Last Friday we took a trip into Harlingen to run an errand and it was so close to dinner time that we decided to stick around and find a new restaurant to try out. The easiest choice was an Italian restaurant and since our neighbor had suggested Stefano’s Brooklyn Pizza, this is where we ended up.

Being unfamiliar with Harlingen, it took us a few minutes to find the place and since it was during the afternoon rush hour, traffic was a bit of a problem but not a dealbreaker. From the outside it looks like a big restaurant and posted on the front door was a sign asking guests to be patient because they are having staffing issues. I was worried we were going to have slow service but once we went in and noticed that there were not too many customers there, we decided to stay.

As first timers, we took longer than usual to place an order but ended up ordering the Eggplant parmigiana for myself (fresh eggplant, onions, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese) and the Brisket sandwich for my meat-eating husband – (slow cooked chopped brisket with BBQ sauce, red onion, and pickles served with seasoned French fries). For drinks, we each had a glass of Moscato. Our server was friendly and helpful, the service was fast, and the food tasted fresh and homemade. The portions were generous and I ended up eating just one half of my sandwich and taking the other home for the next day.

During our visit, the atmosphere was quiet and there were plenty of seating options considering we are still social distancing in restaurants. By the time we left, though, the place was starting to get crowded. Overall the prices are reasonable but the alcohol sales tax was a surprise. It turns out the restaurant charges an “alcohol-tax,” in our case it was $0.66 total. We eat out regularly and have adult drinks on occasion, but this was our first time at a restaurant that charges an alcohol tax. It is not a big problem, but some advance notice would have been nice. With all the traveling we have done and eating out in elegant big city restaurants for years, this is the first time we have come across this. Is this just in Harlingen? If there is a next time, we will just have that glass of wine at home.

Established in 2012, Stefano’s Brooklyn Pizza has been serving the Rio Grande Valley with Brooklyn style Pizzas and more. We are home of the 30″ inch Pizza and we invite you to come and try our Italian cuisine. Our location includes a wide variety of Italian dishes, steaks and an outdoor patio bar. Our caring and committed staff will ensure you have a fantastic experience with us. (Stefano’s Brooklyn Pizza, 2021)

Price range: $ – $$$

Business hours:
Dining room open from 3p.m. to 10p.m. daily
Take-out and delivery hours:
Sunday – Wednesday 11a.m. to 9p.m.
Thursday – Saturday 11a.m. to 9p.m.

Stefano’s Brooklyn Pizza
4201 W US-83 Business
Harlingen, TX 78552
(956) 425-6281