The 12 Best Restaurants in Brownsville, TX

By Rebecca Thompson

The restaurants in Brownsville, Texas, reflect the city’s border-town identity, mixing traditional Mexican cuisine with modern interpretations and a dash of international inspiration. Whether you’re craving perfectly smoked barbacoa, Neapolitan-style pizza, or a steakhouse with flair, Brownsville delivers with style and substance. Here are 12 spots where the food speaks volumes about Brownsville.

Dodici Pizza and Wine

1. Dodici Pizza + Wine

Dodici anchors downtown Brownsville with its wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas and a wine list that could make a sommelier weep. The simplicity of its Margherita pizza is a lesson in restraint, while the cozy space feels like a gathering spot for those in the know.

2. Chilmoli Mexican Steakhouse

Chilmoli elevates the steakhouse concept with a Mexican twist, serving up perfectly cooked cuts alongside sides like esquites and charred salsa. This isn’t the kind of place where you’ll leave with leftovers—it’s too good not to finish everything.

3. Le Rêve

New to downtown, Le Rêve is the brainchild of Chef Eugenio Uribe, who brings his French training to South Texas. Expect dishes like duck confit and a surprisingly excellent bouillabaisse, all in a sleek space that’s both understated and luxurious.

4. Terras Urban Mexican Kitchen

This upscale spot reimagines Mexican cuisine with dishes like duck mole and shrimp aguachile. The plating at Terras is artful, but it’s the bold flavors, and also the stellar burger, that will stick with you long after the meal is over.

5. Vera's Backyard Bar-B-Que

If you’ve never had barbacoa cooked in the ground, you haven’t really had barbacoa. Vera's is the real deal, a James Beard-honored institution where the tradition is as rich as the smoky, tender meat they serve every weekend.

6. Madeira

The Madeira menu leans Argentine, with generous portions of expertly grilled meats and seafood. It’s the kind of place where you can linger over a bottle of Malbec, cutting into a perfectly seared steak as the hours slip by unnoticed.

7. El Ultimo Taco Taqueria

True to its name, El Ultimo is the ultimate taco spot in town. The al pastor is a crowd favorite, spinning on a trompo in full view, while the salsa bar lets you customize every bite to your liking.

8. Lola’s Bistro

Small but mighty, Lola’s focuses on international comfort food with a touch of elegance. The lamb shank and the Cajun pasta both have devoted followings, and the intimate atmosphere makes it feel like dining at a friend’s house—if your friend were a chef.

9. Gazpachos

Gazpachos feels like a surprise at every turn. Its menu combines Mediterranean and Latin American flavors, with dishes like shrimp-stuffed avocados and creamy tomato bisque that sound fancy but feel approachable.

10. Toddle Inn Restaurant

A Brownsville breakfast staple, Toddle Inn knows how to start your day right. Their chilaquiles verdes are the stuff of legend, served in a no-frills space where the food speaks louder than the decor. Along with hearty Tex-Mex breakfast plates, Toddle’s tacos keep the day going.

11. Mi Pueblito Restaurant

Known for its authentic Mexican dishes, Mi Pueblito serves hearty meals like mole enchiladas and sizzling fajitas. The portions are generous, and the vibe is always lively.

12. Las 7 Salsas Restaurante

Las 7 Salsas Restaurante, located at 3424 Southmost Road, is a beloved spot for authentic Mexican cuisine. Known for dishes like caldo de res, menudo, and chiles rellenos, the restaurant lives up to its name by offering a variety of flavorful salsas that enhance each meal.

More Texas Adventures