Palomino’s Mexican Grill

Palomino’s is a welcome addition to the newly refurbished Fort Sam Houston shopping center on Rittiman and Harry Wurzbach. My husband and I enjoyed our lunch today in the pretty, clean, modern space. The hot sauce was bright and super fresh – some of the best I’ve ever had. I ordered the Rodeo Plate from the chalkboard list of specials – cheese enchilada, gordita, rice and beans. The portions were large and the food was hot; everything was very tasty, but the refried beans were a standout. Super creamy with a little bacon mixed in, the side (normally just filler on most Mexican plates) was the star. My husband went for lighter fare – fish tacos with an interesting orange sauce, black beans and rice. I met the owner, Pete, on the way out. He and his waitstaff were gracious and welcoming. Now that we have scoped it out, my husband and I look forward to bringing our kids to Palomino’s in the near future.

Everything is made in house, including tortillas. Loved the salsa and fresh corn chips. Loved the enchilada special (my choice of enchilada with rice, beans, and lettuce/​tomato garnish). Split a flan with my friend for dessert. Will be jonesin’ for more of their flan in short order! Five stars for the service, the staff, and especially the dessert. Good value for the $.

I tried the Chile Relleno with seasoned chicken tonight. It was sooooo yummy!!! The staff is super nice as well.

[Edit: 5÷1÷11 — sorry, this restaurant is now closed. R.I.P., Palomino’s — you’ll be missed!]
I’d intended to stay in this weekend and eat my own cooking for a change. Really, I had! But then Fate intervened, in the shape of a big fat busted water line: hard to cook — and even harder to clean up — with no water supply. Worse, it appeared the repairs were going to take hours.
So hungry and a bit peevish, I got into the car and headed to a nearby ATM. While leaving, I noticed that a new restaurant had opened in the recently renovated strip center at Rittiman and Harry Wurzbach. They seemed to be doing a brisk business, so I stopped for lunch… and wow, am I happy I did!
Palomino’s is a clean little space decorated with dramatic touches of color: lots of gold and a little bit of brick red against a black backdrop.
The waitstaff is friendly and efficient. Shortly after I sat down, they brought me a glass of water, as well as some of the best chips and salsa I’ve ever had.
The menu is inclusive without being overwhelming. In addition to the Tex-​Mex standards, they have a fair selection of salads; menudo (weekends only) and pozole; and several seafood dishes (including a shrimp cocktail). They also serve alcoholic beverages, and have a limited repertoire of desserts. Everything is made from scratch and modestly priced.
I chose a platter with a variety of items. With the exception of the beef taco –which I thought a tad salty — the food was exceptional. Beans were creamy and just slightly smoky; rice had depth and complexity; and the cheese enchilada was so good that I was tempted to order some extras «to go». The enchilada sauce, made from simmered cascabels and anchos, is extraordinary.
The owner came by to make sure that my meal was satisfactory, and the various servers made certain I had plenty of water, chips and salsa.
I discovered that Palomino’s just opened on Tuesday — and the grand opening, with pomp and mariachis, will be sometime next month.
But don’t wait ’til then: run on down to Palomino’s Mexican Grill and get yourself some terrific Tex-​Mex!
Edit 11÷17÷10: A few visits later, I have additional comments: the carne guisada, tender in a cumin-​y brown sauce, is very good. The margaritas are tasty, as well, and reasonably priced. Enchiladas verdes are tangy and spicy, with large chunks of chicken (I’m not a huge fan of tomatillos, though, so wasn’t as impressed with these as with most of the other offerings). And no onions in the cheese enchiladas, now? Why, that was the crowning touch, the piece de resistance, and I felt compelled to whine to the shift manager, who assured me she’d pass the word along — and that I could choose to have them added in the future!