Mariscos El Centenario
1744 S Garnett Rd
Tulsa, OK 74128
Another eastside favorite, El Centenario might be the most authentic Mexican joint in Tulsa.
If you’ve ever been to parts of Mexico that dine where the local fare is comprised mostly of seafood (or mariscos), you’ll be well acquainted with the specialties that Mariscos El Centenario serves up.
Let’s put it this way — when you order fish, this is how it’s served:
If that bugs you, it might be in your best interest to eat somewhere that leans a little more towards “Tex-Mex”. They do have smothered burritos and chimichangas, so there is a little something for everyone, but this is the place to go if you want the more traditional Mexican fare.
If molcajete, pisoli, al pastor (served off the vertical spit), or ceviche sound like your idea of a good time, hit this place up.
Tacos Don Francisco
4008 E 11th St
Tulsa, OK 74112
(918) 834-4866
There is absolutely nothing lavish about this place, but that’s a good thing.
Tacos Don Francisco — not far from TU campus — is the late night king of Mexican food.
They’re open until midnight every night, except Friday and Saturday, when they are actually open until 4:00am.
If you’ve ever been to Tacos Don Francisco after the bars let out in Tulsa, you know this place is very popular.
Not venturing too far from the mostly authentic-style Mexican food, you’ll find tacos (did you guess that?), gorditas, horchata, etc.
You’ll love Tacos Don Francisco.
Pollos Asados Al Carbon
2405 E Admiral Pl
Tulsa, OK 74110
(918) 951-8691
One of Tulsa’s better kept secrets is none other than the roasted chicken of Pollos Asados Al Carbon. You can find it their food truck location at Admiral and Lewis.
They do street tacos perfectly (and cheaply) here, but the crown jewel of their menu is their roasted chicken. This isn’t a dish you hear much about in the Mexican food circles (do those really exist?) but if you ever get a chance to stop by their truck and try it, you’ll see what we mean.
Chuy’s
10808 E 71st St
Tulsa, OK 74133
(918) 252-0405
We didn’t want to close out this list without a mention of Chuy’s — Austin’s own Tex-Mex baby gone corporate.
With over 51 locations now, Tulsa saw the installation of a Chuy’s restaurant near the Tulsa Hills shopping center a few years ago. Like their neighbors at Ted’s, it can get a little busy, too.
Just like the city that birthed this growing chain, what makes Chuy’s special is the unique way that they do things — in this case Tex-Mex food. One example we like enjoy from time to time is the Elvis Green Chile Fried Chicken.
And yes — it’s every bit as delicious as it sounds.
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