Eating at a 110 Year Old Tortilleria “EL POCITO” Serves the Best Tacos & Gorditas in McAllen, Texas

[@philobrain]

This man's positivity is contagious, wow. Such amazing vibes. I have no Mexican ancestry, born in Missouri, and yet he somehow makes me feel at home. Keep it up, Arnie!

[@elsamorales3350]

Agree wholeheartedly!! Such a positive human.. 👍🏽😍 blessings 🙏🏽

[@JonCardenas202]

I’m Hispanic and watching his videos make me feel like I’ve found my long lost uncle that I always wanted.

[@AlanVlz-xh4no]

Thanks I appreciate that bro...viva mexico

[@leonardpearlman4017]

Well, a good meal will cheer anyone up!

[@techminds1579]

@@danieldelrancho5749 Ok wannabe gringo

[@markcatanzaro9699]

Ok I'm Italian, I grew up in Southern Arizona, & some of the best Mexican food I've ever had was eaten sitting on the tailgate of a pickup truck! That made me literally laugh out loud!!!

[@dragoslove]

One of the best mexican breakfasts I've had was attached to a gas station in LA.

[@Demi-kid]

One of the best Mexican food ya can find.

[@joegarza9505]

So many memories there! The first time for me was in 1979. When I joined the Air Force, my dad took me there before I left for basic training. The entrance was on the side. When we went in, my dad said, grab a seat ( they were like long picnic style tables) anywhere you want. Back then, they didn't have separate tables. My dad said, I brought you here specifically because once you leave, you're gonna have to sit next to strangers, this way you'll get a head start and it won't be such a shock. I sat next to a stranger with my dad, everyone there seemed very friendly. The best Carne guisada I've Ever had! No one had ever come close. Great job with this clip Arnie! Thanks!

[@metalboarn6174]

I can't get over how much you're the perfect representation of a south Texan. That freaking mustache and your friendly, gentle way is perfect.

[@jperez07302002]

Agreed, was showing my wife this video and how perfectly it represents the food I grew up with and how the people are.

[@kitty_765]

Truly!! ❤

[@kevinkev213]

Give this man his food channel he's too good of a person

[@RoarOfTheTwenties]

Yes, either Food Network or Discovery Channel should give him his own show! He's got a great personality and his passion for our Tex Mex food is infectious!

[@DBat-sp1tp]

This video took me back to both my grandma’s kitchens growing up. Waiting for the tortillas to come off the griddle and smothering with butter and homemade strawberry jam. If we were lucky there would be fresh chicharrones after they slaughtered a hog. And there was always beans cooking on the stove. We weren’t rich but we ate well and with love.

[@ziggybender9125]

Do you still cook beans for your family? Did you know beans are actually a ridiculously easy vine plant to grow? You can literally plant store bought dry beans and grow them the seeds last so long. It's not rich eating but there's something far more wholesome about growing and cooking your own beans.

[@geog26]

nice ,we called those Jumari ,also doable with chiken , its called Greaves in english i think?

[@zoey1897]

💯❤

[@toddianuzzi]

Hey Arnie! Do more videos like this and take us to all the spots in the valley!

[@zoey1897]

😊❤

[@ryann5247]

You can't help but love how positive and happy Arnie is in his videos

[@msgloria5086]

Hi Arnie. Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful video. I grew up in McAllen, Texas . I moved away more than 30 years ago. I remember going to El Pocito for fresh, delicious tortillas. I showed my mother the video and brought tears to her eyes. Many memories from my grampa (RIP) He used to go every Sunday morning to buy Barbacoa from Molinas on 23rd Street. I'm not sure if it's still in business. Then he would go grab fresh tortillas from El Pocito. I miss those days ,so much. We are planning to return back to live in the wonderful city of McAllen, hopefully very soon. Thank you again. I love your videos . ❤

[@MrDoneboy]

Hi Gloria...I wish that I could revist my Texas past, and go back to underneath that building in Hallettsville, Texas...where they cooked chickens in a hole in the ground!

[@msgloria5086]

@Don Matejek Hi. I had never heard of Hallettville before. I did a Google search and found a tour video on KZbin. Looks like a nice quiet town . I hope you can visit again someday. 🙂

[@MariaHernandez-jd2bi]

Always barbacoa and tortillas on Sunday.

[@BornAgain717]

I'm from south Georgia and grew up on "Soul Food" I moved to Corpus Christi when I was a teenager there I found out what real Mexican food was about. I later moved to San Diego and would go to Tijuana often to eat. You talking about some good eat'n! I finally moved back to South Georgia and thank God we now have a few restaurants here that gives you that authentic flavor. I have become quite the connoisseur mixing soul food with Mex over the years. Down South Georgia Boy on that "SoulMex" can't go wrong.

[@BornAgain717]

@@426superbee4 I loved living in Corpus Christi.. was back in the mid-nineties, I was about 14 or 15.. skated the whole city, didn't surf but I had my board. Great place to live, it was a total different cultures coming from South Georgia.

[@rudybrooks3722]

​@@426superbee4 You can't beat East Texas, been here my whole life ,squirrel and raccoon and deer hunting, the best life on the planet. 👍

[@rudybrooks3722]

@@426superbee4 I live on a 20 acre farm and I love it, peace and quiet,I raise hogs and I hunt and fish,I can't ask for more.👍

[@rudybrooks3722]

@@426superbee4 It's gets boring here but most of the time I really enjoy being in East Texas, I got a few friends and when we get together we enjoy ourselves. 👍

[@rudybrooks3722]

@@426superbee4 My pond needs to be restock,I catch a few fish in it,mostly bream.🤔

[@nobodynowhere3028]

I love it when you speak Spanish my friend. It warms my heart. Thank you for everything you do

[@wilbervelasco5841]

Wherever grandma is cooking it’s a place to go 😊😊

[@yamfish6]

Hey man! I’m from Canada and just found your channel. You’ve got me SO excited about making Mexican and Tex-Mex food! Just wanted to say thank you, and keep it up!

[@ramencurry6672]

I like poutine

[@steveb9325]

Come on down to Texas to the RGV 956😂

[@samoanpride9247]

“Gotta please the Queen before me”. Spoken like a true man. I’m from San Francisco so I’m no stranger to great Mexican/Spanish food. Everything looked amazing. And you have such fluent English and Spanish. Well spoken. New subscriber for sure!

[@michaelhofer9149]

When my father lost his mind and moved my mom and me from San Diego CA to Hillsboro Oregon, my mom and I found a tortilla factory just up the street from where we lived. There is nothing as good as fresh made tortillas!

[@tammyt8306]

Went to El Pocito’s a couple of days ago and it was outstanding! Thanks Arnie, I never would’ve known if it wasn’t for your video.

[@techminds1579]

Weird. I drove by El Pocito not long ago and I could sworn it looked completely out of business. Unless they still sell food but now only for pickup at the back like it's shown in this video

[@tammyt8306]

@techminds1579 They are open. You can walk inside (it's tiny) and order, but there's nowhere to sit. They close at 3pm M-Sat.

[@techminds1579]

@@tammyt8306 Thanks, sis. I miss the valley badly. California stinks lol

[@tammyt8306]

@@techminds1579 lol...I'm from CA....I miss it bad! But the Valley doesn't stink, I can appreciate how safe it is here, but I sure do miss bring close to bodies of water and the food!

[@techminds1579]

@@tammyt8306 Ok, just don't spread that liberal shit in our beautiful Texas. Texas is not Colonfornia. I'm over here because my family are working as supervisors at a company for a few months.

[@Cristall-lv]

Unc Arnie.. you’re my fav foodie channel. Food really brings people together

[@lindagreen481]

My mouth was watering watching you eat. I was born in Harlingen, and raised in Rio Hondo. Left the valley in 1970. I miss the food so much.

[@jose.luis.ayala.]

SAME. Born in Kansas City, grew up in BROWNSVILLE 1964-73. Visit as often as I can. 🥲

[@pamrauhuff2375]

Such an amazing video of old school taste, nothing better. I love the respect he shows the staff, they deserve respect such history. Thank you.

[@Mphscat]

Arnie I want to compliment your language(s). I grew up in Memphis and your Southern English is spot on!!! And even more impressive your Northern Spanish (as my husband from Aguascalientes calls it) is perfecto as well. What a talent that is! We both enjoyed this video very much and love (and are subscribed) to your channel.

[@8Jallin]

how is that a talento mensa ?!?!?

[@jKLa]

I mean both are his native languages as he grew up there, so not exactly a special skill. South Texas is partly like an extension of Northeastern Mexico, partly Southwestern but more so Texas Southern. He is very talented because of his personality and skill as a cook and making these shows!

[@jKLa]

Tejanos (Texas Mexicans with deeper roots in the state, most from before 1930 and some going back all the way to Spanish rule) from South and West Texas DO commonly natively speak English in a Southern dialect. Many Tejanos who speak Southern US English additionally speak with a mild spanish accent at the same time! They are Mexican Americans, Texans, Western, people of the borderlands but also they are Southerners! In the West Texas plains and panhandle many Tejanos speak with a much thicker Southern twang, many with no Spanish accent and sound just like someone from northern rural Alabama or Tennessee. While many have diet more Tex Mex or Mexican then Anglo Southern (which they still enjoy plenty of) they frequently have other Southern cultural traits including conservative protestantism and voting for conservative politicians!

[@techminds1579]

@@8Jallin Lmao 🤣 Well said. I like how the clown refuses to answer. Yet she's getting educated/owned by the other person responding.

[@Amouselives]

Growing up, a close friend of mine's family owned El Pocito, delicious food always and visited the restaurant often with my buddy over the years. Takes me back, great video and great call out for an institution of greatness!

[@JBROWN3830]

You are a great guy Arnie. I enjoy your channel. Growing up in the Valley is the best place in the Country. God bless.

[@aggie7756]

Te sacastes la daga Arnie! I've lived in the RGV for over 40 years and I had never heard of this place. I'll likely visit this place early tmrw morning and hope to beat the line that I hope this video will help generate. Thank you Arnie for this gem!

[@davidortiz9577]

I spend part of the year in the RGV and will definitely make it out to this spot when I cruise back by to McAllen. Probably the best thing about being in the valley is the food.

[@techminds1579]

LOL! Damn, how is it possible that you never heard of this place?!!

[@mikerey7210]

That's my kinda place! The food looks amazing. Makes me want to drive to McAllen. The "holes in the wall" always have the best food.

[@wasrados]

If I ever become rich, I will do everything to bring such traditional restaurants back to life!!! tradition is the key!!! kind regards

[@feernaomil6337]

wanted to say your videos bring me much joy much love from Estonia

[@geo102094]

The Valley is defenitely one of the neatest, most history rich areas of Texas IMO! I had never been before and it was even a culture shock for me being Mexican American, literally little Mexico! I enjoyed my time there!

[@elsupremeo]

RGV born and raised. Lived in McAllen for over 15 years. I'm embarrassed to say that I never heard of El Pocito, but I sure as heck wish I did now! Love the content, Arnie! Would love to see you highlight more little hole-in-the-walls around the RGV or SA. Great production value on this one too! Lots of interesting shots of a place I love so much.

[@Drokslit]

Was born and raised in McAllen and I never noticed that place. Food looks legit! I'll have to go look for it when I go visit my parents again.

[@revelationtek3]

This man has a great personality and is good looking. His wife must be super happy! Also proud mom

[@RolloTonéBrownTown]

It brings me close to a happy feeling when I see great family owned places that have a long history.

[@sandram8761]

The Rio Grande Valley is a hidden, underrated gem. Also, love these videos that showcase the hidden gems of the valley.

[@CheesusSVT]

Mcallen, Tx is tempting. The food, the culture, the economy. Planning on moving soon. It is on my list. Love the videos and they always make me so hungry. 😸

[@christophertheiss8877]

I grew up in the mid-west just outside of St louis, MO. Back in the day we had no real authentic Mexican restaurants... Only watered down chain places. It wasn't until I moved to L.A. I finally experienced what real authentic mexican food was. Even the hole in the wall places and taco trucks were amazing, in comparison. I was overwhelmed with the flavors and freshness of the food. I'm back home now and thankfully there are some really good taquerias here in town. Love your channel and passion for good eats. Will definitely be subscribing!

[@historyraven99]

I came across this channel this week after I came home from the market with all my favorite Tex Mex staples. Thank you Arnie for giving me the tools to turn those staples into authentic dishes. It's day 3, chili rellanos and your refried beans. 😋 What a cool video to get my morning started! Awesome place!! Love your channel and have shared with my West Texas friend base.😋❤️❤️😋❤️😋💯👍

[@ironclad1056]

Seeing El Pocito in your video unlocked memories I hadn't rememebred in probably 20 years. I rmemeber going there when i was 4 or so and getting those fresh corn tortillas.

[@chadsux]

I love the pure, unadulterated joy you're getting from eating these gorditos!

[@nolcvzs]

El Pocito! I used to go there with one of my aunts (RIP) and parents back in the 70's! Thanks for bringing back some great memories. Gotta go there next time I'm back in the Valley.

[@alfonsorodriguez2739]

Me too, with my grandma and mom in the mid 80’s

[@terrytico4009]

Seeing those gorditas made my mouth water from good memories. I used to eat them in SoCal in a little restaurant out in the farming area. Cold cerveza and at least two big gorditas after some racketball with my friend.

[@reneespiricueta3543]

Saludos desde Colorado amigo. Arriba El Vallle. Viví en Álamo Texas con familia en Weslaco y Mcallen. El Valle es sinónimo de buena comida y pura vida.

[@gabeal2892]

You know it’s good when Ernie has tears in his eyes after tasting that butter tortilla! Reminds me of being next to the comal with my tias, I can actually feel the smoke getting in MY eyes! 😭

[@richardcarabio998]

Arnie watched you enjoy and comment on some excellent prepared gorditas. Being a true master of the many dishes you prepare says a lot about this place. More than 100 years…. WOW! Thanks for sharing ❤

[@captainsalty5688]

He's not a master lol everyone cooks like that down here

[@t.thompson8985]

Oh man. I love gorditas. These look amazing. Those tortillas look 🔥. Too bad I'm 6 hours North, saving this for the next time I'm down in the RGV. Eating food on a tailgate always tastes better. We used to eat BBQ like this as kids with my late grandfather. ❤️

[@VergonaSucia]

Love these positive foodies!!! Food and happy makes everything……. Happy

[@jimmyblair7597]

You are killing me Arnie! My mouth is watering, I need to go THERE! I am stuck in Minnesota unfortunately and it is snowing today! Love you man...

[@kenroebuck5020]

Happy Anniversary Arnie and First Lady.

[@ArnieTex]

Haha does that make me the president? Thank you Ken much appreciated my friend.

[@mrc6032]

When you're in south Texas,, forget about McDonald's. It's a crime to eat at chain fast food places over places like this. This is not only food, but it's food with passion and love. And 100+ years of tradition. El Pocito reminds me of when I use to spend the night at my friend's house. (I'm gringo, he was Hispanic) long story short,,I never went home hungry. I'm 40 years old now and still remember going to his house and eating fresh food. I never felt out of place(being white)..I learned a lot of Spanish words , some I can't mention,,lol .. This video reminds me of my Hispanic friend and his family. Good times.

[@raulfigueroa4909]

Hey neighbor, love your videos, glad to say your sense of humor is just as is in real life, many blessings. 🎉

[@alluhatorrrez3724]

I miss everything about the Valley. Me and my family moved up here to central Minnesota in 2017 and boy do i miss everything about the Valley!! There's no place anywhere like the great RIO GRANDE VALLEY!!

[@0Caracalla]

Awesome videos Arnie! Much love, you make me feel at home!

[@orlandorodriguez9493]

I ❤ the Valley! Says it all. Love your content keep it coming

[@robertguzman5804]

Arnie, Thanks for the trip. So cool to see so much food history, and tradition. 👍🏽

[@gordontodayim]

I can not even imagine how good that food must have been! The look on you face says it all. And that fresh tortilla with butter, I just wanted to jump through the screen to get one... I have never had a Gordita and those looked sooo good. There is a small Tortilleria not far from me, I think I need to visit them and try a Gordita. Thanks for making me HUNGRY! 😋

[@FlacoReyna2014]

Thanks Arnie, I'm riding to McAllen next wèek to visit my relatives. Will definitely get my prima to take me. As a true Tejano you kept calling margarine........butter. Just busting your balls. Great video!❤

[@1430rube6565]

Showed this video to my 90+ grandparents who grew up in Pharr & they couldn't stop talking about their memories of coming here when they were teenagers! Would love to see more places in the valley.

[@betaomega04]

People outside of Texas seriously have no idea how good we have it here!

[@Bashbuds]

No one outside of Texas cares

[@JosDLM]

@@Bashbuds mhmm ok

[@ghernandez2263]

California is the only state that really gets authenticity

[@jose.luis.ayala.]

May the HATERS & NON-BELIEVERS get left behind. 🇲🇽 🇺🇸 💯 PURO 956

[@RoarOfTheTwenties]

I also grew up eating homemade, melt-in-your-mouth flour tortillas! My dear Mom is in her 80's and still makes the best tortillas. The best comfort food, ever!

[@chrismmmm7776]

We love your WOW and OG and we will be getting your BBQ Rub soon. Thanks Arnie for such great seasonings

[@kellyc2425]

My mouth started watering at the start, and is still watering now! I must have been Mexican in another life, because I never get enough Mexican food, and NEVER get REAL Mexican food here in my area all the way to DC, and south to Norfolk

[@HF-eu2ei]

Just watching you eat makes me wish I were there Arnie. 😋 Love your videos. Keep up the great work and awesome entertainment!!! 😉👍🫶

[@el_chief_dannyboy]

McAllen is such a lovely city, I had the honor to play there back in March. Shout out to the Tejanos down in South Texas!

[@alversonlandau6939]

What an incredible host Arnie is, he brings a delightful and informative food review your doing a great job Arnie, its time to head down to McAllen. I wish they sold Mexican food here in Whitehorse The Yukon Territory.

[@JeffryK13]

That’s flipping amazing. Wife and I love authentic Mexican food, just so hard to find.

[@Strawhat_Fred]

I live near mcallen. Had food that a friend of mine bought from this place. Can confirm, it is delicious!

[@elisaduran3421]

I like your videos I like the food that you cook I used to live close to McAllen actually I was born in Harlingen raised in Brownsville the Caldo de Res that you did I did it at home and my kids loved it

[@PuresaJacobo]

Arnie, take us to more Mexican joints like El Posito.

[@ronwatson4902]

Hey Arnie! I'm brand new to your channel and you're alot of fun to watch. My wife can eat Mexican food every day but my redneck stomach don't tolerate it very well. Let me say we have some very nice and well respected Mexican folks here in SC. I like em alot. Thanks and now I got to try me some Gorditas. Maybe today.

[@JayHBoomerSooners7]

Watching this reminds me of a little hole in the wall in East Dallas that made awesome gorditas and the best barbacoa tacos! Great video from South Texas.

[@nrios9495]

Claro que sí, yo recuerdo el Pocito Restaurant, mmmm, que rico 😋😋 y Cuando Arnie comió la tortilla de harina con mantequilla, también me recordó mi niñez ❤, mi mamita nos hacía las tortillas de harina y mis hermanitos y yo hacíamos fila para comérnoslas así con mantequilla y luego ke seguíamos al almuerzo 🤗, que bonitos recuerdos ❤

[@joegarza6333]

You definitely make me hungry as you eat my friend. Thank you for sharing.

[@DASmith-oj9nq]

You know that's really cool Arnie that you can admit that you can't just quite get that cooked in the middle I think that's very humble of you very honest. Texas tried-and-true

[@ArevJJ]

El Pocito is a must stop for me when I’m back home in the RGV. Love their gorditas!!

[@aleBrr_004]

I'm from the Rio Grande Valley and when my grandma go shopping downtown we always get gorditas from there and there the best

[@gusgranrath1840]

Mm, mm, mm, mm, mm,mm, mm, mm!!! 100 year old recipes and your enthusiasm, genuine expression. Love you MAN!!

[@gregvaughntx]

I love nopalitos! My parents and grandparents are from Falfurrias. I'm not sure if that's technically The Valley, but it's close. I didn't realize as a kid how spoiled I was for knowing how good authentic South Texas food was. I've never found great masa a la mano north of about Corpus Christi, but I keep trying.

[@silviaherrera3254]

Tengo que ir a comprobar porque ellos si tienen todo comida 100 x ciento mexicana y la masa de maíz 🌽 que la aman desde cero es raro el lugar que aga este procedimiento y yo se lo aplaudo esto no es tex mex así que esperemos que Ai les voy 😋😋😋gracias mil

[@TomTaylor-j7g]

Love it, born raised in northwest NM, live in Missouri now, but still love the southwest food...

[@kenuber4014]

What a treasure!! If we had one near me, I'd be there everyday!! Thanks for the video

[@gnarlyvato1999]

Reminds me of my Grandparents . Both sides of my family are from Texas. They lived along the boarder. We now been in Cali for 4 generations.

[@tuamigah]

I was in high school ( many moon ago) when I visited El Pocito. Didn't know it was still around. Beautiful! Can smell the tortillas! Yum! Yum!

[@rosa8531]

Como dice el wall mural... "I ❤ The Valley!" Enjoyed the vid very much. Grew up in the valley. I now reside in the DFW Metroplex. Miss it so much! Thank you!

[@justascott]

Excellent video! Love your authentic passion for the real deal food of my childhood. Only one thing I would need to bring for myself - butter! Country Crock isn't butter and should never be considered or confused as such

[@patrickmurray9409]

Growing up up where I'm from, we had a tortilla factory. Gomez was the name,every time we'd stop by. A buttered tortilla was always handed out. Tasty good time.

[@FracDaddyBBQ]

Looks like it’s time for a road trip this is on my bucket list now thank you for sharing

[@tonyfnb]

Dude you’re amazing! I just love your happiness and stoked’ness in food and smiling! I was just in Texas and I would have driven to this place! I shall go soon!

[@pita9151]

we're here right now eating on the tail gate of my truck amazing love your videos keep up the recomendations❤

[@Talon6551]

Growing up we would walk home from school. One of the kid's mother would have fresh tortillas waiting for us as we passed her house. Fresh hot tortilla, butter, and a pinch of salt - OMG. Fantastic memories. She did that for years for at least 10 kids in the neighborhood. I judge all tortillas by her home made ones. BTW, I am starving now looking at all that wonderful food.

[@donlalo7079]

Never knew there was a hidden gem there. Gonna stop by after work & try a gordita con salsa roja.

[@kevingeorge5159]

Arnie, you are straight up The Best!

[@FranciscoJimenez-bb7fk]

Awesome! My favorite is a fresh corn tortilla sprinkled with water and salt

[@Instantphojo]

Butter on a fresh tortilla is a classic!!! Next time i come visit Edinburgh, I’ll have to check this place out!!

[@valentincontreras6145]

You remind me of my dad and they way he loves tacos. We're from San Angelo TX. Now I watch your videos from Florida.

[@melindacortez1490]

I remember the flour tortillas with butter. Love this man. From California.

[@davidorcutt9246]

Fireman!! Love this place. I miss McAllen. This video makes me want to come visit. Thank you! Your videos r awesome!

[@mikebowerstv]

I love videos like this and I know the business owners do too!

[@censusgary]

I’ve gotta try this place! I live in the Valley, but I didn’t know about El Pocito until now.

[@dwaynewladyka577]

It would be well worth it to go there for that awesome looking food. Cheers, Arnie! ✌️

[@meriahaiello]

100% destination trip!! From Hawaii too ..that looks amazing!!

[@mikeomaly]

Just found your channel looking for a good salsa recipe. I found soo much more in your content. Keep up the great work!

[@marthanarvaez676]

Hey brother you remind us of chi's and Chong that's so cool blessed shall you be in the city and blessed shall you be in the fields Amen 🙏➕=💜 shout out from El Paso Texas 👍✌️🍻😂