PONCA CITY MONTHLY
There is nothing I dislike about Mexican food. Seriously. I love mole. I am crazy about braised meat. I love chili. I love me some Carne Asada. I adore churros. I love nopales. I can make the “I love all of the food” statement about a lot of cuisines, but Mexican is where my true loyalties lie. I cannot imagine living somewhere without Mexican food in every direction around me. Maybe it’s because I grew up in Oklahoma, where I think we have the best of both worlds – authentic Mexican fare and super scrumptious Tex-Mex.
are lucky to have right here in Kay County. Did you know? El Potrillo caters, which is super handy, and they do a great job with carryout. Case in point … taco boxes. That’s right. Boxes of tacos – 16 tacos loaded with chicken, steak and chorizo. All topped with fresh onions, cilantro, grilled peppers and onions. AND you’ll get sides of rice, beans and chips with salsa.
Ponca City is fortunate to have an abundance of choices when it comes to Mexican food. One of my favorite spots in town for authentic Mexican eats is El Potrillo. Owned by local resident Pedro Lopez, El Potrillo has occupied the northwest corner of Waverly and South Avenue since March of 2005. With a recently enclosed patio expansion, his place is pushing out zesty, fresh, sizzling dishes as 718 S Waverly St, Ponca City quickly as they are ordered.
El Potrillo
580.762.6456
Another extra for me is that Pedro’s restaurants are all reasonably priced for the food you get. I struggle to clean my plate, and it isn’t like I’m a light eater. Am I a messy eater? Absolutely. But a light eater? Absolutely not.
Hours: For this gal, the Chile Verde is the best thing on the menu. Shredded pork cooked in a citrusy, Sun - Thursday: Fri and Saturday: spicy green sauce that is simply fantastic. I just There is this common thought that Mexican 11 am - 9:00 pm 11 am - 9:30 pm want to pour this sauce all over my life. It is the food is overly spicy and always heavy, and ideal complement to the perfectly tender pork. that just isn’t correct. Are there spicy dishes? Also, up there on my list is the Molcajete, which Sure. Are there way heavy dishes? You bet, is actually the name of the vessel it is served in. My description will not but that’s not “common” in Mexican cuisine at all. Honest-to-goodness come close to doing this dish justice. Mexican food is really a treat for all your senses. It’s 1) bright, it’s 2) Steak, shrimp and chicken cooked with fresh and it 3) has depth. For me, El Potrillo hits these better than most. peppers, onions, tomatoes and that Happy Eating!! insane green sauce all topped with cheese and a roasted banana pepper. It comes out roaring hot, served in the rock bowl (the molcajete) that it was cooked in. Paired with one of their margaritas, it is one of the most flavorful This is maybe the best spot in town for lunch. dishes in town. They are fast, and the food is consistent.
TOP THREE FOR ME
Pedro has been a Kay County resident since 2001. In that same year, he opened his first restaurant, Los Potros, in Blackwell. Fast forward 20+ years, and Pedro now has six locations throughout Oklahoma, two of which we
The booths are high backed, which gives the diner a sense of privacy. The staff is so, so friendly and accommodating.
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March 2022
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