The Republic of the Rio Grande — Restaurant in McAllen

The Republic of Rio Grande: Hearing stories from this restaurant brought up my expectations, and once I was offered to come here, I, of course, took advantage of this opportunity. The environment is very well taken care of, with live bands performing in the front patio, a bar, and the main restaurant all being connected. The service is fast and friendly, with an order of 5 meals they quickly served up (which I got a taste of everything) the food without lacking in the quality department. I ordered a margherita pizza, my younger sister ordered fajitas, my father got a country fried steak, my mom with the avocado chicken and my older brother having a chorizo calzone. I was not a big fan of my order due to the fact that it had no sauce under the cheese which is something I am not accustomed to. However, I am a bit biased due to my unfamiliarity with the cuisine; on the other hand, the undercarriage was incredibly well done and so was the crust. I highly recommend this item to whoever is a big fan of cheesy foods, but personally it's not for me. Tasting the avocado chicken, which is undoubtedly the best cuisine we order, the chicken was juicy while being incredibly tender with a freshly prepared avocado cream and slices of avocado with over the cuisine. With a side of rice and grilled vegetables, while being the best dish, it is also the healthiest option. Introducing country fried steak, though being the second worst dish we've ordered today, this dish is still much more higher quality that many of the other restaurants I've been to with it's astounding tenderness and its creamy and tasty white gravy that perfectly compliments the steak. With a side of smashed potatoes that are so smooth it almost feels like it flows into your mouth, and with a corn on the cob that is lightly rubbed with a creamy butter that can improve almost anything you put it up against. Up next being the fajita, the meat was tender and felt as if it melted in your mouth while also having a basic yet delicious taste to it. The fajitas were given with flour tortillas, avocado, and beans, and when mixed up, you cannot name a better taco that you have tried until you had this one. Last but not least is the chorizo calzone, which is most likely the highest value dish being only 12 dollars, you are served a steaming hot sizeable calzone filled with chorizo, potatoes and melted cheese that cannot be replicated nowhere else, with a side of 2 salsas that mix perfectly with the calzone when dipped in. All in all, this place may be pricey in general, but for those who look for an adventure in the taste buds and quality that surprises even those who deny it, I highly recommend this place and will say that it lives up to the high standard that it is...

The only real highlight of The Republic of the Rio Grande was the ambiance—dim lighting, stylish decor, and a setting that promised a great dining experience. Unfortunately, the food and service didn’t quite live up to it.

Appetizers: We ordered the guacamole ($14) and were surprised when it arrived… unassembled. Instead of a fully prepared, flavorful dip, we were handed a DIY project. I’ve been to places where guacamole is made tableside, allowing you to customize it as the server prepares it—but this wasn’t that. Mixing it ourselves felt awkward, and honestly, if I wanted to make my own guacamole, I would’ve stayed home.

Entrées: I went in expecting a steakhouse experience, but the limited steak options were the first red flag. I ordered the chimichurri flank steak, ($24) and while it was cooked correctly (which I appreciate), the chimichurri sauce somehow lacked flavor. Impressive in the worst way. The rice pilaf was dry and just as bland.

My guest ordered the chicken fried steak, (16) which didn’t fare much better. The mashed potatoes were dry and crusty, the gravy was sparse and flavorless, and the overall dish lacked the comfort-food appeal it should have had.

After two disappointing courses, we opted to skip dessert altogether.

Another strange choice? Paper tablecloths that did absolutely nothing to absorb condensation from our drinks, leaving puddles of water everywhere. At this price point, I expected something a little more refined—at the very least, a table setting that didn’t require me to dodge mini floods every time I reached for my glass.

Final Thoughts: The restaurant has potential, but for the price, lack of flavor, and overall experience, it’s just not worth a return visit. It wasn’t terrible, but it wasn’t memorable either—except for the moment I nearly took a plate...

Well, what can I say. My plate consisted of avocado chicken. Not worth it for $18. Let me explain. I got a 1/4 of a chicken breast, literally measured 1/4 of an inch, slathered with avocado, cream and tomatoes on top. It was good may I add, but not worth $18, yeah I get it, the restaurant is tying to be an up scale place, but please R.O.T.R.G., dont rip people off. It came with 1/4 cup of veggies, and maybe a cup of rice. THATS IT, no more. This picture was after my first bite 🤦‍♂️, needless to say, was not satisfied. On top of that, my drink had something in it like plastic, I did return it, but did not drink the other glass I got. Never know what the kitchen will do to you when you return stuff back or change the contents of it-----See the movie "waiting - by Ryan Reynolds. 🤭

Anyways, o well, will not return for seconds. So my friend ordered a chicken fried chicken, and tasted like it had freezer burn, and was just microwaved and it was still cold when he got it. That was disappointing, big chain restaurants have better chicken fried chicken than this place.

Again, didn't return, well you know why.😒 Mind you, my friend is a food expert and has worked in kitchens as a manager and knows his stuff. And finally, another friend of mine received a rack of ribs, tasted completely dry and seemed like it came from HEB down the street. Overall, I rate this place in a sad 2 star placement. I get it, you want to be fancy and stuff, but dont rip off people man, especially during these stuff times.

It's not the price that bugs me, it's the quality and quantity for what you payed for. Will never get seconds here again, that for sure. For an hour drive, I rather go to cheddars for the same food, much tastier, hot and quantity for a lower price. That's my opinion and I'm sticking...