All-time favorites never disappoint – searching for a good meal in Harlingen, Texas (part 2)

There are some things you just have to enjoy when you’re in the Valley of South Texas. One of those is Whataburger, Barbeque and mom & pop food establishments.

Leaning always to the small operators when given the choice, we tend to look for the hole in the wall (but clean) establishments to try. This trip to Harlingen Texas would be no different. Not too far from our comfy Hampton Hotel on Ed Carey Dr was a whole host of goodies to try. We could see the Whataburger sign from our window! Amazing that they greet you like family on only your second visit!

Having been through this area before, we knew of a good restaurant for barbeque too – Smokey Joe’s. I’m not sure if there is really even anyone named Joe, but it is clear the group who works at Smokey Joe’s loves what they do! Try the brisket. You won’t be sorry. Go a little early for lunch though because the place fills up fast!! Oh, don’t forget to get your refills of sweet tea – it isn’t BBQ without sweet tea in Texas.

Mid morning after getting some errands out of the way, we pulled in to a car wash on N. Business 77 and just around the back side – on another street – was this view – DORA’s Tacos. YUM.

Free breakfast included at Hampton Hotels didn’t deter us from enjoying the treats (and calories) that were available at Shipley’s Do-Nuts.

At Shipley’s it is hard to choose which donut to order, so I always end up with more than one. There’s this chocolate filled chocolate donut with sugar flakes covering the outside that is, well….even better than it sounds. They open at 5 am but are available for evening snacking too!

Guest Bloggers: Andrea and Michael