Sidebar RGV — Restaurant in Edinburg

My wife planned a date night out for us. Took my clothes to the dry cleaners for me while I was at work. Got my things ready for her to surprise me with this place since I was told by a co worker that is was great. Upon arriving I was surprised that there were not enough parking spaces for the guest's (especially if she took the time to reserve a time and table days in advance)!. When you enter the restaurant it feels welcoming but, once you get to the part where you have to sit down...you realize that you need to make a choice on what individual will be comfortable and who will have to sit in an uncomfortable chair! Our Waiter GUILLERMO did provide a recommendation for an appetizer and I must say that I've had better mozzarella sticks at Chili's, the appetizer was mediocre and extremely bland. Some restaurants like this one try to over- compensate for their decor, fancy layout and their over the top attempt at being a fancy bar. Our Waiter Guillermo rushed us into our second course and kept trying to push an item on me, I must have told him no about three times, not to mention I had to ask for a cherry(which they charged instead of being a garnish)on my old fashioned. The main course was a little better but not worth the price of the plate. It's a shame as I heard that these are the owners of Santa fe steakhouse which I must say...I did enjoy. I tried to make the best of our evening even though our waiter Guillermo was being a total sourpuss and looked as though he hated his job....I stuck it out...even after telling Guillermo if he could replace my steak knife due to food ( not mine!!!) being on it when he sat it down on our table. For as much as you(the owner)are trying to have clean individuals (clothing attire) coming into your establishment and as you want to charge for even the garnished cherries, you should focus on health codes and actually invest in making sure your utensils are THE ONES BEING CLEAN! Guillermo must have known the evening was not good for us if even HE had to ask what we thought of him and his service?! Guess he started to read the cards finally...only took him our supposed to be great night out for him to ruin and figure it out! Way...

My husband and I made reservations for last week for dinner. We had never gone, and I had heard from a friend that it was outstanding. First, bless them for having complimentary valet parking! The parking lot is limited, so you can simply hand the valet your keys and walk right in. With the rain we have had recently, I didn't relish traipsing on the uneven streets, stepping in puddles, especially when wearing heels and nicer clothing. I had hard that it was much classier than most places, and anything from business casual attire to a bit more formal is the norm. There is also live entertainment! Jazz! We had cocktails, my husband got a bourbon and I got "The Last of the Ouhacans", which was very good. We started with an appetizer, Mignon stuffed tostone cups. The filet was excellent and the cups were made of plantains. For our entre, we decided to split the Beef Tenderloin Filet with Risotto and Broccoli. It was so delicious, and I really loved the Chimmicuri sauce! A special thanks to the staff for being so accommodating. Some restaurants dislike when you share plates, but we are trying to eat less now that we are older. Yes, you can always take leftovers home, but some things are better enjoyed in the moment, and not reheated. Besides, we had room for dessert! We opted for the Passion Fruit Mousse, which was tangy and delicious. The service is awesome! I love that they take the time to talk to you and are genuinely nice! Not one person acted snooty, like many places we've been to. The building itself has been remodeled from an old ice house and the decor is so tasteful. Think an old fashioned high end speak easy meets South Texas. We had just returned from a trip to North and South Carolina, and really, most of the places we ate at were not on par with Sidebar. I'm talking to you, Biltmore Estate! (I know, a tourist trap!) One restaurant, very high end, wouldn't even serve my husband extra bread! Overall, I'm very pleased to have found such a gem in Edinburg. We will definitely...

An Unforgettable 60th Birthday at the Best Restaurant in the RGV Last night, I celebrated my 60th birthday at Sidebar in Edinburg—and I can say without hesitation that it was one of the best dining experiences I’ve ever had. From the moment we walked in, everything was a perfect—the ambiance, the cocktails, the food, the service. Sidebar isn’t just a great restaurant for the Rio Grande Valley—it easily competes with top-tier establishments anywhere. I felt like I was at an amazing place in NYC. We started with the tuna tartar tower and the filet mignon plantain cups—both were beautifully presented and packed with flavor. For my entrée, I went with the lamb chop lollipops over risotto—cooked to perfection and absolutely melt-in-your-mouth good. I finished the night with a classic crème brûlée that was as good as any I’ve had in New York or Vegas. To drink? A couple of Kettle One filthy martinis with blue cheese-stuffed olives for me—exactly how I like them. Strong, cold, and dangerously smooth. Our server, Robert, was top-notch—attentive (maybe even a bit too attentive at times!), but truly professional and kind throughout. The music was perfect. Not too loud, and perfectly matched the atmosphere. And as we were leaving, one of the owners took time to chat with us about the restaurant’s story and some of the events they host. It wasn’t just a handshake and a thank-you—he made us feel like our presence genuinely mattered and was appreciated. This place is something special. You can tell the staff and ownership take deep pride in what they’re doing, and it shows in every detail. If you’re looking for an elevated dining experience in the RGV—Sidebar is it. Hands down the best meal I’ve had in the area, and one I’ll be thinking about for a long time. I’ll absolutely be back, and I’ll be bringing friends. Five stars...