El Fogoncito 3020 N. Walker Ave. 405-225-1583 What works: Pork belly, barbacoa and fish tacos are finished with interesting and tasty toppings. What needs work: Queso fundido becomes a rock-hard mass of grease and cheese within minutes. Tip: Check the menu for good lunch and daily weekday specials. In the discussion of factors that influence […]
oklahoma city food review
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Fork-free dining
Queen of Sheba 2308 N. MacArthur Blvd. 405-606-8616 What works: Meats and lentils flavored with berbere spice blend are standouts. What needs work: The chickpeas were gritty and somewhat bland. Tip: It’s only open 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday for dinner. In some ways, teff flour is a magical ingredient. The iron-rich grain is also gluten-free […]
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Chef-inspired Tex-Mex
Iguana Mexican Grill 9 NW Ninth St. iguanamexicangrill.com 405-606-7172 What works:Barbacoa made with beef cheek melts in your mouth. What needs work:Spinach and mushroom enchilada filling needs sauce. Tip: The street-style tacos allow excellent fillings to shine better than the Tex-Mex preparation. Iguana Mexican Grill has been a serving Tex-Mex in Oklahoma City since opening […]
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Solid slice
Falcone’s Pizzeria 6705 N. May Ave. 405-242-2222 bestpizzaokc.com What works: The chocolate waffle and French Bomber are irresistible. What needs work: The chicken in the chicken Parmesan sandwich is dry and didn’t soak up the sauce. Tip: Call ahead to pick up from the drive-thru window. Falcone’s Pizzeria is a case study in the pitfalls […]
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Filling a void
Scottie’s Deli 427 NW 23rd St. scottiesdeliokc.com 405-604-8940 What works: The smokiness of pastrami complements the saltiness of corned beef on New York, NY sandwich. What needs work: The potato salad needs more smoked vinegar. Tip: Don’t forget about the vegetarian options, particularly the Smoked Portabella Reuben. The pictures lining the ceiling at Scottie’s Deli […]
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Off night
The Manhattan OKC 210 Park Ave., Suite 150 themanhattanokc.com 405-605-5300 What works: The crabcake lives up to its Rococo legacy. What needs work:Staff was overwhelmed on a Monday. Tip: Check out lunch specials or prepackaged box lunches. Chef Bruce Rinehart has built a culinary empire in Oklahoma City since bringing his East Coast-style seafood restaurant […]
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Super-sized
Super Tortas El Chavo 721 SW 29th St. 405-631-0100 What works: The meat in the tortas and tacos is flavorful and tender. What needs work: The fries needed to be refried for crispiness. Tip: One torta is big enough for two people. For many Spanish speakers across the world, one of the most recognizable characters […]
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Trend-setters
Film Row has undergone a transformation the last few years with the opening of the 21C Museum Hotel, The Jones Assembly and more. Biding its time as construction blocked traffic, Caeli’s Sweets, Eats, & Bar has come out the other side. Located at 726 W. Sheridan, Caeli’s is the brainchild of brothers Kenney and Kyle […]
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El Primo Loco delivers flame-grilled chicken quickly with local charm
I grew up in the San Fernando Valley of southern California during the 1990s when the “valley girl” stereotype was pervasive in pop culture. To this day, I still insert “like” subconsciously into conversation. But I appreciate the years I lived in Los Angeles because I met a lot of people from different cultures and […]
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Caffé Pranzo innovates and stays true to classics under new ownership
Caffé Pranzo innovates and stays true to classics under new ownership.