Literally listen to nothing greenspoint just said. Holy shit. From an actual valley native:
Nana’s is a tourist trap. Not amazing, not terrible. Better lonches can be found in Weslaco at El Compallito. But my favorite restaurant there is still Sunrise. Or Eddie’s Drive thru.
I don’t eat BBQ really, no recs there.
In McAllen, Republic of the Rio Grande and University Drafthouse are musts. Great variety of food.
In Harlingen (my homeland), Coletti’s is one of the best Italian places in the state. No joke. Vegas Cafe is a staple there for lunch/dinner but it used to be a big breakfast stop. Now the place for breakfast there is Blanquita’s. Pepe’s is great for Mexican food too.
“No good cocktail bars” L-O- fucking L. Suerte in Mcallen? La Cantina in Weslaco? Oak in Weslaco? Station 1 in Harlingen? What is wrong with you?
And lastly: if you want to really catch the valley vibes, go to an Applebees, Texas Roadhouse, Chilis, etc on a friday night. They are packed to the brim, everyone gathers there to drink and unwind after the week. I am being 100% serious, the locals down there go to chains over local places by a lot. The atmospheres are always great.
*botana, guero