View Full Version : Tarahumara’s Mexican Café & Cantina



sgt. pepper
04-09-2018, 09:35 AM
https://www.msn.com/en-us/foodanddrink/foodculture/the-best-mexican-restaurant-in-every-state/ss-BBJ8gPH?ocid=spartanntp#image=37

Anybody been to this place? According to this article, the best Mexican restaurant in Oklahoma.

benjico
04-09-2018, 10:01 AM
It's a Norman staple.

BBatesokc
04-09-2018, 10:05 AM
Most every time I go to Norman around lunch time, we stop there to eat.

It's a big place and it's super streamlined - they get you in, served and out quickly.

The food is very good for Tex-mex lunch on the quick and reasonable. I consider it much like Chelino's when Chelino's was good.

Similar to a Ted's but cheaper and faster, IMO.

acumpton
04-09-2018, 10:15 AM
Most every time I go to Norman around lunch time, we stop there to eat.

It's a big place and it's super streamlined - they get you in, served and out quickly.

The food is very good for Tex-mex lunch on the quick and reasonable. I consider it much like Chelino's when Chelino's was good.

Similar to a Ted's but cheaper and faster, IMO.

That's the one thing I don't like about them is how rushed they make you feel. We prefer to go to Moore to Alfredo's because it's a more relaxing environment and they aren't clearing off your table while you are still eating.

dankrutka
04-09-2018, 10:27 AM
Tarahumara’s is iconic. If you haven't been then you should experience it. I've always been in awe of their service. No question they're quick, but if you let them know you need more time they generally get it. I love the place.

PhiAlpha
04-09-2018, 11:25 AM
Yeah it’s awesome. Went there once a week or so in college.

Urbanized
04-09-2018, 12:54 PM
As far as Tex-Mex is concerned, it's fantastic. And - while I get the grumbles about feeling rushed - as someone involved in the service industry (and also as someone who doesn't like waiting an hour to be seated, anywhere) I am fascinated by their efficiency. If you go in with the expectation that they are the no effing-around crew, you won't be put off by it. They certainly aren't rude about it; only extremely efficient. But I agree that if you want a leisurely meal and maybe to sit around and BS after eating, best to go someplace else.

Rover
04-09-2018, 01:19 PM
Tarahumara’s is iconic. If you haven't been then you should experience it. I've always been in awe of their service. No question they're quick, but if you let them know you need more time they generally get it. I love the place.

I agree. Never been rushed. But, they are attentive and don't leave a pile of empty plates around you. I guess that is what makes some feel rushed.

Food is much better than Teds or Alfredos. It is Tex Mex, but better Tex Mex.

sgt. pepper
04-09-2018, 01:44 PM
Thanx guys, sounds like a must try!

Thomas Vu
04-09-2018, 01:47 PM
Pretty lofty statement. Definitely worth mentioning as a good restaurant in general in Norman.

BBatesokc
04-09-2018, 04:19 PM
I've always appreciated the faster pace as we usually only go there for lunch and are often simply on a break from court. We always know we can eat and be back in time - and get a really good meal in the process. I've also never been and they not be packed.

Martin
04-09-2018, 05:13 PM
i need to give this place another shot... went a couple times back when i worked in norman over a decade ago and wasn't impressed... i didn't think the food or service was bad in any way, just didn't understand the hype.

Thomas Vu
04-09-2018, 09:20 PM
i need to give this place another shot... went a couple times back when i worked in norman over a decade ago and wasn't impressed... i didn't think the food or service was bad in any way, just didn't understand the hype.

If nothing else, it stands out above all the other options in the Norman/Moore area.

FighttheGoodFight
04-10-2018, 09:02 AM
I eat a lot of TexMex. I dont think they are the best but for a good price and UBER fast service. This is place. You can eat and leave in less than 15 minutes

UrbanNorman
04-17-2018, 01:01 PM
When I'm eating Mexican food in Norman, I'm eating Pepe's.

Tara's isn't bad, but I've never quite understood the hype.

dankrutka
04-17-2018, 01:04 PM
Pepe’s is my favorite. It’s more traditional Mexican and Tarahumara’s is more Tex Mex, IMHO. I don’t personally see them as competitors. They’re both great.

Rover
04-17-2018, 01:18 PM
Tamales at Pepe’s are great.

FighttheGoodFight
04-17-2018, 01:26 PM
When I'm eating Mexican food in Norman, I'm eating Pepe's.

Tara's isn't bad, but I've never quite understood the hype.

PePes is life!

Jersey Boss
04-17-2018, 03:18 PM
When OU is out of session it is Tara for lunch. Pepe gets the nod for all other times.

Uptowner
04-19-2018, 01:01 AM
Remember when casino di mino was around? And good?

Thomas Vu
04-19-2018, 07:17 AM
Do you mean Cocina di mino or is there a casino di mino? If the former I didn't think it was anything special.

Roger S
04-19-2018, 08:06 AM
Do you mean Cocina di mino or is there a casino di mino? If the former I didn't think it was anything special.

As long as we're being specific here... It is Cocina De Mino.

Jeepnokc
04-19-2018, 08:31 AM
The original one on 29th was great....the latter locations weren't as good

Martin
04-19-2018, 08:37 AM
Remember when casino di mino was around? And good?

killer idea for a tex mex joint at riverwind. : )


The original one on 29th was great....the latter locations weren't as good

agreed. that hole-in-the-wall really packed them in back in the day. nino's was my family's go-to but the occasional trip to cocina de mino (when we could get in) was a treat.

Cintas538
04-20-2018, 06:18 AM
The best Tex-mex in metro

Uptowner
04-20-2018, 01:34 PM
I okctalk almost exclusively on my iPad. The autocorrect gets the better of me more often than not. There was a de mino in Norman, Lindsey or main st. I can’t remember that was killer, and packed. It was one of the first to go following the decline however.

_Cramer_
05-16-2018, 10:10 AM
It was THE BEST. I thought it used to be on Crawford where Blu is now? But I also remember it on Lindsey where Mr. Hui is located next to Ray's BBQ..?

Jersey Boss
05-22-2018, 08:52 AM
It was THE BEST. I thought it used to be on Crawford where Blu is now? But I also remember it on Lindsey where Mr. Hui is located next to Ray's BBQ..?

You are correct on both counts. The original location was at Crawford and Comanche. Another operator started a Tex Mex joint there and it lasted for several years. For a number of years Cocina was absent from the Norman market. They reappeared on Lindsey but eventually left again.