Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Corpus Christi / McAllen

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Corpus Christi / McAllen? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Santa Fe Steakhouse and Cantina

4.8

4.8 (631)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

McAllen

About the restaurant

Santa Fe's Steakhouse & Cantina is famous for it's award winning steaks, fine wine & handcrafted cocktails. Don't miss out on the Orange Roughy, a favorite. High-end destination serving steaks & seafood backed by a massive wine list, plus live music nights.

Top review

Anabel

Dined on Jun 25, 2025

Santa Fe is always delicious and the service is second to none. I recommend to everyone always.

La Doble M Restaurant & Bar

4.8

4.8 (46)

$31 to $50

Contemporary Mexican

McAllen

About the restaurant

Un restaurante de alta cocina en la cual nuestro menú, inspirado en la exquisita gastronomía del norte de México, conjunto a un servicio excepcional distinguen este concepto.
Esta propuesta culinaria combina nuestra cocina de brasa, los cuales ingredientes y texturas dan una experiencia memorable al paladar, con un fondo donde la música y decoración se entrelazan para crear el mejor ambiente al cliente.

Top review

VicenteVIP

Dined on May 26, 2025

Food was good but in my opinion overpriced. The service was really good. Friendly and very attentive staff.

Katz 21 Steak and Spirits

4.7

4.7 (1021)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Corpus Christi

About the restaurant

Katz 21 Steak & Spirits, the city’s finest Prime Steakhouse, is relocated on the South side of Corpus Christi and is setting the standard for the premier fine dining experience. Specializing in wet-aged prime beef and fresh seafood that is sourced daily, Katz 21 also offers an award winning wine list that is sure to please every palate. Three elegant private dining rooms, perfect for all occasions, can accommodate from 10 to 150 guests. Whether you are having a cocktail or glass of wine before dinner, or enjoying the best in live entertainment after your meal, Club 21 is one of Corpus' liveliest bars.

Top review

Dined 7 days ago

The seafood was excellent. We were more impressed with the seafood.

The Republic of the Rio Grande

4.7

4.7 (169)

$30 and under

Steakhouse

McAllen

About the restaurant

A sumptuous, indoor-outdoor bar & grill serving Southwest menu, including steaks & pizza.

At the Republic of the Rio Grande, our attention to detail and the way we present a platter tells you that dining here is going to be special, no matter the occasion. We strive to create a sumptuous and exciting dining experience for all of our guests

Disclaimer: For Friday and Saturday reservations please call the restaurant directly. We recommend giving us up to a 24 hour notice if you would like to book with us due to possible low availability.

Top review

DennisVIP

Dined 3 days ago

The food was outstanding and the staff attentive. We woll definitely return on next visit.

BOND Cocktail Lounge

4.7

4.7 (37)

$31 to $50

Lounge

McAllen

About the restaurant

At Bond Cocktail Lounge, our focus is on delivering an elevated experience where every detail matters. From our expertly crafted cocktails to our thoughtfully curated dishes, we aim to blend innovation with timeless elegance. Our menu highlights fresh, premium ingredients and global influences, while our bar program is designed to push the boundaries of mixology. Whether you’re joining us for a refined evening or a social gathering, Bond is dedicated to creating a space where exceptional flavors and impeccable service come together.

Top review

Joshua

Dined 7 days ago

Service and ambiance is always superb here. Maria, Miguel, and the DJ were awesome.

Discover more

Experience

Tequila & Taco Tuesday at Bond Cocktail Lounge

Experience

Wine & Dine Wednesdays at Bond Cocktail Lounge

Tabū Bistro Lounge

4.7

4.7 (22)

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

McAllen

About the restaurant

Simplicity in Mediterranean cuisine is the ultimate sophistication Tabū Bistro Lounge embraces as a lifestyle. The fresh and original ingredients are prepared in an extraordinary way, focusing on their purity, authenticity and the reinterpretation of the most iconic Mediterranean recipes. Our restaurant explores the possibilities of its environment while preserving its essence to offer a fresh and sophisticated proposal.

Enjoy its bohemian and elegant decor, live Happenings, as well as signature cocktails with original recipes and natural infusions. Tabū Bistro Lounge is the ideal place to soak in the great moments and the simplicity of life in style. Any reason is good enough for a unique Multisensory Experience at Tabū Bistro Lounge.

Top review

Cruz

Dined on May 10, 2025

The music was a little to loud it wasn’t crazy loud but besides that food was amazing beautifully put on the plate I recommend the octopus with bone marrow and wagyu

Discover more

Experience

Brunch

Experience

Tabū's 2 year anniversary!

Experience

Rincon Del Desamor

Noble Steak and Oyster

4.7

4.7 (28)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Laredo

About the restaurant

Welcome to Noble Steak & Oyster Bar, Laredo’s newest destination for refined dining and elevated hospitality. Led by owner Nelson Eguia, Noble brings a fresh and modern approach to the classic steakhouse, featuring prime cuts, fresh East coast oysters, wood-fired specialties, and globally inspired flavors.

Located at 3402 E Del Mar Blvd, Suite 100, our beautifully designed space offers a warm, upscale atmosphere perfect for intimate dinners, celebrations, and business dinners.

From expertly crafted cocktails at the bar to our exclusive locker program for wine and spirits, every detail at Noble is curated to create a memorable experience.

Join us soon and discover where tradition meets innovation — only at Noble.

Top review

Esteban

Dined on Jun 12, 2025

The food was utterly amazing! The bread, mushroom risotto, and crab cakes were wonderful appetizers. The brazed short rib with butter mashed potatoes & sauteed mushrooms and the New York strip with duck fat & black truffle potatoes were excellent. It was truly an amazing dinner. We will be back soon!!

Mikhuna Japanese-Peruvian Cuisine

4.6

4.6 (308)

$30 and under

Japanese

McAllen

About the restaurant

Our aim is to bring the flavors of Peru and nikkei to the Rio Grande Valley, while providing a culinary experience that can't be found anywhere else. When you dine at MIKHUNA, you can expect Peruvian flavors that are exotic yet balanced. On our menu, you'll find indigenous Peruvian recipes, Japanese-influenced nikkei plates, and modern flavors you might encounter today in the streets of Lima.

Top review

SylviaVIP

Dined on Jun 24, 2025

Want a great date night. Here is your spot. Food is always fantastic. Ambiance is on point. Cocktails are delicious. We love going once a week.

Moon Restaurant Mixology

4.6

4.6 (33)

$50 and over

Global, International

McAllen

About the restaurant

Discover a World of Flavor: Fine Dining Awaits. Get ready to go to the Moon and dine amongst the Stars!

WE ACCEPT WALK INS!

Top review

monika

Dined 3 days ago

Great experience and great food! Will definitely go back soon!

Dokyo Dauntaun

4.5

4.5 (302)

$31 to $50

Sushi

Corpus Christi

About the restaurant

Industrial-style destination dishing up sushi, bento boxes & craft cocktails, plus a take-out option.

Top review

KaraVIP

Dined on May 9, 2025

Awesome find in Corpus Christi!! We were pleasantly surprised by the awesome sushi and great drinks at this establishment. The service was impeccable! Great vibe!!! Highly recommend!!!

Explore Diners' Choice best of Corpus Christi / McAllen

Explore more Diners' Choice lists

Steak