NEW BARS: The Patio On Guerra

Before it was 17th Street, it was La Calle Guerra.

In 1908, three Guerra brothers sold a pack of mules in San Antonio. They returned to the Valley and used the money to start a ranching and mercantile store in downtown McAllen. The family pioneered business on the street, and La Calle Guerra was born.

The family's original building stood in McAllen for nearly a century. Over the years, the Guerras used it as a grocery store, a pharmacy and a warehouse. A few years ago, retired state district judge Arturo Guerra noticed the building had crumbled. He says he could see sunlight pouring through the roof.

He had to act, to save his family's legacy and history. Fast forward, and today the judge sits in that same building, now a viable contender for nicest restaurant in McAllen. And it's still a part of his family history.

"This building we're sitting in right now is the only building left standing that my family built back then," he says.

Guerra, who served on the bench for years, had dreamed of owning a restaurant. He knew his cousin Che Guerra, owner of McAllen's Nuevo Santander art gallery, had run Che's Restaurant in Rio Grande City.

The judge and his cousin combined expertise, refurbished the historical building and opened The Patio on Guerra.

It sports McAllen's unique duo cultural influences. It features a diverse, yet affordable, wine menu. And gas lanterns set the scene.

Regular customer and long-time McAllen resident Cynn Brend says "[The Patio] is nice. You'd think you were in Austin, but it respects the culture and the history here."

Indeed, historical photos and posters line the walls, giving the bar an upscale feel while maintaining McAllen's style.

Owner retired state district judge Arturo Guerra says, "This is very personally rewarding. Che and I feel our family is up there smiling down on us."

The Patio on Guerra

116 S. 17th St.

(956) 661-9100

Hours: 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, and 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday through Saturday. Kitchen closes at 11 p.m. and the bar stays open until business tapers off.

Opened: October 15

Style: Upscale restaurant

Live music: Local pianist and singer Dulce Maria Gonzalez has serenaded diners here fairly regularly. Ownership plans to book a variety of acts.

Dress Code: Officially it's not too stringent. But you'll feel foolish if you don't dress up. Women often wear dresses and men don sport coats and slacks.

Owners recommend: Try the filet mignon or red snapper filet.

The Recipe: Lansky's and Brats + local flavor and history - a few dollars off the prices

Eat outside: The restaurant offers an eloquent outdoor dining area. Waiters serve meals outside and a full bar serves customers. Large heaters keep the area comfortable year round.

One year outlook: Incredible. Lots of restaurants enjoy a successful first month simply because they are new. But The Patio has surpassed that. A month after doors opened, most nights still require a reservation. Expect this to continue for some time.

Typical patron: Earlier in the evening look for lawyers, politicians and the pillars of Valley society. The crowd becomes younger late. Look for young professionals, early career lawyers and doctors, and the future pillars of Valley society.

Entrée prices: Range from $14 to almost $30

Glasses of wine: Start at $7

Bottles of wine: Start at $30