University Draft House: Unique Venue and Tastes
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- Published: Tuesday, 23 December 2025 20:26
University Draft House is yet another one of those places that I’ve heard plenty about, from the food to the entertainment and events, but haven’t had the opportunity to try before. The restaurant itself is interesting, having been an old pump house that was renovated to make it into the facility it is today. Throughout you’ll see old pipes and machinery, maintaining its history. There’s indoor and outdoor seating, a bar upstairs, and multiple TVs.
Upon arriving, we were informed that the transition from the brunch menu to the lunch menu was happening shortly. That gave us plenty of time to look over the options as sometimes my appetite is a little indecisive. While checking out the entrees, we ordered a calamari appetizer. I’ve had calamari from quite a few places, but this one was a hit with my boyfriend and me. It was crispy and had good flavor, having a sweet and spicy sauce along with sauteed red bell peppers and green onions.
Of course, I had to try out a burger, and I didn’t dwell on this for too long. Once I saw The Player, pulled pork on Texas toast with lettuce, pickles, raspberry chipotle BBQ, chipotle mayo, and house slaw, I knew that was my pick. My boyfriend had The Graduate: a hearty burger with an angus beef patty, BBQ caramelized onions, sauteed mushrooms, brie cheese, arugula, and truffle aioli. As someone that really enjoys pulled pork and all things BBQ, I was more than pleased with my meal. It was savory and delicious throughout. I can confirm that his burger was just as good, having had a few bites myself as always.
There are options for sides and different ways to dress up your burger, and salads, too. The aforementioned brunch menu is something I’ll want to try out another time, as well as Taco Tuesday and Happy Hour. On Tuesdays, they serve $1 tacos – obviously a good deal, and a tasty one, I’m sure. Happy Hour takes place every day from 3 to 7 p.m., featuring half price selected appetizers and cocktails.
University Draft House has two locations. Find them in McAllen at 100 W. Business 83 and in Edinburg at 2405 W. University Dr.
By Barb Zanetti-Taetsch, 
Mission Bell/Trade Winds hosted their third annual Reverse Advent Calendar food drive. This was started in 2023 by a couple of park residents. DaLeen Markel found an article about a group of people that did this, and she shared it with Rick Anderson, and a decision was made to give it a go. And it has turned into a highly successful event that the sister parks do together.
By Herb Moering
The Golf View Estates ladies who love to sew continue to make baby blankets for Mission Regional Medical Center. This season, the group of ladies also started making stuffed bears, dogs and other knitted items. The ladies have made and donated baby blankets and stuffed animals for newborn babies at hospital. This year, the group donated 360 blankets and 45 stuffed animals. 
On the evening of December 13, parking lots were full, and crowds lined both sides of Texas Blvd. to attend the Weslaco Lighted Christmas Parade. There were those that opted for the reserved seating, and plenty more that found opportune spots to sit or stand with friends and family. With a seemingly endless line of festive floats and vehicles, Weslaco had an atmosphere of Christmas cheer.
A perfect addition to music and crafts will be snacks. They’ll be having a selection from local vendors to choose from, offering sweet and savory foods for all the family.
Tropic Star RV Resort raised over $3,000 to help provide clothes and toys for 38 children in the Pharr community. The activity was coordinated by Lorna and Danny Pence. The Pharr Police Department gathered, vetted and then shared the names of families in need. They assisted in obtaining a discount from the Burlington Store on S. Jackson St. in Pharr to help their money go even further. On Wednesday, December 10, 24 shoppers descended on Burlington and quickly gathered items. They then handed them off to 32 residents who wrapped them and then boxed the items for each family. The Pharr Police came and picked up the boxes and beginning, on December 12th, will be delivering the gifts to the families for the next 12 days.
The McAllen Wind Ensemble warmly invites the Rio Grande Valley community to embrace the magic of the holidays at Christmas Across America, a joyful and spirited musical celebration on Friday, December 19, at 7:30 p.m. at the McAllen Performing Arts Center.
