Brownsville
Brownsville is a city in the U.S. state of Texas and the county seat of Cameron County, located on the western Gulf Coast in South Texas, adjacent to the border with Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico. The city covers 145.2 sq mi, and had a population of 186,738 at the 2020 census. Wikipedia.
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Multi-city stops
Top places to visit
Zoo
Outdoor Activities
Nestled in the lively downtown area of Brownsville, Texas, Gladys Porter Zoo is a renowned botanical and zoological park that has been captivating visitors since its establishment in 1971. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, this 30-acre sanctuary is home to over 400 distinct animal species, with a focus on protecting endangered wildlife.
I’m so impressed! We had an amazing time visiting with our kids! The zoo has so many animals, some I’d never seen before. It was very clean, it wasn’t crowded at all when we went. The landscaping everywhere was beautiful. I’d highly recommend visiting here
Michelle F — Google review
What a great zoo. Reasonably priced. Wide variety of animals that seem to be well cared for. Family friendly activities available to interact with the animals for an additional fee. $3 to feed the giraffes. It is undergoing improvements, so some construction to work around. Beautiful day😎 Free parking across the street.
We went here for a little adventure while on our honeymoon. We had a great time. We felt the zoo was overall very clean and the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. The animals all appeared to be well cared for including: lots of feed, healthy coats/feathers, well kept habitats with lots of space, and more. There was a large variety of animals to view and learn about; from all over the globe. It was 1000% worth the 40 minute drive from south padre. We look forward to sharing it with our kids one day!
Even under construction, we enjoyed our visit. Most animals were active today. The entry fee is reasonable! I appreciate the convenient parking, too. It is a nice zoo to visit. There are plenty of beautiful areas for some memorable pictures with your family or friends. I highly recommend it.
We visited Gladys Porter Zoo on Father's Day this past Sunday. It is summertime and it gets hot by 11am so we decided to get there as early as possible. It was nice because there was no wait for the line. The big cats were still sleeping, but we were able to still catch a glance at them. We were hoping to see the otters, bears, and bald eagles, but they were not available that day. That was alright with us because we still saw many animals. They had plenty of vending machines and snacks bars available so you don't have to worry about food. We bought an Icee and a Gatorade because it really started getting pretty hot towards the middle of our journey. It took us about 2 hours to get around the whole park. We have a ten and five year old and we took a wagon for them to ride, so I highly recommend taking something of the sort to parents. The aquarium and the reptile areas are so beautiful, especially the aquarium. The jellyfish are so colorful and breathtaking! We had two free child passes our kids got from their schools so between my husband and I the entrance fee was $40.
We went to the zoo this weekend, the first weekend they operated their Soaring Eagle zipline. Yes, it’s amazing and it probably goes a little higher than you might think.
The tickets were $8 per person and you need to buy them at the entrance. The wait time was about 45 minutes and the ride lasts about 35 seconds. Video and photos of the ride are sold online for $12 for both.
It’s definitely worth it. Everyone loved and raved about it. The views from the top are stunning. Gives you a shot of dopamine!
Shout out to the women employees running a very smooth operation on Sunday, July 13. The line was handled efficiently and expediently with courteous manner. Sounds easy, but with the heat, an endless line and crying kids, it takes some professionalism and patience to pull it off. Thank you, ladies!
Surprisingly good zoo in Brownsville. I was impressed with the different animals and their habitats. It was almost empty but clearly is set up for large crowds. Definitely visit, even from Harlingen or padre Island.
I’ve been coming here my whole life, and I have to say it’s been amazing to see it improve and consistently have people who care about the animals, and love their job, the entire time. Being able to visit here helped me realize my passion was working with animals, and that’s something I’m immensely grateful for. They have a variety of cafes that are open on some parts of the year, some of the snacks are overpriced but I think they’re always worth it. There’s two gift shops and both are really nice! They have books, shirts, mugs, jewelry, plushies, toys, water bottles, basically everything. The animal enclosures themselves are super nice. They offer all kinds of enrichment and some feeding opportunities for the critters! I think the herpetarium is definitely the most beautiful exhibit, as well as the aquarium. Also, I love the kangaroos (as you can tell.) I spend atleast 20 minutes watching them every time. They’re so cute! So yes, this place is definitely worth the visit. 🦘❤️
500 E Ringgold St, Brownsville, TX 78520, USA•
State park
Nature & Parks
Resaca De La Palma State Park and World Birding Center spans across 1,200 acres of land and offers various activities such as biking trails, observation decks, butterfly gardens and tram tours. The park is an ideal location for a morning hike or afternoon picnic with family, with well-defined trails that are clean and have benches and clear signs.
Resaca de la Palma State Park is a hidden gem for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The park features lush landscapes, winding trails, and a rich diversity of wildlife, making it perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and photography.
Check out our full review on Mr. S's Travel Quest YouTube channel.
Mr.S Q — Google review
Location is good for jogging or walking. Great assortment of birds. Benches along some of the trails if you get tired of walking. Picnic tables to take snacks. I believe they rent bicycles.
Great place for a hike or a bike ride. Plenty of wildlife to observe. On our last visit, we ran into a bobcat on Bobcat Lane. There were also plenty of birds and lizard, including the Texas horned lizard. The Park features plenty of benches along the paths to rest for a little bit. Looking forward to many more visits..
I visited this wonderful state park on July 9th, 2025 with my mother. The visitors center was very well maintained and had a lot of cute supplies for the kids to use for free. The park rangers were very friendly and informative! We rented bikes to ride around the paved trail and got to see an assortment of birds, butterflies, small bunnies and even spotted a Texas Tortoise! We would definitely go back with more family :)
Great park, especially if you like birds. There's a tram but it only runs on a couple days a week. Definitely not on Sundays. I believe they rent bikes. But if they don't, you can ride your own personal one there. Gift shop was pretty good. One of the attendants had her service dog inside and I must say I wanted to pet that floof but I managed to restrain myself because well, it was a service dog, but in another life I believe that pup was a people person 🤣 anyway. Great park
This park is so neat with the amount of butterfly’s and birds. So cool and very kid friendly! I only did a small trail due to mosquitos carrying me away. There are tons of other flying guys too so bring the bug spray. The foliage provided tons of shade and a comfortable trail.
Very lovely trails with rentable bikes and walking trials for further seclusion in the woods, it is simple but lovely
Very nice, clean park. Not as many birds as I had hoped for, but the 3 photo blinds did offer a lot of ops to see and take pics. I even got 2 life birds here; Clay-colored Thrush and Hooded Oriole. Very clean modern restrooms too.
1000 New Carmen Ave, Brownsville, TX 78521, USA•
Historical landmark
Nature & Parks
Nestled in the heart of southern Texas, the Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park is a captivating destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. This expansive 3,357-acre site marks the location of the first significant battle during the U.S.-Mexican War in 1846. Visitors can immerse themselves in this pivotal moment in American history through interactive exhibits at the visitor center, which includes a compelling 15-minute video detailing the background of the conflict.
Very interesting bit of history that I know I never learned in school except for maybe a passing mention.
The park ranger was very knowledgeable and helpful, great guy. Gave us a great recommendation for a local taqueria.
Derek P — Google review
Amazing.
Good for a short trip.
Good historical background info on signage along trail.
Visitor center has BARK Ranger tags for dogs
The park ranger is very friendly!
Park is very dog friendly.
This park exhibit had an informative and interesting movie and intelligent Park Rangers who gave the reasons behind the Mexican American Battle. It also had human interest elements like buttons that popped off soldiers uniforms and historical accounts by the soldiers and leaders on both sides. It felt very honest and real in its depictions of the motivations of both the U.S. and Mexico.
If you are going to the battlefield in the hot summer months drive to the battlefields and bring lots of water and an umbrella as the sun and heat are relentless but also curiosity and imagination as you read the accounts and imagine the lives lost on both sides.
There are also informative boards detailing the flora and fauna, from the chaparral to the horny toed frogs. It was an Interesting couple hours.
It's a great way to explore History thru walking the paths. The center is inviting its many exhibits available to listen and look thru. There is a gift shop available, and plenty of parking. I was happy to see that water fountains were available and restrooms as well.
Ulysses s Grant was a soldier @ 24 years old in this battlefield..great facts posted on trails .flags are posted where each army was based. It talked about animals that are around the area that you wouldn't think of
Had the opportunity to visit here today and really liked it. From the moment we checked in, we were helped and greeted professionally by staff. After watching a quick movie about the history, we made the walk out and back. It’s roughly a mile and very well paved. We were able to see a couple of Western Rattlesnakes mating and a Texas Tortoise today. Well worth the visit!
We loved it! So much history! Don’t forget to bring water!!! A hat and a fan neck!!! The museum with AC is very interesting and well explained
Great living history events. They never disappoint! They even show a demonstration of the cannons going off and how they prepared and shoot with the antique muskets. Historical facts are shared with the public in every event. Just bring your own cold drink if you go during hot weather, high temperatures can reach 107 degrees pretty fast, and a hot drink in colder weather. Definitely more enjoyable during colder weather.
7200 Paredes Line Rd, Brownsville, TX 78526, USA•
Museum
History Museums
Step into the Historic Brownsville Museum, housed in a beautifully restored Spanish Colonial Revival passenger depot dating back to 1928. The museum offers a glimpse into the history of Brownsville through educational exhibits and local artifacts. Visitors can explore picturesque courtyards, engine buildings, and Spanish architectural features while learning about the city's foundation and development. Situated within the Mitte Cultural District, this museum is part of a collection of historic sites that offer an enriching experience for history enthusiasts.
Not very full of artifacts. The receptionist seemed surprised to see anyone walk in. She asked what we needed. To which I replayed to visit the museum. She didn’t direct us in anyway. We found the train section completely on our own, I’m not sure we even got to see everything, there might have been sections we missed just because not everything is the same room. The train section is in another building. They need to hire friendly helpful people who love history and engage with visitors.
Marlene T — Google review
Such a wonderful experience at the Historic Brownsville Museum! The exhibits were beautifully curated and gave a rich glimpse into the city’s history. Alfonso was incredibly kind, knowledgeable, and welcoming, he truly made the visit extra special. You can tell he loves what he does! Thank you, Alfonso, for bringing history to life!
We got the day pass (highly recommend!), which gave us access to all four museums. Each one offered something unique, and at one of them, we even got to see a presidential limo from the 1800s, such a cool surprise! A memorable and enriching stop all around. Don’t miss it if you’re in Brownsville!
I attended an informative invocation ceremony relating to
Maya from Guatemala. There was also a tour of the traditional dress of the people of Guatemala. Everyone was very friendly and the event was well put together in Brownsville.
Had a nice time this morning with my family 🩷 I wish there was more history on the Nuns! The man in there was so sweet and greeted us immediately and directed us where to go. The train 🚂 portion will be open in Sept and i’m excited to go back! It would be nice to see more merch there from local artists. 🧑🎨
This is the second time we have visited this museum..and still Loved it! It is just off 7th Ave. and Madison St.near downtown Brownsville, . Within the Museum is great displays of the History of the Mexican War for the Control of Texas, bronze statues of Horse and Rider, antique furniture, and a beautiful Steam Engine in its own building..The staff was friendly and informative.
It's a small museum, but it was nice. They have several artifacts from the 1800's. I loved the history of Brownsville. The statues were great also. Free for vets.
Great little museum, cheap with lots of history. Well kept, kind and knowledgeable staff. Veterans have free admission. Hopefully they expand.
Super neat place to explore and we lucked out because there was a car show today as well. Loved the old train and all of the history and artifacts. Highly recommend. Smaller so you can get through it fairly quickly.
641 E Madison St, Brownsville, TX 78520, USA•
Bird watching area
Nature & Parks
Nature & Wildlife Areas
Nestled just outside downtown Brownsville, the Sabal Palm Sanctuary is a stunning 557-acre preserve that showcases the rich biodiversity of South Texas. This ecological gem, established in 1971 on the historic grounds of a former sugarcane plantation, features lush groves of sabal palms and serves as a sanctuary for native wetland wildlife. Visitors can explore its scenic landscapes while enjoying an easy hike through this tranquil environment.
The first floor of the plantation house is open for self-guided tours and is very nice. The upper floors are closed to the public. The garden area and the grounds are great. We hiked most of the 3 miles of trails. They are reasonably well marked and are easy to hike in dry weather. Most of the trails are dirt. There are several good bird blinds and a deck overlooking the Rio Grande River. Birding is good here.
Dave B — Google review
Sabal palm sanctuary is pretty good, but that’s about it. The plantation was super well kept, it was lovely being able to see all the antiques. There was a cute little gift shop with some shirts and earrings, no paper maps but there was a map to take a picture of! The butterfly garden was nice. The lawn was mowed, and there was plenty of birds chirping around. I enjoyed my walk and I was able to see a variety when I was out there: cardinals, kiskadees, flycatchers, etc. The only thing that wasn’t the greatest was how overgrown some areas of the trails were, and the deck/bird blind definitely had a little wasp problem. Theres a lot of creepy crawlies, so just dress appropriately and be cautious. Overall, a good place to visit at least once!
This is the only place I’ve visited in the US that I’ve experienced a jungle hike. It’s technically a subtropical area, but when you’re there it feels like you’re deep in a tropical jungle within a few minutes down the trail, especially on the Forest Trail that goes through the heart of the Sabal Palm grove. The biodiversity is amazing and if you are into birding or wildlife photography definitely bring a camera, and prepare accordingly.
Surprisingly exotic. While it is just a palm sanctuary on the boarder, the sense of adventure when you actually cross a boarder fence finding yourself on the Mexican side of the boarder wall is wild. The palms twist and turn all around you, feeling primeval. What could be around each corner? If it were just the palm Forrest and the location along the southern boarder it would be worth the visit. However the abundance of bird from Northern Mexico make It stand out from any other place in the area. Go, plan on a hike, bring water, extra water, it’s always hot. But worth the visit
Absolutely beautiful Plantation House on gorgeous property. Lots of trails for easy walking. It's March and the Temp was 77* and it was pretty warm and humid. Butterfly garden, lake viewing deck and viewing deck overlooking the (Lilly pad overgrown section of the) Rio Grand River. Benches all around to redt and observe. Plenty of parking. You can view the 1st floor of the home as well. Nice piece of preserved history!
This place is so gorgeous. I can't believe it's located here in Brownsville. Really gives off jungle vibes. The trails are easy to navigate, and the scenery is breathe taking. There is an entry fee, and in case you run out of water, they sell bottles for $1, which came in so handy after finishing ours. Don't forget to spray yourself down with bug spray for ticks.
We only got to do one trail that was about .25 miles. It's very pretty there and has easy to walk trails. The house is very nice as well with nice antiques inside. Even a nice fresco that dates back about 100 years.
The place is on the other side of the border wall but still technically in the US. Funny enough our phones said "Welcome to Mexico" as soon as we pulled in.
There is a deck you can actually look across the river at Mexico from.
We got some beautiful butterfly pictures but didn't see any birds. Make sure you bring bug spray because the mosquitos are really bad. The guy at the front desk told us that. You would think to make extra money, they would sell some when you pay to go walk outside.
8435 Sabal Palm Grove Rd, Brownsville, TX 78521, USA•
Top places to eat
cheap
Breakfast restaurant
Toddle Inn Restaurant in Brownsville is a popular spot known for its American and Mexican cuisine, particularly its delicious and authentic Mexican breakfast. This restaurant is open for breakfast and brunch, offering a variety of tasty dishes. It's a great place to enjoy a meal with family or friends while savoring the flavors of both American and Mexican food. The cozy atmosphere makes it an inviting choice for diners looking for a satisfying dining experience in Brownsville.
With Great Food and Top Quality Customer Service, Toddle Inn is certainly a pillar of this great community. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite for lunch or bringing in friends and family for breakfast on Saturday morning, Toddle In is the place to be. They have a wide variety of classic breakfast, from pancakes to big breakfast tacos, classic Mexican dishes, creative and innovative desserts, and everything in between to satisfy your cravings. They are so supportive of military veterans, law enforcement, public service, and every other hard-working individual who makes our country great. Come and experience delicious food served with a warm welcoming smile.
Derek R — Google review
Very good food. I had a plate with cheese enchiladas and carne guisada. The guisada was very flavorful and tender. Pairs perfectly with the enchiladas. I asked for chips and salads because I saw it on the menu for a cost. But I was not charged also received a small bowl of fideo. Good customer service and very please with everything I had today.
**Edit..since the owner (or whomever runs their Google page) told me not to "exaggerate" the cost of 2 gorditas..I will clarify and upload a pic of my bank charge - 2 gorditas and a glass of orange juice cost me 20 DOLLARS (still not worth it) at this establishment. I gave a 5 dollar tip to the server because it was not her fault the food tasted so bad that we couldn't finish it. I never blame shit food on a good server and will always ensure to tip.
Giving 3 stars only because everyone on the staff was so friendly and looked well put together but the food was definitely a 1 star. We drove from Harlingen to Brownsville specifically to try out this place based on good reviews and were very disappointed. We both ordered gorditas and could barely force down half of them. My barbacoa was shear fat and tasted old. My gordita was soaked in so much oil that when I left, I tasted oil in my throat for nearly an hour.
Normally, I don't rate a restaurant so low based on one dish as I usually go back and try something else on the menu but I don't think I'll be doing that given that it is a smaller restaurant with far too many tables for it's size. The lady sitting behind me kept bumping my chair (to no fault of her own, we were just crammed in there like sardines) and it was so loud in there that I could not even hear the conversation at my own table. My advice is do not come with a large party and don't waste your money on their gorditas. 25 dollars for 2 gorditas is a bit much in my opinion.
Me an my wife tried breakfast and the food is good. We paid over $50 for 2 plates and coffee, that was way too much for mexican food! The restuant was clean and the wait staff was very friendly and attentative. Overall it was okay. The flour tortilla served huge over 12" and it was good! By the way we did not get any complimentary chips and salsa, deserts or fideo like theu say!
Excellent food and service. Both meals were so delicious. They exceeded our expectations. A must visit for an amazing meal.
Updated: what happened? Had I never been here before, I'd not be back. Waitress and kitchen both dropped the bag big-time. Once seated, we were left waiting while others sat, ordered, ate, left, and new people came in, etc. Omelette was a joke. Two eggs fried hard and flipped over with some sausage crumbles on top. Chiliaquiles don't include an egg? We get salsa...but no chips? Hardly the quality of food it once was for sure. Definitely not worth the price. Very disappointing today for sure.
Great local pic! Service was excellent. Alexandra was our server, she was attentive and kind. Food was delicious.
This is our favorite breakfast spot! We come here over and over, even though we are staying in South Padre. The service is fantastic, everyone is friendly and helpful and everything has been consistent for years. The food is always delicious, the coffee stays hot and the owner is soo nice.
Highly recommend the tacos. They're huge! Barbacoa is so good. And the new churro waffle, so much crunchy cinnamon sugar! Our 3 year old loves it too! We will keep coming back!
I like the food but the portions have gotten significantly smaller and are no longer worth the price we paid. A pity, because I ate there many times since moving to Brownsville in 2006. Perhaps it was an off day but we didn't feel we received sufficient value for the price. No complaints about the quality of the food or the service, both of which are good. P.S. I appreciate Mark's kind response and didn't even intend to post a review. When I wrote the email appearing on the website restaurant, the message was returned. It isn't always practical to ask for the owner and, at some point, I may try again. Thanks for having responded and clearly caring about your customers. I never had any such doubts.
1740 Central Blvd, Brownsville, TX 78520, USA•
cheap
Barbecue restaurant
Breakfast restaurant
Nestled in the vibrant city of Brownsville, Vera's Backyard Bar-B-Que is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Mexican and Texas-style barbecue. This charming eatery specializes in mouthwatering meats like barbacoa de cabeza, brisket, and carnitas, all prepared with a dedication to traditional cooking methods that have been passed down through generations. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, thanks to the friendly staff led by pit master Armando Vera and his wife Adella.
Tasty barbacoa and menudo with all the fixings. Pay per item. So be sure not to forget your salsas and tortillas. Excellent service with momma giving me a complimentary sampler bowl of carnitas.
Oscar P — Google review
We stopped by for some barbacoa tacos and they were delish even when taken to go.
Ive tasted better barbacoa this was alright a bit dry. Doesn't come with salsa you have to buy it apart wich is weird because anywhere else the salsa goes with any food. Also have to buy the tortillas apart. Wouldn't come back here again also the one that attended me had a bit of attitude.
Vera's has some of the best barbacoa in the RGV. It's surprising that not many people know of this place. The barbacoa is made in el poso (hole)which helps the flavor concentrate. They offer menudo, carnitas, brisket and of course barbacoa. Best place to take the family to in the weekend!
This place truly has the best barbacoa I've ever had thus far. Another great brunch idea Fri Sat sun only. Close at 2. Try the pound of cachete. The flour tortillas, and either a coke or big red should go perfectly with it. Also, the owners gave us a free sample of carnitas! The way he made them, with lime, tastes amazing!!! Definitely returning.
We came on Friday at 11 and they were out of Brisket already for this week. (They open on Thursday). So we decided we would come back next week. BUT this customer came out and said you can brisket anywhere but this is the #1 spot for barbacoa- recieved the James Beard award. He recommended we get the cachete and if we did not like he would pay for it. IT WAS OUTSTANDING. You order by lb. And we got 1/2 lb. This is the only legal underground pit in the US. We had it with the mild salsa - just perfect. Very small place - sign hard to see but all so good
Yum!
Cheap and delicious eats !
Menu is a little unclear to the first timer, especially if you aren’t fluent in Spanish ;)
The main guy behind the counter was super nice, explained the menu , and even gave us a sample of the carnitas.
As we were leaving we even saw the cashier taking orders outside as a “drive through”.
The one star is minus for cleanliness of the kitchen.
Awesome experience - I went to Vera's based on the Texas Monthly Top 50 ranking. Very well-deserved from an overall quality perspective, but IMHO, this place should be top 10 because it's so unique. As they say, it's a copycat world and how many Central Texas BBQ-Franklin's wanna-be's do we really need? Vera's is a unique BBQ experience - all different cuts of meat, very nicely smoked, yet very different from the traditional Brisket, sausage, ribs Holy Trinity we've come to know so well.
Great spot for anyone looking for a quality protein-heavy meal. Absolute nirvana for the BBQ aficionado looking for something a little different.
2404 Southmost Rd, Brownsville, TX 78521, USA•
cheap
Taco restaurant
Taqueria Ultimo Taco is a family-owned Mexican eatery that started as a street food stall in 1982 and has since become a popular brick-and-mortar establishment. Known for its straightforward yet excellent Mexican dishes like tacos, flautas, and tostadas, this place is always packed with customers. While the seating area inside is small and tight, the service is great.
Yummy yummy. Reynosa/Matamoros style tacos. So freaking good! I did feel everything needed salt (I usually do not put salt on food). But I would absolutely be back. The lemonade was very enjoyable.
Mariana M — Google review
Taqueria Ultimo Taco was so delicious, we ended up going back twice during our trip! Everything we tried was delicious - the tacos were packed with flavor and super fresh, and the soup was also delicious.
The horchata was also a delicous - sweet, creamy, and refreshing. Perfect with the meal. The staff were super nice and welcoming, and the vibe was great. They had a telenovela playing on the TV.
There’s a lot of seating inside and even outdoor seating. It’s a popular spot, so the parking lot can get busy, but there’s another lot nearby. We parked there and just walked across - it wasn’t far at all.
If you're in the area, definitely make a stop here. And don’t be surprised if you find yourself coming back for round two like we did!
We stop here before heading home. Food was really good! We got the quesatacos and the flautas. Food was really good and warm, we had it to go. The lady at the counter was really nice and the atmosphere was chill. Would most definitely stop here again and recommend 💯%.
Tacos can be sold individually or by the order which comes out to be the same $ . The order doesn’t include beans. Everything is sold separately. The meat was cold but the tortillas were warm. So they probably chop the meat to make tacos ahead of time. Thankfully the grilled onions were warm and fresh. They offer 3 different salsas, red green and habanero. But my batch was not spicy. I was surprised the habanero salsa wasn’t spicy. But again it could have been my batch only. They do not have iced tea as well. The place is super loud so you can’t talk comfortably. Parking is tight as well. The corner location makes it a little hard for parking. The to go tacos come with salsa as well.
Had a very good torta and tostada at Ultimo today. Service was top notch. Everything was very flavorful and fresh.
Ultimo Taco is one of those spots that’s built its reputation on consistency, speed, and no-nonsense tacos. It’s not fancy, but it doesn’t need to be—people go for the tacos, and they deliver.
The tacos are well stacked, so you get your money's worth. The bistek is probably their best taco in my opinion —juicy, flavorful, and with a nice bit of char. Tripas are solid if you like them crispy. Some of the other meats can be hit or miss depending on the day—sometimes a little dry, sometimes spot-on.
The salsa is legit spicy, which I like, but it can catch you off guard if you're not ready. The tortillas are basic, nothing special, but they get the job done. I really do like their special beans, full of flavor and with good amount of cheese and meat.
The place is somewhat always busy, especially late at night. But you will always find a place to sit. You can dine inside or outside if you prefer.
Overall: not perfect, but reliable. If you're from the area or just passing through, it's worth a stop.
Delicious food. I appreciated the ala carte taco options. Especially when you have out of town visitors, you can essentially let them try a Taco Flight ✈️
They can taste different styles of tacos for themselves and decide which they like best.
Tl;dr - Great tacos, no alcohol
A must visit if you're in Brownsville and want some tacos.
It's a long time institution and the quality is as good as it was when it opened.
Small place with a patio.
938 North Expy, Brownsville, TX 78521, USA•
affordable
Pizza restaurant
Restaurant
Dodici Pizza + Wine is located in a beautifully restored historic building, the 1883 Juan H. Fernandez building, offering a charming Italian atmosphere for a delightful dining experience. The restaurant boasts excellent service and an extensive wine selection to accompany its delicious Italian cuisine. Guests can enjoy the picturesque patio while savoring delectable dishes such as savory burrata, flavorful chorizo pizza, and the classic mia margherita pizza.
During our travels this week, we had the pleasure of dining at Dodici Pizza + Wine in Brownsville. From the moment we stepped inside, we were met with exceptional service. The hostess warmly greeted us and led us to our table, making us feel right at home. Shortly after, our waitress arrived to walk us through the menu and daily specials. To top it off, the owner even stopped by to chat, sharing insights about the restaurant and suggesting other spots to check out while we were in town. The personal touch really elevated the entire experience.
As for the food, it was absolutely delicious. We decided to share a few items to sample more of the menu, and we’re glad we did. We started with a special appetizer: penne pasta with sausage, served with bread—simple but packed with flavor. Next, we had the Caesar salad, which offered a creative twist on the classic, hearty enough to stand alone as a meal.
The soups of the day were a delightful surprise. The tomato bisque was smooth and comforting, while the chili, though excellent, felt a bit out of place with our Italian-themed meal. Still, it was undeniably tasty. Then came the highlight: a meatball sandwich and pizza. The sandwich, with its perfectly crusty-yet-soft bread and balanced tomato-spice meatballs, was easily the best I’ve ever had. As for the pizza, the combination of hot honey, spicy red peppers, and pepperoni was a revelation—a blend of sweet, spicy, and savory in every bite.
We were thrilled to stumble upon such a gem on our short trip. I only wish we lived closer or visited Brownsville more often so we could dine here regularly.
In fact, we’re even debating returning for dinner tonight before our flight tomorrow morning—we didn’t have time for dessert, and I’m already regretting it!
BJ F — Google review
I love Dodici. I came down to the valley and had to visit because i really miss this place. I love the Carlito but we tried the pepperoni i think it’s the Classico and one with shrimp i forgot what it was called. but everything was so good! i brought my siblings and we all had a great time. Service was superb!
i stopped in after a long travel day and their pizza and wine selection was just what i needed! so so yummy and very fresh — you can even see the pizza oven right from your seat! i was nervous to eat alone, but the staff was so friendly — giving me recommendations and even chatting about football. i visited while in town for a spacex interview and they so kindly gave me a small arrangement of flowers to wish me luck on my big day — couldn’t ask for a warmer welcome. highly recommend grabbing some fresh pizza and a glass of wine any night of the week!
We had an amazing experience at Dodici Pizza & Wine in downtown Brownsville. From the moment we walked in, the rustic atmosphere and cozy decor made it feel warm and inviting. The staff was attentive, friendly, and even the owner was walking around greeting guests, which was a really nice personal touch.
I started with the Beet Salad, which was absolutely delicious. The roasted beets, arugula, chèvre, and pumpkin seeds came together perfectly. I added hot chicken to it, which was seasoned and cooked just right. My friend ordered the Grilled Caesar Salad, and I was genuinely surprised at how much I enjoyed the flavor of grilled lettuce. It added a smoky twist that really worked.
For pizzas, we tried the El Classico (which my three year old daughter loved), the Bravado with its incredible serrano crema, and the Carlito, loaded with a mix of meats and bold flavor. I paired everything with their red blend wine, which was the perfect complement to the meal.
Their pizzas are cooked in a beautiful custom made brick oven, and you can actually see them being made right from your table, which adds to the experience.
They also have a beautiful outdoor patio, lit with string lights and complete with fans and citronella tiki torches, perfect for a romantic dinner or a relaxing night out.
Overall, everything from the food to the atmosphere and the service was excellent. My family, my friends, and I all left very happy and impressed. We will definitely be coming back!
Amazing food pizza so light and delicious brick oven flavor. And the Cesar salad is a must have great presentation. I had a sweet Moscato with my meal. Definitely will go back.
This place is such a true gift to this community! We were blessed to be introduced to this amazing pizza through SpaceX and are even more blessed to live to nearby this scrumptious pizza restaurant! The restaurant is nice and casual and truly a treasure on its own. The wait staff are very attentive and are truly happy to have you as a customer. Each table is gifted with excellent servers ready to make sure your experience is top notch. Excellent wine options from all over the world. Menu is relatively small, but everything we've had from it has been amazing. We recently went for our 21st wedding anniversary and the staff presented us with champagne, piece of cake and a card made specifically for us!
Dante, thank you for sharing this with Brownsville...a real treasure in my books!
I threw a party for a friend of mine which included originally 14 people. They were able to provide a reservation package that was a great deal! The service was great! Manager was very nice! I would definitely come back to throw more parties here for the atmosphere was beautiful and service was great!
We were here last year and got to meet the owner and we came back and he was on vacation. But our service was good and so was our food.
1200 E Adams St, Brownsville, TX 78520, USA•
affordable
Restaurant
Bar
Nestled in the heart of Brownsville, Gazpachos Restaurant Bar is a delightful fusion of Mediterranean and South American flavors that beckons food lovers from near and far. This contemporary eatery boasts an inviting ambiance adorned with artistic decor, making it a perfect spot for both casual dining and special occasions.
Enjoyed the whole meal, didn't get pictures of the tappas because we went right at it 😋
Maribel S — Google review
My mom and I ate here today for the first time. We were so shocked at how amazingly fabulous the food tasted. The service was great too!! We will definitely be returning. We absolutely loved the artwork by Adriana Lash too. Beautiful!!!!!!
This a very nice casual restaurant. It is reasonably priced. The service was that of a five star restaurant. As was the food. The Angus steak was so well prepared that it would be a crime to put any steak sauce on it. The crème bulei was very tasty and the custard was excellent. The presentation was far one of the best I've seen. Great place for the family, on a date or just to chill with friends.
This eatery is easy to find.
We celebrated my nephew’s birthday there.
Our waiter was great.
We were a table of 8 and they seated us in a very awkward spot. I kept feeling people’s rears as they walked past to and from the bathroom etc.
🤣
The nopalitos with cheese and chicken in the pic was amazing.
The food was good, the wait time, not so much. Oh and the poblano soup was amazing.
They were amazing and brought out a slice of chocoflan for the birthday boy without us asking. I will definitely be back to try the tapas.
Go to Gazpachos I think you’ll like it!
Decided to try this place because they serve creme brulee. We thoroughly enjoyed our tacos and chicken stuffed with spinach and cream cheese and the creme brulee was delicious. The staff was super friendly and I'm definitely going back to try those pork and habenero tacos.
Had the September Special of Chile en Nogada. It is a Mexican dish comprised of a poblano pepper stuffed with picadillo & dried fruit. The garnish on top (walnut sauce, pomegranate seeds, & parsley) represents each color on the Mexican flag, as the dish commemorates Mexican Independence. Fantastic dish! Tastes so good! Very distinct flavors of sweet, salt and savory with a touch of spice all in one bite.
Started with Ceviche then shared the Shrimp Tacos... OMG! Excellent! Surprisingly good and very affordable house Cabernet!
Great value, Great service, and Fabulous food!
Highly recommend!
Our server was excellent. Iced tea was fresh and good quality. The poblano cream soup was very tasty. Good portions. I would definitely come back.
2451 Pablo Kisel Blvd suite B -1, Brownsville, TX 78526, USA•
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