Lent is a season rooted in reflection, tradition, and gathering around meaningful meals. For many, that means choosing seafood or meatless dishes — especially on Fridays. The good news? In McAllen, observing Lent doesn’t limit your options… it expands them.
From mariscos and sushi to Cajun boils and upscale coastal cuisine, McAllen’s dining scene makes it easy — and delicious — to honor the season.
Here’s your guide to Lent-friendly dining across the city:
Mexican Seafood
El Chin Chin
1303 N 10th St.
A local favorite for flavorful seafood dishes and Mexican classics with Lent-friendly options.
Altamar Seafood & Bar McAllen
2600 W Expy 83 Ste. 80
A vibrant seafood spot serving flavorful mariscos, ceviches, and seafood cocktails perfect for a lively Friday gathering.
A Todo Mar
4901 W Expy Ste. 100
Enjoy classic Mexican seafood dishes, from shrimp plates to fresh fish entrées, in a welcoming, family-friendly setting.
Camaleón by Don Arturo
2901 W Expy 83
An elevated dining experience featuring refined seafood dishes and beautifully presented coastal-inspired cuisine.
Muelle 37
1300 E Nolana Ave Suite 300
1201 N 10th St
A modern mariscos destination featuring seafood towers, ceviches, and vibrant plates made for sharing.
La Costa Grill
3300 W Expy 83 Ste. 1235
A longtime local favorite offering Mexican seafood classics and comforting Lent-friendly plates.
El Terco Seafood
1001 S 10th St Ste L
A laid-back mariscos spot serving fresh shrimp cocktails, fish tacos, and bold coastal flavors.
La Chula Del Mar
705 N 23rd St.
Colorful and flavorful, this seafood restaurant offers ceviches, tostadas, and festive seafood plates.
Villa Del Mar
1900 S 23rd St.
A staple for authentic Mexican seafood, serving generous portions of fish, shrimp, and mariscos favorites.
Los Salseados
4905 N 10th St
Perfect for seafood lovers craving saucy shrimp plates and flavorful coastal-inspired dishes.
Mambo Seafood
4817 Expressway Ste 100
A lively favorite offering seafood platters, fish tacos, and refreshing aguas frescas ideal for Lent.
Ostioneria Michoacan McAllen
5612 N 10th St
Known for oysters, shrimp cocktails, and traditional Mexican mariscos served in a relaxed atmosphere.
La Jaiba Mexican Seafood Grill
400 W Nolana Ave #O
A vibrant seafood grill offering everything from ceviche to seafood towers, perfect for family dinners.
El Pastor Grill
600 N 10th St
While known for traditional Mexican fare, they also serve satisfying seafood plates ideal for the season.
MariskHillos
10 N Broadway St
A fun and modern seafood concept serving bold mariscos, shrimp dishes, and shareable plates.
Costa Messa Restaurant North
5248 N 10th St.
An upscale dining experience featuring beautifully prepared seafood dishes and refined coastal flavors.
Baja Fish Tacos
2201 Dove Ave W
A casual favorite serving crispy fish tacos, shrimp plates, and fresh coastal flavors perfect for a relaxed Friday meal.
Sr. Cruda Ceviche and Micheladas
1300 W Trenton Rd #330
Specializing in fresh ceviches and vibrant seafood dishes, this spot brings bold flavors and refreshing micheladas to your Lenten table.
La Laguna Mariscos & Sushi
4313 W Expy 83
A unique fusion of mariscos and sushi, offering seafood towers, rolls, and traditional Mexican coastal dishes under one roof.
Cajun & American Seafood
Surfing Crab McAllen
421 E Nolana Ave.
Dive into bold Cajun-style seafood boils packed with shrimp, crab, and seasoning for a hands-on Lenten feast.
Krab Kingz McAllen
400 W Nolana Ave. #A2
Known for indulgent seafood boils and loaded seafood platters, this is the place for big flavor and big portions.
Mr. Crabby’s Cajun Seafood & Bar
4401 W Expy 83.
A casual, energetic spot offering Cajun seafood boils, shrimp, crab, and flavorful Lent-friendly favorites.
Dirty Al’s Bayou Grill
5712 N. 10th St. #400
Bringing South Padre Island flavor inland with fresh Gulf seafood and crowd-pleasing shrimp and fish dishes.
LA Crawfish
1303 S 10th St.
A go-to for bold Cajun flavors, seafood boils, crawfish, shrimp, and hearty seafood plates that make Friday meals anything but ordinary.
PRIME Steak & Seafood
3400 W Expy 83 Suite 140
For a refined Lenten dinner, PRIME offers elevated seafood entrées in an upscale setting — ideal for a special Friday night out.
Red Lobster
7617 N 10th St.
A classic seafood destination offering shrimp, lobster, crab, and fish favorites — perfect for a Friday tradition.
Sushi & Japanese Cuisine
Hayashi Hibachi
5600 N 10th St.
Enjoy hibachi-style seafood, sushi rolls, and fresh fish prepared tableside for an interactive Lenten dinner.
Mujinzo
7100 N 10th St
A ramen and sushi destination offering seafood-based broths and rolls perfect for a lighter meal.
Umiya Unlimited Sushi
4400 N 10th St.
All-you-can-eat sushi featuring fresh seafood rolls and vegetarian-friendly options for the season.
Zen Bistro
4129 W Expy 83 #20
A cozy Asian fusion restaurant offering seafood entrées and flavorful vegetarian dishes.
Yasuke Japanese Sushi
520 Ash Ave W
A refined sushi experience featuring beautifully crafted rolls and fresh seafood selections.
Kumori Sushi & Teppanyaki
Multiple locations in McAllen
A Valley staple offering sushi, teppanyaki, and seafood-forward dishes ideal for group dinners during Lent.
Sushi Madre McAllen
1100 S Jackson Rd
Creative rolls and fresh seafood plates make this a popular choice for a modern sushi night.
MORI Japanese Grill
2200 S 10th St
A relaxed Japanese grill offering sushi rolls and seafood dishes in a welcoming setting.
MOUSAI
1200 Auburn Ave Suite 320
An upscale sushi and cocktail destination perfect for an elevated Friday evening.
Kato Sabi Sushi Bar
5800 N 10th St Ste 320
A stylish sushi bar known for fresh ingredients and artfully presented rolls.
Tokyo Sushi Bar
500 N 10th St
A longtime local favorite serving classic sushi rolls and seafood dishes perfect for keeping Lent delicious and simple.
Whether you’re gathering with family after Stations of the Cross, planning a Friday date night, or simply craving something fresh and flavorful, McAllen offers no shortage of Lent-friendly dining.
This season, tradition meets taste — and the table is full.
