We did not begin our day intending to visit Osborne, KS. In fact, the only reason we were there was due to I-70 being closed (for some reason?) and thus forcing us to detour. My expectation for lunch was eating somewhere along I-70, which at least offers periodic exits with variable dining options. Instead, as we hit the noon hour, we were doing ~ the speed limit along US 24 heading west.
This area is sparsely populated, with small farming towns at intervals of 8 - 12 miles along the route. We explored one and determined that the dining options were a Mexican place (closed), some food truck, a Pizza Hut, and a low-rated bar & grill. We kept driving. Osborne was one of the next towns. We passed their Pizza Hut (closed; why do Kansans like Pizza Hut so much?) and cruised the 3-block long downtown. We weren't sure whether Yopo's would be open, but it was!
It is set back from the adjacent buildings a bit, with the set-back forming their small parking lot. We visited on a Thursday in late May. This was, in fact, the first dine-in restaurant experience we'd had since March! Somehow that made it a bit more special. The patrons were spread out a bit, but no one was masked, including the lone waiter. The customers seemed to be mostly travelers passing through; the locals mostly seemed to stop by for take-out. We got a table and waited.
Service was a bit slow, but that was understandable since there was only one guy. The menu seemed fairly standard for a small Mexican place. They did have lunch specials so we each got one. The chips and salsa were pretty good. The food arrived and I was pleasantly surprised. I hadn't set my expectations very high, given the restaurant's location and lack of competition. However, the food was very much in-line with what you'd get at your average Tex-Mex place in and around larger cities. Everyone left satisfied.
Prices were not high; I tried to leave a good tip. I was also gratified that they had mint patties for sale at the cashier counter! In the unlikely event that I am again in the vicinity of Osborne, KS I would not hesitate to return here for a meal. read more
