Edinburg, TX isn’t lacking for delicious dining spots—there are plenty of fantastic restaurants here. So many, in fact, you could spend weeks exploring the local food scene. That’s not a bad plan, but if you’re short on time, we’ve curated the absolute best. When you’re wondering where to eat next, start with this updated list.
La Cabaña Pollos Asados South
$ | (956) 270-4628 | WEBSITE
We’re big fans of La Cabaña, and we tell people to eat here as much as we can. It’s consistently satisfying, and we have yet to find something on the menu we don’t like. They somehow manage to make a simple dish like fajitas with rice and beans a must-order, and you’ll also want to try their tasty combos for lunch. The casual space has a lot of friendly energy—it works equally well for a quick bite or a small group meal.
Burger King
$ | (210) 631-2332 | WEBSITE
Burger King isn’t exactly fine dining (it’s a fast-food chain with locations everywhere), but their chicken fries deserve a mention here. Their crispy, seasoned pieces taste solid whether they’re enjoyed as a snack on their own or alongside their regular fries. Pull up to the drive-thru or walk inside and pair your order with one of their standard soft drinks—just be prepared for the occasional order mix-up at the counter, and note that the meatless option shares a grill with the beef patties.
JuiceUs
$ | (956) 720-4484 | WEBSITE
JuiceUs serves delicious, healthy options, including a vegetarian-friendly veggie burger and a must-try chicken caprese sandwich paired with sweet potato fries. We love the welcoming atmosphere, and the fact that there’s a good chance the friendly staff will offer samples of new products. Plus, there’s an inviting seating area decorated with plants, and if you can get a spot there to study or socialize, you should take it. This place is the definition of a feel-good neighborhood spot.
Pizza Patrón West University
$ | (956) 270-4261 | WEBSITE
The manager at Pizza Patrón West University welcomes every customer with such genuine warmth it’d take at least three slices of their pepperoni pizza to match even 10% of his enthusiasm. But the excitement is warranted—the comfort food coming out of this spotless, brightly lit space that functions as Pizza Patrón’s command center is fantastic. It’s impossible to pick a favorite, but the delicious wings, tasty pizza with great prices, and flavorful offerings are all excellent.
Whether we’re picking up takeout or enjoying the clean, inviting atmosphere, when Carlos or Aaron cheerfully says “See you next time!” from behind the counter, we’re already planning our next visit.
Firehouse Subs Marval Plaza
$ | (956) 800-4506 | WEBSITE
Firehouse Subs Marval Plaza is a fantastic sandwich-focused and also ‘firefighter-themed’ restaurant. This basically means that every sandwich is prepared fresh and to customer specifications. It’s definitely not just basic subs, however—premium ingredients make an appearance in most of the sandwiches (although you can easily ask for adjustments to customize them).
There are always a few non-sandwich sides like Mac and Cheese, too, and while those are good, you should mainly be coming here for the sandwiches.
Golden Chick
$ | (956) 386-9225 | WEBSITE
Golden Chick looks a lot like your standard fast-casual chicken spot, but it also has some standout dishes and is an excellent place to grab a quick meal. It’s a clean restaurant with expanded parking, wheelchair accessibility, and a welcoming atmosphere, and it’s perfect for families. As far as the food goes, get the Big & Golden sandwich for its impressive size and delicious flavor, plus the okra. Then plan to enjoy your meal with the soft and buttery rolls and the friendly, efficient service.
Regio Cafe
$ | (956) 685-1000 | WEBSITE
Any town—in any state—would be fortunate to have a place like Regio Cafe. The cafe classics are consistently satisfying, whether it’s the flavorful regio complete or delicious homemade favorites like the chilaquiles. And even during the lunch rush (which seems to be most hours), the fast and friendly service always leaves us with Texas hospitality.
Like with many spots in Edinburg, the dining scene has evolved in various ways over time, but this cafe remains as essential to the community as memories of family meals around the table.
Barillas Restaurant
$ | (956) 329-0890 | WEBSITE
Barillas Restaurant is a Mexican spot in Edinburg, TX. And they specialize in, well, barillas and more. And the fajitas are some of Edinburg’s best. They come with all sorts of accompaniments—a bed of cheese, beans, and chips, along with rice, charro beans, tortillas, quesadillas, avocado, jalapeño poppers, and grilled onions. But what completes each plate is the soft, perfectly cooked meat that adds flavor, and also ensures that no one will leave hungry.
For the “more” there are breakfast dishes like the “bomb” breakfast, plus entrees like juicy Ribeyes with baked potato, super burritos, shrimp chipotle pasta, and huevos divorciados.
Jaguars Club Edinburg
$$$ | (956) 381-4117 | WEBSITE
Jaguars Club came to Edinburg as a late-night destination, and initially, we were a little hesitant about how much we’d enjoy it. This is Texas, after all, with plenty of other options. But now we’ll happily admit that the fun, lively atmosphere here is awesome. We like the controlled but intense vibe, too—the bouncers keep standards high, and it feels like a safe yet exciting place as much as a club. As a bonus, they have a BYOB policy that actually makes sense.
Get there for one of their ticket promotions.
Chopstix #1
$ | (956) 386-1428 | WEBSITE
Low-mein is hard to find done right. But not only is Chopstix #1 one of the best places in Edinburg for this classic noodle dish—their Chinese food also happens to be some of the tastiest in town. The menu has plenty of options, and our favorite is the Low-mein, which comes with fresh vegetables and tender meat, along with egg rolls and wontons that give an extra boost of flavor.
This place offers both takeout and dine-in, but even at its busiest, you won’t have to wait too long to grab a seat in the cozy dining area. The staff is consistently friendly and very polite, with servers like the kind and bubbly team member providing excellent recommendations. While there might be occasional delays, the overall experience leaves you satisfied.
Sidebar Elegant Dining
$$$ | (956) 429-7860 | WEBSITE
We could linger at Sidebar Elegant Dining all evening, especially in the dimly lit lounge with its velvet seating and nostalgic jazz-era charm. The Corn Ribs and Pan Seared Lamb are fantastic and almost as impressive as the well-crafted cocktails from the whiskey bar. If you’ve never experienced upscale dining without pretension in the Rio Grande Valley, it’s time you discovered this hidden gem.
Starbucks
$ | (956) 292-0611 | WEBSITE
Starbucks is from the same chain you know, but this location really wants to serve you right. The drinks here all have that consistent quality that makes them stand out from the usual coffee shop suspects—like perfectly steamed hot lattes with that signature foam, or those sandwiches with melty cheese that hits just right. We’re also huge fans of their wonderful service: employees like Diana and Destiny go above and beyond, getting special orders correct even when they’re complex.
To remind us that this is a busy spot, they have that crazy rush vibe, which they handle by fixing any mistakes without question.
Makai Poke House
$ | (956) 287-4283 | WEBSITE
Makai Poke House started as a local favorite in Edinburg and has grown into a full-fledged, always-busy destination. The line often stretches out the door during peak hours, with customers waiting 20 minutes just to place their order. But once you’ve secured your spot and taken that first bite of their poke, you’ll understand the fuss. Each of their signature bowls is distinct, with just a few thoughtfully chosen toppings, allowing every ingredient to shine. But the must-order is their Nini bowl.
Without even considering the customizable additions like hot Cheetos or eel sauce, we’d happily queue up just for the fresh, vibrant combination of flavors in that bowl.
