Top Three Mexicnan Food Restaurants in Ardmore, Oklahoma
Oklahoma is not exactly known for its Mexican restaurants, but perhaps it should be. In Ardmore, Oklahoma, just thirty-five minutes north of the Red River, there are three exceptional Mexican food restaurants right downtown. Family-owned is the name of the game in regards to Ardmore’s restaurant scene. This is especially important when it comes to authentic Latin food. The creme de la creme of authentic Mexican food in Ardmore are Casa Romo, El Tapatio’s, and Polo’s Mexican Restaurant. The interesting thing about these restaurants is they are not only all family-owned by Hispanic families, two of them, Casa Romo and Polo’s, are owned by brothers.
At Casa Romo, the menu is as varied as its staff. On any given day, you might be served by a hired waitress, a son or daughter of the owner, and maybe even abuelita, or grandmother. No matter who is serving you, when you arrive, you will be greeted warmly by one of the servers and seated promptly. The cozy, home-like dining area is set up so that the diners can see each other, and the kitchen. In the kitchen, you will find the owner and chef along with at least one young Hispanic man cooking up a storm. They are constantly working because of the restaurant’s most unusual offering – a buffet. Each day from eleven until two a Mexican buffet is offered. Daily menu items include tacos, enchiladas, tamales, rice and beans. These are supplemented with various casseroles and soups of Latino origin, when their respective ingredients are in season. Dinner specials range from specialty enchiladas to swordfish. No matter what you select from the menu, homemade salsa and chips will arrive on your table when you do. The guacamole and queso are also homemade, and delicious. No matter what I order when I visit this hospitable restaurant, I always close with a hot, buttered sopapilla. The chef makes these fresh to order, so they’re always puffy and sweet. There is nothing better to follow a spicy Mexican meal than a hot sopapilla drowned in honey and melted butter. This Main Street restaurant is a favorite of many locals, whether they’re of Hispanic origin or not.
El Tapatio’s comes in second on this list, but not because it is second-rate, but because I can’t list them all first! El Tapatio’s is run by a completely Hispanic staff. The building, incidentally, was a Kentucky Fried Chicken at one time, though you couldn’t tell it now. The entire restaurant pulses with energy. Bright colors and bold patterns, characteristic of the Hispanic culture, cover the walls and windows. Latin music fills the air, adding to the ambience of this lively restaurant. Like the previous restaurant on my list, El Tapatio’s offers an unusual lunch special, but it’s not a buffet. El Tapatio’s offers a $2.99 lunch special. Yes, you read that right-two dollars and ninety-nine cents. We’re not talking about a kiddy plate either! If you’re looking for real, authentic Mexican cuisine, this is the place. Where other restaurants smother everything in chili sauce, El Tapatio’s does not. Not only is everything handmade, it’s absolutely delicious. If you’re looking for a full stomach, this is the place to go.
Polo’s may be last on my list, but it is a special restaurant for me. This is the go-to restaurant for celebratory dinners for many Ardmoreites. It’s also a popular restaurant for out-of-towners due to its location between two motels right off the interstate. Like Casa Romo, Polo’s offers the usual Mexican fare along with some rather unusual offerings such as quail and shrimp. One of Polo’s most outstanding qualities is its bar. They offer a wide range of alcholic beverages, but their best is the margarita. With sizes ranging from regular to extra-large and as many flavor combonations as you can imagine, Polo’s serves the best ‘rita in town, hands down. When it comes to food, the burritos are the way to go. Easily enough to feed two people, these humongous meat-filled, cheese-covered concoctions are more than satisfying. For dessert, I reccommend the fried ice cream. Sounds odd, I know, but trust me, it’s to die for.
Though you may not make a special trip to Oklahoma just to eat Mexican food, Ardmore should definitely be on your list of places to visit if you’re traveling through Southern Oklahoma. Located equidistant between Oklahoma City and Dallas, it would be an easy stop. Your hardest decision will be which restaurant to choose.
