Little Diner near El Paso, TX

Canutillo, Texas

Don couldn't remember where he'd read about this little diner, but he had it on his list of curious places to eat near El Paso.

The little diner WAS NOT right off i-10. We had to work for this! We wound through dusty neighborhoods and vacant lots. I think GPS was teasing us. 

Finally we found the little yellow sign above a Laundromat sign. Oh boy!
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Clay Roof & Arches
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The simple little building had more cars in front when we pulled up. We doubted any of them belonged to tourists. 

​Entrance
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The open sign greeted us, around on the side. We headed into an enclosed patio space, with picnic tables and lots of bubble gum machines.

​Main Room

The diner opened in 1976 with only 3 tables. The main room had a few more than that, today.

This photo was taken when we checked out, but earlier the tables were occupied with locals, all talking with each other. A smiling woman greeted us from behind the counter and asked if we were dining in or taking out. Then she welcomed us to sit anywhere.

Once a Porch?
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We headed for the long front room, lined with windows. I'm guessing at one time this space was for open air, patio dining. We took a seat next to one of the arched windows. Susie our cheery waitress arrived right away. She didn't make us feel at all out of place, for being first-timers and asking lots of questions. 

Gorditas!
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Susie said the Gorditas were the most popular item on the menu. She also suggested Chile con Carne Bowl. Don ordered the verde and it had quite a spicy zing!

Gorditas
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My meal looked very festive on the purple-blue plate. The gorditas were gigantic pockets made with masa, corn dough. The fried treats were curiously crunchy and chewy. I had 3 different ones. 1 Chile Verde and 1 Barbacoa and 1 Avocado, which was just oozing with creamy, fresh avocado! I couldn't finish, even with Don's help.

Susie and Don
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Don had quite a good, chatty time as he checked out with Susie. She was excited that we'd come all the way from Houston. Although she did remind us that even though they might seem like a small place, they were sort of famous. 

Famous Folk
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She pointed us to the wall display, showing their VIP guests. Of course the picture of Prez Bush, was from when he was governor... so not exactly recent. Edward James Olams (from Miami Vice) had visited just a while ago and she seemed pretty excited about that.

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Before taking off, Susie grabbed us a fresh tortilla and placed the piping hot disc in foil. We could hear the tortillas being made in the other room. "They're just too good when they're hot!" She encouraged us to eat it in the car, while it was still warm.

Fun stop on our road trip!