Bubba’s 33

Bubba’s 33 is a scratch-kitchen American restaurant and sports bar located at 2608 West Expressway 83 in McAllen, Texas, directly along the Interstate 2 commercial corridor in the Rio Grande Valley. Founded in 2013 by Texas Roadhouse founder Kent Taylor, the concept takes its name from Taylor’s nickname (“Bubba”) and the year 1933, which marked the repeal of Prohibition in the United States. Travelers, local families, and sports fans visit the McAllen outpost for its dual-zone layout separating a family-friendly dining room from an energetic garage-style sports bar, alongside scratch-made stone-baked pizzas, double-patty bacon burgers, and drafts poured at 33 degrees Fahrenheit.

What to Expect at Bubba’s 33

The culinary program at Bubba’s 33 McAllen centers on classic American comfort dishes prepared in-house daily. The kitchen grinds its own beef and blends chopped bacon directly into the signature bacon grind patties used across its burger lineup, served on toasted buns with seasoned fries. Pizza dough is made from scratch every day, hand-stretched, and baked in stone-deck ovens for a crisp crust topped with house-made red sauce. Beyond burgers and pizzas, the menu includes hand-breaded chicken tenders, bone-in and traditional wings tossed in sauces ranging from mild buffalo to spicy habanero, ribeye steaks, and fresh salads. Dietary needs can be accommodated with bunless burger options, side salads, and grilled proteins upon request.

Architecturally, the venue is divided into two distinct environments so both families and game-day groups can dine comfortably. The main dining room features deep booths, wall-to-wall high-definition flat-screen televisions showing live sports and upbeat music videos, and tabletop digital kiosks. The adjacent 21-and-up garage bar area features roll-up garage doors, high-top tables, and a wrap-around bar where draft beers—ranging from domestic lagers to Texas craft brews—are served at exactly 33 degrees in frosted mugs alongside margaritas and handcrafted cocktails.

• Signature Bacon Grind Burgers: burgers like the Sunny Side Up Burger and Mushroom Swiss Burger are built with two patties—one 100% beef and one ground beef-and-bacon patty—topped with melted cheese and house sauces.
• Scratch-Made Stone-Baked Pizzas: Available in 12-inch and 16-inch sizes, standout pies include the Meaty Meaty, Bubba’s Deluxe, and Pepperoni Lover’s, baked on fresh daily dough.
• 33-Degree Draft Beer & Garage Bar: A dedicated bar section pouring domestic, imported, and Texas regional beers at 33 degrees Fahrenheit, accompanied by specialty cocktails.
• Shareable Scratch Starters: Popular appetizers for groups include the Shotgun Shrimp, Layered Cheese Fries, Fried Pickles, and Crispy Portobello Fries with parmesan-garlic ranch.
• Wall-to-Wall Game-Day Screens: Dozens of large-screen HDTVs positioned throughout every sightline broadcast NFL, NBA, MLB, college football, UFC, and major soccer matches alongside rock and pop music videos.

Bubba’s 33 at a Glance

Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings

Bubba’s 33 operates primarily on a walk-in basis, though diners can join the online waitlist ahead of arrival through the official website or mobile app to minimize wait times during Friday and Saturday evenings or Sunday NFL kickoffs. Arriving between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM on weekdays ensures immediate seating in either the family dining section or the bar. The restaurant sits directly on the westbound frontage road of U.S. Route 83 / Interstate 2 just east of South 29th Street, with a large, free private surface parking lot wrapping around the building. Public transit riders can use Metro McAllen bus routes serving the Expressway 83 and 29th Street corridor. The single-story building is fully ADA-accessible, offering designated accessible parking spaces right by the front doors, step-free entry, wide aisles for wheelchairs and strollers, and accessible restrooms.

Because of its central location along McAllen’s primary commercial artery, the restaurant pairs well with nearby shopping and entertainment venues. The McAllen Convention Center and the Oval Park reflection pond—home to evening markets, concerts, and palm-lined walking paths—sit less than a 5-minute drive (or a 15-minute walk west) at Ware Road and Expressway 83. Shoppers heading to La Plaza Mall, the premier indoor retail center in the Rio Grande Valley, or travelers flying into McAllen International Airport (MFE) will find both destinations within a 5-to-8-minute drive east down the expressway.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the opening hours and best times to visit Bubba’s 33 in McAllen?

Bubba’s 33 in McAllen is open Sunday through Thursday from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM, and Friday through Saturday from 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM. For the quickest table seating, visit for weekday lunch between 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM or early dinner before 5:30 PM. If you are visiting on Friday nights, Saturday evenings, or during major football games, use the online waitlist on the official website before leaving home.

How much does a meal cost at Bubba’s 33?

Bubba’s 33 falls into the moderate $$ price tier, with most signature burgers, sandwiches, and 12-inch scratch pizzas priced between $12 and $19, and larger 16-inch pizzas or ribeye entrees ranging from $20 to $26. Weekday lunch combos offer smaller portions at lower price points. Major credit cards, debit cards, and cash are accepted, and guests can pay directly at the table using the tabletop kiosk.

How much time should I budget for dining at Bubba’s 33?

Most casual lunches and family dinners take between 60 and 90 minutes from seating to check-out. Sports fans settling into the garage bar to watch a full football game, basketball playoff, or UFC broadcast typically spend 2.5 to 3 hours on site.

Is Bubba’s 33 family-friendly and wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the restaurant divides its floor plan into a dedicated family dining room and a separate bar area, making it welcoming for children, youth sports teams, and large family groups. The entire ground-level building features step-free entrances, wide pathways between booths, ADA-compliant restrooms, and adjacent accessible parking spaces. The dress code is casual, and team jerseys are common on game days.

Travelers exploring McAllen often pair this stop with nearby highlights including Santa Fe Steakhouse & Cantina (2.1 km away) and Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen (0.5 km away).