June Nightlife: Rio Grande Valley, TX

Bars/Clubs

PBD's

Woof! If you're looking for the more masculine gay men (I know it's an oxymoron), dress casual and head to our local gay neighborhood-style bar in McAllen. PBD's (2908 N. Ware Rd, McAllen) is large enough to incorporate drag shows featuring queens like Valley-famous Betty Crocker and Miss Laura yet small enough to allow you the opportunity to strike up easy conversation in a close encounter on your way to the bar for that next round. Don't forget to go out back where PBD's features a seated patio, permitting you to chat it up with friends or get to know that new guy you met on the dance floor. Cover is $5, dress is casual to ballcaps and unshaven faces. Parking can overflow to the safe and well-lit street however if you want rock-star parking I suggest you hit the door by 10:30.

http://www.pbds-mcallentx.com/

Upper Deck

South Padre’s gay neighborhood bar and resort motel is the principal of most RGV gay-led events (Splash to name the biggest). June 6th is the 10th anniversary for Upper Deck (120 E. Atol St., South Padre Island) and I recommend an early evening out so you can catch the Over-The-Bay Fireworks which start every Friday between now and Labor Day at 9:15 pm. Have a couple drinks and take a walk on the beach, play some music on the juke box in the bar and meet other guys while you enlist some help playing Erotic Photo Hunt or hang loose on the patio and enjoy the company. Upper Deck gives you a feel of comfort, and you’ll meet friends to last a lifetime. Room rates are very reasonable and drinks are flammable with a sensible price. Stop in Mercedes for some outlet shopping on the way home and enjoy a casual, comfortable and fun weekend on the island.

http://www.upperdeckhotel.com/

Shopping

House Wine

House Wine (1117 W. Business 83, McAllen) is an innovative, eclectic and freakishly cool place to spend an evening by yourself (yes, singles go here), with friends, date or partner - anyone and everyone. You'll feel like you warped to NYC, but the loft of House Wine is in the heart of McAllen. House offers wines by the case, by the bottle and by the glass all while you walk the loft and shop their eclectic and hand-picked, unique furnishings. If you're 'just not that into wine', you'll still love the environment, the furnishings and the crowd House Wines attracts brings a wit and sexy you can't find in clubs. Order a cheese, melon or berry plate and if you're looking to get the training wheels off try a Pinot Grigio - for the sophisticate I recommend a spicy red from Argentina. After you have glass in hand, find a seat but be gentle because you may just want to buy it; everything in House is for sale, so bring your plastic. Dress the part, flash that smile and ready yourself for an evening of something different and new you've been waiting for.

http://www.housewinemcallen.com/home.html

Tierra Dulce

Been looking for some furnishings that will set you apart? A unique end table, something new but old, yet something $ensible and within reach - all with a shopping feel equal to being in a Barcelona market? Tierra Dulce offers pieces hewn locally as well as hand-crafted, all-original imports from Spain, Turkey and Italy to name just a few countries on the TD shopping list. The dusty floor and warehouse feel bring out the Old World market that gives a rustic feel, and the international selections offer the splashes of color and some needed history you need to offset that modern motif. Hammered metals, hand-carved tables, festive colors and ornate woods. Take your time, stroll the rooms, and gather ideas. Leave the green car at home and drive a truck because you'll need the space to bring your accents home.

http://www.tierradulce.com/

Dining

Dinner - The Patio on Guerra

Flickers of candle light on the walls, live music, fresh linens on the tables, and wait-service fit for a king are all words I use to describe The Patio (102 S 17th St, McAllen). Whether you're looking for that perfect filet, fresh lobster, large prawn shrimp or that perfectly char-grilled juicy chicken breast (my favorite) you're going to find the best food in town here. The restaurant is straight-owned but you'll find family-a-plenty in the dining room, at the bar or gathering outside on the patio. A top-pick for that night out of the ordinary, celebration or date you're looking to impress. Dress nice, look nice and bring your plastic because food and service of this quality is worth it. Order some vino, enjoy your company and look for one of the owners to stop by your table.

http://www.patioonguerra.com/Welcome.html