The Chief Motel and Mexican Munchies – McCook, Nebraska

As we continued our “Meemaw Heads West 2018” Road Trip we picked McCook Nebraska (population 7,698 in 2010) as our overnight stop on our way to Denver. You see, we got off the freeway and took an amazing “road less traveled” route this time.

That route turned out to be an awesome choice. What’s not to love about a trip on a scenic, peaceful road like this?

Yes…it was a joy to get off the beaten path.

We followed that nearly empty ribbon of road for miles and miles. That’s my kind of road trip! 

As we neared the town of McCook we began to search for a good place to spend the night. My research led me to The Chief Motel. 

We always look for a motel or hotel in the downtown area when we travel. That allows us to WALK to explore our surroundings. Turns out The Chief Motel was only blocks from several restaurants and bars that looked like great places to meet some “locals” and to get a bite to eat.

The Chief Motel offers everything from an indoor pool and whirlpool suites to a complimentary hot breakfast. Our King room was large and very clean.

I even snapped a photo of the closet. The reason? Our smallest grandson thinks the ironing boards found in most hotel closets are actually surfboards! 

Sorry about the unmade bed…but I forgot to snap a photo until the next morning!

In case you’re wondering why Peepaw is checking the locks on our ground floor windows…CLICK HERE to read about a 2014 Nebraska overnight stay that did NOT go as planned for us. (It was a night I would like to forget!)

After a quick shower we headed out the door to explore that little Heartland town. We made our way a few blocks back to downtown McCook to check out the local Mexican restaurant called Tequila’s Mexican Grill.

The decor was vibrant and colorful…and the artwork was awesome…even on every chair!

We wanted to sit at the bar, but we quickly realized they don’t use it for guests since someone didn’t measure the height of the bar to compliment the height of the chairs! (I’m not sure I could see over the edge of that bar.)

Our server was friendly. The beer and Margaritas were cold. And the chips and salsa were delicious. What more could you ask for? Not much in our book!

Peepaw ordered a chicken quesadilla, and I asked for a small dish of queso to go with those warm, paper-thin chips. Yes…Tequilla’s Grill was a great spot to cool off and enjoy our surroundings.

When we’d had our fill of chips and munchies we headed back out to check out a local watering hole. But as we approached that bar I noticed a promising Italian restaurant next door to where we were headed.

So we took a quick detour after our Mexican meal and switched our palates to Italy. And am I glad we did!

But that delicious Italian adventure is another story for another day…so stay tuned.