I was hungry on my drive down Interstate 45 in Texas. My car needed fuel, too. Now, ordinarily, when I’m driving from the Dallas area to Houston, I’d stop in a town called Madisonville to meet my needs. It’s easy to get on and off the highway there, and I can gas up and eat at the Subway Sandwich Shop.

This time, I thought I would try something different. I didn’t want another cardboard sandwich! Especially after I saw the billboard advertising a Mexican food restaurant called “Gilberto’s.” It was located in Fairfield, just two towns before Madisonville.

When I pulled into the parking lot, I could definitely tell that this was the place to eat in Fairfield. I barely found a place to park. I was planning to have a light meal, but when I stepped out of the car the aroma of grilled steaks greeted me. I changed my mind in a heartbeat.

As soon as I saw the Tortilla Machine, and knew there were “real live” tortillas, I knew that whatever meal I chose had to have tortillas.

It’s a lovely little restaurant, clean and nicely decorated.

It even has a fountain.

This family owned restaurant has been in business for eight years, and is definitely worth a stop.

I sat down to order my meal, but when I looked at the menu I was overwhelmed by my choices! I wanted the appetizers: “shrimp kisses” were offered. That’s 6 shrimp battered, covered in coconut and deep fried. Or,” Texas Toothpicks!” That would be strips of onions and jalapeno battered and fried. But, I don’t need more deep fried food, so I resisted.

Diablo Shrimp, Poblano Steak, Poblano Chicken, Enchiladas, Tamales (and every other kind of Mexican food you can name) all called my name. Ribeyes, Sirloins, burgers, Chicken en Mole! The prices were so reasonable! What could I choose? What would you choose?

Well folks, I decided to have steak fajitas.

That way, I could have tortillas and guacamole. Ummm. GOOD!

Gilberto’s is now “on my list.” That means that when I drive down Interstate 45 south of Dallas, my stomach will start rumbling, because it knows I’m stopping in Fairfield!

Here is what you need to know:

Gilberto’s
1-45 and Hwy 27
Fairfield, Texas
903/389-8879

Here’s a map from Dallas. Click to view a larger map, and it will mark Gilberto’s for you. If you live in the other direction, I bet you can figure out Google Maps.

If you are traveling down I45, do make a stop in Fairfield. But, don’t expect it to be a quick meal! Once you get there, you will want to linger.

Now, I’m off to tell stories at a Children’s Festival! I’ll be back with more when I can. Y’all make it a good day.