Terras Urban Mexican Kitchen

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.