It was difficult, in a city blessed with hundreds of Tex-Mex spots, to narrow the list, but I ate my way through bowls of queso, platters of fajitas and a drowned burrito or two to do just that. For years, these popular choices have had diners flocking in for cheesy goodness.
El Rancho Grande’s enchiladas.
El Rancho Grande has served up Tex-Mex in Tulsa since 1950.
Francisco and Guadalupe Rodriquez opened EL RANCHO GRANDE in 1950, when Tex-Mex was still an emerging cuisine in Oklahoma. When the Walden family took it over in 1984 (John and Jeff Walden still run it today), they worked side by side with the staff to learn and preserve the recipes. Grab a frosty margarita and some Queso Flameado (baked creamy jack cheese and house made chorizo) and one of the many combinations named after regions in Mexico — the Jalisco features guacamole, tacos, rice and beans. 1629 E. 11th St., 918-584-0816, www.elranchograndemexicanfood.com SEÑOR TEQUILA MEXICAN GRILL AND CANTINA is another local chain that has been popular with diners for the past 16 years. In addition to popular dishes like nachos, quesadillas, fajitas and burritos, guests will find more traditional items, including tostadas de ceviche, pescado jarocha and tacos de carne asada. 3348 S. Peoria Ave., 918-749-2400; 6973 E. 71st St., 918-481-7200; 9999 S. Mingo Road, 918-872-9191; www.senortequilaok.com TED’S CAFÉ ESCONDIDO prides itself on serving dishes “the way Mexican food should be.” Judging by the lines that form every day, customers agree. Each meal begins with complimentary chips and salsa as well as cheese dip and fresh tortillas. Save room for generous portions and a basket of sweet sopapillas. 7848 S. Olympia Ave., 918-301-8337; 3202 W. Kenosha St., Broken Arrow, 918-254-8337; www.tedscafe.com
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TulsaPeople JULY 2015
CHIMI’S has served locals since 1983. In addition to classic fajitas, queso and other standard Tex-Mex items, Chimi’s features authentic Mexican street tacos, chili verde enchiladas and tamales. If you are feeling spicy, ask your server to “Diablo-style” your meal. 1304 E. 15th St., 918-587-4411; 6709 E. 81st St., 918-960-2723; 5320 S. Harvard Ave., 918-749-7755; www.chimismexican.com
El Guapo’s Cantina’s fish tacos. The glowing bulbs inside south Tulsa’s new EL GUAPO’S CANTINA scream “Hola!,” a signal to diners that this Tex-Mex restaurant is ready for you to enjoy Elliot Nelson’s take on fresh Mexican fare, including a delicious pork chili verde (wet) burrito smothered with queso and the largest assortment of tequila around. The original location downtown boasts Tulsa’s only rooftop cantina, offering gorgeous views of the Tulsa skyline. 332 E. First St., 918-382-7482; 8161 S. Harvard Ave., 918-728-7482; www.elguaposcantina.com
Owner Carlos Aguirre opened his first EL TEQUILA in 2001 at the ripe age of 26. Now he has four busy locations in the Tulsa area. The menu features all varieties of Tex-Mex (think fajitas, enchiladas and chimichangas), with large portions and reasonable prices. Cozy up to a booth and start your meal with chips and fresh salsa served in a carafe. 5001 S. Harvard Ave., 918-895-6262; 8118 S. Memorial Drive, 918-459-7677; 12500 E. 86th St. N., Owasso, 918-274-0931; 1113 N. Elm Place, Broken Arrow, 918-258-5454; www.eltequilatulsa.com MONTEREY’S LITTLE MEXICO offers a wide menu influenced by the cuisine of South Texas — think combination dinners named after El Paso and Laredo. The Houston-based company (founded in 1955) opened its first Tulsa location at East 17th and South Sheridan Road back in 1968, and the café has since had a loyal following. 4920 S. Memorial Drive, 918-627-3755; 1737 S. Sheridan Road, 918-836-7716; 5694 W. Skelly Drive, 918-445-2434; www.montereys.com