be wishing you could come back for every meal.
8. Dine Like You’re In Mexico At Las Kekas
Las Kekas Restaurant
3914 McPhearson Ave
(956) 568-5936
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 31 reviews
It’s common knowledge around town that Las Kekas’ has one of the best chefs in the entire area. The meats, marinades, and sauces here are worthy of awards – maybe even of their own cooking show, they’re that good. It’s a family run restaurant with super friendly service and some truly authentic Mexican food that will blow your mind.
Don’t miss out on their signature kekas, which are like fried, flaky empanadas that might just make you believe in a higher power. This place is in such hot demand there are talks of another one opening up in San Antonio. So start eating here now so you can say you enjoyed Las Kekas first.
9. A Luncher’s Paradise At Scratch Sandwich Company
Scratch Sandwich Company
1713 E Del Mar Blvd
(956) 568-4893
Yelp: 4 stars, 10 reviews
You’ll never run through another drive-through again once you stop by Scratch Sandwich Company on your lunch break. Don’t be fooled by their dive-y appearance. This place is a true diamond in the rough. You’ll find a variety of soups and salads with a side of fresh chips if you’re looking to keep it light.
But come hungry if you’re in the mood for a sandwich, because these suckers are huge. Order their signature sandwich, The Scratch, or Mile High which is, you guessed it, stacked a mile high. One of the best things about eating here at Scratch, besides the awesome food, is that you almost always end up with leftovers for the next day!
10. Get Smoked Out At Chano’s Patio
Chano’s Patio Facebook
1618 Chihuahua
(956) 473-9999
Yelp: 4 stars, 14 reviews
Looking for the best burger in Laredo? Then you need to get over to Chano’s Patio. But definitely don’t come here looking for fast food because you won’t find it. Each burger and meal is made to order, so you won’t have a two minute wait time. Nonetheless, the wait times are comparable to any decent restaurant establishment and are so much better than the fast joints, they make it well worth it.
If you’re a meat lover order up the Austin burger and you’ll find yourself with more meat than you know what to do with. And sweet potato fry fans are in luck, because they’ve got some of the best in town. And definitely don’t miss out on the trash pie, which tastes nothing like trash, but is essentially a basket full of Fritos smothered in perfectly barbecued brisket.
11. Get Buzzed At Cosmos Bar and Grill
Cosmos Bar
201 W. Del Mar Blvd
(956) 727-3393
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 12 reviews
People come to Cosmos for a mixture of the fun environment, the drinks, and the food. You’re definitely not going to find a quiet night out for two if you show up here. But if you’re looking for an exciting night out with a date or a group of friends knocking back a couple of martinis and sharing a few plates of good food, then Cosmos is where you want to be in Laredo.
Who knows, you might even make a few new friends while you’re here, too. Make sure to try out the crab cakes and the tuna steak sandwich, both of which are local favorites.
12. Get Healthy At Posh Sushi Grill
Posh Sushi Grill
2517 E Del Mar Blvd
(956) 724-7674
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 5 reviews
Usually, when people are thinking about shedding a few pounds, dining out is usually off the table entirely. But Posh Sushi not only puts it right back on the table, they’re actually here to help you out along the way. No, really. The food is all made fresh, light, and super healthy which already makes sticking to your diet a breeze.
But they also challenge you to lose weight by eating their food! Many locals who wanted to lose some extra weight have done it with astonishing success – all while noshing out on sushi rolls, pot stickers, soups and more! You could be next! Head to Posh Sushi Grill to inquire about how to sign up for this super fun and delicious challenge.
13. Head To The Tack Room When Steak Is What’s For Dinner
The Tack Room
1000 Zaragoza St
(956) 722-1701
Yelp: 4 stars, 8 reviews
When you’re looking for a hearty meal, it doesn’t get any better than a steak and baked potato. That’s when The Tack Room is in order. Start off with the lobster bisque, which is perfectly seasoned and creamy with lobster chunks big enough to make a meal of its own. Move on to any one of the various cuts of steak, which will always be cooked to color and perfection.
If steak isn’t on your radar for the evening, though, definitely don’t pass up on the lamb chops, which are so tender, they almost melt like butter in your mouth. This place is definitely one of the finer places in Laredo to dine out, so make sure to bring a few extra bucks in your wallet. But once you taste the food, you’ll understand just how worth it, it really is!
14. Lunch On The Go At Loncheria Popo
Loncheria Popo
9802 McPherson Rd
(956) 728-7822
Yelp: 5 stars, 10 reviews
Obviously it’s not hard to find good Mexican dishes in Laredo. But sometimes the barbecue side of things can get a little trickier to nail down. At Loncheria’s, you’ll find the best shredded beef sandwiches in town, made with perfectly barbecued meat and an awesome bbq marinade. And you’ll get them in a hurry.
Loncheria’s sandwiches are somewhat reminiscent of White Castle burgers – too small to be a traditional burger, but too big to be a slider. Somewhere right in the middle. So, if you’re hungry, order a few and be on your way. The burgers here are really good, too.
15. Head For The Border At El Meson De San Augustine
El Meson De San Augustine
908 Grant St
(956) 712-9009
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 26 reviews
El Meson De San Augustine’s offers the best authentic Mexican food for your buck in Laredo. It’s a family-run restaurant that is fun and accommodating to kids but still offers some seriously authentic food for the adults to enjoy, too.
Stay super traditional with dishes like the Caldo de Res, the Enchiladas Mexicanas, and Menudo and you’ll quickly discover why this place is considered by many to be one of Laredo’s best kept secrets. And I mean secret. Don’t be surprised if you pass by the front door a few times before realizing that this is where you want to be.
Feature Image Source: Laredo Pizza Factory Facebook
What’s your go-to for great grub in Laredo? Tell us in the comments below!
