Po Po Restaurant outside Boerne, TX--A Tasty Timewarp

Booth with decorative plates above

On a recent trip, I stopped at a place located west of Boerne, TX. It is actually in a spot called Welfare if you are looking for the sign on Interstate 10 between Comfort and Boerne. It is the Po Po Restaurant. Whenever I am in the area, it is a goal to eat there if possible. The plethora of collectible plates on the wall, the white banquet seats, the fried chicken and tranquil views. It feels like a little like a trip back to in time when I visit.

Po Po's has an interesting history. It started out as a "middle-of-nowhere" hill country dance hall in 1929.  The service, though not always speedy, is attentive and friendly. I have eaten at Po Po:s many times over the years; with friends, with family, and all by myself. On this last visit, it was a solo trip for a late lunch/early dinner as I drove into San Antonio for a conference.

View from my table

The menu is large and varied but they are well known for their delicious fried chicken. Prices are more expensive than you might expect--about $2.00 more per item than you might pay in other restaurants,perhaps because they are a bit hidden. I ordered a patty melt with onion rings ($10.99). The rye bread was perfectly toasted and the 1/3 lb patty was juicy. The grilled onions and cheese on top made for a messy lunch but it was worth it. I couldn't finish the onion rings which were hand breaded and thick cut.

Patty melt on rye with onion rings (half-eaten, sorry)

Over the years, I've had the fried chicken, chicken fried steak, catfish and shrimp, and for dessert-- bread pudding. They serve liver and onions for those in search of that meal. Pasta, steaks, seafood are available as well as a full bar. Breakfast is now being served from 7am-10:30am.

If you find yourself in the area, go ahead and take the exit and enjoy a leisurely meal at Po Po's Restaurant. They have featured lunches every weekday. 

Reservations are accepted and recommended for weekends and holidays. They close at 8:30pm Sunday-Thursday and 9:30pm on Friday and Saturday.


PO PO Restaurant
829 FM 289, I-10 Welfare exit 533
Boerne, TX 78006
 830-537-4194 
http://www.poporestaurant.com/
https://www.facebook.com/poporestaurant