I recently visited The Greenery at Solana Mall in El Paso, Texas, seeking service from the T-Mobile truck. The restaurant was quite busy on a Friday afternoon, primarily with elderly people in groups. There was a small coffee nook and pastry to-go service, but since I had some time, I decided to dine in.
Upon being seated, I quickly realized that patience was necessary for dining in. It took approximately 15 minutes for my server to come and take my order. I sympathize with her because it seemed like she was the only server in the room. Later on, when I used the restroom, I discovered that both soap dispensers were empty. Fortunately, the server came to my aid and provided a manual dispenser with soft soap. I couldn't determine how long the women's bathroom had been without soap, but it appeared to be frequently used by non-restaurant customers, such as girls coming in from the mall.
The restaurant was divided into different rooms, and it was peculiar that despite the presence of several parties, there seemed to be only one server assigned to the large main room where I was seated. Nevertheless, she was pleasant and recommended the French dip sandwich, which she claimed was her favorite. I must say, the sandwich was outstanding. The bread was clearly homemade, incredibly soft and fluffy, and the au jus was absolutely delicious. I've had disappointing au jus in the past, where it lacked flavor despite its rich color, but this one was bold and full of umami. The thinly sliced beef was tender and fell apart easily. As for side options, you could choose from fries, salad, fruit, or sweet potato fries. I opted for the regular fries.
Unfortunately, the fries were a letdown. Since they were homemade, the batter caused them to stick together, resulting in a greasy and soggy texture in some areas. By the time the server came around to check on my food, I had already finished my sandwich and was quite full, so I didn't bother requesting a different side as it would have taken much longer. From seating to leaving, the entire experience took approximately an hour for just one sandwich. Therefore, if you choose to dine here, be prepared to exercise patience. I can understand why older folks might appreciate the slower pace and the restaurant's lovely interior. The menu and seating reminded me of Mimi's Cafe, offering a unique ambiance within a mall setting. Additionally, the dedicated parking was a plus. However, I'm uncertain if I would go out of my way to dine here again.
Overall, The Greenery at Solana Mall provides a mixed dining experience. While the French dip sandwich was exceptional, the slow service and disappointing fries were drawbacks. Consider visiting if you have the time and appreciate a leisurely atmosphere, but don't expect a quick meal. -TODOELPASO read more