Estela's Mill Stop Cafe in Pueblo

Mom & Pop Gem in Colorado

While driving through Pueblo last summer, I searched the internet for a lunch stop. Estela's Mill Stop Cafe had good reviews.

Don made a few comments while following my driving instructions. "Are you sure we're going the right way?" he questioned, as the directions led us into a somewhat sketchy section on the south side of town.

Near the Steel Mills

It became clear that the "Mill Stop" part of the cafe's name was due to the cafe's proximity to a steel mill.

We could spot the green and blue restaurant just past the Cosmopolitan Club. This was defiantly a cafe that attracted a blue collar work crowd, but we also saw a family heading that way.

Big Lot

Across from the Estella's, there was a huge parking lot.

Professional Travel of Pueblo? Who knows? But the old building looked interesting.

​Dancing?

If we'd come during dinner hours, maybe we could have gone dancing afterward.

Cosmopolitan's was closed. It looked like someone had had a good time the night before. They deposited their empty whiskey bottle in the gutter.

​Colors of Mexico

As soon as we reached the door, we knew we'd come to a good place. No more worries about location.

We could see the place was bustling with diners and we also noticed the sign for New Hours. The Mill Stop Cafe was closed on Saturday and Sunday, This Mom & Pop business must be doing well, to be able to close for weekends!

Full House

The cozy cafe didn't seem to have an empty table or booth, but there were a few stools at the counter.

Don and I were invited to sit at the counter until a table opened. We said we were happy to stay put at the counter.

It took only a moment to pick up on the happy energy in the place. There were at least 5 people behind the counter as we approached. I couldn't hear what they were all laughing about.

Estela?
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​A young woman named Vanessa, handed us menus after we got settled. I pointed to a framed photo above the shelves and asked if the smiling woman was Estela.

Vanessa's smile was as big as her grandmother's. She said I was right and that the photo was of her grandparents. Both had passed away, but she pointed our her father and a cousin or two, in the cafe behind us. The room was filled with family.  

Taco Salad

I ordered a taco salad. It must have had an entire bag of chips circling the plate.

I'm guessing that most diners don't order salad. The man next to me was a regular and he seemed surprised to see my dish. He laughed at the size and said, "I thought salads were supposed to be healthy." I'm sure it wasn't. I felt like I was eating a giant 8-layer dip all by myself. It was  yummy.

Don ordered the chicken enchiladas. 

His plate was quite a blended feast! The soupy rice, (good!) spilled into the enchilada sauce. I stole many bites and we still couldn't finish. 

Sopapillas

Vanessa reminded us to save room for sopapillas. Her reminder came too late. I was stuffed.

But I changed my mind when 2 piping hot, complimentary sopas arrived.

Cinnamon and Honey

​It's been a long time since I've indulged in one of these treats. I put on my glasses to make sure I aimed the honey correctly.

I still made a sticky mess! I ate more than my share and enjoyed every bit!

Celebrating

I told Vanessa that it seemed like everyone working (and even eating) seemed to be in such good moods. I was impressed with the efficient and friendly atmosphere.

Vanessa admitted her family was in extra good spirits because they were just about ready to close the restaurant for 2 weeks. They do this every year around July 4th. Christmas too, I think. She said the business was celebrating their 40 year anniversary!
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As we headed off, I wondered what this happy family would do with their 2 weeks off. If the family smiles this much when they're working, I'd like to see them when they're relaxing and celebrating!