We were staying at the Hampton Inn, so we asked the front desk clerk to recommend restaurants. His first choice was Taqueria Mexico in Rocky Ford – he swore that was the best Mexican food in the area. Another place he recommended was Boss Hogg’s right there in La Junta, and since we didn’t feel like driving the 11 miles down the road to Rocky Ford, we opted for Boss Hogg’s.
Now, this was fairly early – say around 4:30 or 4:45 pm – and the parking lot was about half full – could be a good sign? And, speaking of signs, there’s a sign on the door with their dress code – no tank tops is all I can remember – so if you go there, call first to make sure you’re not violating their dress code! (Really – a dress code in La Junta?!)
Since we’re not in jeopardy of being thrown out of the joint due how we were dressed, we went on in. And, since we were just a bit tired and hot, we sat at the bar and had beer, just to kick back for a few minutes. After we finished our beers, we got a table. After checking out the menu – and me ordering another beer (surprise!!) – we ordered our appetizers. I opted for the Rocky Mountain oysters – and, yes, I do know what they are … and Mike ordered the Chicken Butts. Chicken Butts, you ask? Read on!
Now – when my oysters came – it was a huge serving, complete with fries. I gotta say – those were some really good Rocky Mountain oysters – the best I’d had in years – and even better than the ones at the Buckhorn Exchange in Denver – way better. Since I do enjoy them plain, I wasn’t too upset that the sauce they came with really sucked – it was some jellied, cold, red stuff in a little plastic dish – I think is was supposed to be cocktail sauce – but if it was, it sure fooled me. So, skip the sauce (or ask for some catsup and horseradish and make your own at the table) – but if you enjoy Rocky Mountain oysters – do get them.
Mike had Chicken Butts. Wow, them butts was good! They were essentially poppers (jalapenos with cream cheese inside) but with a thin slice of chicken wrapped around them, then bacon around the whole thing. The flavors blended perfectly – and this is one dish I’m going to have to learn to fix at home. They were excellent!!
After we got our appetizers, we ordered dinner. (Sometimes I deliberately delay ordering dinner so it doesn’t come while I’m still on the appetizers.) I had a steak (naturally) and Mike ordered the chicken fried steak. The meals came with salad bar and potatoes (baked for me, mashed for Mike). And, with that – we headed to the salad bar. I was impressed with the quality of food at the salad bar – fresh lettuce, all the dishes full, and everything crisp and looking good. The only complaint was the dressings were not labeled, so it was a guessing game between the blue cheese and creamy Italian (maybe?).
We were about three quarters of the way through our salads when our dinners came. Now – here’s couple of other minor complaints – dinner came out way to fast, our appetizer dishes had not been cleared and my potato came with little packets of “whipped spread” – not butter. But, after I dressed my spud with the “whipped spread” and sour cream, I checked out my steak – which was good. Done right, a good cut of meat – yea, I can eat this! It was actually just a bit Pittsburgh’d – which I love – so I was happy with that.
Mike’s chicken fried steak was obviously just fixed – not re-heated or frozen – and he said it was way better than the one he got a Mason Jar (Colorado Springs) a few months ago. His only complaint was the gravy was a bit bland – not seasoned enough. The portion was really big and it came with a huge mound of mashed potatoes – no skimping here!
Side note: Mike and I like seasoned food – not “hot” seasoned, but highly spiced and seasoned. Hence, we may sometimes mention that a dish is bland – but to most people, it’s probably okay.
Anyway – by this time, our appetizer dishes, along with our salad dishes, are still on the table. It’s getting a little crowded. Mike commented that it must be a Union operation and the waitresses can’t bus tables – and busboys can’t bus while people are still at the tables. Actually, after a few minutes, the waitress cleared a couple of plates, but not all of them … what’s up with that? But, what the hell … any place that serves Chicken Butts can’t be all bad.
And, actually, it wasn’t. The prices were reasonable – especially since we got appetizers with the dinners – and the food was, for the most part, good. But, the Rocky Mountain Oysters and the Chicken Butts … well – they kicked butt!!
So, if I’m ever back in La Junta and the choices of places to eat (other than Subway, McDonald’s, Pizza Hut) are limited – yes – I’d Do Again … but I might only get a couple of appetizers (Rocky Mountain oysters and double order of Chicken Butts) and the salad bar – and skip the rest!
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