McAllen

McAllen has grown rapidly over the past century. In 1910 the population was about 150. The city now has a population exceeding 130,000. Over 85% of the city's population is Hispanic or Latino; almost everyone in bilingual to some degree. The first real development in the area that would later become McAllen occurred in the 1850s. That development was led by John McAllen. In 1904, he established a town site then known as West McAllen. In 1907, a separate group of developers established a town known as East McAllen. Eventually, the two towns merged and the City of McAllen was incorporated in 1911.
McAllen has warm winter weather and a low cost of living. In the winter months, large numbers of retirees live in the McAllen area. Affectionately called Winter Texans, they come predominantly from the Midwestern United States and Canada and stay in RV parks, apartments, second homes and extended-stay hotels. Winter is the "season" for McAllern, and the time with most of the social activities, many planned especially for Winter Texans.
McAllen is a popular birders destination. There are dozens of birding spots in the McAllen area, including the World Birding Center, a complex of 9 sites dedicated to wildlife watching. 528 bird species and over 300 butterfly species have been recorded in the area.
McAllen is surrounded by several medium size towns and cities. These cities are interconnected and sometimes appear to be one larger city. For census purposes the federal government includes all these areas under the heading McAllen–Edinburg–Mission Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA).

By plane

• McAllen-Miller International Airport

  phone: +1 956-682-910
  address: 2500 S Bicentennial Blvd #100
  It is serviced by American Airlines. (Nonstop service to Dallas), United Airlines. (Nonstop service to Houston), Allegiant Air (Nonstop service to Las Vegas, NV; and Orlando, FL)
• Valley International Airport (HRL), located in Harlingen, TX is about a 45-minute drive east of McAllen. This airport is serviced by Continental, Southwest, and Sun Country. Offers regular direct flights to Houston, Austin, and San Antonio. Offers seasonal direct flights to Minneapolis, MN.

By train

There is no passenger rail service to McAllen. However, you can take Amtrak to San Antonio and connect via bus to McAllen.

By bus

The bus station is located at 1500 West Highway 83 in downtown McAllen. It is serviced by Greyhound which connects McAllen to cities throughout the United States. Additionally, there are several Mexican bus companies which connect McAllen to cities throughout Mexico. These carriers also create many times and opportunities to go by bus to Houston or other cities in the USA as well. In many cases, these companies cover the southeastern USA with their schedules.

By car

• US 83 runs east and west connecting McAllen to Brownsville and Laredo.
• US 281 runs north to I-37, which connects McAllen to Corpus Christi and San Antonio.
• McAllen - Hidalgo - Reynosa International Bridge is located in nearby Hidalgo, TX connects McAllen to Reynosa, Mexico.
• MX 40 goes frim Mazatlan, Durrango, Torreon, Saltillo, Monterrey to Reynosa and McAllen
• MX 97 connect to the 97 from the 180 leaving Victoria Mexico (or arriving from Tampico: enter the McAllen area from Reynosa,

By car

The best way to get around McAllen is by car. There are several rental car services located in Mcallen: Hertz, Alamo, Budget, Enterprise, and others. Many of these can be found at the airport.

By taxi

Several taxi companies serve McAllen. Customers should call ahead to arrange a pick up.

By bus

Metro Mcallen is the bus system that serves McAllen. These buses run from 6AM to 11PM Monday through Saturday, and 8AM to 8PM on Sunday. The bus system covers only limited routes but also interfaces with RioTransit buses, which connect to other towns in the Rio Grande Valley.

Walking/biking

McAllen has several hike and bike trails that run north and south.

Attractions

• Klement's Grove

  address: 4508 N Taylor Rd
  A citrus grove and country store offering a wide range of citrus fruits for sale, or pick your own in their grove. You can also buy their homemade citrus juices, dressings, sauces, and more.

• McAllen Convention Center

  address: 700 Convention Center Blvd
  A large convention facility that hosts a wide variety of events throughout the year at on the corner of S Ware and W Expressway 83. The convention center is surrounded by a variety of shops and restaurants.

• Quinta Mazatlan

  address: 600 Sunset Ave
  A beautiful country estate located close to the airport at Visitors can tour the home and the 15 acres of land that surround it. The property is full of plantlife native to South Texas. This is also a great location for bird watchers.

• The Zone

  address: 2600 W Expressway 83
  An amusement park with attractions including miniature golf, go carts, bumper boats, batting cages, and video games.

Museums

• International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS)

  phone: +1 956-682-0123
  address: 1900 Nolana Ave

• McAllen Heritage Center

  phone: +1 956-687-1904
  address: 301 S Main St

Parks

The City of McAllen has 25 city parks.

• Airport Park

  address: 2201 S. 26th St

• Archer Park

  address: 101 N. Broadway

• Balboa Park

  address: 2611 Covina

• Cascade Park

  address: 1000 Bales Rd

• Daffodil Park

  address: 4200 Daffodil

• Doc Neuhaus Park

  address: 700 Dallas

• Escandon Park

  address: 2021 S. 19th St

• Fireman's Park

  address: 201 N. 1st St

• Frontage Park

  address: 1901 Oakland

• Garza Park

  address: 2601 Lark

• Hackberry Park

  address: 417 Hackberry

• Idela Park

  address: 3500 Idela

• Las Palmas Park

  address: 2500 Quince

• La Vista Park

  address: 100 La Vista

• Lions Park

  address: 1201 N. 12th St

• Los Encinos Community Park

  address: 2900 Sarah

• Municipal Park

  address: 1921 N Bicentennial Blvd

• Palm City Park

  address: 2601 S 22nd St

• Palm View Park

  address: 3411 Jordan

• Retama Village Park

  address: 2500 Laurel

• Robin Park

  address: 1100 Robin

• Schupp Park

  address: 1300 Zinnia

• Springfest Park

  address: 3501 S 23rd St

• Suarez Park

  address: 409 S 27th St

• Western Park

  address: 110 N. 16th St

• Westside Park

  address: 1000 S Ware Rd

• Art WalkThe McAllen Art Walk is a self-guided tour of art galleries along Main Street between Business 83 to the south and Pecan Avenue to the north. These events take place on the first Friday of every month from September to May from 6PM-10PM. In addition to viewing the galleries visitors will find vendors selling food and other items, and live street performances. The Art Walk is free and open to the public.

• BirdwatchingMcAllen and the rest of the Rio Grande Valley are great places to enjoy birdwatching. 528 species of birds have been spotted in the area, making it the most productive and popular birding destination in the country. Visit South Texas Nature Marketing and the World Birding Center websites to find great birdwatching locations, and visit the McAllen Chamber of Commerce at 1200 Ash Ave for free brochures, maps and other birding information.

• PalmFestThis is am annual festival that celebrates the unique culture and history of Deep South Texas. Takes place every October at the McAllen Convention Center.

• Valley Symphony Orchestra & ChoraleHas concerts throughout the year. Concerts usually held at the McAllen Convention Center.

• McAllen International Travel ShowThe first week in January, with booths from around the world, live entertainment

• Music After HoursFree outdoor music concert series featuring local talent. Held in Archer Park every first Friday September through May, and in Bill Schupp Park second Fridays during summers.

• Candlelight PosadaAnnual Christmas celebration held the first weekend in December. Live music, food booths, special areas for children and for teens, Christmas parade, official City Christmas Tree lighting, traditional "posada"- a live reinactment of Mary and Joseph's search for an inn.

Public Libraries

McAllen has three public libraries, including the main library and two branch libraries.

• Main Library - 4001 N 23rd St.
• Lark Branch Library - 2601 Lark Ave.
• Palm View Branch Library - 3401 Jordan Ave.

Convention Center at the corner of Ware Rd and Expressway 83. Large number of shops and restaurants surround the convention center.
Downtown has lots of shopping available especially along Main Street.
10th Street is a designated retail street with many shops both near downtown and the North 10th area from Dove to Trenton and the surrounding area. 10th Street near downtown has many eclectic and locally owned stores, and as you go north, these mix with more national retailers.

• La Plaza Mall

  address: 2200 S 10th St
  This is a large, very popular mall near the airport. Department stores include Dillard's, Macy's, JCPenny, Joe Brand, and Sears.

With over 600 dining establishments in the City, excellent dining choices is one of McAllen's strengths. Tex-Mex is of course very popular, as is Chinese, barbecue, seafood and sushi, among others. Many restaurants serve meals featuring organic, locally grown products, and you will find a variety of live music featured in many establishments.

Budget

• Dai Tung

  address: 400 E Nolana Ave
  Nicely priced Chinese Menu, with lunch specials mid-week.

• El Padrino

  address: 116 S Broadway St

• El Pollo Loco

  address: 601 Nolana Ave
  Flame grilled Chicken with all the sides.

• Le Lai Eastern Restaurant

  address: 2901 N 10th St
  Cheap lunches.

• Los Cazadores

  address: 901 N Main St
  Breakfast, Tex-Mex, and BBQ. Great very traditional Lawyer food establishment- near the scenic Art Walk area.

• Lotus Inn Chinese Restaurant

  address: 1120 N 10th St
  As close to real Chinese food as you will find.

• Saigon

  address: 1200 N 10th St
  Vietnamese large soup bowls, great sandwiches, and very strong traditional Vietnamese Coffee.

• Taco Palenque

  address: 3020 N 10th St
  Great Tex-Mex food for a great price. Check out the salsa bar. Second location at 1000 S. 10th St.

• Taco Rico

  phone: +1 956 668-1660
  address: 3716 Pecan Ave

• Taqueria El Zarape

  address: 3420 N 10th St
  Two more locations at 817 S 10th St, and 4401 N 23rd St. even has locations in neighboring cities Traditional 6 small taco format- beer available

• El PatoThis is a local favorite, serving made-to-order burritos

Mid-range

• Blue Onion

  address: 925 Dove Ave
  Salads, soups, pizzas and more.

• City Cafe

  address: 2901 N 10th St
  Sandwiches, salads, soups and more.

• Costa Messa

  address: 1621 N 11th St
  Mexican and Tex-Mex food.

• Don Pepe's

  address: 306 N McColl Rd
  Mexican food.

• Fresco

  address: 7017 N 10th St
  Italian food.

• Hop Tung

  address: 4200 N 10th St
  Chinese and Vietnamese food.

• Korea Garden

  address: 3424 N 10th St
  Korean food.

• Kumori Sushi and Teppanyaki

  address: 1424 E Ridge Rd
  Two additional locations at 400 E Nolana Ave, and 4500 N 10th St. Japanese food.

• La Mexicana

  address: 4300 Col Rowe Blvd
  Mexican food.

• Mama's Pizzeria

  address: 401 N 10th St
  Chicago style pizza.

• Palenque Grill

  address: 606 E Expressway 83
  Mexican food.

• Peppers

  address: 4620 N 10th St
  Changed menu to high end dinners only- not Burgers, steaks, pizzas any more nice Menu though.

• Republic of the Rio Grande

  address: 1411 S. 10th St
  Diverse menu includes chicken fried steak, enchiladas suisas, and pizzas.

• Sahadi's

  address: 709 N 10th St
  Greek and Mediterranean food. Wine tastings every Friday night at 7:30PM. Live music.

• Bajio

  address: North 10th
  Steaks mid-priced to higher-priced Hibatchi near Bajio on North 10th (near the Lowes) mid to higher priced- try it and post more here.

Splurge

• Lansky and Brats

  phone: +1 956-631-3463
  address: 400 E Nolana Ave
  Steakhouse and lounge.

• Santa Fe Steakhouse

  phone: +1 956-630-2331
  address: 1918 S 10th St
  Steakhouse and cantina.

• Republic of the Rio Grande

  phone: +1 956-994-8385
  address: 1411 S 10th St
  On 10th just north of Hwy 83 (right side) Steaks, and both indoor and outdoor seating.

• The Patio on Guerra

  phone: +1 956-661-9100
  address: 116 S 17th St
  American and mexican dishes.

• El Divino Dining & Cocktails

  phone: +1 956-627-3990
  address: 5001 N 10th St
  In the Entertainment District, American cuisine.

Entertainment District

McAllen has a lively entertainment district in downtown along 17th Street. Multiple bars and nightclubs have recently opened in the area.

• Bar 201

  address: 201 S 17th St

• The Boiler Room

  address: 118 S 17th St

• The Dive

  address: 216 S 17th St

• Flesh

  address: 200 S 17th St

• Rythem and Brews

  address: 214 S 17th St

• Shine Martini Lounge

  address: 100 S 17th St

• Speakeasy Piano Bar

  address: 316 S 17th St

• Vicio

  address: 204 S 17th St

Other Downtown Spots

• Club M

  address: 1704 Dallas Ave

• House Wine & Bistro

  phone: +1 956-994-8331
  address: 1117 W Business 83
  A unique concept, one side is a wine bar, the other side is a fine furniture shop.

• Roosevelt's at Seven

  phone: +1 956-928-1994
  address: 821 N Main St
  Specializes in a wide variety of beers from around the world.

Other Night Spots

• Fast Eddie's

  phone: +1 956-687-8296
  address: 400 E Nolana Ave
  Large pool hall and sports bar.

• Havana Club Bar & Grill

  phone: +1 956-687-3100
  address: 500 E Nolana Ave
  Cuban restaurant with bar and large dance floor.

• Hillbilly's

  address: 6000 N 10th St

• Metropolis

  address: 2021 Orchid Ave

• Thirsty Monkey

  address: 119 W Nolana Ave
  New Orleans-style bar and grill.

• Trade Bar

  address: 2010 W Nolana Ave
  Gay bar with drag queen shows on Thursday nights.

McAllen has 40 hotels and over 3,300 rooms, ranging from full-service to budget.

• Drury Suites McAllen

  phone: +1 956-682-3222
  address: 300 W Expressway 83

Splurge

• Casa De Palmas Renaissance McAllen Hotel

  phone: +1 956-631-1101
  address: 101 N Main St

• Embassy Suites Hotel McAllen Convention Center

  phone: +1 956 688-8329
  address: 800 Convention Center Blvd.

Get on 23rd Street and go south about 17 miles to Reynosa, Mexico.
Get on US 83 and go east 35 miles to Harlingen, TX.
Get on US 83 and go east 59 miles to Brownsville, TX.
Get on US 83 and go east 51 miles until you get to TX 100. Then take TX 100 east about 23 miles to South Padre Island. It will take you a total of 80 miles to get to this location.
Get on US 281 and go north about 94 miles. Turn right on TX 141 and go east 15 miles to Kingsville, TX, and visit the historic King Ranch.
Get on US 83 and go west 148 miles to Laredo, TX.