Regular Joe's Guide

The RJG Rotation concept had many iterations throughout 2025. I've made many changes to the formula. And, as promised, here is the annual analysis. As before, Colorado Springs is the default. Here are the existing places that continues in the RJG Rotation: Fuzzy's Taco Shop (since 2011) La Choza - Santa Fe (2014) Perea's - Albuquerque (2016) Del Taco (2018) Interesting story here as noted in the blog entry. The franchisee went out of business. Corporate stepped in, and reopened the remaining three locations. And improved them immensely! Thought we may have lost them again like in DFW. Phantom Canyon Brewing (2018) Quijotes Mexican (2018) Walter's303 Pizzeria (2018) Joey's Pizza (2018) Zapata Taco Shop (2019) Taste of Philly (2020) Birdcall (2021). This is the only local Rotation place we didn't make this year. But meant to. South Jersey Subs (2021). Almost missed them too! Sugarlump Ice Cream - Westcliffe (2021) In-N-Out Burger (2022) Whataburger (2022) Leon Ges...

Latest visit: Dec 2025 First visit: Jul 2009 Papa Jose's Union Cafe is another restaurant in Pueblo, like Rita's, that I've infrequently been to. This is only my third visit in 16 years, the other two Mrs. RJG was with me. We really enjoyed our first two trips here, so it's curious that it's taken me so long to get back. However, as stated before, Pueblo is loaded with good restaurants, and I'm not here all that much. I'm still trying for once a month now that I'm retired, but that doesn't always happen regardless. The restaurant is in downtown, near B Street Cafe, another RJG favorite that I don't get to as much as I would prefer. I used the same public parking lot. That's another aspect of Pueblo I love - free downtown parking. In the past, Papa Jose's was counter service, but today they seat you and full service commences. And good service at that. Though they serve beer, I was here for an early lunch (they open at 11, and that's w...

And look who's back! Rude Date is on the scoreboard for 2025, and promises more. Kayenta. Interesting. Mr. RJG stopped over there for one night way back in 1994, pre-Mrs. RJG and Rude Dante. My dinner was in Flagstaff that particular night, however.  OK, let's see what he has for us today. Just looked at Amigo Cafe's website. They claim to be "World Famous" (haha) and established in 1983. Also notice that Rude Dante is eating off other's plates. Times are hard. --- On the drive from Grand Junction (CO) to Grand Canyon (AZ), we found this joint on the drive. Ordered:  1) Sisters Burrito w/chicken & a Mexican Coke. A little sweet, great flavor, pumpkin mole, who knew? 2) Tres Enchilada Plate (beef) w/ green chile, coffee AND a Dr Pepper 3) Chile Relleno plate w/ ice tea Dessert: Apple Pie Nachos All good - even a little fancy. We were hungry after a 5-ish hour drive. All looked good, so I went with one of waitress’s faves (Sisters). Also tasted the green chi...

Latest visit: Nov 2025 (Fillmore St.) First visit: Apr 1998 (Santa Clara, CA) HQ: Costa Mesa, CA; Founded: 1980 (Los Angeles, CA) ---11/7/25 (Colorado Springs) Now here's a blast from the past. My first experience with El Pollo Loco was in Santa Clara while there on a consulting assignment. Since that time, I've visited El Pollo Loco's in West Hollywood, San Antonio, Denver, Phoenix, and North Richland Hills. The latter arrived in NE Tarrant towards the end of our stint there. It was also not very good, and that location has been long closed. Other than that fateful visit, our trips to El Pollo Loco had been a success. I never penned any notes about any of those trips. They just recently opened up here in the Springs (turns out to be their 500th location!), so Mrs. RJG and I decided to give a try again. Let's see how it went. Even before leaving the house, we'd read that the parking situation was no bueno. We got there at 10:45 before the crowds, and had no issues. ...

First visit: Nov 2025 ---11/7/25 We try to visit Canon City at least once per annum, though this year we've only passed through. We decided it was time to visit our favorite Colorado getaway which is Westcliffe, and made a point to have some lunch in Canon City on the way. We don't really have a regular eating spot in Canon City, though we were pleased with Bunkhouse Burgers that we tried for the first time last year. In reviewing restaurants, the town sports a number of fetching bars in downtown, that feature fine food. But it was lunch time, and neither of us felt like a libation. Especially since we knew we were going to splurge on ice cream at Sugarlump in Westcliffe. Up came Canon City MUGS, a place that has a dual personality, and that aspect is not reflected well on Google Maps. Essentially what you have here is two distinct restaurants, shared by an open door and the same kitchen. One serves primarily coffee, breakfast, and lunch. The other is a classic sports bar setup...

Latest visit: Oct 2025 (Briargate near Chapel Hills mall) First visit: May 2011 (Glendale, CO) HQ: Salt Lake City, UT; Founded: 1997 (St. George, UT) ---10/31/25 (Colorado Springs) It's been 14 years since I first went to a Cafe Rio, and have subsequently forgot about the original experience. I've been wanting to get over here for well over a year, since they first opened here in the Springs. It's not too far from where we live, but I'm just never in this area during lunchtime. Today I made it a priority. Cafe Rio is in every way similar to another Utah chain that we've covered extensively here in the RJG: Costa Vida. Get in line, and your counter server will pull out an aluminum round tray. I ordered the Rio Burrito, so first comes the big floppy flour tortilla. Filled with rice, and choice of pinto or black beans. Then a protein, and I went with the Fire Roasted Chicken. Essentially grilled and spiced chicken, cut into cubes. Then they add a salsa. Followed by you...