Restaurants
Automobile Alley
Current

no



Address: 9 NW 9th
Phone: (405) 606-7172
Hours: Mon-Thu 11 am - 10 pm
Fri-Sat 11 am - 11 pm
Sun 10:30 am - 9 pm
Status:
Links:
Official Website (http://www.iguanamexicangrill.com/)
Menu (http://www.iguanamexicangrill.com/menu)
Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/Iguanaokc?fref=ts)
Yelp (http://www.yelp.com/biz/iguana-mexican-grill-oklahoma-city)
Urban Spoon (http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/46/740925/restaurant/Midtown/Iguana-Mexican-Grill-Oklahoma-City)


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/iguanawiki1.jpg


Information & Latest News
Gallery

I have been told it will be on the west side of the street between 9th and
10th...next to Bicycle Alley. Steve Mason's building. Broadway is shaping up!!

That would be nice if they do. Two restaurants/bars in Automobile Alley. It seems as if I heard that same rumor a year or so ago that they were thinking about it, so it would make sense.

Broadway is shaping up!!

It sure is. Really nice to see.

I can already taste the margaritas

yeah, metro, i mentioned it a few months ago, Iguana Lounge and Deep Fork.

Update: It's actually not Iguana Lounge but rather Iguana Mexican Grill opening up. It should be interesting to see how it competes with the newly opened 1492 mexican restaurant just a few blocks away in MidTown. I'm glad to see he decided not to tear down several buildings on Broadway for "surface parking" as he almost did. That would have been a stupid nightmare.

Broadway developer endures challenges, expands vision to include restaurant

By Steve Lackmeyer
Business Writer

When Steve Mason began renovating a 99-year-old former car dealership earlier this year along downtown Oklahoma City's Automobile Alley, he hoped to cap the cost at $3.2 million and move his offices into the property by July.

Instead, the building remains an empty shell. New steel floors are still under construction. And the cost has doubled to $6.4 million.

But Mason isn't showing any signs of strain. In fact, he's decided to renovate adjoining buildings instead of replacing them with parking, and he's busy planning his next addition to downtown's Automobile Alley: the Iguana Mexican Grill.

"It's all a question of how do you eat a really big steak,” said Mason, who owns Cardinal Engineering and Earl's Rib Palace. "You eat one bite at a time. There are a lot of bites here, but it's progressing as it should progress.”

Mason bought the 1015 N Broadway building knowing the task of bringing it back to life had overwhelmed previous owners. The building was empty throughout much of the 1980s and 1990s, and its first floor was briefly home to Habitat for Humanity's Renovation Station. Attorneys had completed architectural renderings and gone through the city's urban design committee with their own plan to convert the building into offices before they sold it to Mason.

Mason at first thought the building's major upgrades would just include a new stairway, mechanical systems and an elevator.

Instead, his architects — not the city — decided to condemn 60 percent of the building.

"We had to tear out the three structural floors, we had to tear out the slab, and we had to put in footings to support the interior of the building because what was there was inadequate by today's standards,” he said. "The building has stood there all this time just fine, but we want to do it right.”

The worst of the job is now over, Mason says, joking that he's relying on assurances by Timberlake Construction that the renovation will be complete by January.


More retail
Mason said his understanding of urban development has continued to evolve since he first decided to take the plunge downtown, after having spent a lifetime living and working in suburban Oklahoma City.
While he's better known for his barbecue restaurants, one of Mason's earliest entries into the business was with the Iguana Lounge on Western Avenue.

"When we closed, we were tired — we needed a break,” Mason said. "And parking was an issue.”

Robert Painter, who managed the original Iguana Lounge, said he was thrilled to learn from Mason that he wanted to reopen the restaurant as the Iguana Mexican Grill at 1007 N Broadway.

"It was the best job I ever had,” Painter said. "I had a love and a passion for this.”

Painter and Mason say what made the Iguana Lounge special — its fun, casual atmosphere — will return with the new restaurant. They are planning on a March 1 opening. The restaurant, which will seat 140 people, is in a building that, like the neighboring 1015 N Broadway, was an earlyday car dealership. The pair hope the long expanse, high ceilings and an open bar will help create distinctly different dining areas that will appeal to families, medical students on a budget and couples looking for a nice evening out on the town.

The decor will include exposed brick walls and old wood flooring removed from other aging downtown properties. The building, built in 1918, is being restored to its historic facade.

"I want it to appear as if it's been there, as if the entire building is old,” Painter said. "I don't want it so cold and modern that you're not comfortable. I want it to be comfortable enough you can come in slacks and a T-shirt.”

Mason hopes the restaurant, teamed with the Red Prime Steakhouse opened earlier this year by Keith and Heather Paul on the south end of Automobile Alley, will encourage more eateries to open for business along Broadway.

Mason already has decided to go against the trend of Broadway property owners who use their first floors for enclosed parking. But after encountering what he said is "strong retail interest” in his block of properties, he's going to renovate adjoining concrete block buildings instead of turning them into surface parking.

Likewise, after buying properties along NW 9 east of Broadway to provide more parking, he's decided against tearing down buildings on that stretch as well.

Mason refers to 10th-grade lessons about "spheres of influence” when asked why he's willing to take such risks.

"Back then, we were all being told about the Soviet sphere of influence,” Mason said. "And there is a sphere of influence occurring here, with 12 different entities providing a positive influence on this entire area — you have Greg Banta, St. Anthony Hospital, the folks at Red Prime all getting things done. And when you have all that, you get a much better project than what 12 people could have done individually.”

http://static.newsok.biz/article/3155221/Pre_1918_1015_Broadway_garag.jpg_10-24-2007_9Q53DRV.jpg

Built in 1908, the former Pierce Arrow/Cadillac dealership at 1015 N Broadway was one of Oklahoma City's earliest car dealerships. The building fell into disrepair by the 1990s, but is now being renovated by Steve Mason. Provided By Steve Mason

Having been a long time Western sider, I love the Iguana Lounge, I was sad when it closed. I went into depression when Tera Luna closed.

I loved Iguana as well and am very happy to see it come back even if it is in a different form. But mentioning Terra Luna... very interesting idea. I remember hearing they were pushed out of their space and didn't go willingly. Maybe a reunite all of the closed Western restaurants on Broadway. Varsity Grill on Broadway perhaps?

Maybe not Varsity Grill necessarily, but a GOOD sports bar would be a good fit down there. With Varsitys closing, the whole metro is in dire need for a good sports bar. If anyone has been to Ringers in Austin, that is a good sports bar.

I hope that Iguana has the same menu as before... Their honey smoked bean nachos were amazing.. and I agree, Terra Luna needs to return also... yumm.. Lets turn OKC into the next Addison district in Dallas.. :)

You mean AA similar to Addision, not the entire city of OKC like the Addison Entertainment District?

You mean AA similar to Addision, not the entire city of OKC like the Addison Entertainment District?

From what I have heard Addison has the largest concentration of restaurants in any city in the United States.. I could be wrong but in their 4.3 square miles of area, they have 170 restaurants.. I think they are beating us quite a bit.. More choices would more than likely mean more choices for healthy food.. Unlike in OKC, where we have mostly just fast food choices..

FYI...I drove by last night, they have 2 signs up on the building and it is looking quite impressive. I imagine it will be open within a few weeks. Very nice and secluded location in downtown. Reminds you of Deep Fork on Western Ave. a little bit with the off the beaten path location and the trees.

That really surprises me but is good to know. I got a coupon somewhere for a free order of nachos which stated they would be open in June. I drove by just a few weeks ago and could not see how that would ever happen.

"Off the beaten path downtown" doesn't sound like a long-term successful location.

I hope that Iguana has the same menu as before... Their honey smoked bean nachos were amazing.. and I agree, Terra Luna needs to return also... yumm.. Lets turn OKC into the next Addison district in Dallas.. :)

As long as they bring back their "perfect" margaritas, I'll be a very, very happy camper. And ditto on Terra Luna. That was one of the best (and fairly reasonable) spots in town.

"Off the beaten path downtown" doesn't sound like a long-term successful location.

I think you'll be surprised.

I noticed they are a sponsor of Dead Center's FilmFaction series. Getting an early start...

FYI...I drove by last night, they have 2 signs up on the building and it is looking quite impressive. I imagine it will be open within a few weeks. Very nice and secluded location in downtown. Reminds you of Deep Fork on Western Ave. a little bit with the off the beaten path location and the trees.



Any updates on when they plan to open?

Any updates on when they plan to open?

I think they are going through their soft opening process right now and should be open to the general public in a week or so

I still havent figured out where they are located... Anyone have an address?!! I do not see anything written on any building or any signs..

You have to drive down 7th east of Broadway. It's really tucked away.

Actually, it is on 9th east of Broadway about a block and a half.

I drove by this morning! Neat-looking building tucked away on the north side of the street, just west of the RR tracks, next to some really dilapitated old houses, one of which is under renovation.

The building itself is one story, but in a kind of tan brick color. They've done some neat enhancements to it. The sign on the front of the building says "Iguana Grill" in orange letters. Once you're there, it's really hard to miss.

Neat location, especially since there are so many trees on the west. This should provide nice shade cover for the patio and parking areas and keep the outdoor areas from getting too hot.

I'm anxious to see what the interior looks like.

I was lucky enough to be invited to a "test" dinner last night. The place is really cute and very urban. It has a great patio that I think will be a hit. Reminds me of some of the places I used to go in Dallas on Lower Greenville.

The food was great. For fans of the old Iguana, the menu is very similar. I had adobo chicken enchiladas with sour cream sauce, black beans and potatoes. The service seems very capable and the training seemed to be going well.

I think it will be a Downtown favorite!

kim, did they say anything about when they open to the public?

I was lucky enough to be invited to a "test" dinner last night........


KIMMMMIE!!

And you didn't call and ask me to go with you?!? See how you are........ :)

I miss you Del! Did the nor'easter blow in yet?

Metro, I think I heard July 1.

Go down and see them today...they're tucked in by the tracks on 9th under the pretty sycamores. They are there serving stuff in a soft opening sort of thing I believe. Robert is a good guy.

I miss you Del! Did the nor'easter blow in yet?

Miss you too. The wind changes tomorrow, Wednesday, a little after 6:00 pm. We'll get together - at the Iguana.

I drove by tonight and it looked pretty packed. It's really nice looking - I had no clue it was going to be over there.

I too was lucky enough to score an invitation to the soft opening. I enjoyed a great lunch there Tuesday. The building is great, with fabulous artwork. The menu offers wallet-friendly things like tacos, burritos, enchiladas (around $8.50) and higher-end items like steak, seafood, etc, so it will really please younger crowds, as well as our parents. Both Robert and Steve stopped by our table to see what we thought- they've put a lot of heart into the place and it's going to be a hit! Expect to see them open early next week. The address is 9 NW 9 if you're still looking for it.

i hope they got that salsa, it was the bomb back in the day. it's that fire.

The address is 9 NW 9 if you're still looking for it.

What a cool, memorable address! I'll have to check this out soon. Wish i could go tonight!

It looks like a really nice from the outside... Very different than what it looked like on western.. Does anyone know if they still have the honey smoked bean nachos?!?! :)

I drove by there after work on Friday and it does look pretty nice. I like how it's tucked away in the trees. The parking lot was packed and the sign on the door said they would be open June 30th. I'll definitely be checking them out again this week.

Actually the name of this incarnation is Iguana Mexican Grill . . .

Attended a private party on Saturday night and everything was served family style . . . tasty black beans, good salsa selection (pretty mild though) . . . good cevichi and really good fajitas, accompanied by roasted and grilled vegetables . . . Steve Mason has done a really good job with the building. The existing brick building with old iron casement windows was added on and the west exterior wall of the old building is now an interior wall with a rustic sliding wood that divides the space into three dining areas. The decor is simple and tasteful. The mature trees add a really nice neighborhood feel to the area.

Sara Sara Cup Cake Shop will be opening next door in an old house that is being rehabbed . . . lots and lots of rehab.

I'll be heading back.

Took the wife there for lunch the other day. Been watching the place under renovation and was anxious to give it a try.

The lot is really nice and well planned out (though parking it tight).

We loved decor! It is actually exactly what I would want to renovate and live in as a personal residence/office.

The staff was friendly and prompt and the place was already full at 11:40am.

Lots of downtown types in suits and office casual.

The menu was adaquate with plenty of choices of standard and non-standard Mexican fair.

I had the fish taco with roasted potatoes and the wife had the beef enchilada with roasted potatoes.

The meal was served with a heaping bowl of chips and salsa.

The chips were all over the place quality wise. Some were really hard and others were light and crisp with a few chewy ones in just to keep you guessing.

The salsa was incredible and by far my favorite of the entire experience.

My fish taco was okay but nothing compared to ones I've had at Pearls in the past.

The roasted potatoes were okay too, but on the dry and bland side for both of our tastes. maybe some cilantro or shredded cheese would have given it some blam.

The wife said the enchilada was okay but she's had better. Not as fast foodish as Chelino's but not nearly as good as Abuelo's.

Overall I'd give it a 6/10 with most of the weight going to the atmosphere, clientele and the salsa. That said, I'd give it another go for dinner and maybe a drink at the bar.

We ate for the first time at "The Original Ole" a few days ago too (Penn and Memorial), and I gotta say, I liked the food better.

Anyone know the hours at this place, or have a phone number for the restaurant? I used to love the old Iguana.

Thanks!

Hey Bail Jumper, are the fish tacos baja style?

You know, Bail Jumper is pretty accurate in his account. I've eaten there twice, and I can honestly say it's not yet even as good as the old one on Western. I think the chef decided to take liberties with the old menu, and I desperately miss their pork tacos. They have pork tacos now, but the recipe is very different and nowhere in the same zip code as good. They do still have the coral snake salsa, Thank God.

The salsa they give you when you sit down is some of the most bland I've had in Oklahoma City. Sucked.

That said, it's early and I'm giving them another chance. I really want it to succeed because I like the people and the location and miss the Old Iguana. I'll be dining there again soon and I'll provide an update.

I visited the restaurant last Thursday night. They were fairly busy. I had the mahi, and it was delicious. I also had the queso appetizer, which was very good, and the chocolate chimi for dessert. All the food was good, but I think that it was a bit over-priced. I will definitely return and maybe try something else, or whatever.

I visited there a week ago and had their Fajitas. I thought they were very nice. I really like the atmosphere there, it's unique from 1492. I do admit the salsa was a bit bland, but the service and the rest of the food I had was great. I wish it wasn't so tucked away on 9th street though so it could have better exposure.

Had a light lunch there today. Ordered the appetizer taco combo (2 fish, 2 chicken) and the coral snake salsa. Outstanding. Even for a "light" lunch, walked away very satisfied for a ten dollar ticket (plus tip). Sat at the bar and had great service, which seemed to be consistent throughout the restaurant.

The menu looked great - seemed like quite a bit of variety, most of which was also unique. (Never seen ceviche done with grapefruit juice before, but I applaud the experiment).

I read the complaints about the "regular" salsa they serve being bland. While not a salsa to snack on all evening, it was certainly adequate for a basic table salsa. I used it as a condiment for my meal after the other salsa was served. I think any salsa lover who doesn't order one of the specialty salsas is really missing out.

Barkeep said business had been great - usually on a wait by 8:00.

Great addition to downtown - I will definitely recommend them to friends.

I'm glad to hear all of these positive reviews.

We tried to go the other night, but folks were spilling out of the place, so decided it wasn't the best time.

Of course, it was 7:00 on a Saturday night, so what would you expect.

We then tried hitting McNellies, Irma's, Iron Star, and the Wedge. Of course, all filled to the brim.

I usually don't mind waiting, but we had had a full day, and were a bit tired and not in the mood for a long wait for dinner.

It's great to see so many fabulous (and LOCAL) establishments doing so well.

I might try going for lunch instead one of these days. Maybe I'll have better luck. Of course, then I can't see if the brought back the magic Perfect Margarita I've been clamoring for.

I've now returned to Iguana twice since my last post. Sadly, I'm a bit disappointed. They have a great front of house person and excellent chef, but oddly, the food is mediocre. The atmosphere is great and I'm pulling for them, but they need to get it together quick. Right now, I can say unequivocally that 1492 has much better food. I have not given up on them yet, though! They need to get it in shape fast. The dye will be cast and it will be too late. I wish them luck.

By the way, I have had terrible service twice now. I realize they're just opening the restaurant and getting it together, but the wait staff there leaves something to be desired.

We went for a business lunch last week, and the service was horrible. The waiter forgot to turn in our order and we had to wave down someone any time we needed anything as our waiter was never in the room we were seated in. The burrito I had was good, as was the salsa bar they gave us for forgetting our order, but the chips were ok as was the house salsa.

Worst part was that even after we told them we were in a hurry and wanted our check as our food was delivered, it still took 30 minutes for our waiter to return with our check. Definitely not what the area business folks are looking for in terms of a quick lunch. Hopefully the service will get better.

Well, let's not forget that when 1492 opened, the first reviews of it were horrible. I remember reading\hearing about the bad food\service. All I can say is that when I went to Iguana Lounge on a Tuesday night, the food was great as well as the service. I think the food at Iguana Lounge is better than 1492. But let's give the guys a break, they just opened. Give it a few weeks and I think they'll be in fine order.

Well, let's not forget that when 1492 opened, the first reviews of it were horrible.

Are you saying it's gotten better? I had not heard that.

I've eaten there twice now, and my food has been great. I've had chicken and cheese enchiladas both times. The coral snake salsa is good as ever, and I really like their house salsa.....nice cilantro flavor. Our service was a bit slow today, but was fine the first time. I love the building.

I'm dying to try it.

[QUOTE=BailJumper;153471]

The chips were all over the place quality wise. Some were really hard and others were light and crisp with a few chewy ones in just to keep you guessing.

Second the chip comment. Got carryout tonight, also ate chips and salsa at the bar. Lots of stale chips. They appear to be made in house, so I suppose they may be rolling over one day's unused chips to the next. My experience is that freshly made chips are worth the effort, but don't stay fresh for long. Should be an easy fix - everything else was great.

We just posted a review with contributions from three of our writers on the Iguana. Here is the link:

Iguana Mexican Grill reopens in downtown Oklahoma City | Oklahoma City Restaurants (http://www.eataroundokc.com/2008/iguana-mexican-grill-reopens-in-downtown-oklahoma-city/)

I love their fajitas and their unique sides. Didnt' care for the burrito though.

Went there again yesterday after work and before we all headed out to see Dave Matthews at the Brick. The place was PACKED. Parking was all up and down 9th street. Had a large group and the food was a bit better but still nothing to write home about. The atmosphere though is bound to keep the place popular.

Urban Neighbors Monthly Social
August 14, 2008 | 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM


Event Description

The U.N.'s August social event is at downtown's new Iguana Mexican Grill. Who should attend? Downtown residents or those who are just excited about downtown and want to get engaged in the downtown community. Free appetizers and a cash bar will be provided. Come out and meet your neighbors! About Urban Neighbors: Urban Neighbors is downtown OKC's neighborhood organization. Our membership-based organization encourages the further development of quality residential living through positive interactive meetings, social events, and issue-oriented dialogue and activities. Our organization is committed to making downtown an exciting place to live! The monthly social is always the 2nd Thursday of each month.

Iguana Mexican Grill
9 NW 9th St,
Oklahoma City, OK

Just wanted to add another positive review to the thread. Went with a few people and did the family meal, tried all the salsas, and had an overall very tasty meal. Nice atmosphere also. I'm one of those that don't particularly enjoy seeing 3 new mexican restaurants pop up every week in OKC and generally think they all taste the same, but I thought Iguana had some good flavors, unique salsas and great atmosphere.

I suggest that you ignore all of the reviews, including this one, and just go.

Ate at the new Iguana last night. My thoughts mirror those that have already been posted. My company for the night really liked their meals. I had the fish taco's and I wasn't overly impressed. Not enough other flavors to balance the sweetness of the fish.
Our service was, well, adequate..Our table was in the bar area and our waiter was perpetually "in the weeds". But our food was hot, and our beers weren't empty too long so I couldn't complain really. He apologized when he returned the check for his lack of attention, which is something that really turns me off. But, he was working hard..
The atmosphere was great though. Great art. Great fixtures. Happy people.
I'll be back. Probably not on a Saturday night though.