Where to Eat in Laredo: A Culinary Border Town Adventure

By Rebecca Thompson

Laredo, Texas, is a place where culinary borders blur as much as the physical ones, and you can taste it in every bite. Over the years, this city has become my go-to for bold flavors, innovative kitchens, and deeply rooted traditions. Below, I’ve rounded up ten must-visit restaurants that showcase what Laredo does best: food that’s honest, delicious, and unafraid to get a little messy.

El Capataz

1. El Capataz

Think of El Capataz as the stylish cousin of Tex-Mex, where Mexican and American cuisines mix with just the right amount of swagger. Their extensive wine list pairs beautifully with dishes like their creamy poblano pasta. I go here when I want something that feels fancy but isn’t trying too hard.

2. Lolita’s Bistro

If Laredo had a culinary ambassador, Lolita’s would be it. This place takes international flavors—think duck carnitas and Korean-inspired tacos—and makes them sing. Their attention to detail is unmatched, and it’s a place where you can impress anyone, from your mother-in-law to a business client.

3. Scratch Sandwich Co.

For something outside the Tex-Mex box, head here. Scratch’s gourmet sandwiches, like the brisket grilled cheese, prove that Laredo is more than just tacos (though those tacos are incredible too).

4. The Tack Room

The Tack Room Bar & Grill in Laredo is where old-school Texas steakhouse vibes meet a touch of cowboy sophistication. Known for its juicy steaks, hearty sides, and a rustic-chic atmosphere, it’s the kind of spot where you can linger over a perfectly grilled ribeye and feel like you’re living the Lone Star dream.

5. Tabernilla

This tapas bar is the kind of place where small plates and big conversations collide. From bacon-wrapped dates to perfectly charred octopus, every bite at Tabernilla feels like a celebration of Spain with a Texan twist.

6. Taco Palenque

Yes, it’s technically a chain, but this is the hometown hero of fast-casual Mexican food. Taco Palenque’s pirata taco, with its melty cheese and tender beef, is the stuff of local legend.

7. Border Foundry

Nestled in a renovated industrial space, this spot delivers an American menu with a Southwestern twist. Border Foundry Restaurant & Bar’s whiskey selection is as robust as their ribeye steaks, and both are perfect for an evening that demands a touch of drama.

8. La India Packing Co.

A morning at La India, a restaurant inside of a spice market, is a quintessential Laredo experience. Their homemade tortillas and perfectly spiced breakfast tacos will ruin you for breakfast anywhere else.

9. Mariscos El Pescador

For a seafood fix with a Mexican twist, Mariscos El Pescador is family-owned restaurant with two Laredo locations. The ceviche is fresh, bright, and exactly what you need on a hot Texas day.

9. Casa Ramona

Casa Ramona is a favorite for its cozy vibe and approachable Mexican comfort food. Located on Jacaman Road, it’s the kind of place where you might drop by for a quick breakfast and find yourself lingering over a plate of near-perfect chilaquiles.

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