If you think the Rio Grande Valley should be celebrated with fresh Gulf shrimp and perfectly grilled red snapper, you’ve come to the right place. This list features our top picks for McAllen seafood—yes, some require reservations, but every bite is worth the planning.
MariskHillos
There are clearly plenty of phenomenal seafood spots in McAllen. But restaurants where the ceviche is truly the best in town? You’ll only find that at MariskHillos, a family-friendly spot with exceptional customer service from the friendly owners. The taco volteado arrives stuffed with shrimp and cheese, and everything tastes fresh and amazing.
The casual, bright space, which feels welcoming and unpretentious, is usually busy—just know that with budget-friendly prices around $12-18 per entree, you might have to wait for one of the simple wooden tables.
Hacienda Las Mariposas
$$ | (956) 627-2828 | WEBSITE
If the elegant Spanish homestead vibe at Hacienda Las Mariposas doesn’t transport you, the food certainly will. This upscale spot offers seafood with the savory, rich, and fresh flavors dialed up. There’s the standout mixed botana for two with flavorful trimmings, a delicious choriqueso side dish, and complimentary cheesecake that’s simultaneously indulgent and perfectly balanced.
A meal here is stellar, and will make you forget you’re in a Mcallen strip mall near where the generic chain restaurants roam.
Saltgrass Steak House
$$ | (956) 682-4652 | WEBSITE
If you’re looking for a steakhouse that feels a step above the usual casual chain, Saltgrass Steak House is your spot. This upscale yet welcoming restaurant in McAllen serves generous, quality-focused meals in a nice atmosphere, making it the perfect place for a family gathering or a dinner where you want something a bit nicer. Expect hearty plates like the popular Pat’s Ribeye, cooked to juicy perfection, or the porterhouse steak—it’s ideal for those who appreciate a classic, well-executed cut.
Pair it with their well-liked sides, like the fried mushrooms or sweet potato, and a cold beer, and you’ve got a satisfying meal that keeps steak lovers coming back.
Mr.Crabby’s Cajun Seafood & Bar
$$ | (956) 627-5775 | WEBSITE
Heading to Mr. Crabby’s for seafood is always the right move, particularly when you can snag a spot near the small stage where live music often fills the air. This place in McAllen serves up Cajun-inspired dishes like calamari, seafood boils, and the Weekend A Special that’s packed with flavor. Everything here is so tasty (and well-seasoned) it might make you want to roll up your sleeves and then circle back to the warm, lively dining room for another round of those delicious seafood offerings.
Toloa Rooftop
$$ | (956) 833-2792 | WEBSITE
When you’re in the mood for a special night out, but not in the mood to settle for the usual McAllen spots, Toloa Rooftop is your most elegant option. The rooftop restaurant is a vibrant bar doing seafood-inspired dishes, like delicious plates and amazing cocktails. But you’re really here for the intimate atmosphere, which features a relaxing ambiance so unique it could impress.
Get in, enjoy your fajitas, and soak up the lively vibe, with plenty of time left in the evening to become one with the party.
LA Crawfish
$$ | (956) 627-5098 | WEBSITE
Provided you’re craving bold flavors and don’t mind a no-frills setting, grabbing a table at LA Crawfish will be the best thing you do all week. The Garlic Noodles are fantastic, the Gumbo and Crawfish Empanadas are stellar, and the space resembles a friend’s backyard cookout in Louisiana. They also have excellent Pho and noodle dishes to-go if you’re in a hurry.
La Costa Grill
$$ | (956) 630-9928 | WEBSITE
This McAllen seafood spot is a master of coastal Mexican flavors—and that expertise shines through in every dish. The Pastor Shrimp Taco with grilled pineapple is excellent, as are the fajita nachos with their perfect crunch. For starters, the complimentary mashed black beans with salsas and tostadas sets the tone, while the La Costa Tower appetizer could easily satisfy two. The ceviche deserves special mention for its generous seafood and avocado portions.
They also have an interesting cocktail menu with mezcal options for every taste. The friendly service, especially from Alondra, makes the experience feel welcoming, and weekend live music adds to the vibrant atmosphere. It gets busy, but the waitlist moves quickly—worth it for food this fresh and flavorful.
MidTown Ceviche Bar
$ | (956) 294-0303 | WEBSITE
MidTown Ceviche Bar is a seafood standout thanks to their “symphony” lobster roll and Peruvian Ceviche. The chef is friendly and welcoming, making for a great dining experience with homemade touches. The only problem: MidTown Ceviche Bar doesn’t take reservations. So, similar to many spots on this guide, expect to wait for your vibrant taste of Spanish America.
La Jaiba Mexican Seafood Grill
$ | (956) 618-5172 | WEBSITE
Tucked away in McAllen, this Mexican seafood spot feels like a cozy retreat with warm lighting and rustic wooden tables that are filled with colorful ceramic plates, nautical accents, and fresh flowers in simple glass vases. The menu is extensive, but it doesn’t matter because there’s one perfect choice here: the generous seafood soup brimming with tender shrimp, plump mussels, and flaky white fish in a rich, aromatic broth.
Paired with the cilantro pasta topped with succulent grilled shrimp and a crisp fish Po’Boy on a toasted roll, every bite bursts with freshness and flavor that makes you believe in culinary miracles. The staff’s attentive guidance and the laid-back patio seating complete the experience, leaving you planning your next visit before you’ve even finished your meal.
The Patio on Guerra
$$$ | (956) 661-9100 | WEBSITE
The Patio on Guerra is a historic downtown McAllen spot that bills itself as a seafood restaurant, but in truth it’s one of the most sought-after destinations for special occasions in this part of Texas, as anyone who’s celebrated an anniversary there can confirm. The menu covers the reliable roster of upscale classics like tuna tartar tower, rack of lamb, and New York steak, but the perfectly balanced rack of lamb and not-too-heavy tuna tartar tower are the play.
And on evenings when this corner of Guerra isn’t just another quiet street, the dimly lit patio with live music is a prime place to enjoy one of the well-crafted cocktails, like the always-satisfying signature martini.
