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.
With more than 20 restaurants offering incredible seafood, fresh mariscos, sushi, McAllen’s dining scene makes it easy — and delicious — to honor the season.
Here’s your guide to Lent-friendly dining across the city
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 McAllen, 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 Lenten 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.
Red Lobster
7617 N 10th St.
A classic seafood destination offering shrimp, lobster, crab, and fish favorites, perfect for a Friday tradition.
Central & Latin American 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 chain 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.
Sushi & Hibachi
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.
