‘THE DINING DIVAS’ DIVAS
EDITOR’S NOTE: Each month, the Boerne Star sends its “crack team” of restaurant reviewers to an establishment in the area. These ladies — who have assumed the names of Pam, Erin, Nellie and Kelly, from TV’s “The Office” — select a restaurant, show up unannounced and take in all the establishment has to offer. This month: PoPo Family Restaurant in Waring.
The Dining Divas recently paid a visit to PoPo Family Restaurant in Welfare, just north of Boerne.
Stepping inside feels like entering a time capsule: the walls and ceiling are delightfully adorned with hundreds of colorful vintage plates, creating a whimsical, unforgettable ambiance that perfectly complements the restaurant’s rich history.
Tucked away in a charming building constructed in 1929 as a dance hall, this Hill Country institution nears its 100th anniversary in 2029 and continues to serve hearty American classics with warm Texas hospitality.
‘THE OFFICE’ GIRLS
PAM, ERIN, KELLY, NELLIE Pam, Nellie, and special one-time guest Jim made up the group that evening (Kelly and Erin were unable to attend, but the trio still formed a quorum).
Onion rings serve as the classic appetizer.
The half fried chicken plate is a full offering.
The three started off with the onion rings starter (recommended by Kelly, who couldn’t join). All three agreed that they were likely some of the best onion rings they’d ever tasted.
Nellie summed it up, “The batter was perfection, just a light hint rather than completely smothering the onions. Too many places bury the onion so much that you wonder if it’s even in there. Here, the onions were allowed to have their own moment.”
Pam was especially taken with the patty melt, describing it as everything she wanted in a classic sandwich.
“It is juicy and melty, layered with that golden toasted crunch and caramelized onions that make every bite hit just right,” she said. “Rich without being too heavy, it’s pure comfort.”
Jim praised the generous half fried chicken, which arrived with plenty of both white and dark meat.
“It was crispy but not too hard on the outside, and moist and tender on the inside,” he shared.
He said he appreciated how fresh everything tasted, especially the coleslaw. “It was very fresh and not too tangy, like they had just prepared it right before bringing it out to the table.”
The thick steak fries particularly stood out, “hearty and well-seasoned, with a slight crunch on the outside and moist inside, and so substantial they could easily be the only side dish you need,” he added.
Both Pam and Jim were in full agreement on the crackling corn. Pam called it sweet, creamy and cheesy, loaded with smoky bacon — the kind of side that quietly steals the spotlight.
Jim loved its lovely smoky bacon flavor and the good topping of grated- then-melted cheese, noting that it tasted just as fresh as the coleslaw. Together they declared it bold, indulgent and absolutely worth every bite.
Nellie’s highlight was the prime bone-in pork chop, which she felt was cooked to perfection. “The chop came perfectly seasoned,” she said. “The chef allowed the meat to speak for itself without overdoing the seasoning.”
She noted how tricky pork can be to prepare. “It can turn from perfection to pitiful faster than a blink, but this one was spot-on.”
Nellie was equally enthusiastic about the Brussels sprouts served in a balsamic reduction, calling them some of the best she had ever tasted and saying she wanted the recipe.
From the juicy patty melt and standout crackling corn to the perfectly executed pork chop and generous fried chicken, PoPo delivers satisfying, no-fuss comfort food with a generous side of nostalgia.
It’s the kind of place that feels like an invitation to a lively family gathering while honoring nearly a century of Texas tradition.
Whether you’re in the mood for crispy fried chicken, a heart burger or something from the grill, PoPo Family Restaurant is well worth the short drive from Boerne.
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