An Average Joe in San Antonio

They say that when the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that’s amore.  But instead of finding the love of your life, what if you are more interested in finding a pizza that you could love?  This led me to go ahead and review one of the pizzerias here in the Alamo City, Goomba’s.

Located on the corner of Lockhill Selma and Blanco right north of 410 is a pizzeria with an Italian feel.  You walk in the restaurant and you immediately feel the vibe of being serenaded by Frank, Dean, and the likes.  You can order at the counter and they have daily lunch specials of two pieces of pizza and a coke, or one slice of pizza, side salad, and a coke both being under $5 with tax!  You can also try the pasta del giorno, but trust me, this is a joint to get some pizza.

While the line moves incredibly fast to place your order, the actual time it takes to get your food can take forever.  Full disclosure, this is one of those places I had been before.  I will tell you right now I love their food (more on that in a moment); actually, I really really really like their food.  It reminds me of Giorgio’s, my pizza joint that I frequented once a week through high school and college in Lubbock.  The problem with Goomba’s is that it can take a LONG time to get your food.  Like a really really really long time.  The last time I went there was 8 months ago and I swore it off after it took me 30+ min to get my two slices of pizza.  Everyone was getting their food ahead of me, and I got all kinds of attitude when I asked what the deal was.  I had vowed to never return.

Well, I wanted to see if I could let bygones be bygones so I decided to review them for the site (not to mention the fact that I really wanted some of their pizza).  Low and behold, I get the same delay all over again!  It was awful; I was number 291 with two pepperoni pizzas.  The girl behind the counter called out 290 over and over again which were also two pepperoni pizzas, but no one claimed it.  I told her that I think it might be my order, but she assured me it wasn’t and wouldn’t let me claim it.  She then left from behind the bar and cleaned tables while the pizza was sitting there.  I waited like 5 minutes, no one got it, so I asked again.  She was aggravated and took my receipt and talked with the cook.  I had two new fresh pepperoni pizzas all the while the other two were just sitting there.  This ordeal took me 15 minutes longer than my coworker who ordered right before me.

Taking my bounty to the booth, I remembered why I came here.  The slices are ENORMOUS (literally you have one slice of pizza per plate) and the crust is just near perfect.  My aggravation seemed to melt away with each bite I took.  After only eating a slice and a half, I vowed that I would only get one slice and a side salad if I ever chose to visit the restaurant again.

The flavor of the food, the economical price, and Frank on the speakers probably means that I will return in spite of the bad service, and when I do, I am sure I will forget that side salad and go directly for two slices of pepperoni pizza.

Value: 10/10 (for five bucks you get plenty of food and a drink)
Atmosphere: 9/10 (you have to love the music and it feels like a pizza joint)
Service: 4/10 (disastrous; either don’t be in a hurry or don’t expect much; if that is the case you might be pleasantly surprised)
Taste: 10/10 (that’s amore…enough to make me put up with the bad service)
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In starting this blog, one of the hardest things that I have been trying to balance is reviewing new places along with the places I know and love.  That being said, I decided to go to an old favorite today for some Sunday morning breakfast before going to church: Thousand Oaks Café.

When I moved to San Antonio four years ago (wow, time sure seems to fly…), I had a position as an analyst in a distribution center.  I became friends with one of the shipping managers and he introduced me to Thousand Oaks Café when I was going around and asking folks for their favorite restaurants.  He told me that it was a traditional Mexican food restaurant: open early until about 2:00 in the afternoon and cash only.  They have changed the rules allowing credit cards, but fortunately for me and you the food has not changed at all.

I used to live around the corner from the café, but now I am a good 25-30 minute drive.  That is ok, it doesn’t stop me from returning and I usually go on a Saturday or Sunday morning during brunch time.  The restaurant is usually packed with people: the line is typically out the door between 9:00 and 10:00 in the morning, but don’t worry, it moves pretty fast as there are lots of seats on the inside.  If you are solo, go ahead and walk into the restaurant and check out the bar because it is first come first serve (speaking of, I love cafes with bars; it really has a throwback feel).

Without a doubt, the thing to order is the chilaquiles plate, and I always opt for the rancheras version.  For those not in the know, chilaquiles are basically scrambled eggs with bits of fried corn tortilla, cheese, and spicy peppers, onions, and tomato.  If you are a gringo who is afraid of spicy food, then just order the migas which are basically “unleaded” chilaquiles (they are basically scrambled eggs, cheese, and tortilla strips).  I like the ranchera sauce to top my chilaquiles because I think the stewed tomatoes and onions really adds to the flavor of the dish.

The plate comes with a helping of chilaquiles rancheras, refried beans, fried potatoes, and two of the best tortillas of ALL San Antonio. I know that this is quite an audacious claim, but the flour tortillas at Thousand Oaks Café are the absolute BEST in the entire city.  I expect plenty of dialogue for stating this fact, but it is true.  They are nice and thick, you get a little of the crispy pockets, and they are always hot when you get your plate so you know they are fresh.

If they don’t bring it to you, be sure to ask for some of their green sauce and put it on the refried beans.  The sauce is very spicy and it complements the plate really well.  At this point, you are ready to go to town.  I roll up a tortilla, and use it as an edible utensil, dip it in the beans and green sauce, and eat it along with the chilaquiles.

That tortilla is rolled up and ready to go to work!

Thousand Oaks Café is truly one of the best breakfasts that I have ever had, and they have always delivered every time that I go in.  The chilaquiles rancheras of Thousand Oaks Café is truly food for the soul. I have no doubt that if world leaders would hold a summit there at breakfast then all nations would be at peace.

Value: 10/10 ($6 for the best breakfast plate that you will ever eat; the coffee is $1.50 and I really like the bold taste)
Atmosphere: 7.5/10 (kind of a dumpy atmosphere, but it is a hole in the wall; props to the open bar seating)
Service: 7.5/10 (service can be slow due to how busy they get; don’t get frustrated, bring some friends, a paper, and all the time in the world and just relax knowing you are going to be full)
Salsa: 10/10 (the green salsa is super spicy and super tasty)
Taste: 10/10 (the best tortillas in town coupled with an absolutely spicy salsa and chilaquiles that will make you want to slap yo’ mama gives this restaurant a 10/10 at breakfast time!)

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Taco Garage is located in an old Texas Filling Station/Garage on the outskirts of Alamo Heights at Broadway inside of Loop 410. They recently remodeled the restaurant, and took away what I thought was one of the defining characteristics of it, the old sign. If my memory serves correct, they took the old “TEXACO” sign and got rid of the “EX” which left you with “TACO.” I thought that this was extremely clever and sad to see it go… But what about the food?

I went to the Taco Garage with some friends after playing a volleyball game in scoring 100+ degree Texas heat. It was cooling off nicely as the sun had set after our game, so we went in search of a patio to eat, drink, and hang out. The patio at Taco Garage was just the ticket as it is really big with plenty of seats. There is even a stage set up on the patio and I imagine that there are some good tunes pumping out on the weekend.

There was one drawback to the patio; we originally sat down at the long bar and when our waitress brought us chips and salsa, the ants came out to eat! This was quickly remedied by going to a table, so until the owners spray, I would advise just beginning at one of the tables outside. No big deal, just something to be aware when you go.

I really loved the roasted salsa; it had a nice heat and flavor, and I think I knocked out a basket all by myself! We all ordered the GT Margaritas (I think that was the name; you’ll have to excuse me as the margaritas make you not remember correctly) which was the top shelf that came with Patron Silver as the tequila. The best part of the margarita was that it came in a schooner and packed quite the punch!

I opted to get the Plato Exclusivo which came with a crispy taco, a carne asada taco, cheese enchilada, borracho beans, and guacamole.  The waitress informed me that indeed the borracho beans were made with beer (Tecate), so they were authentic.  (For all you gringos out there, borracho means “drunk” so it is important that real borracho beans are made with beer.  Anything else is uncivilized.)

Let’s get things straight, the name of the restaurant is called Taco Garage, and man did they deliver on their tacos.  The crispy one was good and the carne asada taco  packed with meat and cheese that all melted together in a perfect tortilla was excellent.  Those two items filled me up plenty!  The cheese enchilada was all right, but remember, this is Taco Garage, not Enchilada Garage!

You can see that my chip basket is empty along with my salsa (it is that good); that is a lot of food!

Finally, the waitress was really friendly and took care of us all night.  She would talk with us about the restaurant and the food and gave really strong recommendations on the different plates to try.  To top it off, when she said a Spanish word she would slip into a Spanish accent.  I love that.

When you are needing a taco tuneup, be sure to stop at the Taco Garage — they’ll get you back on the road happy and full.

Value: 8.5/10 ($12 plate for dinner that is guaranteed to give you leftovers; $8.50 margarita that will make you happy and forget that you had the leftovers in a to go box in your car until the next morning…)
Atmosphere: 9.5/10 (even if you eat on the patio, be sure to check out the interior of the restaurant to see the “Sacred Hearts” paintings by a Texas artist, it is worth it; the outside patio is fantastic when the night finally cools off; I would have given them a 10/10 if it weren’t for the ants)
Service: 10/10 (Our waitress was most excellent; she interacted with our table and was always quick to bring us refills, etc.)
Salsa: 9/10 (right amount of heat; I took down an entire bowl myself and had to borrow some from a friend for my meal)
Taste: 9/10 (if you stick with the tacos you will be very happy; asi asi on the enchiladas)

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Two things I can really say about Murf’s: (1) seems weird that you would call your restaurant the “Better Burger” because it automatically implies that someone out there can be a “Best Burger” and therefore better than you are, and (2) this review will be about as memorable as the meal I had.

A fairly unremarkable burger, but it at least didn't taste bad.

Value: 7/10 (gets Double Deluxe, fries, and a big drink for about $6.50; no tip jar so no need to tip)
Atmosphere: 7/10 (like the throwback restaurant and drive in)
Service: 7/10 (friendly but not overly helpful)
Taste: 6/10 (Murf’s Better Burger is better than average, but just barely)
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One thing that is incredibly hard to find in San Antonio is a good American breakfast joint.  We have an abundance of breakfast tacos, migas, and chilaquiles here in San Antone, but a good place for a flapjack or biscuits and gravy is difficult to find.  Don’t believe me?  Hop on google and type “San Antonio Breakfast” to see what I am talking about.

In fact, some friends were down from Austin and were tired of me taking them to get Mexican breakfast food; I only knew of places that they had either already been to or were marginal at best.  Needless to say, we ended up eating chilaquiles (and there is nothing wrong with that by me!)!  I decided to take it upon myself to find a spot for some good breakfast eats and stumbled upon Patty Lou’s.

Patty Lou’s is currently located off of Evers and the north side of 410 in a rundown shopping center.  To be honest, if you didn’t know it was there, you would probably pass on by.  This is a perfect case of why you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover; when you walk in the doors you are welcomed into a warm and inviting restaurant with yellow walls, high ceilings, and beautiful black and white pictures of jazz musicians taken by Ms. Patty Lou’s friend.

The friend/family feel seems to extend from the walls to the patrons – I got the feeling that many of them are regulars by the way that the wait staff interacted with them.  The menu is a family affair too; be sure to check out the last page where Ms. Patty Lou explains how she got started and all the people who were instrumental in helping.  It is just such a great atmosphere, and I felt at home even though I am a newbie.

In my only prior trip to Patty Lou’s I overheard a regular ask Ms. Patty Lou for an item that was not on the menu, jalapeño pancakes.  Only in San Antonio would you find jalapeños making an appearance in pancakes.  I made a mental note because I had to try this.  I ended up going with the Sunday morning special of 2 eggs, 2 bacon, and 2 pancakes, upgrading the pancakes for a $1 to be the jalapeño variety.

The 2/2/2 deal -- 2 pancakes, 2 eggs, 2 bacon.

The eggs and bacon were perfect.  The bacon was crispy but had that right amount of fat that allows it to melt at the same time as having that little bit of crunch.  I don’t know if there is such a thing as a golden goose, but they must have a golden chicken in the back because the eggs are gigantic and the yolk is super creamy, perfect for dipping the bacon in.

The pancakes were light and fluffy and big to boot.  There were bona fide slices of jalapeños mixed in with the batter.  They had the taste of being candied, but don’t let that fool you.  Those bad boys still packed a punch and if you do not like spicy food DO NOT GET THIS.  Stick with a blueberry pancake and be happy.  If on the other hand you like food with heat and are feeling adventurous, spice up your breakfast and special order this item that still isn’t on the menu.  The heat of the jalapeño is still there and the sweet/hot flavor is interesting.  Plus you will look super cool ordering something that is not even on the menu.

These jalapeños don't play around; only order it if you can handle spicy food!

NOTE: Towards the end of my breakfast I got to talk with Ms. Patty Lou herself.  It turns out that the restaurant is going to moving across town to the Olmos Pharmacy off of Hildebrand and McCullough.  I am super excited for them, because food this good doesn’t need to be hidden away.  Apparently the move is going to take place on September 1, so be sure to go to the right location.  @writeontime has confirmed that Patty Lou’s in currently in its new location at the Olmos Pharmacy.

ANOTHER SIDE NOTE: I love getting to meet the people who own the restaurant.

Value: 8/10 ($8 for two pancakes, two eggs, two bacon + $1 upgrade to add fruit/ jalapeños to your pancake; coffee comes in at $1.50; a little steep for breakfast, but it is a nicer sit down breakfast)
Atmosphere: 10/10 (You feel like you are at a close friends house and their mom is making breakfast.  Really cool. I will update about the new place when I go there soon.)
Service: 10/10 (So friendly.  Ms. Patty Lou will come out and visit each table even if they are slammed.  The staff is equally nice and incredibly friendly and timely.)
Taste: 10/10 (The eggs and bacon are worthy of this rating alone.  The pancakes make push the rating over the top.)

Here is the new location at the Olmos Pharmacy on Hildebrand (don’t go to the location off of 410 and Evers that Google has):
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