Palenque Grill

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.

This place is really good! I always take my boss here when he’s in town and he really likes it. During my last visit I ordered a parriada for 2 and it was definitely overpriced. Service it top notch but prices are definitely higher than typical Mexican restaurants.

Walked in thinking beautiful table setting and live music how wonderful. Well it all went downhill from there. A rude and obnoxious waitress that obviously didn’t speak a word of English or didn’t want to. Mediocre food at best. We have lived around the border for years and this was the worst food and service. Will never go back.

Best Mexican Food I ever had. People were quite friendly. Recommended if you want to go out with your kids to having dinner. They also have special actions for birthdays.

This upscale version of their taqueria style counter-​part (Taco Palenque) has everything you can ask for in a Mexican restaurant. The service is amazing and the food is always spectacular. I wish I had room in my belly to enjoy everything on the menu.

My dining Experience tonight was Incredible my waiter Malik Aamir was outstanding. The complimentary chips, salsa and bean dip started the journey, superb followed by a tortilla soup that was to die for unique not like any other offering I ever had. The finally was recommended by my waiter the Fish Sarandeado and shrimp, the flavor of the fish and shrimp with the bell peppers and tomato fantastic, fresh unique.
I will be returning to this restaurant again and again.
I will try to sample the entire menu

I’ve been to many Mexican restaurants, this by far I consider to be among the best. Food is prepared with tradition and consideration. Staff are considerate and professional. Really good.

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.

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.

Well While I felt there some elements here that were good, overall I was incredibly disappointed with my experience here. I visited from out of town and many people recommended it, but I would not return or recommended. The good: bean dips serviced with chips, guacamole side was fine, tortillas were very good and the desserts were good. The bad, we were not served what was printed on the menu. Chicken fajitas were served with plain grilled chicken on a plate. We had to ask for sides of peppers and onions (which was advertised on the menu) after complaining to management about this we found out that they have misprinted menu. They know what they serve is different from what they have printed on the menu, and only gave me a 20% discount and a pathetic apology. The fajitas themselves were pretty pathetic too. Edible, but without flavor. I expected so much more from a city this close to Mexico with servers who didn’t speak English enough to try to correct the order. I wanted to enjoy this place, but was tremendously disappointed. I can elaborate, but who has time. It’s over, I won’t go back and neither should you.

Overpriced, slow service, no chip refills, sub par margaritas. Not worth the money at all. Never coming back. I’m sitting here in the restaurant as I write this. I have been waiting an hour for my dinner… It’s a Wednesday night…

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!

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 Unilocal 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!

Terrible service! I had 3 different people point out the obvious (nobody had drinks and we needed chips and salsa) and they all forgot!!! We had to remind them, 20 minutes they finally brought it all out! I mean, I know it’s a big party but jesus!

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.

Large menu, good food. If you like Mole sauce, give it a try. A little loud.

Mmm, mmm, mmm, good! 4^th time there in as many months. Love the place. I’m never not satisfied. From the bean dip and salsa starter, which is delicious, to the margaritas, to the main courses. It’s all so good. My boyfriend loves their rib eyes and I love the shrimp cuchi cuchi. But everything else is good too. We have tried several things. Plus you have to ask for our favorite waiter — Eli. What a doll. On top of everything, very helpful if you have questions, very attentive without bugging you, and he is very cute too. Don’t miss this place.

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.

Love love love the food, the service, and the atmosphere here. It’s a little pricey compares to most Mexican restaurants around the area, but trust me, it’s all very worth it.
We came in on a Tuesday night. The restaurant was almost fully packed, which is a very good sign. They even had live music playing. Not the loud, up beat type, but the soothing and relaxing one. Perfect for the setting. Our waiter was very friendly and attentive.
We got the Choriqueso for appetizer, stuffed tilapia with shrimp and stuff pepper with cheese and shrimp for our entrees. Everything was so so good.
The setting is a little different. Almost like an open family diner room, but somehow, it seems to work for even a good date night. We will definitely be coming back for 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.