Hacienda Las Mariposas — Restaurant in McAllen

We made a reservation last night and they mentioned it would be cold but that the inside was already booked and we were fine with it so when we got there we asked just in case if there was anything Inside just out of luck because we noticed it was practically empty and the female receptionist was nice and said “I apologize no we don’t “ which we were ok with but then a male waiter decided to chime in and rudely said out loud “No tenemos nomas para afuera y les dijeron y si no quieren afuera nimodo” which was unprofessional and very rude I regret not walking out asoon as he made that comment because we were not being pushy we just asked once. To continue the night we were greeted with our waiter (male not the same waiter at the entrance) he was very kind and considerate he immediately brought out the heaters and asked if we were sure if we wanted to sit outside that he could find us a table inside but Once we felt the heat from the heaters we were fine. He was very considerate kind the whole night . But then when it came to our entree which I ordered a steak medium rare upon receiving it the outside seemed normal but the inside was practically raw which I’m aware medium rare does have the center some what raw but no this thing was RAW so I left the whole steak untouched , my boyfriend had ordered fried shrimp for an appetizer and he said the batter tasted very odd that he couldn’t taste the shrimp because of it he also didn’t eat it , and to top it off an employee decided to come out and start blowing leaves at 7pm at night while we were eating , it was very very loud we couldn’t speak to one another . Overall the experience was horrible the one star is for our waiter because he truly was very kind but other than him I’d...

We recently hosted a bridal shower here, and while the venue itself is beautiful, the service was by far the worst I’ve ever experienced.

We were a small group of 10 and had the upstairs area to ourselves. We arrived about an hour and a half early to set up, and the waiter, an older gentleman named Javi, came up and just watched us without offering any assistance. Since it was extremely hot outside, we asked for water—but it took him 30 minutes to an hour to bring it. When he finally did, he left all the glasses on one side of the table without bothering to pass them out. The restaurant was not busy, so there was no excuse for the delay.

We tried to give him the benefit of the doubt, but the poor service continued. He only brought us two menus to share and immediately asked if we were ready to order—before half of us had even seen the menu. At one point, he shoved the menu in my friend’s face, which was completely unnecessary and rude.

Throughout the event, he never checked in on us, refilled our waters, or asked if we needed anything. He only returned to drop off our food and to cash us out—an hour before our reservation ended (we had the space from 3:00-6:00 PM, but he charged us at 5:00 PM). When he brought out our cake and pastries, he bluntly told us he was done with us and never returned.

To make matters worse, we were outside in the heat the entire time without a single water refill. If you plan to host an event here and get assigned Javi as your server, I highly recommend asking for...

My wife and I recently dined at Hacienda Las Mariposas and our first impression was very good. The venue has an elegant vibe to it, reminiscent of an old-fashioned, swanky Spanish homestead -- a place one doesn't go to parade their disdain for proper etiquette by wearing torn jeans or failing to remove their hat indoors. Needless to say, we had high expectations of the food and service.

They didn't disappoint.

We ordered the mixed botana for two, and it was easily one of the best we've had in the RGV. The presentation was good, the fajita was tender, and the trimmings were loaded with flavor. A side dish of choriqueso was tasty as well, and the complimentary cheesecake (we were celebrating our 34th wedding anniversary) was the best we've had in years. The whole table was a feast for the eyes, and we had plenty left over in the end. As a note aside, our waiter was extremely attentive. From the moment we arrived until the moment we left he treated us like royalty, earning our most profound gratitude (read generous tip.) Granted, it wasn't the busiest time of day, but for that reason it's the best time to go.

All in all, we enjoyed the place. We found it to be a perfect choice for the occasion, and I can see it becoming one of our favorite haunts. We might even dine on the patio the next time we go, the views from which are nice enough to fill the pages of a kitchen calendar. Give the place a try. We highly...