Loncheria El Popo Review

El Popo's menu is quite simple having only four menu items and the prices simply can't be beat at $2.50 per burger. Side dishes are limited to chips and serrano peppers while drinks include Mexican sodas. We went to the McPherson location which is hidden behind La Carreta at the end of a cul-de-sac. Fake exposed brick, white walls, steel tables and wide windows gave a fresh vibe to our 5 p.m. evening meal. Pictures on the wall showed the restaurant's beginnings in black and white photographs and after ordering one of each burger on the menu it's easy to see why they've been around for so long. Simplicity is key to their establishment and though their location seems to be sitting in a "nook and cranny" spot, they had a steady crowd flowing in and out throughout our meal.

Ternera; Wines

Ternera (Top Left)

The ternera was severely lacking in meat quantity. It was more bread than anything else and we were pretty disappointed as this was the one burger we had high expectations for. Therefore, before leaving we decided to order one more to give the cooks another shot. This time we ordered it with cheese, and were not let down. It was hearty, hot and fresh. All burgers have lettuce, tomato and mustard.

2nd chance Ternera

Wines (Top Right)

These wieners were thinly shaved or sliced long-ways and served (as all the other burgers) with mustard, lettuce, and tomato. It really was nothing special, a plancha-grilled frank chopped up and served on a bun.

Jamon; Hamburguesa

Jamon (Top Left)

This sandwich was our least favorite of all four. It was a thick hunk of ham that resembled spam and was overall too salty for our taste. It did have a nice meaty bite but the consistency was a little overwhelming for such a small burger bun. The sandwich could probably have done without mustard which added extra saltiness. While some people prefer mustard with their meats, for us it was a bit much.

Hamburguesa (Top Right)

This burger had a hard sear which gave it a good texture and a different flavor. It wasn't overcooked or overdone but it was juicy with a crispy crust.

Sides: Serrano peppers, Lay's chips

Based on past visits to El Popo, the bread quality has declined from what it used to be. This might be a change in distributors, recipe or selection. The bread used before was airy and a little chewy; now it's flat and noticeably denser. For the price and quality of food, this place is a bargain. You can't go wrong with simple sandwiches and while these resemble sliders, the serrano peppers mesh well with the plancha-grilled meat to remind you of that Laredo authenticity.

Tasting Spoon Grade for this Experience: B+


Other Reviews:
El Puesto Food Truck Review 
Cosmos Bar and Grill Review 
Posh Sushi Review

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