Mexican comfort food--The Original Henry's in San Angelo, Texas

Chicken Flautas plate

Beef enchiladas

It is not secret that when I visit San Angelo eating Mexican food is often on my list of things to do. Recently, I went to visit my niece there who recently graduated from Angelo State and took her to lunch there. Despite having gone to college in San Angelo she had somehow missed eating at this local institution.

You do need to expect a wait but it is not usually too long because the restaurant is large. Henry's is very popular--for a reason. We went on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend and because there were only two of us, it only took about 20 minutes. There were several large family groups waiting to be seated.

The décor is colorful. It isn't a quiet restaurant when it is busy but everyone seemed to be in a good mood and enjoying themselves. The service was very attentive and food came out fast. Of course, complimentary chips and salsa are served. Ask for the white sauce too if your like a creamy dip for your chips. It is garlicy and reminds me of something between aioli sauce and ranch dressing. 

My niece ordered the beef enchilada plate with chili con carne sauce and I got the chicken flauta plate. Bothe came with beans and rice. I have the choice of lettuce or cabbage with my flautas. They were topped with avocado sauce. I enjoyed the refried beans but the rice was a little dry but I do not usually eat the rice much anyway. 

Usually it get the tres colores enchiladas but this time I varied my routine. The flautas were calling my name.  Everything was tasty and we did not leave the least but unsatisfied with our meal. I miss when Henry's had a sister restaurant in Abilene called Enrique's which was one of my "go to" places for comfort food and a great burger as well.

The next time you are in San Angelo, give them a go. I think you will enjoy the food and leave in a good mood.

3015 Sherwood Way

San Angelo, TX 76901

325-223-0171

https://originalhenrys.com/

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

Monument Cafe--Cut Above Comfort Food in Georgetown, TX

The Monument Cafe is definitely worth a trip into Georgetown off of Interstate 35 north of Austin. I was headed back home from a conference with some colleagues and one of them suggested lunch at the Monument Cafe. After he told me about the great comfort food (much of it locally sourced and organic) and the scrumptious desserts, I was very game to give it a try.

Art deco coolness

As we walked in I noticed the board with the special offerings for the day, the awesome art deco light fixtures and all the black/white/stainless steel decor. It was about 1:30pm on a Thursday, no wait. Being seated right away is a rarity since normally they are pretty packed.

Hand-made strawberry lemonade

Once settled into our booth, I perused the menu and thought about ordering an omelette since breakfast is served all day but went with the special for the day which was chicken pot pie. There were also burgers, salads, sandwiches, and other home-style favorites like chicken fried steak, liver and onions, truck-stop enchiladas, or fried chicken.

Hand-made strawberry lemonade was my beverage of choice...loved that it was served with the shaker and I could get two glasses out of it.

Heavenly chicken pot pie and onion rings

Everyone at the table ordered the chicken pot pie. I had onion rings with mine and my other two companions got the macaroni and cheese. The pastry on the pie was flaky and tender and the filling was chock full of vegetables. The perfectly seasoned broth and chicken please my palate. Sometimes chicken pot pie can be bland. This may have been the best one I have ever eaten since my grandma's version. The breading on my onion rings had a black pepper twist which accented the thinly sliced onion quite well. A larger portion would have been appreciated.

Carrot cake

Despite being pretty stuffed, I had to have dessert and ordered the carrot cake though I couldn't finish it. Luscious.

Service was friendly and efficient. No complaints. Prices were fair. I didn't pay the bill but I think my meal was around $15.00 without tax or tip.


I peeked into the Monument Store that is attached to the cafe and bought some locally grown hot peppers. There was a variety of veggies, beauty and health items, wine and beer, and a deli in the store.

When driving through Georgetown, I'll have to make sure to  go again! Breakfast next time. Thanks

Monument Cafe
500 S. Austin Avenue, Georgetown, TX 78627
12-930-9586
Sun. - Thrs. 7 A.M. - 9 P.M.
Fri.-Sat. 7:00 A.M. - 10:00 P.M.
http://www.themonumentcafe.com/