I am sure there are lots of opinions on any food topic. Taste buds vary more than nose size and some like them subtle and some like them bold.
We have many Mexican places we go to and they are for a variety of reasons. Sometimes we go for the food, sometimes the atmosphere, sometimes just to get the kids to shut up. I eat mexican food with family, co-workers, thru drive-throughs and from little stands on the side of the road.
I am sure I have much to learn from my fellow Tulsans, but let me share some of our experiences. First my downtown choices...
My favorite is El Guapo. Simple dishes but some with great spices, I always see friends there, and the few times I have had a drink, they have always been great. If I ever had a long vacation and a chaufer, I would try each of their tequilas, shot by shot.
My office likes going to Mexicali Border. We can call ahead and get a big table together and load up on chips and salsa. If we order right away, can get back together at the office in less than an hour. If one person daudles, we either never invite them back or fire them. They are affordable and make a fine taco salad or covered burrito.
Near my house there are three excellent choices.
I tell you folks, east Tulsa has the best Mexican food. If I am by myself, I go through the 24 hour drive through at Rioberto's at 11th and Garnett. I could go on and on about the place, but most Tulsans can't take real mexican food and prefer bland varieties. This place is authentic. They are a chain, but only have locations in Tulsa, California and Arizona. They have a supreme nachos dish and fish tacos that will bring you back. I also think it is cool that they have 24 hour service, even if I am always asleep by midnight.
There is also a guy in the shopping center at 11th and Mingo that makes excellent tamales. He has a trailer, the kind you find at festivals, and isn't always open. I am amazed these guys just set up shop, right in front of another eatery and just leave when they feel like it. I guess I am probably just jealous of their freedom.
Speedy's at 22nd and Sheridan is where my wife and I go when can get away from the kids. It is fast food in decor, but have a full menu of great dishes for very affordable prices. I love the pastries for dessert and try to bring some home for the little ones. Every person I have ever taken to Speedy's has thanked me and it is one of my Tulsa favorites.
I am amazed at how much my kids like Taco Bueno burritos. I never order anything for me, but a bag of burritos makes them happy and they would eat them for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
We have tried the Senor Tequila on Brookside, in fact, ate there on New Year's Eve last year. We thought it was a good place to talk and we never felt rushed and liked their chips. We have been there a few times since, and the staff always is wonderful.
I know I am missing plenty of good choices and have tried most of the places in town, but these all seem just right based on the variety of moods and company.
Beto's on Southwest Boulevard, just south of downtown, is superb.
Casa Laredo @ 41st and Peoria was very tasty. Wild Oats decided to expand and somehow ran the restraunt out of the shopping center. They also have a restraunt at the Farm (51st and Sheridan) but the atmosphere in the original is what made it a great place. When the original closed down, they took the names/numbers/addresses of their customers to hopefully inform them of their new location once it came to be, which has not happened yet. But they were talking about starting a new restraunt at 6th @ Peoria. Progress seems slow, but perhaps the plan was to open once that area gets going along nicely and/or after the arena opens and downtown wakes the hell up.
When you say Mexican food, are you meaning as authentic as we can get in Tulsa? I ask because I've seen Mexicali Border listed here and I think they're the most awful place to eat and is no where near Mexican food as I know it. I lived in Mexico for a year. That crap they sell is more of a TexMex, greasy, wrong cheese, wrong everything type of "wannabe" Mexican.
As for Taco Bueno. You've got to be kidding. Burritos ARE NOT Mexico amigo. They're more TexMex crap again.
quote:
Originally posted by HoneySuckle
I lived in Mexico for a year.
why didn't you stay?
No kidding, HoneySuckle. I didn't have to live in Mexico to know that it wasn't what is served south of the border. I have even tried California champagnes and liked them, knowing that they were not from the Champagne region of France.
If you read the post, we didn't go to Taco Bueno or Mexicali Border for the authentity of the Mexican experience. But both restaurants work for what we are looking for at the time. They provide a atmosphere and have some menu items that I or my kids like.
There is nothing wrong with TexMex in my opinion. It is different than traditional, but I don't mind trying blends and different cheeses sometimes.
Speedy's at 22nd and Sheridan.
$2.95 plus tax gets one a #19 Giant Buritto, side of sour cream, served with chips and salsa and a glass of water.
Don't need much more than that. Quick, Cheap, and Easy, and soooo tasty!
For a dollar more you can substitute the chicken or beef for Fajita style meat.
75 cents more, make it Golden, covered in Melted Cheese sans the red tamale type sauce.
La Hacienda at 45th/46th & Peoria is one of our favorites.
Nick
i tried Riobertos today. Had a carne Asada burrito. It was ok, but Chipotles is going to be better when it opens this week.
quote:
Originally posted by recyclemichael
No kidding, HoneySuckle. I didn't have to live in Mexico to know that it wasn't what is served south of the border. I have even tried California champagnes and liked them, knowing that they were not from the Champagne region of France.
If you read the post, we didn't go to Taco Bueno or Mexicali Border for the authentity of the Mexican experience. But both restaurants work for what we are looking for at the time. They provide a atmosphere and have some menu items that I or my kids like.
There is nothing wrong with TexMex in my opinion. It is different than traditional, but I don't mind trying blends and different cheeses sometimes.
Well the name of this topic is Best Mexican Restaurant, and by Mexican, I figured the topic was on the most authentic "Mexican" food.
My apologies. Carry on.[:)]
quote:
Originally posted by inteller
quote:
Originally posted by HoneySuckle
I lived in Mexico for a year.
why didn't you stay?
I wanted to, but my husband wasn't ready. I'd give up the States in a heartbeat for Mexico[:D]
quote:
Originally posted by inteller
i tried Riobertos today. Had a carne Asada burrito. It was ok, but Chipotles is going to be better when it opens this week.
What day?
quote:
Originally posted by HoneySuckle
quote:
Originally posted by recyclemichael
No kidding, HoneySuckle. I didn't have to live in Mexico to know that it wasn't what is served south of the border. I have even tried California champagnes and liked them, knowing that they were not from the Champagne region of France.
If you read the post, we didn't go to Taco Bueno or Mexicali Border for the authentity of the Mexican experience. But both restaurants work for what we are looking for at the time. They provide a atmosphere and have some menu items that I or my kids like.
There is nothing wrong with TexMex in my opinion. It is different than traditional, but I don't mind trying blends and different cheeses sometimes.
Well the name of this topic is Best Mexican Restaurant, and by Mexican, I figured the topic was on the most authentic "Mexican" food.
My apologies. Carry on.[:)]
It is always interesting to read people who blend Tex-Mex and Mexican thinking they are the same when they aren't. That is like saying German and Polish are the same. They aren't. And I agree with your initial read of the Best Mexican. I had the same impression. And Americanized fast food is not either tex-mex or Mexican. Off my food soap box now.
As Mexican food is my favorite, I'm always thrilled when this topic comes up. There are always a new idea or two that come up.
Taco Bueno is great for fast food. I doubt I call it mexican, just fast food. I don't eat McDonald's, Sonic, etc. I go to Bueno. My kids eat Bueno. It's much better than McDonalds.
I have been to El Gaupo 3 times (yes, as I said, Mexican is my favorite) here's my opinions, the burrito's were delicious. My nacho's were good and the enchiladas were also. I had the carne asada and chicken tacos, the carne asada was bland, bordering on gross. The chicken tasted more like BBQ. My friend had the fish tacos, grilled. She couldn't even eat them. They were bad tasting and rubbery. Of course, I can avoid those things, so I will keep eating, but it seems off/on on what's good. I like the salsa and cheese dip, and yes, the drinks are yummy!
I also have been to Agave at 51st & Memorial. Its like a speedys, senor tequilla type. It's pretty good. Especially if you live that way.
I tried the tamales at Las Americanos last week, OMG, YUMM! I thought they were awesome, I will be having those again.
Anyway, I'm always up for new mexican ideas.
I am surprised no one has mentioned Los Cabos.
They always seemed packed.
Originally posted by HoneySuckle
I wanted to, but my husband wasn't ready. I'd give up the States in a heartbeat for Mexico
Don't let the door hit you in the a$$ on your way.
Casa Laredo at the Farm WAS my favorite, until the Peoria location closed and they took over...bye-bye free queso, pico and bean dip with the chips. My family had been going there since they first opened and the old management used to send over free nachos and sopapillas...not anymore.[:(!]
I love me some Taco Bueno in a pinch...a "chilada platter" is a major comfort food in my home. Not an authentic experience, but cheesy chili goodness.
I think Compadre's is a good value and pretty good and I can't wait until they open up at 101/Memorial by my house. The single fajita dinner can feed my husband and I, and their to-go sends lots of chips and salsa.
The best tex-mex in the world for me is at El Fenix in Dallas. It tastes like El Chico used to back in the 80's
It matters little to me if the "Mexican" food I eat is authentic or not. If it tastes good, who cares? I like Monterey's for certain things...their tacos al pastor are really really good! I don't have any idea what "authentic" tacos al pastor is like, but again, it doesn't really matter. Take me to Chimi's for the Sonoran Enchiladas ANY day -- I love the tomatillo sauce on them. As for Bueno, it's a drive through, it's cheesy goodnes, 'nuf said.
People need to get over the Mexican food snobbery. Or go ahead and move to Mexico and eat all you want.
That's my 2¢.
Don't you mean, two pesos?
All this talk, I'm thinking Mexican for lunch.
hmmm, maybe El Guapo, I'm going with someone who hasn't been there yet.
El Rio Verde is very good but the name stinks, everyone knows our river is brown.
I will have to swing by Las Americas and check out those tamales, especially since I am making a pot of chili today.
The times I have been to Los Cabos, the food has been only mediocre at best.
I enjoy the Huevos Rancheros at El Rio Verde on the weekend. And the Carnitas at La Hacienda any day.
Has anyone tried the taco truck up on N Sheridan? Or the restaurnat that is across the street from it?
The places that I visit frequently....
El Tequila: 81st Memorail(same owner of Agave)
Mexican Viejo: 71st Aspen behind China Star
Cancun
Chimis
Compadres
Los Unicos
El Fogon @ 115 st. north and Garnett (1 block south of "German Corner") best ever and the family that runs it is awesome...
Tulsa area's best kept secret...
quote:
Originally posted by In2neon
El Fogon @ 115 st. north and Garnett (1 block south of "German Corner") best ever and the family that runs it is awesome...
Tulsa area's best kept secret...
Sounds interesting. Where is German corner?[?]
What is their specialty?
If "authentic" means what you get in Mexico, I'm damn glad we don't have any place in Tulsa which resembles the c-r-a-p that I've eaten in various regions of Mexico. I've been to Tijuana, the San Carlos Bay region (off the east side of the Sea of Cortez), the Yucatan, and the Costa Maya region.
Let's just call it "Mexican-style" in Tulsa. I've never had a meal in Mexico that I'd say was better than what food snobs derisively call "Tex-Mex" in our region.
Honestly, the very best improvisational improvement I've had on authentic Mexican cuisine is Abuelo's Mexican Embassy in OKC.
"Authentic Mexican" to me translates to "Sabe a tierra" (tastes like dirt in "authentic" English).
"Real" Mexican food sucks. Facsimiles of it you can buy in Tulsa are far better.
Ranchos Grande, no contest.
quote:
Originally posted by HoneySuckle
quote:
Originally posted by In2neon
El Fogon @ 115 st. north and Garnett (1 block south of "German Corner") best ever and the family that runs it is awesome...
Tulsa area's best kept secret...
Sounds interesting. Where is German corner?[?]
What is their specialty?
Their specialty , I guess, is just great food and service....
I haven't beeen going long enough to say what might be a specialty except for wonderful plate dinners..
BUT, the lady who owns and also waits tables and it and her husband mostly cooks (which I have never met since he is always in the kitchen) like to talk and visit when able to do so...
That said, she says they are from Mexico City and so I would assume she would know what is authentic and not...
I will ask soon...
I asked her where they like to eat and she said mostly they eat there and she likes the chicken enchiladas with the white sauce, which to me is bland , I like the red sauce better ...
They are open 7 days but only for a few hours on Sunday.... She says that Sunday evening is the only time they can get out and try other restaurants...
As for German corner it is 116th street north and Garnett...
Why is it called "German Corner"???
Dunno.
Someone on the forum surely knows and can clue us in on its origin...
Always like to hear of these family run restaurants and will try it soon. Thanks!
If you like danger mixed with good Mexican food...we have a yummy hole-in-the wall Mexican restaurant over in the 61st and Peoria area... Tacos La Flama at 1122 E 61st.
We get the Tacos Al Pastor. For parties, we'll sometimes just get a big container of the "al pastor" meat with some of their homemade tortillas. Topped with their green salsa and pineapple bits, it's a big hit.
quote:
We get the Tacos Al Pastor. For parties, we'll sometimes just get a big container of the "al pastor" meat with some of their homemade tortillas. Topped with their green salsa and pineapple bits, it's a big hit.
Please elaborate! That sounds cool. How do you ask for the meat in the big container? How big? Sometimes it's tricky. What's up with the pineapple? Sounds fun.
quote:
Originally posted by Kashmir
quote:
We get the Tacos Al Pastor. For parties, we'll sometimes just get a big container of the "al pastor" meat with some of their homemade tortillas. Topped with their green salsa and pineapple bits, it's a big hit.
Please elaborate! That sounds cool. How do you ask for the meat in the big container? How big?
Quiero que el pene en la gran contenedor
We usually start off in English and they're usually happy to work with us at La Flama. If I were to say it in Spanish, I'd probably say something like...
Quiero contenedor de carne al pastor bastante para 10 personas... (I want a container of "al pastor" meat for 10 people)
con tortillas de maiz, salsa verde y piña. (with corn tortillas, green salsa and pineapple)
The pinapple bits are just out of a can, but they are great sprinkled on top. I think they also give you a little pico de gallo type mixture to sprinkle on top too.
Please don't say what Conan71 suggested. [:I]
What??? All I said was put the meat in the big bucket...
Believe me, I don't want to speak any Spanish, despite 2 years of Tina Pena @ TCC's best efforts to teach me. I just sound stupid doing it. Just wanted to know if they had a catering menu or party platter or something. Thanks for the great tip! We will be getting Tacos for 5 to watch the OU game with.