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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