Oklahoma is lacking in the true Tex Mex department. It's funny when friends from Texas come up their opinion is the exact opposite of what I have read in this thread, they think that Ted's and Pablano are about the only places worth going to. I have to agree wih them, there are few options here that remind me of restaurants down there. So maybe when you guys are saying you don't like the place what you are really saying is you don't like that particular style of Mexican food. Personally I think that is why they are so popular -- there are very few Tex like options here, so everyone who wants that goes there.

Not really about the type of food, just comparing what Ted's used to be vs. what they are now. Speaking as one who has eaten there since the very beginning, it's not worth it any longer. Original location has the tables closer together than they used to be, and that doesn't make for a more cozy atmosphere, it's just squished. Food quality has gone down over the years (spinach enchiladas used to be wonderful, now they're just OK, as one example), the price isn't worth it for the quality of the food. Certainly not worth waiting as long as you have to wait for. Service, however, is still good, and they do have habanero salsa (which you have to ask for) and they're one of the few that has it (correct me if I'm wrong, however - I'd love to find another place that has habanero salsa). Used to be really good, now just OK.

Not to nit-pick . . .
Yet isn't the phrase "true Tex Mex" . . .
an affrontal insult on Down Home Okie Fusine?

No. Probably it isn't.

Ted's is Ted's.
Period.

Eischen's is Eischen's.
Period.

Hopefully
"Foodies [Express]"
will someday fit into that same category.

(and the new, improved, re-opened former OKCountyLine BBQ except TexKrebsTalian =)

As a hobby cook I find this thread interesting to fascinating.
Especially the many suggestions to cook what you like, how you like it, at home. =)

[Which brings to mind: Most overrated grocery stores: Whole Foods, Sunflower Market. Both of them are EXCELLENT, yet you can prepare a meal that is indisiguishable in terms of excellence with ingredients from Homeland or Buy For Less.]

That being said, I have to agree that Ted's--while very, very, good at least the times I've eaten there--is no Casa Perico (122nd and Penn location).

Suggested reading for all participants in The Dining Experience: Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain.

Actually, all of Bourdain's books are worth reading. :-)

Just a small difference with you about grocery store ingredients - until Sunflower and Whole Foods came in (or shortly before), most fresh fruits and veggies at Crest on Santa Fe/15th in Edmond and Homeland (on MacArthur/Expwy and on 122nd/May) were pathetic. Not fresh, beat to hell, tasteless even when they looked decent, not enough varieties of things, etc. Whole Foods and Sunflower forced the other stores to up their game, but the other stores still haven't upped it enough IMO, sadly. :-( The fresh fruit and veggies at OKC's legacy grocery stores has gotten better, I will admit, but there's still room for improvement.

TheTravellers,
Casa Perico used to prepare habanero salsa on request. I liked their method, they would bring a small black cast iron skillet (that it was prepared in) to your table. Don't hold me to it though, it's been a few years. The place I have been to recently (last month) that has it is on the Southwest corner of 39th Expessway and College in Bethany. I can't think of the name of it but that is the correct address. It's not a "Fine Dining" place, but was clean and neat. It's a new restaurant.
C. T.

maybe he meant Pearl's Graveside...LOL

To be fair, I have never seen Ted's rated highly... Popular, yes, but that's not the same thing as high scores on Urban Spoon, Yelp or other rating systems.

I do understand whey so many people like it: Decent food, big quantities, reasonable prices and from my limited experience, really great service. They get those freshly made tortillas and queso to your table straight away and people love that. I give them credit for coming up with a concept that has been massively successful, especially when you consider the great number of Mexican restaurants. They are clearly doing lots of things right.

Also, when places get popular there is always backlash.

Go to any Mexican restaurant anywhere outside of the OKC and everything but chips-n-salsa is an extra, sometimes and a refill of chips is an extra. You want queso, that will be 5.00. Tortillas? add 2.00 for 4, a sopapilla? that will be 2.00 a piece. Most non-national chain places in OKC all include those items. If you think Ted's is expensive for what you get then you wouldn't want to go to a Chuy's or some other chain from out of town, it ends up costing you much more than what you would pay at Ted's for less. Chelino's was pretty good when they first opened, I think they (and Cocina De Mino) suffered from over expansion. My favorite for many years was Cafe Ole, the former El Chico at NW 58th & May area.

My wife likes Ted's, it reminds her of the food her mother made when she was growing up and we go there often when we are back in town. I do agree that it is not quite the same as it used to be but it is still consistent and the service is always exceptional, we also usually go around 11:30 AM on Sundays, so we have a minimal wait if any. It is one of the places that we frequent when we are back in town like Leo's and Cajun Kitchen (or whatever it name is now). The only other Ted's location that I had ever been to was the former Bellini's location on Danforth, but that was only a few times for the year that I lived in Edmond, I have been going to the original since it opened after Ted sold his recording studio and opened up the restaurant.

I always find the "popularity backlash" rather humorous, too many people get all wrapped up in not liking the "popular thing" and trying to find the next trendy thing...of course Austin is full of a bunch of those types. I have been to some of those places in Austin that people rave about, just because a place is a "local" doesn't mean that it is SOOOOOOO much better than XYZ chain. Some are, many are not.

Food opinions are so subjective, I rarely listen to anyones opinion about restaurants.

Brian - Lambert's BBQ?

I always find the "popularity backlash" rather humorous, too many people get all wrapped up in not liking the "popular thing" and trying to find the next trendy thing...of course Austin is full of a bunch of those types. I have been to some of those places in Austin that people rave about, just because a place is a "local" doesn't mean that it is SOOOOOOO much better than XYZ chain. Some are, many are not.I could not agree more. Whether it's food, entertainment, housing or whatever so many went to put it down unless it's the latest trend, or what they perceive to be the latest trend.

Go to any Mexican restaurant anywhere outside of the OKC and everything but chips-n-salsa is an extra, sometimes and a refill of chips is an extra. You want queso, that will be 5.00. Tortillas? add 2.00 for 4, a sopapilla? that will be 2.00 a piece. Most non-national chain places in OKC all include those items. If you think Ted's is expensive for what you get then you wouldn't want to go to a Chuy's or some other chain from out of town, it ends up costing you much more than what you would pay at Ted's for less. Chelino's was pretty good when they first opened, I think they (and Cocina De Mino) suffered from over expansion. My favorite for many years was Cafe Ole, the former El Chico at NW 58th & May area.

My wife likes Ted's, it reminds her of the food her mother made when she was growing up and we go there often when we are back in town. I do agree that it is not quite the same as it used to be but it is still consistent and the service is always exceptional, we also usually go around 11:30 AM on Sundays, so we have a minimal wait if any. It is one of the places that we frequent when we are back in town like Leo's and Cajun Kitchen (or whatever it name is now). The only other Ted's location that I had ever been to was the former Bellini's location on Danforth, but that was only a few times for the year that I lived in Edmond, I have been going to the original since it opened after Ted sold his recording studio and opened up the restaurant.

I always find the "popularity backlash" rather humorous, too many people get all wrapped up in not liking the "popular thing" and trying to find the next trendy thing...of course Austin is full of a bunch of those types. I have been to some of those places in Austin that people rave about, just because a place is a "local" doesn't mean that it is SOOOOOOO much better than XYZ chain. Some are, many are not.

Food opinions are so subjective, I rarely listen to anyones opinion about restaurants.

Brian - Lambert's BBQ?

having been to chain and non chain mexican all over the USA i find your info on what you get to be incorrect

TheTravellers,
Casa Perico used to prepare habanero salsa on request. I liked their method, they would bring a small black cast iron skillet (that it was prepared in) to your table. Don't hold me to it though, it's been a few years. The place I have been to recently (last month) that has it is on the Southwest corner of 39th Expessway and College in Bethany. I can't think of the name of it but that is the correct address. It's not a "Fine Dining" place, but was clean and neat. It's a new restaurant.
C. T.

Thanks for the info, we've been wanting to try Casa Perico (122nd/Penn). I have eaten at El Perico for lunch (63rd/Meridian or Portland) and had the "hot" salsa in the skillet, but it didn't seem like habanero salsa, just hotter (spice-wise) than regular salsa. Have to go with the wife to Casa Perico next time we do Mexican and try it there. And I'll definitely try the new place on 39th/College for lunch since that's fairly close to work, thanks.

The new place on 39th and College definitely used habaneros, you could see the orange bits and it certainly was warm. As for Casa Pericos, they could have used a different pepper, but it was not your average jalapeno. I enjoy jalapenos, but for a salsa with a really nice "bite" Habanero or scotch bonnet peppers are the way to go.
C. T.

Thanks for the info, we've been wanting to try Casa Perico (122nd/Penn). I have eaten at El Perico for lunch (63rd/Meridian or Portland) and had the "hot" salsa in the skillet, but it didn't seem like habanero salsa, just hotter (spice-wise) than regular salsa. Have to go with the wife to Casa Perico next time we do Mexican and try it there. And I'll definitely try the new place on 39th/College for lunch since that's fairly close to work, thanks.

For me it's johnnies. Overrated and way overcooked. I wouldn't eat roadkill that well done.

Now wait, is it the food that is overrated or the restaurant?

I have a hard time saying a restaurant like Ted's is overrated when their service is impeccable...IMPECCABLE!

Going to a restaurant one time is simply not enough to make an assessment in any direction. I'd bet that a lot of posters calling restaurants in this thread overrated have only dined there once...especially on the restaurants on the higher end of the spectrum (Red Prime, Ranch, Coach House, etc). There are so many factors in a dining experience and it seems like people are quick to dismiss an entire experience if just one thing goes wrong...especially if food is that one thing. I understand you go to a restaurant to eat, but sometimes you get the meal in the 5% to 15% done wrong, especially at a place like a steakhouse where you occasionally just get a bad cut that could not be foreseen. It happens. It's just dinner. Respectfully voice our concern and let the restaurant make it up to you before running around screaming "overrated".

For me it's johnnies. Overrated and way overcooked. I wouldn't eat roadkill that well done.


Been a very long time since I've been to a Johnnies. The above sums up way. As it seems it is still that way, I can only presume some folks think burnt is a starting point instead of a done went and fell off the chart point.

Now wait, is it the food that is overrated or the restaurant?

I have a hard time saying a restaurant like Ted's is overrated when their service is impeccable...IMPECCABLE!

Going to a restaurant one time is simply not enough to make an assessment in any direction. I'd bet that a lot of posters

calling restaurants in this thread overrated have only dined there once...especially on the restaurants on the higher end of
the spectrum (Red Prime, Ranch, Coach House, etc). There are so many factors in a dining experience and it seems like
people are quick to dismiss an entire experience if just one thing goes wrong...especially if food is that one thing. I
understand you go to a restaurant to eat, but sometimes you get the meal in the 5% to 15% done wrong, especially at a
place like a steakhouse where you occasionally just get a bad cut that could not be foreseen. It happens. It's just dinner.
Respectfully voice our concern and let the restaurant make it up to you before running around screaming
"overrated".

Agree...

Been a very long time since I've been to a Johnnies. The above sums up way. As it seems it is still that way, I can only presume some folks think burnt is a starting point instead of a done went and fell off the chart point.
I don't know what happened to Johnnie's, we used to go there quite often but it seemed since they started the new "Express" concept even the regular ones went downhill. We had a birthday party at the NWX location in 2004 in one of their rooms, the food was still good. We went back about a year later when we were in town and they had reduced the size of that location greatly and the food was just poor. My parents who were regulars to that location over that period of time had noticed it slipping as well even before that trip. I think they went a few more times after that, we never did. I don't know if the Britton location changed as well, it was always the primary location that I went to since I lived in or was always in that area. Seems a shame that a place that I went to for 20 years just falls off the map like that, of course they aren't the only one that has happened to.

Go to any Mexican restaurant anywhere outside of the OKC and everything but chips-n-salsa is an extra, sometimes and a refill of chips is an extra. You want queso, that will be 5.00. Tortillas? add 2.00 for 4, a sopapilla? that will be 2.00 a piece. Most non-national chain places in OKC all include those items. If you think Ted's is expensive for what you get then you wouldn't want to go to a Chuy's or some other chain from out of town, it ends up costing you much more than what you would pay at Ted's for less.

...

I always find the "popularity backlash" rather humorous, too many people get all wrapped up in not liking the "popular thing" and trying to find the next trendy thing...of course Austin is full of a bunch of those types. I have been to some of those places in Austin that people rave about, just because a place is a "local" doesn't mean that it is SOOOOOOO much better than XYZ chain. Some are, many are not.

Food opinions are so subjective, I rarely listen to anyones opinion about restaurants.

+1

1492 also makes a very good Habanero salsa

1492 also makes a very good Habanero salsa

Won a $100 bet from a friend who bet me I wouldn't swallow a large soup spoon full of their Habanero salsa. Which is no small feat for me, as I don't like spicy hot foods at all.

Won a $100 bet from a friend who bet me I wouldn't swallow a large soup spoon full of their Habanero salsa. Which is no small feat for me, as I don't like spicy hot foods at all.

i love hot stuff and sometimes it is a little warm for me .... i ususally go half and half with their hab and thier regular salsa

Won a $100 bet from a friend who bet me I wouldn't swallow a large soup spoon full of their Habanero salsa. Which is no small feat for me, as I don't like spicy hot foods at all.


Just go ahead and reserve me a room at the ER if I did that lol

Won a $100 bet from a friend who bet me I wouldn't swallow a large soup spoon full of their Habanero salsa. Which is no small feat for me, as I don't like spicy hot foods at all.
Have your friend sign me up for the bet, easy $100.

I used to like Ted's Atomic Hot Sauce (on the side, available on request) until we began dining--maybe once a month--at Casa Perico (I would suggest anything they make involving pork, esp. "Puerco Verde".)

I wonder what the term is for having one's expectations met (and/or exceeded) on a first time visit to a place . . . (Iron Starr).

And whatever happened to the plans for 1492 (or some other Midtown restaurant) to open a location in or near Cassady Square . . . (Perhaps they read the chapters in "Kitchen Confidential" regarding premature expansion? =)

I used to like Ted's Atomic Hot Sauce (on the side, available on request) until we began dining--maybe once a month--at Casa Perico (I would suggest anything they make involving pork, esp. "Puerco Verde".)

I wonder what the term is for having one's expectations met (and/or exceeded) on a first time visit to a place . . . (Iron Starr).

And whatever happened to the plans for 1492 (or some other Midtown restaurant) to open a location in or near Cassady Square . . . (Perhaps they read the chapters in "Kitchen Confidential" regarding premature expansion? =)

1492 cassady square location is in the middle of build out .. the previous space was gutted .... they have some good pics on their facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/pages/1492-New-World-Latin-Cuisine/130680286046

Thank you!
(I was wondering because 1492 is a place I've always wanted to try, but I am rarely in Midtown at mealtime. It simply always sounded good to me. I hope that the ghosts of The Worst Jimmy's Egg Ever and The Best "local" Pizza ever--in that exact "mall"--not to mention The Impossible to Succeed BBQ Place down the street don't haunt it. =)

That whole strip on Britton is just an odd location.

You got THAT rite. =)

(So . . . Is 1492 going to be on The North Side or The South Side?)

[Try finding The Historic Boot Repair Place . . . or the dearly departed Perri's Pizza! =)]

(with tip's o' the Culinary Arts hat to that "Kitchen Confidential" dude ;-)

southwest corner next door to naifeh jewelry

Thank you, Sir.

(apparently where the [sort of/extremely overrated/overdecorated/oldetymee] "chinese restaurtant" used to be, prior to their move to an aging mall on N.May at which point i think the property may have morphed into inca trail?)

I have not personally experienced any cuisine with which to compare Peruvian Food.
Therefore I can't "dis" Inca Trail.

My expectations for 1492 [del Norte], on the other hand . . .
Will hopefully not fall within the parameters of the title of this thread. =)

Thank you.
Again.

I might have had a bad experience, but I was not impressed at all with 1492. The enchiladas were decent, but not near worth the price. I can get the same meal (but better) down the street at Iguana for nearly half the price they charged.

Won a $100 bet from a friend who bet me I wouldn't swallow a large soup spoon full of their Habanero salsa. Which is no small feat for me, as I don't like spicy hot foods at all.

Here ya go.... http://eatocracy.cnn.com/2012/02/28/worlds-hottest-salsa/?hpt=hp_bn8

I might have had a bad experience, but I was not impressed at all with 1492. The enchiladas were decent, but not near worth the price. I can get the same meal (but better) down the street at Iguana for nearly half the price they charged.

Thank you for the input. We ate at the (new) Iguana (on account of we liked the old Iguana on N. Western even if there is no connection whatsoever between the two restaurants). We ate there because our favorite Italian restaurant (Vito's) was booked for a private party and that "Il Tratorrio [etc.]" (downtown) wasn't open. I liked the food at Iguana. Specifically the famous fish tacos. Good portioning and a fair price. I still plan to give 1492 (the new location) a try and thank you for adjusting my expectations.

P.S.: If salsa doesn't have any "Ghost Pepper" in it, it can't be the hottest ever. Not that I am insane (enough) to subject my palate to that sort of abuse. =)

Here ya go.... http://eatocracy.cnn.com/2012/02/28/worlds-hottest-salsa/?hpt=hp_bn8

At some point, that just gets silly... Gotta be about flavor as well as heat - I eat the hottest stuff that anybody around me can eat (everybody I know thinks I'm crazy for eating food that hot), but I can only do 3 chips worth of Mrs. Renfro's Ghost Pepper Salsa and even then it sticks around and hurts for about 20 minutes.

Thanks for the tip about 1492, BoulderSooner, been wanting to try them for a while, and now I have a reason. :-)

As far as Inca Trail, we tried them and did not like them. Zarate's had much better food, but sadly they seem to have changed recipes/cooks (I think) and aren't as good as they used to be. Probably going to give Zarate's one more shot before we give up on them, they used to be one of our favorites.

Thought I'd chime in on this thread as I consider myself a foodie. I'm a former resident of the OKC area, but now live in Texas. I love to eat, I will try anything, and I don't think there's a single cuisine out there that I don't like.

Got to agree with most posters here with Ted's being the most overrated. Haven't eaten there in 4-5 years, but have been multiple times since I was in high school to my early adult days. Service was awesome every single time, but the food left a lot to be desired. I remember going for the very first time, when all the hoopla first started. We waited forever and was disappointed after eating the food. It was decent, just nothing to cry home about. I'm not a huge Tex-Mex guy anymore (prefer authentic Mexican), but Ted's isn't what I would call good Tex-Mex.

My opinion on restaurants that others have commented on:

Deep Fork: I've been there twice. First time was almost 10 years ago, and I remember having an amazing experience. My steak and my girlfriend's salmon were both amazingly delicious and cooked perfectly. Ate there again just several months ago, and I am shocked at how bad the food has gotten. Filet mignon and salmon, and both were terrible! I'm not exaggerating either. Filet mignon was super dry and overcooked (I order medium rare). Salmon was also dry, and had zero flavor. Not sure what has happened in the past 10 years, but I used to push everyone that I know to Deep Fork if they want a higher end steak, but now... I don't tell anyone to go there.

Tokyo: Haven't been in forever, but used to go all the time back in the day. I agree that it was our favorite sushi place back then. But I will disagree that all the other ones are bad. I have enjoyed Neko every time I've gone. Shiki isn't bad either, but Tokyo and Neko are my favorites in town. They all pail in comparison to sushi in Japan though.

Cajun King: I have never gone here, but my fiancee (also a foodie) went a few weeks back and she thought it was extremely overrated. Can't remember what she disliked, however. If you guys want a good piece of fried catfish though, there's a gas station in far north OKC that makes the best fried catfish that I have ever had. It's right next to Rose Creek golf course.

The Wedge: Ok, I have only been once, but my single experience was a really good one. We ate a spinach, mushroom, and chicken pizza and a pepperoni/mushroom that were both excellent. Can't remember how much we paid, but I thought it was just slightly overpriced. Still worth it though being there's not too many good pizza joints in OKC, imo. Hideway, for example, is just ok in my opinion. I remember hearing how amazing it was, growing up. Been there a couple of times, and both times were just ok.

Just my take on some of the restaurants that you guys mentioned. However, I think in addition to talking about how bad these restaurants are, we should start a thread on favorites/underrated/hidden gems/etc. Will highlight our city in a more positive way, imo.

Not to change gears too much, but have any of you tried the "New to Market" Marcos Pizza?
They have 3 locations I think. 2 in Edmond, and one on South Penn.
Obviously it's not as good as some of the gourmet pizza places but we REALLY like it.
To me it blows all the chain pizza stores out of the water, and its SO busy every time we go in there!

+1 on San Marcos. I have 4 pizza places right around the corner from me and I happily drive the 4 miles to San Marcos for take out.

If you guys want a good piece of fried catfish though, there's a gas station in far north OKC that makes the best fried catfish that I have ever had. It's right next to Rose Creek golf course.



I know the place you are talking about! It's at NW 178th & May and it's a small, run-down convenience store/gas station owned and operated by some Asian folks. We live nearby and go in often. All of their fried foods are outstanding with my favorites being the meat pockets and the BBQ burritos. They sell no-ethanol gasoline and many of the yard crews working in the area line up to buy gas for their lawn mowers/weed wackers in the morning and then they are back for lunch around noon.

They also carry some of the more rare soft drinks like Mexican Coke, Jarritos brand sodas and one that is a sangria flavored soda (my favorite). I really hope the new Conoco going in at 178th & Penn doesn't hurt their business. We really like having them around.

I know the place you are talking about! It's at NW 178th & May and it's a small, run-down convenience store/gas station owned and operated by some Asian folks.

AKA "Okie Stop"

interesting thread.. I am not surprised that folks who enjoy Toby Keiths and Spaghetti wharehouse don't like Tuckers, Mutts or BTT..
some people just aren't foodies and are happy with cafeteria food pushed out by line cooks.. very Furrs with a different decor.
OKC has some great local food joints. Love taking friends to them when they visit and they are always impressed with the quality.
Teds is ok but like others have said it is on the same line as chelinos or any of those tex-mex places.. I prefer BTT or Iguana myself but occasionally I like the other "Platter" type mexican places.
For steakhouse I don't care for RAnch.. it is overpriced for the quality..
Red Prime, Boulevard both work for me.. but actually have had great steak at Paseo Grill as well.
Eischens is definately overrated.. even seeing them on DDD you could tell Guy was a bit unimpressed with the recipes.. very CANNED and thrown together.. long drive for just chicken.. in my opinion..

I have a friend who works at Opus Prime Steakhouse. What do people think of Opus? Urbanspoon indicates that people don't tend to like it...I can't form much of an opinion, because I'm really not a steak kind of girl.

And I do have a hard time finding Mexican restaurants in OKC that I like. Ted's is okay, but I like places like Iguana much better. Many of the Mexican places in OKC, like Ted's, serve a very watery cheese with the chips and salsa, and it's just gross to me.

I will add Cajun King to the overrrated list. I have only been once, so I may have gone on a bad day, but everything was overcooked and underflavored.

Decided to go to Opus last night since we were on that side of town. Almost changed our minds when we went on Urban Spoon and saw their dismal 57% rating, but decided to develop our own opinion.... So glad we did.

Not really sure what to try we did the platter with lobster, crab and steak. We also ordered a salad and some sides (lobster mac & cheese, creamed corn, and spinach).

It was a Friday night about 8:40pm and the place was D-E-A-D. But the atmosphere was really nice and the hostess and waiter was top notch. We started with some wine salad..... Wine selection was one of the best in town and the salads were very fresh, lightly dressing'd and a half was the size of most restaurants full size.

The steak was perfectly medium rare and lightly seasoned and had a good (not great) flavor. The lobster was nicely done and not rubbery and had plenty of meat and the crab legs were surprisingly plump and very tasty.

My favorite though were the lobster mac & cheese and cream corn. The M&C was slightly burned on top so it had a nice crunch (just the way I like it) and the cream corn seemed steamed on the cob and then seasoned and served as the kernels were plump, firm and very sweet tasting (excellent).

We were very pleased we stopped in and find it a shame they have such little business and such bad reviews. I do agree though that for the price, there are certainly other (and some better) options, but we really liked it and would go back.

Decided to go to Opus last night since we were on that side of town. Almost changed our minds when we went on Urban Spoon and saw their dismal 57% rating, but decided to develop our own opinion.... So glad we did.

Not really sure what to try we did the platter with lobster, crab and steak. We also ordered a salad and some sides (lobster mac & cheese, creamed corn, and spinach).

It was a Friday night about 8:40pm and the place was D-E-A-D. But the atmosphere was really nice and the hostess and waiter was top notch. We started with some wine salad..... Wine selection was one of the best in town and the salads were very fresh, lightly dressing'd and a half was the size of most restaurants full size.

The steak was perfectly medium rare and lightly seasoned and had a good (not great) flavor. The lobster was nicely done and not rubbery and had plenty of meat and the crab legs were surprisingly plump and very tasty.

My favorite though were the lobster mac & cheese and cream corn. The M&C was slightly burned on top so it had a nice crunch (just the way I like it) and the cream corn seemed steamed on the cob and then seasoned and served as the kernels were plump, firm and very sweet tasting (excellent).

We were very pleased we stopped in and find it a shame they have such little business and such bad reviews. I do agree though that for the price, there are certainly other (and some better) options, but we really liked it and would go back.

Thanks for the update! Its a great idea to keep this topic fresh. I appreciate your time...

Cajun King is terrible....

Cajun King is terrible....

Canna concur, but to each their own. On a brighter note, sounds like more catfish for me.

Gah...sounds like an order at Mahogany.

Opus does have a ridiculous wine list. Good to hear their steak was good. Maybe if they uprooted and found a new location they could be decent.

Gah...sounds like an order at Mahogany.

Opus does have a ridiculous wine list. Good to hear their steak was good. Maybe if they uprooted and found a new location they could be decent.

I agree - their location seems to be a problem - plus some rough reviews.

I think they'd do better as a smaller venue - something between a Signature Grill and a Red Prime.

Cajun King is terrible....


I think Cajun King is Great!!!.. not that you care since it appears you are now Banned ..lol

[QUOTE=Bullbear;516024]interesting thread.. I am not surprised that folks who enjoy Toby Keiths and Spaghetti wharehouse don't like Tuckers, Mutts or BTT..
some people just aren't foodies and are happy with cafeteria food pushed out by line cooks.. very Furrs with a different decor.
I agree with this.

I have a son who's out of state in college. He tells me that what he often finds is the kids that are from small towns like the more chain type places, like Applebee's, while the kids from large cities tend to like the local places. Most of his friends are from either Dallas, Little Rock, or Memphis, but there is one guy that's from some little town in southwest Arkansas near the OK border. These are the only places he ever wants to go. If it's someone's birthday and they are all going out to eat, he won't go unless its one of the chain places. I think it's because being from some place tiny and remote, he never had anything but local places to eat. He grew up seeing commercials for all the places and wanted to eat there. All the city kids grew up with them and have a bit more refined tastes. He tells me he sees this a lot with the kids from small towns.

Back to the original question here. Another place I find to be overrated is Jimmy's Egg. I just really have never seen the attraction. I've eaten there several times, when I've been with others who want to go there, but when we are looking for a place to get breakfast, it never even comes on our radar. But then again, my favorite kind of breakfast usually involves something Mexican.

Interesting observations . . .
I was tempted to eat at what I think was the Original, Local, Jimmy's Egg (on May, N. of 10th) when it was one of the only locations...of Jimmy's Egg. I didn't . . .
Decades later, I tried the Jimmy's Egg in Casady Square (for breakfast, with visiting relatives who I KNOW know GREAT breakfast joints). Unfortunately, it (the restaurant, the food, the service, the selection) totally sucked.

I haven't been back since.
Not even into the NEW! IMPROVED!! Jimmy's Egg Fortress right across the street from the former (sucking) location.

I'm beginning to think that Denny's is the only chain breakfast place worth visiting and I haven't been to one of those in years.

Perhaps if "Jimmy's Egg" thought about tossing a couple of their laurels into The "Custom" Omelet" instead of resting on them I'd have a different opinon of the cost/value connection of using up a couple of skillets to fry eggs and a side. Probably not, though.

RadicalModerate,
Have you tried Cracker Barrel? It is very good in my opinion and for those that hate their hash brown casserole as I do, just ask and they will substitute real hash browns for them. And they do a nice job with those as well.
C. T.

Interesting observations . . .
I was tempted to eat at what I think was the Original, Local, Jimmy's Egg (on May, N. of 10th) when it was one of the only locations...of Jimmy's Egg. I didn't . . .
Decades later, I tried the Jimmy's Egg in Casady Square (for breakfast, with visiting relatives who I KNOW know GREAT breakfast joints). Unfortunately, it (the restaurant, the food, the service, the selection) totally sucked.


I haven't been back since.
Not even into the NEW! IMPROVED!! Jimmy's Egg Fortress right across the street from the former (sucking) location.

I'm beginning to think that Denny's is the only chain breakfast place worth visiting and I haven't been to one of those in years.

Perhaps if "Jimmy's Egg" thought about tossing a couple of their laurels into The "Custom" Omelet" instead of resting on them I'd have a different opinon of the cost/value connection of using up a couple of skillets to fry eggs and a side. Probably not, though.

So you ate a Jimmy Egg's one time, after almost eating at one decades earlier, and didn't like it & haven't been back. Then have come to the conclusion that Denny's is the only good place for breakfast even though you haven't been to a Denny's in years?

In reality, I'm not much of a breakfast person . . .
Brunch maybe (once in a blue moon) . . . Breakfast not so much.
The only reason I went to Jimmy's Egg was because our visitors were breakfast people.
On that occasion it was definitely overrated.
(In terms of service, selection, and food quality.)

I was kidding about Dennys. Sorry I didn't make that clear.
Dennys was always a place of last resort. Much like IHOP.
Although our friendly, Middle Eastern, waiter at the one on 39th St. thought that
"Pigs in Blankets" was the funniest thing anyone had ever ordered
when I ordered it since they were--or seemed to be--the only place open
on a Christmas Eve several years ago.

"Peegs een Blanhkeets?" he said, laughing his ass off.
"What are Peegs en Blahnkeets?" he asked, still giggling.

I pointed to the picture on the menu to avoid further confusion.

There used to be a restaurant just east of I-35 on the north side of SE 15th
(next to the old Trans-Con trucking yard) that had great breakfasts (and plate lunches).
I imagine that Cracker Barrel would be about as good breakfast-wise.

There also used to be an old-timey diner at the west end of the "triangle"
over where Classen and 56th? and the "expressway" came together
that made the best omelet I ever ate.
But that was back when I still ate eggs.

And this thread is about OVER-rated restaurants, so I apologize for digressing.

Cajun King is terrible....


I think Cajun King is Great!!!.. not that you care since it appears you are now Banned ..lol

I like them too and go at least twice a month.

RadicalModerate,
Have you tried Cracker Barrel? It is very good in my opinion and for those that hate their hash brown casserole as I do, just ask and they will substitute real hash browns for them. And they do a nice job with those as well.
C. T.

I really like Cracker Barrel and eat there when I'm on the road, not so much when I'm around town.

Same here...Cracker Barrel was always an out-of-town thing for us, once they came here, we went a couple of times and havent really ventured back (even when out of town)...but on the other hand I loved their hash brown casserole and the Country boy breakfast(?) they also had tasty "dinner" meals too (but we mainly did the breakfast thing.

I recently ate at Cafe Nova for the first time and it was awful!! The people around me didn't even eat their meals! The service was good, the coffee was excellent but the food was far worse than fast-food.

I know this has been mentioned on here before, but we went today Ted's today for the first time in 4 years and I think it definitely belongs on this list. While the food was decent, and the service was pretty good, the price they charge now is ridiculous. My brother got one chicken enchilada with rice and beans and it was $11.49! That is absolutely ridiculous... The majority of Mexican food is so cheap to make, I don't understand how they can get away with charging such high margins on they're food. Margarita's down the street used to be more fairly priced, but it seems like in the past couple of years they've gone down the same path with their prices, which is too bad. On that note, any suggestions for good, cheaper Mexican food?

If you think Ted's is expensive for Mexican food then don't go to any big cities looking for Mexican food, even taco stands cost about what Ted's food costs for a similar amount. We went to Hacienda Colorado tonight, it cost us over $40 for two for about what we would get at Ted's for $25-30.

If you think Ted's is expensive for Mexican food then don't go to any big cities looking for Mexican food, even taco stands cost about what Ted's food costs for a similar amount. We went to Hacienda Colorado tonight, it cost us over $40 for two for about what we would get at Ted's for $25-30.
i of the things i miss about colorado ....... Hacienda is very good ....

have you been to Ajuua?? also very good .... (especially the boulder and niwot locations)

Am starting to rethink my previous defense of Toby Keith's. Mom & I went there Thursday to commemorate what would have been my dad's 71st birthday (he died 2 weeks ago) and were surprised to see that prices had jacked up around 20% to 25% on most items since we were there a few months ago. Don't know if the increase was do to "Playoff Pricing" but disappointing. Now instead of being a regular special occasion place (birthdays, anniversaries etc), it may become just a once a year place for us. Dinner for 2 (Chicken fried steak and grilled chicken) w/soft drinks, no apps and we shared a dessert...$47 not including 20% tip (service was excellent). Food was still very good but the value for the money is slipping rapidly. That said they were quite busy for a Thursday night without anything going on downtown that I know of (like a Thunder game).

I know this has been mentioned on here before, but we went today Ted's today for the first time in 4 years and I think it definitely belongs on this list. While the food was decent, and the service was pretty good, the price they charge now is ridiculous. My brother got one chicken enchilada with rice and beans and it was $11.49! That is absolutely ridiculous... The majority of Mexican food is so cheap to make, I don't understand how they can get away with charging such high margins on they're food. Margarita's down the street used to be more fairly priced, but it seems like in the past couple of years they've gone down the same path with their prices, which is too bad. On that note, any suggestions for good, cheaper Mexican food?
May want to give El Chico a try, they have specials and still have the all-you-can-eat Mucho Lunch ($9) add $2 after 4 pm...but it isnt on the menu so have to ask for it (some newer servers aren't even aware of it so may have to fill them in on what it includes (beef taco, beef burrito, chicken enchilada/burrito, beans & rice) with reorder of any of those items. They also have Enchilada Weds. w/3 choice of enchilades, rice & beans for $5 lunch/$6 dinner. They also don't nickel/dime you with charges for relish, corn or flour soft tortillias, queso/salsa/chips and sopapillias are included for desert.

Don't know which Ted's you went to but the new Taco Bueno near the Teds at 63rd & May is fast-casual. Have to still order at the register but they bring the food to you and have silverware and a step up from the usual fast food packaging. Their new fajitas are even served on the sizzling skillets (think single order dinner starts at $7).