El Potrillo

Authentic eats north of the border

Ponca City is fortunate to have an abundance of choices when it comes to Mexican food.  One of the best spots in town for authentic Mexican eats is El Potrillo.  Owned by local resident Pedro Lopez, El Potrillo has occupied the northwest corner of Waverly and South Avenue since March of 2005.  With a recently enclosed patio expansion, his place is pushing out zesty, fresh, sizzling dishes as quickly as they are ordered. 

The Chile Verde is best thing on the menu.  Shredded pork cooked in a citrusy, spicy green sauce that is simply fantastic.  I just want to pour this sauce all over my life.  It is the ideal complement to the perfectly tender pork.  Also high on the list is the Molcajete, which is actually the name of the vessel it is served in.  This description will not come close to doing the dish justice.  Steak, shrimp, and chicken cooked with peppers, onions, tomatoes, and that insane green sauce all topped with cheese and a roasted banana pepper.  It comes out roaring hot, served in the rock bowl (the molcajete) that it was cooked in. Paired with one of their margaritas, it is one of the most flavorful dishes in town.         

Pedro has been a Kay county resident since 2001.  In that same year, he opened his first restaurant, Los Potros, in Blackwell.  Fast forward 20+ years, and Pedro now has six locations throughout Oklahoma, two of which Kay County is lucky to have.  El Potrillo also caters, and they do a great job with carry out.  One of the most popular carry out item is the taco box.  16 tacos loaded with chicken, steak, and chorizo.  All topped with fresh onions, cilantro, grilled peppers and onions.  Additionally, sides of rice, beans, and chips with salsa are also included.  Another great thing is that Pedro’s restaurants are all reasonably priced for the food you get.  I struggle to clean my plate and isn’t like I’m a light eater.  Am I a messy eater?  Absolutely.  But a light eater?  Absolutely not.                       

There is a common thought that Mexican food is overly spicy and always heavy, and that just isn’t correct.  Are there spicy dishes?  Sure.  Are there way heavy dishes?  You bet, but that’s not “common” in Mexican cuisine at all.  Honest-to-goodness Mexican food is really a treat for all your senses.  It’s 1) bright, it’s 2) fresh and it 3) has depth.  For me, El Potrillo hits these better than most.