For those seeking a taste of Wichita Falls tradition, Pioneer of Texas restaurant offers a unique dining experience. Recently, a newcomer to Wichita Falls had the opportunity to discover this local institution, and the experience proved to be a memorable dive into classic Texas comfort food. Choosing Pioneer, located on Maplewood Avenue, provided a perfect setting to explore a long-standing Wichita Falls eatery.
Stepping inside Pioneer of Texas is akin to entering a time capsule. The interior immediately sets it apart from modern, minimalist restaurants. Wood paneling graces the walls and ceilings, complemented by tiled floors, creating a warm, nostalgic ambiance. This distinctive character offers a refreshing contrast to the contemporary designs often found in newer establishments, which frequently feature white walls, glass, and stainless steel. The atmosphere at Pioneer in Wichita Falls is part of its charm, transporting diners to a different era.
The culinary exploration began with the “tumbleweeds” appetizer, Pioneer’s distinctive take on jalapeno poppers. Priced at $4.49, the tumbleweeds arrived as two substantial, fist-sized fried balls. These weren’t your typical poppers; they were packed with a flavorful mixture of ground meat, cheese, and jalapenos, and served alongside queso and beans. Each tumbleweed was substantial enough to almost constitute a meal on its own, highlighting the generous portions Pioneer is known for. The jalapenos provided a pleasant kick, while the meaty filling was well-seasoned and encased in a satisfyingly crisp crust. While one diner desired a bit more cheese within the tumbleweed itself, the accompanying queso offered a creamy, cheesy element to complement the savory flavors.
For the main course, the red taco plate ($9.29) presented an opportunity to revisit a dish with a previously negative experience. However, Pioneer’s rendition of red tacos proved to be a positive surprise. Opting to have the red sauce served on the side initially allowed for a separate tasting of the sauce, which was notably thick and possessed a slight tang that harmonized beautifully when poured over the tacos. Unlike typical hard tacos prone to crumbling, Pioneer’s red tacos maintained a pleasing softness and malleability, making them less messy and more enjoyable to eat. The ground meat filling was well-seasoned, and the fresh toppings added to the overall quality. While soft tacos remain a personal preference, the red tacos at Pioneer Wichita Falls are certainly worth considering again, showcasing a unique and flavorful take on this Tex-Mex staple.
However, the unexpected stars of the red taco plate were the rice and beans. These sides truly stole the show, demonstrating exceptional flavor and seasoning. Mixed with sliced jalapenos and onions, the rice and beans were so well-prepared that there was no need to reach for salt or pepper, a testament to the kitchen’s attention to detail in crafting these essential side dishes.
Meanwhile, the lunch portion of the chicken fried steak ($8.49) offered a different perspective on a Texas classic. As described by the dining companion, Pioneer’s chicken fried steak deviates from the traditional crispy, breaded and pan-fried preparation. Instead, it features a lighter breading and is grilled, resulting in a distinct, slightly charred flavor. While perhaps not visually refined upon arrival at the table, resembling a “hunk of brown mystery meat covered in gravy,” the taste was undeniably satisfying. The grilled approach offers a unique twist on chicken fried steak that is worth experiencing at Pioneer in Wichita Falls TX.
The sides accompanying the chicken fried steak, fried okra and mashed potatoes, presented a mixed experience. The fried okra was enjoyable, fulfilling expectations as a comforting side dish. However, the mashed potatoes, heavily laden with brown gravy, were less impressive. The gravy, while generous, overwhelmed the potatoes, and their consistency was described as almost hard, suggesting they might not have been freshly prepared. Despite this, the chicken fried steak itself remained a highlight, described as potentially “the best one I’ve had so far,” making a return visit to Pioneer in Wichita Falls a worthwhile consideration for this dish alone.
In conclusion, Pioneer of Texas in Wichita Falls offers more than just a meal; it provides a step back in time to a classic diner atmosphere with a menu of comforting Texas favorites. While some dishes, like the red tacos and sides, shine exceptionally, others, like the chicken fried steak, offer unique and memorable takes on familiar fare. For those seeking a taste of Wichita Falls culinary history, Pioneer remains a worthwhile destination.
If you go
What: Pioneer of Texas
Where: 4545 Maplewood Ave., Wichita Falls, TX 76308
When: Monday – Thursday 6:30 a.m. – 9 p.m., Friday 6:30 a.m. – 10 p.m., Saturday 7:30 a.m. – 10 p.m., Sunday 7:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Contact: (940) 692-2170, www.pioneeroftexasrestaurant.com
Rating: 4 forks
