First impression: Lettuce Eat Salad

Lettuce Eat Salad has salads, wraps, and coffee. Photo: Sandra Cruz

Whenever I get a craving for a salad, I usually head for the nearest salad buffet restaurant. The only problem is that around here, those types of restaurants are hard to find. Sure, you can go to different restaurants and try their ‘salad buffets’ but honestly, the choices are limited and sometimes the ingredients are not too fresh. So when I heard about Lettuce Eat Salad in Brownsville, I was excited but hesitant to try it out.

Located on Pablo Kisel, it was not hard to find because it is among the many new restaurants in the area. It is a small location, but there is plenty of seating depending on the time of the day that you go. The first time I saw the buffet options, I was pleasantly surprised. They boast over 80 ingredients and they are not kidding. The menu options are limited because it is a salad buffet, so it is either a small for $9.99 or large for $10.99 so I went with the small. In reality, it looks like a large after you get all the ingredients you want. The employee puts it together for you, kind of like going to Subway and you only get one trip to the buffet but believe me one trip is enough. I also ordered a cup of the chicken enchilada soup for my dining companion, which is $5.75 since the soup options are limited as well; they only have one type but on a recent visit they also had mushroom soup, so it may vary from day to day.

With over 50 fresh toppings and dressings available, you can definitely customize your salad. Every visit is a chance to try a different type of salad. You can choose either a salad or have it in a wrap. They also have a variety of coffees ranging from Cappuccinos to Americano, either iced or hot, and soups. I have been back three times since then and every time I go, I have different fixings on my salad. This is one of the best experiences I have had with a salad bar because all the ingredients are fresh. The soup was tasty as well, it comes with a side of chips, and the iced latte was the perfect complement to my meal. It is clean and well lit and no doubt a favorite with people coming to and from the gym. The employees are friendly and helpful. I will definitely be returning more often and recommend this place to anyone looking for healthier options. Even if you do not always eat salads, give it a chance. You can always go eat tacos another day. Or detox the day after a taco binge.

Lettuce Eat Salad
3341 Pablo Kisel Blvd, Ste R
Brownsville, TX 78526
(956) 265-7186

Business hours:
Monday – Friday 11a.m. to 8:30p.m.
Saturday 12p.m. to 6p.m.
Sunday – closed

Lettuce Eat Salad

First impression: Doña Carmen’s Restaurant

Doña Carmen’s Restaurant #4 – South Padre Island. Photo: Sandra Cruz

It has been a busy couple of months so I have not had a chance to explore much, but last month while at South Padre Island for an art walk, we decided to have lunch nearby. Determined to have Mexican food, we drove around until we came upon a colorful sign advertising Doña Carmen’s Restaurant. It was odd because it was the first time we noticed this restaurant but decided to take a chance. Since then, Doña Carmen’s Restaurant opened a location in Los Fresnos and we recently had breakfast there. During our visit, they were only open until 4p.m. but we suggested they stay open later because like us, some people like to go out for dinner. I am so happy that now the Los Fresnos location is open until 9p.m. so we can go there for dinner one of these days after work.

Doña Carmen’s Restaurant #4 – South Padre Island
This location has a Doña Carmen life-sized cartoon cardboard cutout by the front door to greet guests. As soon as you enter, the welcoming sights and smells of a Mexican restaurant beckon you to satisfy your taste buds with a variety of delectable dishes. I thought I was only going to have one or two options, being that I do not eat meat in all its forms and it is rare to have more than one option at restaurants. Much to my surprise, the menu is extensive and I had trouble deciding what to order. I opted for the Entomatadas. The plate consists of four, yes, four entomatadas, rice, beans, and lettuce and tomatoes. The serving size is generous and the tomato sauce is made from scratch. The food tastes homemade, just as I had hoped. I ordered a jamaica flavored “agua fresca” and it comes served in a personal sized pitcher so it was much more than I could finish there. It is so delicious and thankfully I was able to take the rest of it to go. The hubbs went with the Bistek Ranchero, which also comes with rice, beans, and lettuce and tomatoes. I cannot stress enough how impressed we are with the quality of the food. Everything is fresh and made to order. Our only complaint is that they charge extra ($1.99 each) for additional flour tortillas. Other than that, it was a lovely visit. The wait staff is efficient and friendly.

#4 – 5800 Padre Blvd, Suite 101
South Padre Island, TX 78597
(956) 484-2314
Business hours:
Open every day 7a.m. to 4p.m.

Doña Carmen’s Restaurant #5 – Los Fresnos
Saturday mornings call for breakfast on the go. We got there bright and early since they open at 7a.m. After we ordered our coffee, the server brought over a small bowl filled with animal crackers to complement the coffee. What an original idea! We finished those before our breakfast dishes arrived. I ordered the Chilaquiles Rojos with eggs topped with cheese and it comes with refried beans and lettuce and tomatoes, which is weird because it is breakfast. Again, the serving size is more than enough and the flavors are undeniably homemade. The hubbs had the Huevos Divorciados, over easy, and they come with a side of bacon, refried beans and fried tortilla bits topped with salsa and shredded cheese.

#5 – 407 W Ocean Blvd, Suite A
Los Fresnos, TX 78566
(956) 254-2402
Business hours:
Saturday 7a.m. to 3p.m.
Sunday Closed
Monday – Friday 7a.m. to 9p.m.

Suffice it to say, we will definitely eat at Doña Carmen’s Restaurant again, whether at the South Padre location or the Los Fresnos one. The ambiance is friendly, the customer service is excellent and the food is authentic and tastes homemade, “just like grandma used to make.” The quality of the food is certainly not “fast food” grade and anyone looking for a hearty Mexican meal, whether it be for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, will be in for a delightful treat. So stop by next time and treat your taste buds to a “fiesta,” or better yet, treat the family out for a fabulous meal. They will thank you for it.

Price range: $ – $$

First impression: Stefano’s Brooklyn Pizza

Stefano’s Brooklyn Pizza in Harlingen. Photo: Sandra Cruz

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

Stefano’s Brooklyn Pizza

Eggplant Parmigiana with a side of French fries

First impression: Sasi’s Thai Restaurant

Sasi’s Thai Restaurant serves authentic Thai food. Photo: google

It is hard to find any type of Thai restaurant in the Brownsville area, much less one that serves authentic Thai cuisine, so when I found out about Sasi’s Thai Restaurant, I was curious. Friday night we headed out on another culinary adventure and decided to give it a shot. It beats driving out of the area just to be disappointed because yes, we have had authentic Thai food and we are kind of spoiled that way. Sasi’s Thai cuisine brings the authentic Thai dishes to the Brownsville area with delicious blends of vegetables, noodles, and spices. Add in the best bubble tea in Brownsville. (Sasi’s Thai Restaurant, 2021)

Being that the restaurant is along the frontage road, it was not hard to find. It was early in the day so we practically had the place to ourselves. The dining area is big so there are plenty of seating options and our server was prompt in bringing us menus. She took our drink orders first because we needed a few minutes to look over the menu.

We must have been hungry because we ordered so much food and we ended up taking some of it home. Everything we ordered was fresh and so flavorful, it reminded me of why I love Thai food so much. You cannot find these types of flavors just anywhere. For anyone not familiar with Thai food, I have included descriptions of what we ordered.
Fried spring rolls – cabbage, carrots, and clear noodles wrapped in a spring roll skin, deep fried and served with Sasi’s very own sweet and sour sauce.
Fresh spring rolls – fresh vegetables and noodles wrapped in soft rice paper, served with Sasi’s peanut sauce.
Noodle soup – rice noodles with bean sprouts, carrots, onions, scallions, and cilantro (with tofu).
Panang Curry – lightly sweetened panang paste with coconut milk, bell peppers, baby corn, bamboo shoot, mushrooms, carrots, and onions. Served with a side of rice (with tofu).
Fried rice – stir fried rice with egg, onions, and carrots (with shrimp and beef).

If you happen to visit and are unsure of what to order, they do have a picture menu, which makes it so much easier. On some dishes, it is recommended that you specify the spice level (mild, medium, hot, Thai hot). Sasi’s Thai Restaurant is a small, family owned business so their hours of operation may vary daily. While we were there, we noticed that their curbside service is popular with guests. Lee, one of the owners, took the time to talk to us, patiently answered our questions and confirmed that most people opt for the curbside service. It certainly is worth considering. So next time you are in the mood for something different, give your taste buds a treat and remember, shop small, shop local. Support your neighborhood small business; they will thank you for it.

$ – $$

Sasi’s Thai Restaurant
937 N. Expressway Suite 2
Brownsville, TX 78526
(956) 435-9073

Business hours:
Sunday – closed
Monday through Friday 11a.m. to 8p.m

Sasi’s Thai Restaurant

First impression: Nerve Coffee

Pastry selections during my visit. Topo Chico is also available. Photo: Sandra Cruz

There seems to be no shortage of coffeeshops in Brownsville nowadays, so it does not matter what part of the city you are in, a java jolt is certainly within reach. Such was the case for me recently when I was at North Park Plaza shopping at Amor Y Pan that I noticed a new coffeeshop. Last time I was in the area, I saw construction going on but this time it was open for business – Nerve Coffee. From the outside, it looked clean, organized, and inviting so I decided to get a coffee to go.

The interior is decorated in neutral colors with minimal furnishings but enough tables to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee. At the far corner, there is a retail station where they sell t-shirts and shopping bags with the cute company slogan – “Pa Los Nervios” as well as bagged coffee. With such a cute slogan, you get the feeling that coffee is their number one priority, yet they also sell baked goods and cold beverages. I like that the barista station is close by and out in the open so you can see, or supervise, as your coffee is being prepared. The front counter has samples of their baked goods and during my visit, this included cookies and brownies. I have a feeling the selections change frequently, as with some small businesses. I will have to go back again to verify this.

I knew I wanted coffee, but I was unsure what kind, so the patient cashier guided me with several questions: hot or cold? definitely cold; sweet? Yes, please. Any flavors? I opted for mocha and of course, made with almond milk. It was exactly what I expected – sweet and refreshing because in this South Texas heat, I cannot imagine drinking hot coffee in the middle of the afternoon. I also bought two chocolate chip cookies and lingered awhile to enjoy my coffee and survey my surroundings. I noticed that the majority of the patrons were young, so I get the impression that some do their studies while they are here. Not a bad idea. It might just be a hip place to hang out because a recent Facebook post announced live acoustic music last Saturday. The latte art on their hot coffee is amazing.

Nerve Coffee might be off my usual route, but next time I am in the neighborhood I will no doubt return for an iced coffee and maybe pick up one of their cool t-shirts. Everything is reasonably priced, so it is not out of the question. The customer service is top notch and the baked goods pair deliciously with their coffee. Next time you are craving a treat, stop by and support your local coffee shop. Remember: shop small, shop local. We might just run into each other next time.

Nerve Coffee
800 N Expressway, Ste 10
Brownsville, TX 7520
(956) 443-0101

Business Hours:
Monday through Friday 7a.m. to 8p.m.
Saturday 8a.m. to 8p.m.
Sunday 8a.m. to 4p.m.

Price Range: $ – $$

Nerve Coffee

First impression: Main Street Deli

Another Friday night meant another chance to venture out into the city and find a new and interesting place for dinner. This time it was Main Street Deli in downtown Brownsville. We had noticed this restaurant the last few times we were in the area and decided to throw caution to the wind and give it a chance. As usual, the parking in the area is challenging but we managed to quickly find a spot. It is located on Market Square in the area that has become the focus for downtown revitalization.

The inside has a charming deli atmosphere and as soon as we walked in, to the right, there is a bright pink neon sign that reads “this must be the place” – so obviously I knew then that we were in the right place. I was impressed by how neat, clean, and tidy everything looks which is always a good sign. There are more than enough seating options so we chose a table right next to the window. The walls are mostly glass and it is on a corner lot, so customers can see traffic go by as they are enjoying their meal.

Menu options, as with other delis, include salads (Caesar, Market Square, and Main Street), wraps (turkey, chicken, and veggie), and pasta (fettucine Alfredo, Cheesy Fettucine, and Spaghetti and Meatballs). I ordered the Veggie Wrap and the Market Square Salad and my husband ordered the Cuban Sandwich and since the salad is big enough, we ended up sharing it. I am usually hesitant about ordering salads because more often than not, the greens are not fresh but in this case every ingredient was fresh: the greens, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes and cucumbers and it comes with a side of cilantro sauce. Wanting to save room for the salad, I ended up taking half of the veggie wrap to go. The Cuban Sandwich is delicious too, and it comes with a cup of lentil soup. It would have been nice to have a separate dipping sauce for it, but overall it was good.

As a deli/sandwich shop, it was a pleasant experience. In business for a couple of years, owners Hector Zavala and Diana Medina should be proud of what they are offering downtown patrons. It is a nice place to sit, slow down for a bit, and have a tasty meal. Service was fast and the staff is friendly and helpful. We went in early in the afternoon so it was not too crowded and by the time we left, at around 6p.m., it was starting to get busy. Next time you are in the area, stop by Main Street Deli for lunch or dinner; the lemonade looks so refreshing for these coming hot months. Remember: shop small, shop local, and support your community.

Price range: $ – $$
Main Street Deli
1157 E. Washington St.
Brownsville, TX 78520
(956) 551-9498

Business hours:
Monday through Saturday 11a.m. to 8:30p.m.
Closed Sundays

East Washington Street

First impression: Worthy Nutrition & Energy

Worthy Nutrition & Energy. Photo: Sandra Cruz

It is encouraging to see more restaurants offering healthier options in the Brownsville area. Most are small, locally owned businesses and Saturday it was time for me to finally visit Worthy Nutrition & Energy on Alton Gloor Blvd. I usually drive through this area but seldom have time to slow down and take a closer look. They had been advertising their Customer Appreciation Day all week so this was the perfect opportunity to stop by.

Being that it was close to noon, the place was already buzzing with activity. I was greeted by Mariah and automatically felt welcomed and appreciated; like I was among friends. As you are coming in, to the right they have a seating section made up of two chairs and a couch that has a cushion with the stitching “sit & stay awhile” proudly welcoming people to hang out. To the left there is a staging section with a half outline of balloons and the words “You Are Worthy” written on the wall that is meant for pictures and sure enough, most customers were taking pictures with it to post online. For the promotional day, they had pastries, a vegetable tray, and other goodies for customers to enjoy.

Since this was my first time there, the extensive menu seemed a little intimidating but Mariah explained all my options. I ordered the Twisted Apple Tea and it turned out so delicious, energizing, and refreshing for these South Texas hot days. They had a specialty menu for their Customer Appreciation Day which included the Twisted Apple Tea. It came festively decorated with a mini umbrella and I was pleasantly surprised to see they use paper straws. Big plus! I have my eye on the iced coffee with protein, maybe next time because I will definitely be back. With every purchase, customers had the option to sign up for a raffle that they were going to have at the end of the day. Sadly, I did not win. The prizes looked so nice.

Classified as a smoothie and juice bar, Worthy Nutrition & Energy is an outstanding place to hang out and get a healthy drink along with tasty baked treats. If you are not in a hurry, stick around and chill, there are many sitting options and the staff is so friendly and helpful. Thanks to Mariah as well as Ricky and Alex, the owners, for taking the time to talk to me and answer my questions. As Mariah mentioned, they strive to provide area residents with healthier options, especially during these COVID times when it is important to stay healthy. So remember, shop small, shop local, and maybe I will see you there the next time around.

“Worthy Nutrition & Energy is a place for high energy, good vibes, and a hub for a healthy, active lifestyle! We serve delicious protein shakes, energizing teas, iced coffee and so much more!” (Worthy Nutrition & Energy, 2021)

Price Range: $$

Worthy Nutrition & Energy
1501 E. Alton Gloor Blvd.
Brownsville, TX 78526
(956) 667-1771

Business hours:
Monday – Friday 7a.m. to 6p.m.
Saturday 9a.m. to 4p.m.
Sunday CLOSED

Worthy Nutrition & Energy

First impression: Terras Urban Mexican Kitchen

The bar at Terras Urban Mexican Kitchen. Photo: Sandra Cruz

Friday nights are meant for eating out, after working hard all week, as well as exploring our community and finding new eating spots, preferably locally owned. This time we ended up in downtown Brownsville to check out Terras Urban Mexican Kitchen, recommended by our neighbor Noelle who happens to be the manager.

Finding the restaurant was easy but finding a parking spot was not. It is hard to tell from the outside, but the interior is huge. The extensive bar area is the first thing you notice when you walk in, that should tell you that it is an important part of Terras. The spacious interior has enough tables for dining in and thankfully it is brightly lit and the background music is not too loud. There was no waiting time because we got there shortly after they opened, so the hostess sat us right away. Nothing says upscale restaurant like having to wait to be seated, then receiving a drink menu and having to use your QR scanner to get the food menu.

For my Friday night drink I ordered the Margarita ($6) even though my choices were decent. We ordered the Calabaza De Temporada ($8) and the American Wagyu Sirloin ($30) along with a Caesar Salad ($8) and a Strawberry Salad ($8). We were hoping for complimentary chips and salsa, or bread and butter, while we waited for the food but there was none so we ended up ordering the chips and salsa ($2). No iced tea either, just aguas frescas and Mexican soda pops. We received the salads first and were pleasantly surprised to see how big they are. Not only are the portions generous, but they are delicious and all the ingredients are fresh. The main dishes were excellent too, and even though the Calabaza De Temporada is just the basic squash, the taste is impressive, my compliments to the chef on such an incredibly tasty dish.

Terras Urban Mexican Kitchen is definitely worth the trip downtown. In a city filled with mostly taquerias and cookie cutter Mexican restaurants, this upscale restaurant offers an extensive drink menu and delectable dishes with flavors not often found in this region. Menu offerings include Coliflor Frita, Betabeles Enchilados, tacos (ribeye, cochinita pibil, porkbelly carnitas), and many more. A big thank you to Samarra, the waitress for the night and Noelle for taking the time to talk to us and answer our questions. The prices may be a little higher than most restaurants, but you get what you pay for. You can be reassured that we will be back soon. Remember: shop local, shop small. Your community will thank you.

In 2014, co-founders Christian Nevarez (Head Chef) and Juan Flores (Bar Manager) met working at a local restaurant. They shared a vision of creating a unique culinary and craft cocktail experience in Brownsville, Texas. They set up shop on Elizabeth St. in Historic Downtown Brownsville. Within a year of opening, Juan, Christian, and their staff brought a unique dining experience to Downtown Brownsville with creations like the Shrimp Molcajete, Pineapple Moscow Mule, Ribeye Mole, and Sangre de Azteca. Terras Urban Mexican Kitchen was established in 2016 under three driving forces: local, unique, and community. (Terras Urban Mexican Kitchen, 2021)

$ – $$$
Terras Urban Mexican Kitchen
1212 E Washington St.
Brownsville, TX 78520

Business hours:
Thursday 5p.m. – 10p.m.
Friday 5p.m. – 2a.m.
Saturday 5p.m. – 2a.m.
Sunday 11a.m. – 3p.m.
Monday Closed
Tuesday 5p.m. – 10p.m.

Terras Urban Mexican Kitchen

First impression: Habibi Mediterranean and Tex-Mex Grill

Habibi Mediterranean and Tex-Mex grill. Photo: google

Saturday we ventured out to Brownsville and decided to try to have lunch at Habibi Mediterranean and Tex-Mex Grill. I love Mediterranean food because it is vegan/vegetarian friendly and having spent the last few years in San Antonio, I got used to eating it frequently. Much to my dismay, there are no Mediterranean restaurant in the area, unless you travel to McAllen. My sister recommended this place so I figured we would give it a try.

Finding the restaurant was not a problem but parking is limited. They open at 11a.m so of course we were there early to avoid the crowds because I have heard that it can get busy. There are more than enough tables for dining in and the Middle Eastern decorations set the mood for what you are about to eat. The two televisions were on but luckily the volume was not too high or it would have been distracting.

Devanny the waitress promptly stopped by and took our drink order and left the menus for us to look over. I ordered the falafel plate and my husband got the Habibi Mix Grill combination plate. As an appetizer, you get falafels with hummus and even though it came when we were halfway through our drinks, the falafels are obviously freshly made and the hummus is delicious. True to the posted sign at the counter: “We are not a fast food restaurant! Your food is made fresh every order. Please be patient,” it took almost thirty minutes to get our order but it was worth the wait. This is the type of Mediterranean food we are used to eating. Everything is flavorful and the portions are so generous that we ended up taking the leftovers home. I strongly recommend getting there early and make sure you are not too hungry, because there is a wait time.

They have Halal, vegetarian, vegan and keto options. The menu includes chicken, lamb, beef kebab grill, falafels, hummus, tabbouleh, baba ghanoush, shawarma, gyros, Greek salad, grape leaves, maklube, mansaf, kabsah, and much more. Confusing? The menu has pictures and the waitstaff is helpful and will answer any questions you might have. I was disappointed that the Baklava is only for dinner, I was looking forward to dessert. The prices are not too bad, the total for lunch was $26.25 excluding the tip.

Habibi Mediterranean and Tex-Mex grill started out as a food truck at The Broken Sprocket and has been at the current location for about two years with future plans to expand. A big thank you to Devanny and Alex, the owner, for taking the time to talk to us and answer our questions. We definitely enjoyed our visit and will be back again, not to mention recommend it to friends and family, especially those who have never had Mediterranean food. They do not know what they are missing. So once again, shop small, shop local, and support your neighborhood restaurants and be daring and try something new. Your taste buds, your community, and Habibi Mediterranean and Tex-Mex Grill will thank you. Maybe we will see you there next time!

Habibi Mediterranean and Tex-Mex grill
123 Old Port Isabel Rd, Ste A3
Brownsville, TX 78521
(956) 509-4384

Business hours:
Monday through Saturday 11a.m. to 9p.m.
Closed Sundays

Habibi Mediterranean and Tex-Mex Grill

First impression: Raw Xocolat

Raw Xocolatl in Brownsville. Photo: Sandra Cruz

I love weekends because I get to explore not only my town but the surrounding cities in the hopes of finding new and interesting places to shop or eat, especially if it is a small, locally owned business. Sunday I headed over to Brownsville to check out a new, at least to me, health food store/chocolate shop. From what I understand, Raw Xocolat has been around for some time, selling their goods online and in farmers markets but they recently got a brick and mortar in Brownsville. I am in constant search for healthier food options and when my nephew recently pointed this one out to me, I could not wait to try it. I mean, chocolate, raw goods, healthy snack options, this place was calling my name.

It was not hard to find and luckily there was no waiting because, again, I prefer to do my shopping early in the day. I was not sure what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised when I saw tables for dine-in and a menu that offers drinks and pastries, along with their chocolate products. The interior is brightly lit and beautifully decorated with a combination of chocolates and coffee bean products, coffee mugs, and other knickknacks. The black and white color palette gives it an aura of elegance and sophistication. I was already hooked and decided to try a sampling of several items.

From comments on social media, I knew that their Aztek Gold beverage is one of their best sellers, so I ordered mine on ice with almond milk. I am not thrilled that there is a .75 extra charge for the almond milk but for now that is not important. This drink is their version of Golden Milk, an Indian beverage that is hyped for its healing, anti-inflammatory properties due in part to the curcumin found in turmeric. Turmeric has been used for thousands of years to treat conditions such as breathing problems, joint pain, fatigue, digestive issues, and more. The other spices it contains are ginger and cinnamon, both of which are also known for their anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory benefits. My husband ordered it hot with regular milk. I was not disappointed at all. It is so delicious, whether iced or hot.

I needed something to eat with my Aztec Gold so I ordered two of their tamales: the bean and cheese and the (vegan) jack fruit with red peppers. For dessert, I ordered two Madeleines, two macarons (French pastries), a chocolate biscotti, and a 2oz. vegan white chocolate Matcha spread for use at home. Everything is reasonable priced, so I ended up spending $23.82, not including the tip afterwards. That is not too bad because everything is so delicious and I am definitely coming back for more. I have found my go-to place for scrumptious chocolates and treats, and of course, those vegan tamales alone are worth a return trip.

The vegan white chocolate Matcha spread, Madeleines, macarons, chocolate biscotti, and hot Aztek Gold. Photo: Sandra Cruz

A big thank you to the staff and owner Jesse who took the time to talk to me and patiently answered my questions about this family-owned business. According to them, their recent ‘soft opening’ was a success and business is going well. Everyone is so courteous and attentive so if you come in and are unsure what to order, they take the time to explain their products. It is rare to have a shop in Brownsville that sells these types of quality products, so do yourself and your taste buds a favor and shop small, shop local. Your community will thank you and so will Raw Xocolat.

Business hours:
Monday – Friday 9a.m. to 8p.m.
Saturday 10a.m. – 8p.m.
Sunday 10a.m. – 8p.m.

Raw Xocolat
500 E. Morrison Rd. Ste. H
Brownsville, TX 78526

Raw Xocolat

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