GOOD EATS: Amigo Porfis brings Mexican flavor to West End

HUNTINGTON -- Porfirio Morales opened his first restaurant Porfirio's in Barboursville in 1999.

Unfortunately, a downturn in business combined with some bad breaks forced Morales to sell the restaurant last year. Morales has bounced back and recently opened up a new restaurant on the corner of 17th Street West and Washington Avenue.

"This is my last chance, and I have to make it," Morales said. "I know people here on the West End from when I worked in another Mexican restaurant on Madison Avenue. That was like 17 to 20 years ago, and they're glad to see me back after a long time. I have customers who frequented my restaurant in Barboursville who are supporting me as well. I chose the name 'Amigos Porfis' because people on the West Side have called me 'Porfis' as a nickname for a long time now."

Customers who frequented Porfirio's should be familiar with the menu of Amigo Porfis. An assortment of burritos, chalupas and enchiladas are available. There are also a variety of grilled steaks, chicken and pork chops on the menu. The restaurant's signature item is a platter called the Especial de Porfis, which features a burrito, chile relleno (stuffed pepper), a beef taco, chalupa, tamale and rice and beans for $10.50. Another house specialty is the Chile Colorado which is pork tips, red sauce, rice, beans, guacamole salad and tortillas for $7.99. Customers can choose between a large assortment of combination dinners for $7.35 or order some items a la carte for $3 to $6.35.

A lunch menu is available from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Customers can order a lunch-size assortment of beef fajitas for $6.75. Another signature lunch is the Enchilada Verde for $5.25, which is filled with chicken and topped with a green tomatillo sauce. There is also a children's menu offering meals for $3.75 for children 10 and under.

A helpful glossary of Mexican terms is listed on the menu for customers still learning the difference between a chalupa and a taquito.

Adults can enjoy an assortment of margaritas, wines and beers including Corona and Dos Equis. Dessert items include flan, fried ice cream and sopapillas.

"I'm working with an all new staff," Morales said. "It's taken a long time to teach them everything, so I've been going back in the kitchen and working more often. The only decorations from the Barboursville restaurant I brought with me are the eagle statues. I have some pictures of my nieces up on the walls, and one of my nephews has done the banners that we will hang up for the holidays. I had the tables and new decorations put in myself. I'm having some Mexican-style paintings put in on the windows."

Amigo Porfis is located at 1669 Washington Ave., in the former home of Dwight's West End. It is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays, from noon to 10 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 9 p.m. Sundays.

Cash and all major credit cards are accepted. For more information or to place a carry-out order, call 304-781-0655.

Paul Sebert/For The Herald-Dispatch

Amigo Porfis is located at 1669 Washington Ave., in the former home of DwightÕs West End.

Paul Sebert/For The Herald-Dispatch

Photos by Paul Sebert/ For The Herald-Dispatch