we've been huge fan of Ted's (the man and his original location) since the early 90's. My wife and I have been monthly customers since then. We've never had to wait longer than 45 minutes. The prices are very reasonable (as they've always been) for the quality and quantity. The service has always been great.

Ted catered a friend's wedding a few years ago, and it was incredible.

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS! Visit your hard working neighbors and let them show you how hard they work.


I guess we're talking about different Ted's, because we stopped going there when their portions shrank while their prices increased.

Love the philosphy, and I'm glad to show local business my $$, but when they price themselves out of the ballpark....not much I can do about it. Pricing is their choice and prerogative. All I can do is vote with my feet.

I've been a couple of times, never been worth the wait and expensive!

I like El Chico, I don't care if it's a chain, but I've really been wanting to try Teds. People I know go on about how good it is.

The Chilenos in Bricktown and Norman are nasty!!!

Finally went to Ted's, the new one in Norman. It was delicious! The wait was about 20 minutes.

What I'd like to find is a Mexican restaurant, ANY Mexican place at all, that serves salsa that's not overloaded on cilantro. Even El Chico, a chain that should have the same salsa everywhere, has cilantro-loaded salsa. It's been my experience that every Mexican restaurant in the entire OKC metro serves the same salsa and the same cheese. Why not merge and just be the same restaurant?

Dude, if you think there is too much cilantro in OKC salsas, you've seen nothing yet. Have you ever eaten in Houston. I'm stuck here in this hell hole and I have only found one place that doesn't load their salsas with cilantro (twigs included).

Be happy with what you have in OKC. It's salsas are the best IMHO. I don't care if they are authentic. :ou

Ted's tastes like every other mexican resturant in the metro. They are all the same. The only thing different about Ted's is the ridiculous wait and the obscene prices.

Well crud, it's 12:45am and I forgot to eat tonight and suddenly I'm craving nachos! Maybe you should open up an all night "Ted's To Go.":bow:

I don't think I've ever forgotten to eat in my entire life! Kinda explains my beer gut, or is it a "table muscle"?

Teds is okay, it is not the best but it does beat a lot of places in the san diego area believe it or not at least we get cheese sauce with our set ups.. But I think chilenos has them beat, now chilenos is all different depending on the location, the one off 44th and robinson owned by jaun is really good my second choice the chelinos in norman owned by armando is also really good..

The one in Bricktown sucks. Everytime I go there it's something different.

Yesterday, horrible service.

I agree the bricktown one does suck, I have eaten there probably twice and both time, my plate was cold and I told them to stick in the microwave or do something to warm it up, and the service really sucked Iguess they never heard of re-fills in that place,, that chilenos is still owned by the person who started all the chilenos, he owns one other one as well, I forget what location the other one is in, but his brothers and a cousin own all the rest. Robinson is the best if you dont mind the hookers convention at the gas station payphone across the street.

I still like Bravo's in Purcell...

The new Ted's in Norman was certainly amazing. I never ate at the ones in OKC but since im from Norman and have eaten at just about every other mexican restaurant in the OKC area, I had to try it!

When we got there, I was a bit disappointed because there was a huge line, but they got us in pretty quickly. Probably 15 minutes or so, and boy was I impressed! The service was nothing less than excellent and same goes for the food/prices. The dinners were about $1 more than Chelino's or any other average mexican restaurant. For $1 more you get this? I'll take it.

Hearing word that Ted's is coming to an outparcel at the Outlet Shoppes to be open by August.

This is good news. The more locations open up, the shorter the wait times will become at existing locations. I also have long wondered why there wasn't more outparcel development at the outlet mall. Compared to NC Mexican food, Ted's is actually pretty good. Still doesn't compare to what you can get in Texas however.

I've heard this will be located right next to the Mathis Brothers store.

This is good news. The more locations open up, the shorter the wait times will become at existing locations. I also have long wondered why there wasn't more outparcel development at the outlet mall. Compared to NC Mexican food, Ted's is actually pretty good. Still doesn't compare to what you can get in Texas however.

Ted's also doesn't compare to the other local Tex-Mex places like Casa Perico, Abel's, etc. :p

I do my part to lessen the lines at Ted's.
Many folk like what they do, and that's fine.
I'm a nice enough chap that I choose to not get in their way.

Gotta agree with Ted's being a very average Tex-Mex joint. I remember way back in high school, my friends would insist on going to Ted's and waiting an hour to get a table. I never understood it. I do remember their customer service being outstanding though, not sure if that is still the case.

I'd kill for good tex/okie-mex in the Seattle area. I would literally commit murder.

I'd kill for good tex/okie-mex in the Seattle area. I would literally commit murder.

Ted's is great as far as i'm concerned.

I'd kill for good tex/okie-mex in the Seattle area. I would literally commit murder.


Pssst ... before you go and get all rash and stuff. Working a deal with your favorite okietexmex place back here to ship you their grub using some dry ice, a sturdy container and FedX is a whole lot cheaper than hiring one of my kind to defend you on the murder charge, with the added bennie of not jacking up some family's holidays.

But, if you lose it and go that route, get word back to me. I know a convict up your way. I can put in a good word for you. :}

I think Teds is OK. I think there are better places in OKC for tex/mex for sure..
the main turn off for me with Teds is how close together they pack all the tables ect. its not comfortable or inviting to sit 2 feet from a table in every direction with servers whizzing through constantly.. its a lot of hussle and bussle and not my cup of tea.

I remember back when I lived in OKC Ted's was extremely popular. The times I ate there, were ok, however I could never get pass the queso. It was not the "real deal". It seemed like out of a can?. For Tex Mex in Dallas, my haunts are Uncle Julio's, Cantina Laredo and Mi Cocina.

Don't they have a Cantina Laredo at Penn??

Don't they have a Cantina Laredo at Penn??

yes they do at penn square mall.

yes they do at penn square mall.

How does the OKC location compare to the Texas locations?

I know El Chico, their parent restaurant, is different and much better in Texas than it is in other states they operate in.

I'd kill for good tex/okie-mex in the Seattle area. I would literally commit murder.

I believe we went to El Charro in Sumner a few times while we lived there, it was pretty decent, I'd say it would fit the bill for you, but it is a hike down there...

How does the OKC location compare to the Texas locations?

I know El Chico, their parent restaurant, is different and much better in Texas than it is in other states they operate in.

Ehhh...not so sure. I've only ate at the one in Paris, Tx and that place was vile. Much worse than the ones I've tried in OKC.

I'm not a Ted's hater. You can get much better and much worse okie-mex in OKC.

I do my part to lessen the lines at Ted's.
Many folk like what they do, and that's fine.
I'm a nice enough chap that I choose to not get in their way.

+1. Ya can't beat the one off operators in Norman.

I'd kill for good tex/okie-mex in the Seattle area. I would literally commit murder.

I second this. ^^

I'd kill for good tex/okie-mex in the Seattle area. I would literally commit murder.


I second this. ^^

Here Is The Most Disproportionately Popular Cuisine In Each State (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/01/14/most-popular-cuisine-state_n_6457252.html)

That's why I've always held onto the belief the Oklahoma is a Southwestern state, with more in common with Texas and New Mexico, than Kansas/Nebraska. Cuisine is a huge part of culture, and around here it's Mexican, Tex-Mex, BBQ, southern (home cookin') in that order. At least around Tulsa...

Oklahoma

1. Tex-Mex -- 93 percent higher than national average.
2. BBQ -- 88 percent higher than national average.
3. Steak -- 58 percent higher than national average.
4. Buffets -- 51 percent higher than national average.
5. Fast food -- 51 percent higher than national average.

In regard to Ted's, it almost has a cult following. I've only been once or twice and don't find myself absolutely needing to go there. There are plenty of other places to choose before Ted's, in my humble opinion.

The I-40 & Council location's Grand Opening is today, December 14th.

My wife and I love Ted's! We go there for special occassions or even just a random date night. I teach on the SE side of OKC so I have access to some of the very best authentic homemade Mexican food. I love the quality of the food and the professional service. there are times of course that we choose to go the take out route but dining in we never wait for very long. Now if you really want to step up and be a community partner PM me about becoming a partner for my elementary school. We need all the help we can get.

Here Is The Most Disproportionately Popular Cuisine In Each State (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/01/14/most-popular-cuisine-state_n_6457252.html)

That's why I've always held onto the belief the Oklahoma is a Southwestern state, with more in common with Texas and New Mexico, than Kansas/Nebraska. Cuisine is a huge part of culture, and around here it's Mexican, Tex-Mex, BBQ, southern (home cookin') in that order. At least around Tulsa...

Oklahoma

1. Tex-Mex -- 93 percent higher than national average.
2. BBQ -- 88 percent higher than national average.
3. Steak -- 58 percent higher than national average.
4. Buffets -- 51 percent higher than national average.
5. Fast food -- 51 percent higher than national average.

In regard to Ted's, it almost has a cult following. I've only been once or twice and don't find myself absolutely needing to go there. There are plenty of other places to choose before Ted's, in my humble opinion.

There was a time when they really did merit the special attention - years and years ago - before they sold out to Hal Smith, IIRC. Wife and I went there a few months ago and the menu is a shell of its former self, and if you want something besides a platter of enchiladas or a taco....

I'd kill for good tex/okie-mex in the Seattle area. I would literally commit murder.

Good Mexican joints are few and far between in the Northwest. In Portland, the Original Taco House was damn good, but I really can't think of any others there at all. Surprisingly, OKC's Indian offerings are of a better quality than Portland's as well. There was a great Indian joint in Salem, but by and large OKC wins the Indian cuisine fight.

Yakisoba, on the other hand, is where the PacNW shines.

Ted's coming to NW 150th & Penn:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/teds091416.jpg

Ted's coming to NW 150th & Penn:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/teds091416.jpg

Just yesterday I was telling my wife that I wonder what that complex is going to look like when it's done. She's switched over her allegiance to Alfredo's but I still prefer Ted's because their enchiladas are better. It will be nice to have a Ted's so close.

It is actually going in the strip mall behind the HSRG new (or old) concept.

Ted's is awful. I have no idea how people can eat that crap.

I went to the one next to the outlet mall a while back... It's still too expensive, but the food was surprisingly REALLY good! I hadn't been to one in a long time and the last time I did, it was the original and it wasn't that great.

I like Ted's but there are so many other just as good options out there without 45 minute wait times.

Ted's is awful. I have no idea how people can eat that crap.

Well we all have different tastes. I personally like Ted's, although it isn't my first choice.

Yea. The more places there are for the masses to go to a Ted's, the more seats will remain open in places with better chow.

God bless America

Yea. The more places there are for the masses to go to a Ted's, the more seats will remain open in places with better chow.

God bless America

Comments like this make me miss the "like" button

Well we all have different tastes. I personally like Ted's, although it isn't my first choice.

I think the quality at Ted's varies greatly from location to location. We had stopped going to Ted's some time ago (on S. Western) due to a pretty drastic change in prices (up) and portions (down), especially in light of other offerings. We've made a couple of visits here in the last few months and its...ok. We much prefer Mama Roja's, but its waaaay too far across town for just a "hey its Friday and I'm too tired to cook so lets go out somewhere close" supper.

One thing that struck me about Ted's after having not been there in some time was how their menu had really shrunk and some of the atypical offerings weren't even on the menu anymore, very generic. I'm no Mexican food aficionado, so I'm probably not the best person to ask on that anyway :)

I think at some point it just became the "Thing" to like and rave about. I don't think the food is horrible but Its certainly not something I crave or ever suggest but I will go along if someone is dead set on it. That being said I haven't been to a Ted's in several years. My main complaint is I enjoy a comfortable dining experience. I have always hated how many people they Jam in there and I feel like the table next to me is part of my Dinner party. This is one thing that will quickly turn me off.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hFwPmQqSsU

The original on 63rd was quite good when Ted Curtis ran it. It's a shadow of itself now that it's part of the HSRG monolith. Either way, even at its best, the Tex-Mex at Ted's paled to the old-school El Chico of bygone days and about a hundred other places in Dallas, Ft Worth and Austin.

The original on 63rd

Soonerguru,
You lost me, where/when were they on 63rd. My first visit to Ted's (and I thought it was the only one) was at the former Cocina De Mino (they moved further North on May) at NW 68th and May.
C. T.

The original on 63rd was quite good when Ted Curtis ran it. It's a shadow of itself now that it's part of the HSRG monolith. Either way, even at its best, the Tex-Mex at Ted's paled to the old-school El Chico of bygone days and about a hundred other places in Dallas, Ft Worth and Austin.

All tex-mex joints, whether in OKC or DFW or any piss ant town in between, taste exactly the same.

The original on 63rd was quite good when Ted Curtis ran it. It's a shadow of itself now that it's part of the HSRG monolith. Either way, even at its best, the Tex-Mex at Ted's paled to the old-school El Chico of bygone days and about a hundred other places in Dallas, Ft Worth and Austin.

It's not owned by HSRG anymore is it? Either way I agree. I wish we had something that was close to what I've had in Houston, DFW, etc. I'm hoping that Barrio's will fill that gap.

Teds is way too popular for me to like it.

It's not owned by HSRG anymore is it?

It's owned by Ted's Cafe Escondido Holdings Inc which I've also seen referred to as The Beekman Group which partnered with Hal Smith in 2013.

It's owned by Ted's Cafe Escondido Holdings Inc which I've also seen referred to as The Beekman Group.

http://www.thebeekmangroup.com/portfolio

Teds is way too popular for me to like it.
Sounds like a Yogiism. Reminds me of when Yogi said, "no one goes to Coney Island anymore, because it's too crowded".

http://www.thebeekmangroup.com/portfolio

That link shows Dunkin Donuts being part of the beekman group. I wonder what happened to the plans for 11 new locations. Every time we see new commercial construction in our neck of the woods, my wife or I will say "hopefully it's a Dunkin Donuts!". We only go there for the caramel iced lattes but they are worth the trip.

That link shows Dunkin Donuts being part of the beekman group. I wonder what happened to the plans for 11 new locations. Every time we see new commercial construction in our neck of the woods, my wife or I will say "hopefully it's a Dunkin Donuts!". We only go there for the caramel iced lattes but they are worth the trip.

Looks like they own an acquisition group that includes Dunkin Donut franchises in New York and South Carolina

Soonerguru,
You lost me, where/when were they on 63rd. My first visit to Ted's (and I thought it was the only one) was at the former Cocina De Mino (they moved further North on May) at NW 68th and May.
C. T.

I could've sworn that the Ted's on 68th/May was purpose-built for Ted's and they've been the only occupant since it was built (I used to live on 67th between Ross and Miller and that used to be the field we used to play ball in).

apparently the location was built in '84 as the may cafe and cocina de mino took over sometime in '86. ted's opened in '91. -M

from 8/10/1986...
http://www.okctalk.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=13083&stc=1