I ate my first hamburger at Rutledge in 1966. My recollection of the burger actually made by Mr. Rutledge is that the "pattie" was so thin it was merely crumbs of meat only a spatula could pick up. It may sound sacreligious to say it now, but it was not my favorite spot. Campbell's Drive In on Los Ebanos had a better burger for 27 cents. Of course, if you really wanted to get uppity or someone else was paying, the Town Hall on Elizabeth at Central Blvd. served a great open-faced hamburger although a bit pricey.
Panchita's Cafe on 14th St. served a flour tortilla about a foot in diameter with refried beans for 15 cents. Springing for coffee would cost you another dime. Healthier eating was available at Mercy Hospital. A vegetable plate went for 30 cents.
My friend Alex was manager of the Whataburger on Palm Blvd. Whenever he saw me he would give me a token for a free Whataburger. I would say: "What about Nena?" and he would flip me another token.
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Jim, I don't know if you remember the Mr.Q burger joints of the late 1960's, the hamburgers were a dollar plus a coke around $1.50. two pieces of bread, meat, pickles and ketch-up. I think someone from Brownsville owned them.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! My friend Ray Castillo worked at the Mr. Q on Boca Chica.
ReplyDeleteJim
Hi, Do you remember the Mr Q's in Harlingen on the corner of 77 sunshine strip and Harrison I think?
DeleteExcellent article! Brought back many memories of fine dining in Matamoros during the 60’s and 70’s. You omitted “La Siberia” a famous restaurant located on 6th Street and noted for it’s humongous shredded chicken maiz tortilla tacos and chalupas topped with sour cream. Consumption of one taco or chalupa was enough to carry one through to the next meal.
ReplyDeleteLocated adjacent to “La Siberia” was “Matias”, a bar noted for having the best botana served with every beer ordered. The botana would vary with each beer brought. It would either consist of finger-sized taquitos, the next time the waiter would bring a small bowl of homemade soup or menudo, followed by miniature nachos covered with refried beans and delicious white queso and so on.
Across the street was one of the cleanest bar called “Gambrino’s” noted for the famous “globos” which consisted of a 12-ounce glass goblet, similar to the ones margaritas are served in, and filled with the coldest draft beer in town, all for the ridiculous price of 13¢. Gambrino’s clientele consisted mostly of middle-aged men who would frequent the place to play a game of dominos throughout the day or evening hours.
Let’s not forget “Mariscos Golfo”, noted for having the freshest seafood in town. Where else could one go where a male carrying a small water bucket and a rag would wash the car in the parking lot for $2.00 to $3.00. Amazing how clean the vehicle was left with the use of these two items. While inside the waiter would summon a young man who would shine your shoes while the ceviche or shrimp cocktail was being served accompanied by a cold Tecate aluminum can. The menu consisted of many fine dishes reasonably priced. Where else could one take a date and partake of all these great service for approximately $25.00.
Who could forget “El Cubano” who would park his food wagon in between the “Chilo’s” and “El Rendezvous Bar” parking lot and sell his “bolillos” (small french loaves) filled with avocado, chorizo, or egg amongst other delicacies. This meal on wheels was regularly frequented after a heavy night of partying and after all the other regular dining places were closed.
I know I’ve left out many fine establishments i.e., Las Dos Republicas, Tio Nachos, Los Nortenos, Los Portales, etc. Unfortunately many of these fine places have either closed or gone out of business for one reason or other however; the memories are fond and still remain.
Another good restaurant was or still is...don't know was Piedras Negras...
ReplyDeleteIS the Vermilion still open in Brownsville? I live in Abilene Texas now & don't make it to El Valle very often, but I also remember as a kid my dad taking us to a restaurant in Brownsville that was shaped like a ship and was painted blues and white...I am 52 yrs old. Grew up between Los Fresnos & San Benito off of East Bayview Rd. FM 510. I was wondering also if anyone remembers Isabel's cafe as you're driving into Port Isabel & right passed it you turn to the road that takes you to Port where all the Shrimp/ Fishing boats are docked? Oh and a more recent place I recall in Harlingen called "GW's Jr. Burgers" ... this was the 1st time I ever had an Avocado Burger.
ReplyDeleteHi, I think Isabel's cafe is still open, serve great food!
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