An Evening at the McAllen Mercado Food Hall: Food, Music and Great Vibes

If you're looking for a perfect way to unwind in McAllen, the Mercado Food Hall delivers. From craft beer and flavorful pho, to live music and fresh baked cookies, this little pocket of local culture brings together everything we love about South Texas: good food, good people and a relaxed, welcoming vibe.

Starting the Night with a Cold Brew

Our night started at the Mercado Brewery where I grabbed a cold Blue Moon on draft garnished with a fresh orange wedge. Sipping on that cold beer while strolling through the small shops around the market place set the tone for a laid-back evening.

Dinner at Vietnamese Pho Noodles

I ordered the beef stew with rice noodles, which had a bold, aromatic broth which seemed to be infused with clove and star anise. It came topped with red onions, cilantro, and tender carrots. Served alongside the main was a packet of hoisin, chili paste, lime, and serrano peppers for that extra kick.

My wife ordered the brisket and filet pho, and both bowls were perfectly balanced in flavor with the rice noodles cooked just right. After a few spoonfuls, the spice kicked in and brought everything together. We couldn't stop raving about it!

Soaking Up the Mercado Atmosphere

As the night went on, we wandered through the shops, stopping to enjoy the live music and relaxed seating areas. We saw several inviting areas to sit back and relax.

The mercado district really is a great place to spend the day, whether you're catching up with friends or just decompressing from the week.

The Sweet Finale at Caramela's

Before heading out, we made one last stop at Caramela's Coffee and Food Boutique, where we picked up two of their large chocolate chip cookies. Sweet, soft and slightly salty, they were the kind of cookies that hit all the right notes and wrapped the evening up just right.

Capturing the Experience

All photos from this visit were taken by Bordertown Digital and are not commissioned. This post wasn't sponsored, it's just a personal highlight of a great local spot.

At Bordertown Digital, we believe in celebrating the places and businesses that make our region unique. Whether it's through photography, web design, or SEO, our goal is to help small businesses across South Texas tell their stories and connect with their community in authentic, engaging ways.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t spent an evening at the Mercado Food Hall yet, consider this your sign. Grab a drink, find a seat, and enjoy the energy of a place built for winding down.