I like traditional tacos. This place has a great selection, and I really like the bright decor. The chips are homemade, salsa was a little above average, and they also provide a version of bean dip. I found the bean dip pretty bland personally. The Carrentoneros is a seasoned sirloin taco plate, and it was good, but no real pop. I thought the selection of sauces which included an 1 avocado base, 1 tomato base, and one with heat was very tasty. You get 4 tacos which was more than I could finish. Overall, I liked the place. I'll probably go back, but it wasn't the best I've had. It was good though. read more

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I am visiting McAllen for the first time and wanted to take my daughters for some good Mexican food. The service was so great. Everyone found something they liked and we even got to see a mariachi band! Thanks so much for a great evening! read more

My favorite place in Laredo is also now in McAllen! Live music at lunch. Literally no place to park. This place is popular for good reason. read more

Upscale place with prices to match. Skimpy quantity makes it a poor value. Beef fajitas were very good, but grilled shrimp was surprisingly fishy tasting. Excellent fresh guacamole. Shrimp ceviche was good, but price of the meal for one was $46 including tip without alcoholic beverages. Can't do that very often. read more

Great food, great atmosphere! The warm chips with the bean dip they serve in place of chips and salsa were amazing. Service was a little slow, and my server had disappeared when it came time for my check. I'm assuming it was due to a shift change since it was another server who brought my bill once I asked the hostess for it. read more

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Figuring I was close enough to the Mexican border that a trip to a Mexican restaurant would be in order I stopped by here. While not overwhelming, I was very impressed by Palenque Grill. I tried their Patron margarita, but for $10 (which I don't mind paying), I wanted something a bit bigger or with more kick. It was good, but not $10 good. For dinner I went with their shrimp fajitas. I appreciated that they didn't bring it out on a sizzling hot cast iron skillet, opting for a much more subtle plate presentation. The shrimp was cooked perfectly and very tasty, but they left the tails on. Certainly not the end of the world, but I had to prep my food before, well, prepping my food. All-in-all a rock solid Mexican joint that's worth a visit. read more

My friend Diego recommended this restaurant so I took my brother here for lunch today. The food is great and our waiter Francisco is awesome! read more

Palenque Grill - My friend Diego recommended this restaurant. I am having lunch with my brother. - Mexican Near Me - McAllen, Texas

always a great place to be at. the environment is super chill, the food is extremely great, service good and fast, overall great place to eat!! read more

Palenque Grill - Pechugas de Pollo al Chipotle - Mexican Near Me - McAllen, Texas

This is are go to restaurant for delicious Mexican food. The atmosphere is nice, great music, friendly staff, and food is delicious.

I'm originally from Laredo and have been eating at Palenque Grill since they opened their first restaurant back in '05. There is such a great selection of restaurants in the RGV, but typically when my husband and I can get away for a quick lunch or dinner we almost always gravitate to Palenque Grill. Their micheladas are amazing and they serve them in the perfect glass so your entire beer fits with the michelada mix. Me gusta. Their food is always damn near perfect. That's not to say that I've never had a less than perfect meal here and there, but it would not be worth mentioning because in my experience, the good far outweighs the bad. Like super far. My husband and I agree that you really can't go wrong with anything you order from the menu. It's all so good! Gracias Don Pancho por su cocina deliciosa. read more

My wife and I came here on mothers day. The place was hopping. Hostesses greeted us right away and showed us to the waiting area (2 long bench next to hostess stand). On the plus side they have complimentary bottled water, come, and beer while you wait. Lots of Kardashian wannabes. The noise level was alittle loud and lots of parents letting their kids run a muck. The food was very good. The bean dip and salsa is good. They had a limited menu due to the holiday. Unfortunately was informed after we ate that full menu was available but might be a longer wait. My wife and I settled on fajita tacos. The meat was seasoned well. We had the queso for an appetizer (good but not worth the cost) it was melted cheese with a little meat. Overall the food was good.would like to come when they have the full menu and not so busy. read more

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Very mediocre overpriced Mexican food very rude wait staff as well. I had the tacos matamoros they were wrapped in foil to add to the street taco feel I suppose ,they were cold and unappealing won't come back ponchos is far better read more

As a frequent customer to this location I was very disappointed with my latest takeout order. I was asked to come in 20 minutes after placing it. It was for two orders of tacos. I arrived to pickup, gave my name and was asked to take a seat. About 10 minutes went by and I was asked why I was waiting. I explained I called ahead and gave them my name again. Ten more minutes goes by, I ask the manager working the front to look for my order. He apologizes and heads off...a few minutes later another waiter comes and asks me what I'm waiting for. In all I asked 4 times for my name and once for what was on my order. 35 minutes goes by...should I order a beer now? Finally my food arrives. The worst part though is when I get home and look at what they gave me it was a total bust. The tacos are packed alone, no nada. The soup has nothing in it. The beans are beanless. My tacos pastor are stuffed with cheese. No chips/salsa. $25 for two orders of street tacos. Do better people. I'm depending on you to right the ship. Costa Mesa is on the other side of town. read more

I love this place!! Always great service Great food I'm Happy!! The music is so romantic so so beautiful!! Exceptional place for any ocasión Thanks Palenque for always being consistent Never disappointed!! read more

Newer and bigger is definitely not better the new place is awful, bad service and bad food. Fajitas tasted blend the service was awful the waiter ddint understand the menu got the wrong drinks. The old place had better service and food experience was much better. read more

My coworker and I were referred to this restaurant by a local resident we were conducting business with and we had a relaxing and excellent meal at Palenque. The food is excellent--from the warm salsa and beans served with tostadas as you get comfortable and review the menu--you'll enjoy this traditional Mexican grill. While the atmosphere is pretty standard, the food will make up for it--served beautifully on your table. I tried the chile relleno de camarones con queso which is a roasted poblano stuffed with an overabundance of decadent shrimp and creamy cheese which is fried in a delicate egg batter. It was served with rice and I substituted for charro beans. Oh...and I can't forget the warm and delicious homemade tortillas. This place is definitely a favorite when I make my way back to the valley. read more

I'm saddened to see the mixed reviews; I had a fantastic experience here! I walked in, in a bad mood, on a Wed afternoon to an amplified piano keyboardist. That immediately turned my scowl into a chuckle. Who does that on a Wed? I dunno, but it somehow worked, and apparently, for everyone. There was a healthy crowd of people, all enjoying themselves & in no hurry to leave. I was immediately greeted by my server, Christian, with a huge warm smile, and a basket of just-fried chips & bean dip. Happiness. OK, the tacos were seriously some of the best I've had. I love my little East LA street tacos, but these come in larger, hand-made tortillas. I had the al pastor, tripa, pirata, and carne asada. Dang. The meat was so fresh & tender, it made me pick up my phone & write this review. And the tortillas. Double dang. I was then greeted by Jose, who checked in to make sure I was happy. Um, yes. Quite! To top it off, he "made" me try a plate of fresh, hot churros with dulce de leche- on the casa! I could not be happier- and that says a lot, given my sinister mood earlier. I give it an enthusiastic 5 stars for food, service, and fun factor. read more

5 star prices for 3 1/2 star food. My wife and I absolutely love the bean dip and chips. Food is good but not great. If looking for authentic Mexican food its worth a trip. $$$ read more

Great food !! I give a 3 star the reason being service was not the best with the first waiter he changed table with another waiter with out letting us know ! Plus he didn't place the order right on the desert ! Other than that place is clean love the way they have the system running ! I ordered the cortadillo and I loved it spicy great portion and the rice on point . Lighting is good , waiters well dressed , tortillas are made there that's a big plus . Will be coming back !! read more

I NEVER write reviews but I was very impressed by the service and the food . Jorge Eduardo was our server and he did an AMAZING job and attended our every need as well as the general manager especially since we came all the way from North Carolina to Texas. We made the right stop. read more

We came to this spot after a wedding and the vibes were awesome. If you are looking for an authentic Mexican spot, especially as a tourist to the area, then Palenque Grill will provide you with great food, atmosphere, and customer service. The price is a bit high for what I got, but I must say my food was great. The chips and salsa provided are to die for, and may be to blame for filling me up to the brink of vomiting. I mean that in a good way too. read more

This food and service is great. I love that in weekend there are live music playing. But the downside is when they are busy the service can be not that great otherwise is pretty good restaurant. read more

This is hands down the best restaurant in the RGV. The food is always amazingly tasty, and the customer service is phenomenal. My husband and I love coming here at least once a week. I highly recommend the panela cheese, the volcanes, and las garitas de León. You will lick your fingers!!! read more

I had an excellent experience at this restaurant. The food was fantastic. I had the chicken fajitas and the waitor was very good towards the beginning. Towards the end, my waitor never came to see how I was doing or to ask me if I wanted my check. I had to get someone else to get my waitor so that I could leave. I would still go back as I have been there before and had good experiences. If you visit McAllen this is a great place to eat. read more

Palenque Grill - Mexican Near Me - McAllen, Texas

My experience with this place has been nothing but great. I had the grilled chicken with chipotle and you were simply amazing. I love coming here because they start you off with some chips, salsa, and beans. I don't know about you but I love free stuff and there's always helps kick off things in a great way and always makes my experience that much grater. The cheese with chorizo is also a great appetizer to start with! But be ready to spend a good amount of money since this place can be a bit pricey. read more

We went here for lunch on a Sunday and it was packed but we got lucky and were sitting immediately. After that just about everyone had a wait but no one seemed to wait more than ten minutes. The Food: Amazing. The chips and salsa are accompanied by this bean dip stuff? it's so good. Plus the chips themselves are freshly made and much thicker than your average restaurant style. We ordered the queso with meat - so good, you must get it! It comes in a personal sized skillet served with fresh tortillas. I wish we would have stopped here and I would have been much happier. The main courses were good, not as great as everything before. A word of warning, their portions are HUGE. I suggest splitting an entree. Beef tacos-6 to an order. Green enchiladas-3 to an order plus rice and beans. Drinks: Avoid there frozen margaritas. It was more like a slushy with some lime juice. Very disappointing. Price: $65 for lunch is a little steep in my books even if you include a drink and appetizer. Service: They were wonderful to begin with but by the time we were finished eating we waited forever for the check. You would think with people waiting to be seated they would be more attentive to such things... read more

LOVED this place. Margaritas are wonderful. The chips & salsa with bean dip were delightful. The Garritas (ribeye) tacos were absolutely amazing- fresh ingredients (cilantro, onion, cole slaw, lime, etc.). Yes! The service was simply 5 stars . When I was there, the place was packed. For a good reason. Palenque knows how to do it right. All the best! read more

I went there because I was craving tacos, my brother always mentioned this place, so I decided to give it a try, and I was not wrong! The food was delicious! The service was great, everyone with a smile in your face and ready to serve you! This place was also well decorated and super clean, to include the bathrooms. The only reason I gave it 4 stars and not five is because I felt the prices are a little high, other than that, there is nothing to complain about this place! read more

First of all they greet you with some awesome beans with chorizo and chips. Tacos any kind are great. I cant say I have tried a plate I have not liked. The octopus was great. The beer are cold. Stop on by it's good. read more

We had a great night at Palenque Grill! We arrived a little late on a Sunday night and it was still pretty busy which is always a good sign. The food was amazing, we had a shared dish with fantastic ribeye and stuffed shrimp. Fresh tortillas and fresh guac were fantastic, and the margaritas were made with fresh ingredients and you could taste the difference! The best bit about our night though was our server Kevin who was so helpful and fun, and he had great soccer knowledge! He was the perfect server. We were passing through on a road trip but if we were down here again we'd go back in a heartbeat. Thoroughly recommend! read more

Palenque Grill - Mexican Near Me - McAllen, Texas

My God! It was Monday night and the place was full. The crowd was noisy and cheery and the staff friendly, helpful and smiling! The food was excellent, hot and picante, full-flavored! Absolutely great!!! read more

I went there with a date (6/19/2010). I was not impressed. The food was expensive. I had the fish soup (caldo de mariscos) It had very little shrimp and fish and no veggis. My date had the chicken fajitas. They cut them into thin tasteless strips about as wide as a pencil. Honestly they tasted like they had been boiled in water instead of pan fried. The rice with this order was steamed and was as tasteless. Her portions were about half of what is the norm. I had to order more chips and bean dip.. I was still hungry! I don't mind paying for good food, but it better be good and I better not be hungry after finishing my plate, now is that too much to ask? The waiters and the girl at the door didn't speak English!.. WTF!! The $10 margarita was good, but hey for that kind of cash it had better be. The live music was good, but I went to this place to eat, not listen to live music. I cannot recommend this establishment. read more

Fantastic food! Family ate here about 2 weeks ago while visiting McAllen. I am from East Texas and while we do have some great Taquerias, my first time spending any time in the Valley I wanted to make sure I was able to enjoy the authentic taste of the area. I found Palenque here on YELP with great reviews and I can see why! The bean dip that is served with the homemade chips and salsa was a perfect complement - the kids loved it as they do not like the hot sauce. Everything we had at our table was wonderful from the chips and sauce, tortilla soup, shrimp cocktail and finally some awesome tacos! read more

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This place once again was great!! The horchata was irresistible and the Tacos Al Pastor were the best I ever had. I will come again the next time I'm in town. read more

My first time to this place.. the service was fantastic.. Thank you Jose !! Food was excellent.. OMG the ice cream with the syrup on top ... lord almighty .. amazing good !! Keep up the great work ... and my thank you to Jose our waiter for explaining the menu ... when I come back to the valley .. I will be coming back for a visit .. read more

This place was highly recommended by several local folks. A huge disappointment! The food was NOT authentic, tasted just okay, and was over priced. Do yourself a favor, skip this joint if your looking for Mexican food. read more

We came here for a very early lunch at 1130am . I seen reviews here that haven't been to good. I take that as being in popular location . That they still make great money regardless of service. Sometimes people shop till drop and want whatever is close . A great manager makes a great restaurant. In the Mexican Culture there has always been a great pride in ownership that it reflects in the food and service. That's why I'm on yelp to find those gems . I think that why El pastor close down . The one that was next to bestbuy and jasons on expressway 83. The time I ordered the food it was good . 1 time I ordered baby goat tacos and then I went early for there bfast buffet. In which were both very good. What I think that led to downfall was awful management and awful wait staff. There one. incident where the manager was this overweight old man who was very rude and told me (ya what do u want ) in very ugly tone. I was taken back. My compliant was even a compliant . It was when I asked for a beer. They gave it to me in I shit u not a 40 oz mug . Which great if im at a sports bar. I just asked if I can get smaller mug and why didn't wait staff explain the sizes. The wait staff was just so awful as rude and lazy.. This time at I could find nothing wrong with the service at palenque grill. Service was excellent and food was very good. I ordered the salmon salvaje . They also did it how I like it which was a big plus. Tomato, onion, and lil garlic. Yum.. My Love ordered a sope . Which also looked and tasted good. I would go again. I think over did it on the review .. Lol... read more

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this place is ridiculously bomb. so good you might accidentally spaz out and slap whoever is sitting next to you. Jose at the bar is also the man, what a genuine person! 10/10 read more

If this is monitored, will someone please take me off of hold and take my take out order! I have been on hold for more than 25 min. read more

Palenque Grill - Been on hold for over 20 minutes for a take out order. They must really respect there customers....... - Mexican Near Me - McAllen, Texas

This is one of my favorite places to eat in the Valley, the food less heavy and greasy than a lot of what I've sampled. The first thing you'll get here is a basket of addictive bean dip, freshly fried chips, wonderful salsa and tostada shells. Enchiladas and margaritas are good, and I love the matamoros tacos with carne asada, avocado, and queso fresco. Unlike many tex-mex places in the area, Palenque serves salads and an extensive selection of seafood dishes for when you've reached your beef quota. read more