Food Crush

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.

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 quickly as they are ordered.

For this gal, the Chile Verde is the best thing on the menu. Shredded pork cooked in a citrusy, spicy green sauce that is simply fantastic. I just want to pour this sauce all over my life. It is the ideal complement to the perfectly tender pork. Also, up there on my list is the Molcajete, which is actually the name of the vessel it is served in. My description will not come close to doing this dish justice. Steak, shrimp and chicken cooked with peppers, onions, tomatoes and that 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 dishes in town.

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 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.

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.

There is this common thought that Mexican food is overly spicy and always heavy, and that just isn’t correct. Are there spicy dishes? Sure. Are there way heavy dishes? You bet, but that’s not “common” in Mexican cuisine at all. Honest-to-goodness Mexican food is really a treat for all your senses. It’s 1) bright, it’s 2) fresh and it 3) has depth. For me, El Potrillo hits these better than most. Happy Eating!!

El Potrillo 718 S Waverly St, Ponca City 580.762.6456 Hours: Sun - Thursday: 11 am - 9:00 pm

TOP THREE FOR ME This is maybe the best spot in town for lunch. They are fast, and the food is consistent. The booths are high backed, which gives the diner a sense of privacy. The staff is so, so friendly and accommodating.

Fri and Saturday: 11 am - 9:30 pm

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