(This article was written by Remi Gibbs and was featured in the April 2025 issue of Explore Harlingen Magazine.)
If you’re a foodie looking for a one-of-a-kind dining experience in Harlingen, The Moon Rock is the place to be. This lively food truck park and bar, inspired by the energy of Rainey Street in downtown Austin, offers a mix of flavors, fun, and entertainment unlike anything else in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV).
A Local’s Dream Turned Reality
The vision behind The Moon Rock comes from Christian Zanca, a proud Harlingen native with deep roots in the RGV—his family is so intertwined with the community that the San Benito stadium was named after his grandfather, Bobby Morrow.
After attending a sports academy in New Braunfels for tennis and baseball and earning his BA from Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, CO, Christian returned to Harlingen following his grandfather’s passing. He dove into real estate and successfully transformed the Broken Sprocket in Brownsville into a hotspot for food trucks and live entertainment.
With his family’s support, he decided to bring that same dynamic concept to Harlingen. The Moon Rock was born—a passion project fueled by a $150K investment and an old Schwan’s building converted into a full-service bar, entertainment hub, and community gathering space. Today, it features a stage, basketball, and volleyball courts, a dog park, shaded seating, and plenty of lighting for evening fun.
An Incubator for Flavor and Fun
The Moon Rock isn’t just a food truck park; it’s an incubator for food and entertainment, giving both local chefs and musicians a platform to showcase their talent.
With nine incredible food trucks, there’s something for everyone:
Rolling Smoke BBQ – Mouthwatering BBQ for all the meat lovers.
Mod Dang – Authentic Thai dishes from Mod’s family recipes—full of flavor.
Krab Kingz – Fresh and flavorful seafood boils for one or your whole tribe.
Wepa Caribe – Traditional Puerto Rican comfort food.
Queso Birria Y Más – Mexican cuisine with a creative twist.
Grubbing Hood – Satisfying your burger and fry cravings.
La Papa Loca – Stuffed potatoes and classic Mexican street snacks.
Yummy's – Freshly made mini donuts, waffle cones, fried Oreos, funnel cakes, and Blue Bell ice cream brought to you by Mr. J and Ms. V.
Seoul Slice (new!) – A unique Korean food and pizza fusion spot.
Live Entertainment & Community Events
It’s not just about the food—The Moon Rock is a destination.
Live music every week featuring local and regional talent.
Games like cornhole and Jenga for a night of friendly competition.
Dog park onsite—bring your pup along!
Basketball and Volleyball courts to keep you moving.
Small Business Saturdays (Last Saturday of every month) – Local vendors can set up for FREE! Call 956-873-1756 to register.
Mark Your Calendar – Big Upcoming Events:
April 5 – The Moon Rock’s 3-Year Anniversary Bash! ⏰ 11 am to 2 am | 8 Bands, including Nathan Hubble & Los Surfvivers. Pony rides, vendor market, food, and more.
April 19 – Reggae Fest
Visit The Moon Rock
📍 1811 W Jefferson Ave, Harlingen
⏰ Wednesday and Thursday: 5 pm to 12 am | Friday and Saturday: 5 pm to 2 am | Sunday: 4 pm to 10 pm
📞 956-873-1756🌐 www.themoonrockrgv.com
📲 Follow them on Facebook and Instagram
Whether you’re in the mood for amazing food, live entertainment, or just a chill spot to hang out, The Moon Rock is THE place to be in Harlingen. Grab your friends and your pups, bring your appetite, and experience this one-of-a-kind food truck park and bar.
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