Restaurante Bar García's — Restaurant in Tamaulipas

As of October, 2014. I know that people are afraid to cross the border at certain border towns. But I can tell you that this is really a non-issue based on my experience. If you turn on 12th Street in Brownsville, you will find an excellent parking lot, $1 per hour or $5 for the day. Then, it is just a short walk across the bridge as Garcia's faces the Mexican side of the bridge. Garcia's takes up a little less than a city block. You can park here but I recommend walking as the trip back across the border would be slow with all the cars going through customs. Now, Garcia's is a one stop shopping and dining venue. A beautiful and air-conditioned restaurant and separate bar, live music mid-day, your choice of steaks, seafood, traditional Mexican dishes including soup and salad bar for around $13. Wonderful wait staff and big picture windows to look out of onto the street. Additionally, a pharmacy, a souvenir shop with very fairly priced items and an extensive selection, and an excellent assortment of alcohol at fair prices. Gee, I sound like one of the owners don't I? But seriously, you should not deny yourself the pleasure of this place. I am sure their business isn't what it used to be, due to the fear and concern of many of us. But I am certain you will have nothing but pleasant memories for your visit to Garcia's. I've put up some photos from the day...

This place really takes me back to the days when my mom and dad romanced themselves at these kind of restaurants! Located a short five minute walk from the International bridge (or a short drive less than a minutes drive). It has a well gaurded private garage parking. During lunch they serve up some popular Mexican platters and cocktails at affordable prices! An ambiance set with a pianist playing in the background. Excellent service. Garcia's is also well known for having multiple shops attached to it. Everything from textile shops, souvenirs, authentic Mexican clothes, discounted liquor store and a pharmacy for purchasing heavily discounted medicines. Overall Garcia's is a very convenient spot to catch a festive meal and shop for some authentically cool...

This is one of the best kept secrets on the first block of Matamoros, just crossing the downtown bridge. I highly recommend it both for locals and visitors. Excellent selection of dresses, sweaters, vestidos típicos, and much more at really good and often reduced prices. I highly recommend the leather bags! Many are now on sale for 20 percent off; I am currently sporting a brown flower engraved shoulder bag from Jalisco; they run around $80 but with discount it came out to about $64 and well worth it! Also take a look at the brightly colored selection of embroidered cloth bags; they are both chic and unique; most run around $20. You can mention my name and see if you get a slight price reduction; I have been frequenting Garcia's since I arrived here...