On The Border Is Located Only In These 2 Countries
Known for its hand-pressed tortillas, cheesy queso, and ice-cold Mexican-inspired cocktails, On the Border has been serving up Border-Style Mex (also known as Tex-Mex) since 1982. What is Border-Style Mex, you may be wondering? According to the restaurant's website, On the Border's unique mesquite flavor, which is what sets them apart from more traditional Mexican cuisine, is derived from the 20 million acres of drylands nestled between the Rio Grande and Nueces Rivers, on the border of Texas and Mexico. Hence the nickname, Tex-Mex. Due to the lack of rainfall and severe heat of the Southwest, it's hard for crops to survive there.
On the Border has found an organic way to marry the flavors of Texas and Mexico and still bring in that mesquite zing, the latter of which is done by using mesquite-wood grills for grilling fajitas and other marinades. As they say, everything is bigger in Texas — including the portion sizes. Almost all meals come with a generous portion of Mexican rice and beans, a "tried-and-true Mexican favorite," their online menu notes. Before you go Googling the closest On the Border location near you, though, you should know that the chain is located in only two countries, and their menus vary.
Not all menus are created alike
Unfortunately, On the Border only has locations in the United States and South Korea. On the bright side, both countries have a plethora of locations, so if you get a hankering for Tex-Mex while in either, there's a strong likelihood you'll find the restaurant. According to the restaurant's website, the very first On the Border opened up in Dallas, Texas, in 1982. Since then, the chain has expanded to over 115 locations across the U.S. In 2007, On the Border went international and placed new roots in Seoul, South Korea. As of today, there are 13 locations in the surrounding area as well as in Incheon, per the restaurant's international site. Fun fact: On the Border ranks No. 8 on Tripadvisor for best Mexican food in Seoul.
If you're an American traveling in South Korea or vice versa, you might not see your favorite On the Border dish. There are some major differences between the countries' menus. For example, the US has almost double the amount of fajita options. On the flip side, South Korea has shrimp and sausage pozole and the US does not. The dessert menus are also quite different. When it comes to alcohol, these international chains are on the same page. And fear not — On the Border's infamous queso and guacamole is available everywhere.