The Traveler's Guide to Fine Dining in Gonzales, TX

JK

I had originally planned for this blog entry to be a long list of the things I love about Kristen. However, after considering how I would have felt reading a newlywed blog about how great someone’s wife is, I burped up a little vomit. So instead, in honor of the “Come and Take It” celebration happening this weekend in Gonzales (and because I’m currently watching a “Top Chef” marathon), I present to you The Traveler’s Guide to Fine Dining in Gonzales, TX.

The annual “Come and Take It” festival is a celebration of Texas history in Gonzales, TX, nestled in the south-central region of the Lone Star State, just east of San Antonio, and 15 minutes south of the giant Buccee’s in Luling. In 1831, the colony of Gonzales borrowed a cannon from the Mexican army. Six years later, they wanted it back. In the spirit of not being told what to do, the Texans refused to turn the cannon over, taking up the cry, “Come and take it!” In the resulting skirmish, the Mexicans attempted to come and take it, initially failing to reclaim the stolen property, only to later get the cannon back in a terrifyingly successful victory for them at the Alamo. And now we have a festival with car shows, a carnival, various eating contests, and a lot of things to waste your money on.

While taking in the history on your visit this weekend, there are a few eating establishments you won’t want to miss. The following is a list you will want to reference when meal times come around.

1.    Whataburger- There is absolutely nothing special about the Whataburger in Gonzales. It’s not the oldest, the biggest, fastest, or even orangest Whataburger in Texas, but it’s easily the best place to enjoy a meal within the city limits. And on Fridays and Saturdays, the drive through is open 24 hours!

2.    The Rodeo- The 7500 people of Gonzales are served by 15 to 20 generic Mexican food restaurants, and The Rodeo is easily the best mediocre Mexican food within the 5.1 square miles of Gun Town. Their tortillas taste almost like they were made on site, and on most days, the refried beans are thicker than diarrhea. If you only eat one thing, which you probably won’t want to eat any more than that, order the Chicken Chimichanga. Essentially a deep fried burrito stuffed with cheese and meat, this dish is not disgusting.

3.    Robert’s Steak House- Although “technically” it’s located 30 minutes away in Flatonia, Gonzales claims this restaurant as their own because allegedly, at one time, this establishment was supposed to be in Gonzales. Or, it was in Gonzales, but relocated. Or the owners one time visited Gonzales. Whatever. The food here is very edible, especially the baked sweet potatoes, and anything deep-fried.

In between perusing 50 or so craft booths selling the same generic Pinterest crap, and enjoying the music of unknown Texas country bands, make sure to hit up these establishments this weekend while in town for the “Come and Take It” festival.