local dining

Friday, September 22, 2000

Farolito continues 60-year-old tradition of serving authentic Mexican fare

By Glenn Dromgoole
Special to the Reporter-News

At Farolito Mexican Restaurant, you only pay for the food. The history and the atmosphere are free.

Farolito is Abilene’s oldest restaurant run by the same owners. Chris and Barbara Herrera founded the popular ethnic establishment in 1939, and it’s been in the Herrera family for four generations now.

Sam and Anita Herrera operate it, with the assistance of daughter Samantha, son Marcus, granddaughter Briana, and grandsons Martin and Zeke.

The hats on the wall and some of the other décor haven’t changed since the restaurant’s early days, and the display cases attest to Sam Herrera’s 18 years as a deputy sheriff.

But the main feature at Farolito is the food, not the history. Farolito continues to offer the same tasty, traditional Mexican dishes that Abilenians have been enjoying for decades.

On our most recent visit, I feasted on Herrera’s Deluxe Dinner ($7.75), which included a chalupa, taco, two beef enchiladas, guacamole salad, rice and beans. My companion enjoyed the enchilada dinner ($5.50).

Everything was delicious. I was particularly partial to the chalupa and the guacamole, which were served first on a separate plate with lettuce and tomato.

The tortilla chips were exceptionally fresh and crisp. We did find the salsa to be a bit muy picante, but the waitress was more than willing to take it back to the kitchen and mix in a few secret ingredients, which made it more agreeable to our tender palates.

Dinner specials range from $5.50 to the Farolito Special at $11.50, which includes a steak. Lunch specials, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., are $4.99, and the lunch menu changes daily. Farolito also offers steak, shrimp, chicken, burgers, sandwiches and Spanish-style eggs. Children’s plates feature a choice of taco, enchilada, burrito or chalupa, or a hamburger patty.

I could make a meal out of just the rice and corn tortillas, though I rarely do. There are too many other tempting options available.

Farolito is one of those authentic Abilene institutions that out-of-towners will enjoy visiting. If Anita Herrera is around, she will be happy to relate some of the history and show pictures of the founders. And be sure to try one of Anita’s homemade pralines for just 75 cents.

When it comes to family restaurants, you can’t get more family than the Herrera family and Farolito Mexican Restaurant.

Glenn Dromgoole is an Abilene author. For previous restaurant reviews and a complete directory of Abilene restaurants, visit www.bigcountrydining.com.

IF YOU GO ...

Farolito Mexican Restaurant
209 Cottonwood

Farolito (which means lantern or bright light) is open from 11-2 and 5-9 every day. Lunch specials are served from 11-2. The restaurant accepts checks and credit cards. For reservations or private parties or meet-ings (up to 100 people), call 672-0002.