These listings were put together as a service to University Newcomers, and are therefore only opinions. Is your favorite resturant not included? Please send a review to newcomers@tamiu.edu and we'll consider it for inclusion. Corrections are also welcome.
Price Scale:
- $ - Inexpensive, $10 or less for an entree and non-alcoholic beverage
- $$ - Moderate, more than $10 but less than $15
- $$$ - Expensive, more than $15
ESPUMAS – 119 Guadalupe, 727-5475. The name means “foam” in Spanish, and the ambiance is shabby, comfortable chic. In addition to the standard coffee drinks, customers can order sandwiches, cake and other light snacks. Full of books, comfortable couches and chess games, Espumas offers a poetry night on Thursdays and a writing workshop on Wednesdays. Tues. – Fri. 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m. – 12 a.m. Closed Sun. and Mon. $
KOTO’S – 1010 E. Hillside, 712-2550 You wouldn’t think that good sushi could be found in Laredo, but prepare to be surprised. This Mexican chain offers a wide variety of rolls, many including chilies. The chapa roll is very tasty and the saki maki (raw salmon on rice) is quite good. Non-sushi eaters can enjoy fried rice and tempura vegetables, along with teriyaki chicken or fish. Hours? $$
EL OASIS – 2115 E. Saunders, 712-0094. Recently discovered by the Laredo Independent Riders, a local motorcycle group, this homey Mexican style restaurant can satisfy your appetite at all hours. Especially recommended is the carne guisada plate and the corn tortillas. The super tacos are soft shelled, and larger than your head. Sometimes meals come with caldo, or soup, sometimes not. 24 hours, 7 days a week. $
OPEN COFFEE BAR – 1202 E. Del Mar; 712-4100. Dying for an iced chai latte? Really need a panini sandwich? This clean, modern coffee bar offers excellent sandwiches and fine coffee drinks. In the evenings, you can enjoy live music by some of Laredo’s top performers with no cover charge. Mon.-Thu. 7 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat. 7 a.m. – 12:30 a.m. Sun. 9 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. $
THE REC CENTER – 604 N. Main Street, Encinal, TX. 956-948-5400 Can’t stand Laredo another second? Take a 30-minute drive out to Encinal, past border patrol, and enjoy the rustic Tex-Mex food at the only restaurant in town. Cheese enchiladas are enjoyable and filling and you’ll love looking at the various hunting trophies on the wall. Sun 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Mon. 7 a.m. – 9 p.m., Tue. & Wed. 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thur. – Sat. 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. (Call first). $
RICHIE’S BURGERS – 3405 N. Arkansas 722-6125. Calling this a hole in the wall would not be an exaggeration, but taking tiny burgers and hot, greasy fries away in a brown paper bag is a treat not to be missed. Be prepared with your best Spanish (dos hamburguesas y papas means two burgers and fries), and enjoy a delicious, if heart-stopping, snack. Hours? $
TROPICAL SNO – 1117 Taylor (corner of McPherson), 729-7669. A raspa is a shaved ice, drenched with your choice of flavors. This tiny hut (drive through only) has over 50 flavors available, as well as corn in a cup, dill pickles and Frito pie. Their tamarindo raspa is absolutely divine, and an agua mineral preperada (soda water, lime juice, and salt over shaved ice) is just the ticket when the temperature is over 110 degrees. Hours: 2 – 10 p.m., 7 days a week. $
EL MESON DE SAN AUGUSTINE – 908 Grant, 725.9299 and 712.9009. When you’re showing your out-of-town visitors the sights, be sure to enter El Meson, a tiny, cheerful restaurant tucked into the narrow streets of downtown, right next to San Augustine Cathedral. Look for a plastered wall with writing on it, the only sign of this place as you stroll the streets of Laredo. With tables for about 30, this little place offers a different menu everyday, and the best limónada in town, in huge take-away cups. If the seating is a little close, you can get your food to go, and enjoy it in the bandstand in the plaza across from the Cathedral. The milanesa (pounded meat, breaded and fried) is good, as are the enchiladas mexicanas and just about everything else. 11 a.m to 4 p.m., Mon - Sat. $
THE TACK ROOM –
1000 Zaragoza, 722.1701 Arguably one of the best restaurants in town, this
non-pretentious steak house serves perfectly prepared steak (and fish!) with
great service and a lovely salad bar. Although people do dress up to dine
here, you can also come casual. Complementary parking in the La Posada parking
garage. Mon. – Thu. 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 to 11 p.m., Fri.
11:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 12 a.m., Sat. 5:30 p.m. –
12 a.m. $$$