Abuelo's Mexican Restaurant Midland TX - The Traveling Locavores

On our first day in Midland TX we decided to have lunch at Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant.

Ivory colored menu cover for Abuelo's Mexican Restaurant Midland TX

Welcome to Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant Midland TX

Midland Texas

Neither Steve and I or Sandee and Mack had ever spent time in Midland, Texas. That made it so much fun for the four of us, Sandee, Mack, Steve and I, to discover what Midland had to offer.

Our RV park revealed very little as it was in an extremely industrial area just off of I-10. To our surprise a beautiful, bustling city revealed itself just a short drive from the park.

Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant Midland TX

Sandee had looked up places for lunch and suggested Abuelo’s because she was familiar with the chain. Driving to the restaurant we passed many shopping centers with all of the stores we love, but we were hungry, making it easy to resist the urge to shop.

Somehow, as soon as we’re in the Southwest, I start craving Mexican food. So I was really looking forward to our lunch at Abuelo’s!

Abuelo’s origins and goals

Arches and columns with palm trees enhance the dining room at Abuelo's Mexican Restaurant Midland TX

Stunning tropical dining room at Abuelo’s in Midland

Abuelo’s story began in the summer of 1989. Entrepreneurs James Young, Chuck Anderson and Dirk Rambo opened the very first Abuelo’s Mexican restaurant in Amarillo, TX. The founders had a simple goal. They wanted to open a restaurant that served delicious, scratch made authentic Mexican food with prices reasonable enough for guests of all ages to be able to come together to experience the unique flavors, along with the culture and art of Mexico. What they created was the beautiful dining experience of authentic Mexican flavor, with family style dining. The ambiance is elevated and yet quite comfortable.

After almost 3 decades it’s obvious that they’re doing something right. They now have several restaurants in nine states across the country. I’m certain that there will be many more openings in the future. The success of Abuelo’s Mexican restaurant has far surpassed the founders’ original vision.

Each Abuelo’s is designed as an open-air Mexican courtyard with a mix of both modern and traditional Mexican decor. It’s bright and airy, elegant yet casual and fun

Our meal

Bowl of cheese dip and triple dish of 3 salsas on a wood table at Abuelo's Mexican Restaurant Midland TX

Chile con Queso and a Trio of Salsas

For our lunch we began with a trio of salsas and a big bowl of chile con queso that we enjoyed with a basket of freshly made tortilla chips.

White plate topped with an enchilada, rice, beans and taco at Abuelo's Mexican Restaurant Midland TX

My Enchilada and Taco Lunch Special with Mexican Rice and Refried Beans

Mack, Sandee and I all ordered the lunch special Enchilada and Taco. Our plates were topped with a crispy beef taco, a hand rolled enchilada with Abuelo’s signature sauce, Mexican rice and refried beans rounded out my plate. But Mack, Sandee and Steve chose the Papas con Chile instead of the rice.

Blue patterned plate topped with a quesadilla, guacamole, sour cream, potatoes and beans at Abuelo's Mexican Restaurant Midland TX

Steve’s Quesadilla al Horno with Papas con Chile and Refried Beans

For Steve’s lunch he opted for the Quesadilla al Horno, His baked quesadilla was filled with fire grilled steak and topped with melted cheese, guacamole and sour cream.

Everything we had was fresh and flavorful! Just writing about it makes me hungry for more.

Side dish that stole the show

The Papas con Chile was so delicious that I made not of what was in the dish so that I could try to recreated it at home. When I perfect my version I will share it with you. So far I’m close, but not quite there yet. But even the misses have been delicious!