Nuevo Progresso, Mexico

A few hours drive from Corpus Christi, Texas is the border town of Nuevo Progresso, Mexico. You can park and walk across the International bridge for a buck. It is convenient unless you plan on buying a chimenea or large pottery to carry back. Pancho’s Bar is the go to when in Nuevo Progresso. It’s safe, friendly, and has good drinks. I always start and end my trip at Poncho’s.

Along the Main Street you’ll find bars, food vendors, and people selling all kinds of cool shit you don’t need. Always bargain with them, only a sucker pays full price. Many people come to Nuevo Progresso for dentist work, pharmacies, and spa treatment. The pharmacies are plenty and you can get the best deal by shopping around. They have whatever you need, or want, just ask. I always stock up on amoxicillin, ibuprofen 800, z-packs, prednisone, and prilosec.

The best place to eat in Nuevo Progresso is Arturo’s. They’ve been serving up authentic Mexican food for almost 60 years. I’d suggest a side of guacamole, oven baked cabrito (goat) served with grilled onions, jalapeño, charro beans, and tortillas with Carta Blanca beer. Arturo’s also has amazing frog legs. The best dessert in Nuevo Progresso can be found at Angel’s. Surprisingly it isn’t flan or tres leches but bananas foster. You can’t leave Nuevo Progresso without trying lonches and corn from a street vender. Lonches are street tacos, but instead of a tortilla they use mini baguettes. I recommend “Victor” Taqueria. 

Mezcal and tequila can be bought a lot cheaper in Mexico, so make sure you stock up before heading back over the bridge. As always everything in Mexico has a price. Whatever you come over looking for you’ll be able to find, just keep in mind you do so at your own risk. I never cross the bridge alone, stay within the first six blocks along the main street, and make sure I’m back over the bridge before night falls. With that said, Nuevo Progresso is one of the safest border towns in Mexico.