Mercado Food Hall | International Food Court, Boutique Shops & Beauty Suites - Mcallen TX — Restaurant in McAllen

Good morning everyone. It's that time again..time for another review! This time we visit Mercado District . I will be as thorough as I can possibly be. As a kid growing up I would visit the Bargain Barzzar quite often. I still remember this old timer tell my brother and I about a 1000w amp that weight like 2lbs...but he was adamant it was 1000w. (crica 1990s). Yesterday we walked in to the food section of the Maercado. Has soon as we walked in we where greeted by a lady that has a suite in the corner. Very friendly and made that whole visit that much better. My first impressions looking down the hall of the Shops made it perfect. Just something about the design that makes it so inviting. I strolled up and down the hall looking at everything, and i have to say everything was just so welcoming. The next hall over were more Suites (larger) and the Food Hall. (the main reason we where there after watching Fast 9 and getting hangry,lol). We look at every eatery and ultimately chose Cocu (sandwiches) and Sticky Rice Sushi. My wife had Cocu. She was pleasantly pleased with the presentation and the flavor of her Croissant with chicken salad with grapes and roasted walnuts (11.99). It was really good. She did let me have a 'tiny' bite and I was very impressed. Definitely a good sign when she barely shares her food with me. (Total spent:$22.03)

Myself, I has Sticky Rice Sushi. I opted for their signature Stick Rice and a Philadelphia Roll. Over all, their Sticky Rice, amazing! It hit the spot. Their mixture of vegetables and mushrooms is well balanced. I ate down to the last rice grain. My sushi roll, its presentation was excellent. Well built and tasty and fresh. Their eel sauce and spicy mayo, also equally tasty. I took my time enjoying every bite. Aferwards I went back to compliment the chef(s) and let them know they did a great job. (Total spent:$19.49)

I can honestly say we really enjoyed our meals. The ambience is really different and amazing. Mr. Gonzalez is really on to something. A real hidden gem. I urge anyone that has been wanting to visit, go. Don't hesitate.

Now every review can't be all good. As many have said the air conditioning is a problem. But being realistic it is a very large building and Texas heat makes anything difficult to cool down. I think if you go and visit with that in mind your experience will be a good one. (I watched a TikTok of painting a metal roof with white insulating paint can help drop temps down like 20º degress) The 'Bargain Bazaar' side was currently being worked on with air conditioning was being added. Another key note is that it's not cheap. You will be spending some coin enjoying the great meals. But it's all part of the experience. And with the inviting ambience it makes it so much easier to spend money and enjoy it.

That is all for now. Till next time, this is BV...

As I google "what to do in RGV", this location shows up with amazing reviews and pictures. Well, maybe the reviews are from the locals. I learnt now not to take every reviews as true testimonies. I am asking you not to do so with mine either. However, do consider the reviewers based on their travel experiences and honesty. Every eyes, ears and palates are different.

As an exquisite Floridian who travels worldwide, I uses google review to scout out locations to visit and experience what the locals have to offer. The Mercado District distinctively noted, shops, restaurants, music, etc.. that were highly praised. Well, it is not even remotely close!

The hours of operations said 11 am. We arrived at 11:05 a.m thinking that we are going to visit tons for shops and restaurants. Only 10% of the shops were opened, 30% of shops are still closed and 60% of the shops are vacant!! The building has more vacant spaces for lease than occupied retails! So, strolling along 10% shops discouraged my excitement to this location.

Hunting for restaurants was not difficult at all. They are located in one side of the building on second and third floor, a total of no more than 8 food kiosks!! What a total disappointment. Even flea markets offer more restaurants and shop to please the eyes and your deep pockets!!

We left the building disgusted and realized that locals raved this place because it is all there is to do in terms of gathering in RGV! Best wishes to retailers in...

Great food, great atmosphere but... The management really needs to watch how they speak to paying guest. I was there yesterday with a close friend of mine and we biked road 22 miles to just hang out have a beer and eat food. They do not have any SAFE area outside to leave an expensive bike unattended so we brought it inside. We did notice it was kind of dead so its not a big deal I would think. Half way through our meal a rude elder lady moderately dressed asked us if the mountain bikes were ours (mind you we were dress with a bike helmet and gear no one around us). She asked us why we do not just chain it outside. I explained because we do not have a long enough bike chain cord to strap it to the column. She looks back at us perplexed as if we would lie. Then she tells us this is the only time she will allow it instead of offering a future solution or "we appreciate your business sorry we do not have anything for your bikes or something"? Not sure whom hired the lady or if she is the owner but I am part of critical mass which is over 100+ riders and I will never recommend this place to anyone! There are plenty of other bike friendly places I just gave this place one chance and I will not make that...