Existing in a permanent state of beautifully blurred lines, the sprawling borderlands between Texas and Mexico represent a unique, hybridized culture entirely of their own making. Venturing into this arid, politically charged region for a 2006 episode of No Reservations, the goal was to bypass the fearful headlines to explore the deeply intertwined lives of the communities straddling the divide. The culinary landscape here is a fascinating testament to this porous history, an area where aggressive Texan comfort food seamlessly collides with ancient Mexican traditions. The exploration was a deliberate celebration of this crossover, highlighting how a shared love of food renders the physical borders largely irrelevant. From tearing into a massive chicken fried steak on the Texas side to crossing over for cold cervezas in historic, cinematic cantinas—and even experiencing the bizarre collision of cultures with sushi and snake whiskey in Laredo—the journey perfectly captures the weird, resilient spirit of the border towns. To truly understand this complex, shared region, you have to eat on both sides. Here are the essential spots that defined this cross-cultural expedition.
When Anthony Bourdain visited the border towns of Texas and Mexico on his show No Reservations Season 2 Episode 8 (originally aired May 22nd, 2006), he and his crew picked many restaurants. Here are all the addresses and the dishes showcased on No Reservations – Anthony Bourdain US-Mexico Border, all in a convenient list:
READ MORE: FAR WEST TEXAS: ALL OF THE RESTAURANTS PICKED BY ANTHONY BOURDAIN ON PARTS UNKNOWN
DISH – Salsa and Chips, Corona Chicken, and Chicken Fried Steak
WHAT IS IT?
Salsa and Chips – tortilla chips with tomato salsa; Corona Chicken – marinated chicken breast fillet with onions, jalapeño and cheese, wrapped in bacon then grilled, and glazed with teriyaki sauce; Chicken Fried Steak – thinly sliced tip of sirloin, battered and fried, then topped with gravy.
READ MORE: US HEARTLAND: ALL OF THE RESTAURANTS PICKED BY ANTHONY BOURDAIN ON NO RESERVATIONS
WHERE IS IT?
T B’s Bar & Grill
3806 Veterans Blvd
Del Rio, TX, United States
ANTHONY BOURDAIN US-MEXICO BORDER NOTES
T B’s Bar & Grill is no longer in business.
DRINKS – Cerveza – Anthony Bourdain US-Mexico Border
WHAT IS IT?
Spanish for beer.
WHERE IS IT?
Corona Club
Miguel Hidalgo 200, Zona Centro
Ciudad Acuña, Coahuila, Mexico
ANTHONY BOURDAIN US-MEXICO BORDER NOTES
This bar in the border town of Coahuila, Mexico was the filming location for the intro bar scene of the movie “El Mariachi”.
DISH – Sushi, Kakuni and Snake Whiskey – No Reservations US-Mexico Border
WHAT IS IT?
Sushi – Japanese vinegared rice dish with various ingredients, including seafood, vegetables and tropical fruits; Kakuni – braised pork belly and venison cuts; Snake Whiskey – jug or bottle of whiskey with a dead whole snake.
WHERE IS IT?
Tokyo Garden
2515 E Del Mar Blvd
Laredo, TX, United States
ANTHONY BOURDAIN US-MEXICO BORDER NOTES
Tokyo Garden is no longer in business.
READ MORE: ANTHONY BOURDAIN PUEBLA : ALL OF THE RESTAURANTS PICKED ON A COOK’S TOUR
This early journey into the borderlands is historically significant for highlighting the incredibly rich, intertwined culture that thrives in defiance of political walls. In his broader body of work, the episode serves as a powerful, early argument that borders are ultimately artificial constructs when confronted with the unifying reality of shared history, family, and food. The willingness to embrace the chaotic, often bizarre mix of cuisines—from heavy Tex-Mex to unexpected Japanese outposts—showcased an immense respect for the unique adaptability of border communities. It remains a memorable, deeply humanizing hour of television that celebrates the vibrant, complicated life along the Rio Grande. Ignore the political noise, cross the river, and experience the magnificent, shared flavors of this incredible region.
