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Celebrating 30 Years Texas Lil’s - an Icon in Old Town Temecula Most of us have no memory of Old Town Temecula in 1987. In fact, most of us were not living in the area at that time. Population which was about 20,000 in the late 80’s has become 100, 000+. It is probably safe to say that there are very few businesses that opened in 1987 that are still here today. But, Ron Walton, owner of Texas
Lil’s Mesquite Grill opened his restaurant and it is still in the same location, 30 years later. “When I opened Texas Lil’s, The Swing Inn was the only other restaurant in Old Town. I opened Texas Lil's in early 1987 and in June I married Becky. We have owned and operated the restaurant together for 30 years,� said Walton. “ In the early 90’s, when Ed Dool opened The Stage Stop, on 6th Street, we worked together to petition the City Council and Cal Trans to change the name of the street to Old Town Front Street,� explained Walton. That vision gave Old Town an identity which has helped it grow into the destination that it is today with 200 businesses: restaurants, boutiques and specialty food shops. Texas Lil’s continues to serve Classic American fare but often the customers are children and even grandchildren of the original patrons. “I love the customers,� added Becky. “We welcome the kids, grandkids and even the pets on our ‘pet friendly’ patio. Our guests have included a goat and a pot belly pig. If they are well behaved, they are welcome here,� she continued. “We have always offered the Kids Eat FREE menu every day,� added Ron. The Canine Menu includes grilled chicken breast, turkey dog, burger patty and meaty beef rib bones. Menu items are always accompanied by a bowl of water to wash it down. Pets that dine at Lil’s can meet frequent diner, Buckaroo, Becky’s pride and joy. On the 87 item menu, diners can choose from starters and small plates; Tex Mex items such as quesadillas, fish and street tacos; fresh salads including the Wedge and Becky’s chicken rice bowl; sandwich selections include Brisket Dip, chicken pesto and more; burgers 5 ways and 6 steak choices.
OCTOBER 2017 For vegetarians, Lil’s offer a veggie plate and meals can even be served Ketostyle! Something for everyone. The dessert menu is completely unique and each item is definitely ‘sharable’. In fact you may need several tasters to finish one. Try an order of Funnel Cake Sticks with 3 dipping sauces or a huge plate of Churro Chips with cinnamon and brown sugar. Yum. On the weekends, Lil’s offer a full scrumptious Country Brunch from 9:30 – 11:30am, complete with Eggs Benedict, Huevos Rancheros, Tex Mex Frittata, omelets, pancakes, biscuits & gravy and more.
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There are daily specials, 16 Craft Beers on Tap plus a full bar with a variety of specialty drinks. “We often create our own specialty drink,â€? added Becky. ‘The Andrew’ created by ‌Andrew, a manager, mixes Burnette’s Raspberry and Blueberry, with Peach Schnapps, Ginger Beer, Pineapple Juice with a Sierra Mist topper. Or you can try the Naughty Buck with Malibu Black, Apple Pucker, Sweet & Sour and OJ finished off with a splash of Sprite. Asked about plans for the future, Ron said that they are preparing for a remodel in early 2018. The changes will focus on the use of the proposed River Walk on Murrieta Creek which runs directly behind the restaurant. The Walton’s have maintained a quality restaurant even with the arrival of many newcomers in the food business in Old Town. When you come to Old Town stop in to enjoy a meal and remember KIDS EAT FREE – EVERY DAY. “We have always offered a FREE KIDS meal with an adult entrĂŠe, “said Walton. “Our Kids Menu is fun and easy for the children to eat. They can have a ‘Prairie Dog’ and ‘Moo Juice’ on us any day of the week.â€? There is live entertainment, karaoke, NFL Football and The Best Darn Happy Hour in Town! Check their ad for specific times. For the theater goers Texas Lil’s is open late for dinner on Friday and Saturday nights. Texas Lil’s is located at 28495 Old Town Front Street. 951-699-5457. www.texaslilsmesquitegrill.com
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