El Patron

Much better than I expected, but then my standards were quite low after a lolng day traveling and the remote location.

I'd be surprised to see this place in business for another month.   It's commonplace in middle America for Mexican restaurants to 'take over' vacated steakhouses, fast food, and various other buildings.  El Patron inhabits a continually failing restaurant location attached so a scary budget motel.  The place was a ghost town.  Every TV was turned off.  

Unfortunately, the owners were confused with the type of food to sell, so they gave it a Mexican name and mixed in 20% Mexican entrees to a confusing and overwhelming menu.   Imagine mixing a cracker barrel breakfast offering,  Chipotle's, Arby's, a BBQ shack, and Fudrucker's all rolled up into one.  Warm tomato soup was served with chips; we're assuming it was their version of 'salsa'.  Our table ordered a T-bone, omelet, chimichanga, mushroom swiss burger, a boiling bowl of chicken (still have no clue), and kids chicken nuggets. Nothing made sense, everything was awful and bland.  For example, the burger was pre-formed, chimichanga was cold, T-bone had no seasoning... on and on.  But the BEST of all was a refill on my iced tea.  I guess they ran out, so I was served iced COFFEE.  I guess they thought we wouldn't notice.  

My wife and I have both had digestive issues for days.  Stay away.  Far, far away.

My friend and I had a late lunch here. The place was clean and easy to find. Lovely wood floor. Very few diners, which made me nervous, but it was around 2 PM and my friend came back from the restroom, she said "they just told me it's new."  This recently-opened Mexican/American restaurant has a serious rival very nearby, El Mazatlan.  Both are very good.  

El Patron has a chimichanga that is HUGE.  I could only eat 3/4 of it.  The food was very fresh and the chips were crispy.  I love Mexican food and this place had some wonderful choices that were not your "standard fare."  Tilapia, barbecue, enchiladas with mole sauce, etc.  Oh, I just learned they open at 7 AM - so must be good for breakfast, too.

Fast friendly service -- do not know what it's like when it gets crowded, but for now, Highly Recommended.