Much like St. Patrick's Day, Cinco De Mayo has become more of an American drinking holiday than the rightful celebration of Mexico’s victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Luckily, Oklahoma is no stranger to the vibrant flavors that come from Mexico. Whether you’re looking to pay homage to history or savor Mexico’s taste, here are seven places to check out.
(405) 603-1304 • 6700 NW 39th
birrieriadiaz.com
A hidden Bethany gem, Birrieria Diaz never always delivers with their quality and taste. If you’re looking for authentic Mexican cuisine that will satisfy an insatiable appetite, Diaz offers your usual enchiladas and street tacos. But try their molcajete for a unique experience. Served in an actual scorching hot lava rock, molcajete is packed high with marinated grilled steak, juicy chicken, crumbly chorizo, small quesadillas and a savory grilled cactus.
El Sabor De La Baja
(405) 900- 5649 z8 2815 NW 10th St.
elsabordelabaja.com
Bringing the sea to Oklahoma City, El Sabor De La Baja specializes in catering to seafood cravings. Lined with nautical decor, on their menu you’ll find a plethora of piquant seafood options like their tuna and octopus ceviches. Order the Torre Mariscos Mulege, a complex literal tower of ceviche with fresh fish, shrimp and crisp vegetables like cucumbers and peppers topped with avocados.
3 Tequilas
(405) 216-0500 • 315 S Broadway
3tequilas.com
A safe haven for college students looking to get an outrageous margarita, 3 Tequilas also stands as a home to authentic Mexican tastes. This locally-owned cantina has all the dishes. If you have a dramatic appetite give the El Rey De Los burrito. A hefty two-foot burrito filled with three different meats and the traditional burrito fillings smothered in a creamy white cheese sauce.
Taqueria El Rey
(405) 886-0998 • 2941 NW 10th St.
With several brick-and-mortar locations, the taco truck is still nested in the Whitaker’s parking lot across the street from the fairgrounds. Open until midnight, Taqueria El Rey’s truck supplies the city with the most flavorful street tacos that will make your stomach and wallet happy. These steak tacos are the quintessential part of a late night bite, complete with all the fixings while staying authentic and simple.
Tarahumara’s Mexican Cafe & Cantina
(405) 360-8070 • 702 N Porter Ave.
facebook.com/TarahumarasOK
It's said that it’s a good sign if a restaurant is constantly packed — Tarahumaras is no exception. Arguably one of the best Mexican/Tex-Mex spots in Norman, the cantina takes recipes from the state of Chihuahua and delivers portion sizes big enough to share. Their menu is the length of a novel, filled with classically authentic choices from sizzling fajitas to masa-wrapped pork tamales. All recipes are made fresh every day delivering quality time after time.
Azteca Mexican Grill
(405) 942-0206 • 4024 N May Ave.
aztecamexicangrillokc.com
Family-owned and operated, Azteca is home to Guadalajaran native cuisine. Azteca uses only fresh ingredients that customers will surely appreciate. Make sure to try the mole enchiladas, a traditional dish with multiple complex flavors primarily driven by the sweet-and-sour creamy chocolate sauce that covers the dish.
San Marcos
Multiple locations
oksanmarcos.com
Although a local chain, San Marcos is a comfort Mexican food spot fit for any occasion. This laid back dining experience features the most well-known options such as a wide variety of enchiladas like the chipotle variation filled with savory spices that will make your taste buds dance. If fajita flavor is what you're searching for, try their brochetas, a kabob-style fajita with perfectly grilled shrimp, marinated chicken and steak sandwiched between peppers.
