McAllen, Texas: Where the Humidity Hits Different (and the Tamales are Sacred)
okay, so i just stumbled into McAllen, Texas. didn't really plan on it, honestly. it was a last-minute detour after a gig in Austin fell through. a drummer’s life, right? always chasing the next beat, the next paycheck, the next vaguely clean bathroom.
I’m a touring session drummer, for those keeping track. Which means I spend approximately 70% of my life in vans, 20% in questionable hotel rooms, and 10% actually playing drums. This trip was supposed to be different, a little more…chill. Ha.
It’s…warm here. Like, a specific kind of warm. I just checked and it’s hovering around thirteen degrees Celsius, but it feels like eleven, and the air is thick enough to chew. The humidity is a legit sixty-nine percent. Sixty-nine! I swear my drumsticks are slightly sticky. The pressure’s a bit high, too, like everyone’s holding their breath waiting for something to happen.
I found this little taqueria near my motel - the “Sunset Inn,” which is a generous description - and oh. my. god. The tamales. Seriously, forget everything you think you know about tamales. These are on another level. I overheard someone at the counter saying old Mrs. Rodriguez has been making them the same way for fifty years, and I believe it. It’s a family secret, apparently. Check out some other local eats on Yelp.
Speaking of locals, they’re…intense. In a good way, mostly. Everyone’s super friendly, but they will ask you about your life story within five minutes of meeting you. I’m not complaining, honestly. It’s a nice change from the usual blank stares you get in bigger cities. If you get restless, Brownsville and Reynosa are just a quick hop away, which I'm thinking about doing tomorrow.
Someone told me that the antique shops downtown are a goldmine, but you have to be prepared to haggle. Like, really haggle. Apparently, they start high and expect you to work for it.
I’ve been trying to find some decent music venues, but it’s proving difficult. Most places seem to be geared towards Tejano or Norteño, which is cool, don’t get me wrong, but not exactly my vibe. I did find a little bar called “The Dusty Boot” that supposedly has an open mic night on Thursdays. I might check it out, see if I can jam with some locals. Here's a TripAdvisor link to McAllen attractions.
I heard a rumor that there’s a really good vintage store hidden away in one of the side streets, but you need a local to point you in the right direction. Apparently, it’s run by this eccentric old guy who only accepts cash. Sounds promising. I'm also looking for a good place to get my drumheads replaced, but so far, no luck. This local forum might have some leads.
My neighbors seem to be having a constant fiesta. Not complaining, the music is pretty good, but it makes practicing scales a little challenging. I’m starting to think I need earplugs.
I also overheard some drunk advice at the bar last night: “Don’t trust anyone who tells you the best barbecue is in Austin. It’s a lie!” Apparently, McAllen has some serious contenders in the barbecue game. I’ll have to investigate.
Honestly, McAllen is growing on me. It’s not glamorous, it’s not trendy, but it’s real. It’s got a pulse, a flavor, a story to tell. And the tamales…oh, the tamales. I'm thinking of extending my stay. Maybe I'll even write a song about it. Or at least a drum solo. You can find more info about McAllen here.
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