We didn’t really start out looking for Tex-Mex. We went out for seafood at The Blue Shell in Harlingen. We were seated right away since we were early - before 7 on a Friday night. We ordered a beer, ordered our dinner and then learned “we have just run out of baked potatoes”. Now who can run out of baked potatoes before 7 on a Friday night??? Disappointed, we finished the beer and left -shaking our heads in disbelief. But at least the beer had been cold, we said.
We decided to switch gears and go for Tex-Mex. Now THAT should be REALLY easy in Harlingen!! Lots of places to choose from on Bus 77 – right around the corner from where we were staying – Hampton Hotel on Ed Carey Dr. – so this should be a no-brainer.
We stopped first at El Campanerio and were greeted with loud Mariachis; sounding great but NO tables…can I show you to the bar? Looking inside we saw 4 empty and bused and ready tables in plain sight! “Sorry, your wait will only be 5-10 minutes”. Feeling as though we were being routed to the bar to build a tab, we said – no – and left.
Now it’s getting a little silly – well, third time’s a charm we joked. We had spotted several Tex-Mex places on Bus 77 and they all looked popular - judging from the parking lots. We circled one restaurant three times without finding a space to park – not that the lot was full – there was construction on half the lot! And on a Friday night! NO parking! So away we went – still hungry and really laughing now. Maybe we were going to land again at Whataburger?!
Ok, so we find a spot to park at Los Asados, even though the lot is full of cars (lot NOT under construction). We were seated quickly and when given our menus and asked for our drink orders, we learned they had NO beer.
Now WHO ever heard of Mexican food on a Friday night without BEER? Or Margaritas or ????? We both ordered water and while the waiter gave us a few minutes to look over the menu, we looked at each other instead, laughed out loud, got up and left without saying a word to each other.
Getting back in the car for the umpteenth time it seemed, we turned to cruise Bus 77 again and spotted Pepe’s Mexican Restaurant. “Why not”?
Arriving inside at Pepe’s – strike that – getting near the door, we learned we had a LONG wait, as it was SRO coming out the door. We put our name on the list and got a couple of beers to enjoy while we waited. Something about the ambiance of this place let you know it was going to be worth it and we were right.
There were other hints too; like the banner congratulating them on receiving an award for being selected as one of the top 50 Mexican Restaurants in the Country.
And we know Tex-Mex! Living in Texas for over 20 years qualifies us for experts – we even have certifications! Pepe’s was so good; we went back the next day for lunch to verify our findings. VERY delicious! Everything is super! Don’t miss Pepe’s when you go to Harlingen Texas.
Guest Bloggers Andrea & Michael
Labels: Andrea and Michael