
17th Street Entertainment District
A dynamic district buzzing with diverse food trucks, lively bars, and entertainment venues like Cine El Rey.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak energy and buzz

17th Street Entertainment District
Best Time
Peak energy and buzz
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A dynamic district buzzing with diverse food trucks, lively bars, and entertainment venues like Cine El Rey.
"Fabulous food, great service, drinks were good. Perfect spot I love the location and the atmosphere."
🚗 Parking Strategy
Utilize the nearby parking garage for convenience, especially on busy nights. Rideshare is also a great option!
🍔 Food Truck Delights
Explore the variety! From Mexican burgers to chicken & waffles, there's something for every palate.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.6 · 550 reviews
Type
Bar
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Diverse Food Truck Options
Throughout the district
Savor a global culinary tour with BBQ, tortas, burgers, pizza, and more from various trucks.

Cine El Rey
Within the district
Catch live music and events at this iconic venue, a hub for local entertainment.

Vibrant Bar Scene
Various bars
Enjoy a wide selection of beers, liquors, and creative mixed drinks in a lively atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Scene
Food Truck Feast
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Cine el Rey
My partner and I are planning on attending a concert in November at Cine el Rey which is on a Sunday, but I’m nervous because I’ve never been to that side of McAllen nor have I been to the downtown area before. I notice there is a parking garage that’s a 5 min. walk away from…
🚗 Parking Strategy
Utilize the nearby parking garage for convenience, especially on busy nights. Rideshare is also a great option!
🍔 Food Truck Delights
Explore the variety! From Mexican burgers to chicken & waffles, there's something for every palate.
Any cool industrial or underground vibe places I can take pictures at?
I always liked the alleys of downtown McAllen. I'm talkin between Bicentennial and Main just south of Business 83. Great alleys there. They can be pretty busy. Got to hit them late at night or early in the morning. Also the parking garage of the (forgot what it is called now)…
🍹 Drink Responsibly
The bars offer a fantastic selection. Pace yourself and consider a designated driver or rideshare.
⏰ Kitchen Hours
Be aware that kitchens may close earlier than bar service. Confirm closing times if dining late.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Strategy
Utilize the nearby parking garage for convenience, especially on busy nights. Rideshare is also a great option!
🍔 Food Truck Delights
Explore the variety! From Mexican burgers to chicken & waffles, there's something for every palate.
🍹 Drink Responsibly
The bars offer a fantastic selection. Pace yourself and consider a designated driver or rideshare.
⏰ Kitchen Hours
Be aware that kitchens may close earlier than bar service. Confirm closing times if dining late.
🔒 Security Check
Some visitors found security checks, including purse checks on exit, to be unusual.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The 17th Street Entertainment District is praised for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse food truck offerings, providing a lively spot for drinks and entertainment. However, some visitors have noted that food prices can be high and have experienced unusual security procedures at certain venues.
"We were never actually served at this restaurant. I arrived with my partner and no one greeted us at the entrance or helped us to a table. We waited a long time for someone to take our order, and by the time we finally got someone’s attention, we were told the kitchen was closed and they were only serving drinks. Terrible experience from start to finish."
Jess
"Nice open air/outdoor venue. Great bar with large variety of beer and liquor/mix drinks. 5 different food trucks provide something for everyone; BBQ, tortas, taquitos, mexican style burgers and hotdogs, pizza, chicken/waffles. We tried the "humburguesa Mexicana" from one of the trucks and chicken & waffles from another. Both were delicious!"
Mario Garcia
"Fabulous food, great service, drinks were good. Perfect spot 👌 I love the location and the adtmosfere."
Lau U
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The district is easily accessible by car and is a popular spot in McAllen. Many visitors recommend using the parking garage located nearby for convenience, especially during peak hours. Rideshare services are also a popular and recommended option for navigating the area and ensuring safe travel, particularly after enjoying the bars.
Yes, parking is available, with a parking garage often cited as a convenient option for visitors. However, it can fill up quickly on busy nights. Planning to arrive early or considering alternative transportation like rideshare is advisable.
The 17th Street Entertainment District is quite walkable once you've parked or arrived via rideshare. Most attractions, food trucks, and bars are within easy strolling distance of each other, allowing you to explore at your own pace.
Information on direct public transport routes to the district can be limited. For most visitors, driving or using rideshare services is the most common and practical method of reaching the area.
The district is more of a general area with multiple access points rather than a single gated entrance. You'll find various streets and intersections leading into the heart of the entertainment zone.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, there are no tickets required to enter the 17th Street Entertainment District itself. It's an open area with various establishments. However, specific venues like Cine El Rey may require tickets for concerts or events.
The district is generally active in the evenings and on weekends. Individual bars and food trucks have their own operating hours, with many staying open late, especially on Fridays and Saturdays.
While the district itself is open, individual bars and venues may have age restrictions, typically 21 and over, especially if alcohol is served. Always check the specific venue's policies.
No, there is no general admission fee to enter the 17th Street Entertainment District. You pay for food, drinks, and any specific events you attend within the area.
Outside food and beverages are generally not permitted, especially within individual establishments or venues. The district's appeal lies in its diverse food trucks and bar offerings.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The district is famous for its array of food trucks offering diverse options like BBQ, tortas, taquitos, Mexican-style burgers and hot dogs, and pizza. There's something to satisfy almost any craving.
Food trucks typically operate during the district's peak hours, which are usually evenings and weekends. It's a good idea to check their specific schedules, as some may close earlier than the bars.
Prices can vary between food trucks, but some visitors have noted that the food can be a bit overpriced. It's advisable to check menus and prices before ordering.
While specific offerings vary by truck, the diverse nature of the food trucks means you can often find vegetarian options, such as vegetable tortas or pizzas. Vegan options might be more limited but worth inquiring about.
Some visitors have reported arriving to find the kitchen closed, with only drinks being served. It's wise to confirm kitchen hours, especially if you're planning a late meal.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vibrant atmosphere by photographing the colorful food trucks, the lively crowds, and the unique architecture of venues like Cine El Rey. The outdoor setting offers great opportunities for candid shots.
As with any public space, be respectful when taking photos of individuals. Candid shots of the general atmosphere are usually fine, but it's always polite to ask permission before taking close-up portraits.
Golden hour, just before sunset, can provide beautiful lighting for the district's outdoor spaces. Evenings offer a lively, illuminated ambiance, perfect for capturing the energy.
Cine El Rey is a distinctive landmark within the district that makes for a great photo backdrop. The collection of diverse food trucks also creates visually interesting compositions.
While personal photography is common, professional photography shoots might require permits. Drone usage is typically restricted in populated areas for safety and privacy reasons. Always check local regulations.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit