Tarahumara's Mexican Cafe & Cantina 05/01/2026 (5/5) The food here is absolutely amazing! I ate at Tarahumara's about a week ago with my co-workers, and I was so blown away that I had to bring my wife and girls back for a second visit. The shrimp cocktail was massive--so fresh and flavorful--though the shrimp could be a bit smaller to make them easier to handle. I had Diego's meal, with a substitution of 2 chicken enchiladas with sour cream and one beef enchilada with red sauce. My wife ordered a shrimp dish with garlic butter, and it was a huge plate she thoroughly enjoyed. I also have to mention their relish is incredible, and they start you off with chips and white queso instead of yellow, which is a really nice touch. The sour cream sauce is excellent. This place is a must-visit, and we can't wait to come back again. read more

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Beautiful new space. Much easier to navigate and than it was before. Food is good as always the service is fantastic. They don't give you any time at all before they're coming to refill your drinks and salsa.. Love the green salsa! However, we were seated right I'mnext to the bar and that seemed to be the place where the waiters congregated. I don't like to feel crowded or have people staring at me when I'm eating lol The waiter tried to clear my friends plate 4 times while he was still eating.. the fifth time he just gave up and let him take his plate. Sopapilla was cold and tough today. read more

Tarahumara's Mexican Cafe & Cantina - chimichanga - Mexican Near Me - Norman, Oklahoma

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Beautiful place! Remodel was a win. Finally went for a lunch and wow what a surprise! Seated immediately, service always great. Tables are all wood and chairs padded. Tvs surrounding, really long bar area that wraps around. Food was good as can be. Prices may have increased but no complaints here. Chips thin and good and don't even get me started on the salsa. Love the green! Portions even for lunch are big. We were so hungry, no take home left. This place is now a great family or date night for sure. They really stepped up the atmosphere. One thing I forgot to check was the restrooms. Hopefully they now have more than one for women! Curious also where you wait if it's crowded. Maybe in your own car, not sure but WINTER will be rough. read more

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This place is hoppin'! After about a 20 minute wait, we were seated, and we were immediately struck by how fast the staff members were moving to get things done. The bus boys would actually run to get tables cleaned off asap. The food was pretty good, but definitely not the best around. I didn't care for the beef that came with the chile relleno, but the chile itself was good. I would probably try the enchiladas if I came back again. read more

Tarahumara's Mexican Cafe & Cantina - Chile relleno - Mexican Near Me - Norman, Oklahoma

The most consistently delicious Mexican food in central Oklahoma. Been goin for 20 years and it's literally always what I expect. Prices have crept up a little but lately, but it's plenty large portions. Great service. We love it here. read more

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I've lived in Norman since 2012 and have eaten here many times. I've never had a bad meal or bad service. This place is always busy and for good reason. Even when they're busy, they'll have you stuffed and out the door in no time. Amazing place. read more

Great food and service! Definitely on my go to list for places to go for Mexican food.

Food was very good. Haven't been here in years. I did not appreciate mopping the floors with the stinky fabulosa. They were mopping at 3 in the afternoon. Doesn't mix well with my lunch. There are lots of people in here. read more

This is my second time coming to this establishment and I have to say hands-down five stars this place has delivered. Food is excellent service is excellent the ambience you know what it is. This place is definitely my top five best Mexican restaurants in the US. read more

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Was not impressed. I've had Carne Asada all over and this was the fattiest meat I've ever had. Won't be back. I'm starting to think the ratings for this place are from friends and relatives. Certainly not from anyone who had a meal there. read more

Best Mexican restaurant I've been to. Great set up with salsa, queso, tortillas and the works. The Diego plate was incredible. Definitely will be back! read more

My fav Mexican place. The service is the absolute best, the remodel was well done. Love going here with friends and family. Thank you!

Came to eat for the first time since they opened back up after remodeling. It is so much more comfortable inside. More open seating. Not so close together. The booths have more room between the table and the seat. The tables and chairs are more spread apart. Lots more walk room. They now have a bar seating area. Lots of seating here. It is light and fresh feeling. Still lots of moving around by the employees, always busy. There are some benches outside to wait, but did not see any covered waiting area. There were some challenges with the food this visit. My salad came out with the lettuce on the side. I am not sure where that went wrong, but ok, that was fixable, except it was still a different taste as the cheese had melted. My husband ordered one soft taco, one avocado enchilada, one cheese enchilada with all rice no beans. Came out the first time with beans, crunchy taco and chicken enchilada. Second time came out with all beans, no rice, and soft taco on top of the chili sauce to make it soggy. Also, the cheese inside the enchilada was burnt. I asked for another queso that was never brought. The chips were a very dark almost burned flavor this time. We did speak with a manager and was told not all the original staff is back yet and offered a small set up to go. Hopefully this is just an issue that is occurring since they are just back open after an extended closure for remodel. We drive over 30 minutes to eat here, so this was a bit disappointing, but since it is not the norm, check it out and see what you think. read more

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This restaurant does not allow service dogs. This restaurant does not allow service dogs. read more

This was our favorite family friendly place to go. Last time we were there they had expanded and improved the facility. The prices, however, have skyrocketed. The food was the same good food. The service was good. (They have a lot of employees) The food and drink prices were double to triple what they were the last time. We'll have to find a new favorite place. read more

It's been quite some time since I've been to Tara's. It was closed for a major remodel. The new bar area is very good and the dining room got a much needed refresh. I had the tamale dinner which was very good. The tamales were good sized and the chili on top was perfect. Overall this has to be the best Mexican food in the area. read more

We came here before the OU vs UK game & service was great even in a packed place. Chips & salsa were addicting & everything we ordered came out piping hot & delicious. read more

Tarahumara's Mexican Cafe & Cantina - Mexican Near Me - Norman, Oklahoma

We enjoyed our visit with friends. The food was very good with lots of variety and very reasonable prices. The service was amazingly fast and the food was fresh and hot! The restaurant was clean and comfortable. read more

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three of us locals went in for a late afternoon lunch, as i have lived in Norman for a long time and frequent Porter ave. i realize this is one of the busiest restaurants in norman. with that being said i like the remodel it gives it much needed room i ordered my normal staple which is a chile relleno with shredded beef and had the red and green salsa, the food came out reasonably quickly was quite greasy actually and just fair and over 18 dollars! too many other mexican restaurants around Norman for me to hurry back as nothing was special service was a solid 8 food maybe a 7.5 not bad read more

Fresh food, great salsa, good atmosphere. Birthdays are fun too. This place is the best Mexican food in Oklahoma. Great food and service read more

We found Tarahumara to be a 3 legged stool. There food is no where near a quality restaurant, the staff was culturally rude and they are stupid expensive! If you have a need to throw your hard earned money away this is the place to eat. Be carful of the glowing reviews it's very possible these poster never had an accrual good mexican dinner! read more

Fresh remodeled and excellent service and trust worthy food taste and variety. 85 characters is too many for me read more

My favorite Mexican food in ALL of Oklahoma! You will not regret stopping by this place. I've eaten here since I was in college and the consistency has never changed. The owner is always around working and making sure things run smoothly. They have the best food in Norman. I always order the chicken enchiladas, guacamole salad, beef taco, shrimp cocktail, or steak. It's always busy but it's not loud inside. It's perfect to bring the family! read more

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Stopped here for my birthday lunch. Hadn't been here in years. Parking was good and we were seated right away. Menus brought and drinks ordered. Also the set up was delivered. I asked for some hotter sauce so they brought out some avacado salsa tht was good but I asked our server and he said they had some homemade stuff so I went with tht. Nice bite but not overpowering. I ordered the beef/chicken fajita combo and my wife had the chicken only. The food was out in less than 10 minutes. Everything was nice and warm. The flavors were outstanding. There was enough for about 4 fajitas which was plenty along with the beans and rice. Passed on the sopapillas. One observation was they bring a huge basket of fresh made chips. Way more than a two people can eat which drives waste. They should have smaller baskets depending on the number of diners in the party. Just my thoughts. Very good lunch. A little pricey but oh well. read more

Tarahumara's Mexican Cafe & Cantina - Salsas and queso - Mexican Near Me - Norman, Oklahoma

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Super tasty! All of the staff is working so hard and handling all of the business great! Its so busy in here but our service was still super speedy and good no complaints Prices were great, food was great, unlimited queso and tortillas and friendly staff! read more

Complementary salsas and queso were absolutely amazing! Food arrived nice and hot very quickly!!! This is the BEST Mexican food place every!!! If you haven't tried it, do It!!!!! Best ever!!!! read more

Food is amazing! The complimentary queso isn't the usual Velveeta but white and yummy. Tamales were not dry and full.of flavor. Treat yourself to a cold beer. It comes in a frozen mug dressed with salt and lime pulp around the rim. Whole meal was amazing read more

The service, the food you can't ask for anything better! This place is awesome! I have been going here since it opened up and always recommend it to everyone. read more

We are senior citizens on a fixed income. We drove to Norman today to eat at Tarahumara's, placed our order and were told there would be an additional $10.00 charge for sharing a meal. We share meals all the time because of our sizes, and high prices now days.and have never had this happen before. I realize their profit margins are slim but turning down a sale of $25.00-30.00 and having someone walk out the door is just ridiculous, we went to Ted's where they treat people right. Never will walk back into Tarahumara's again. Senior's need to just boycott this place. read more

First time here since the remodel and I was less than impressed, it looked nice and modern and the addition of bar seating is nice but the tables are just packed in way too tight now. Service has always been their specialty but either they are rusty from being closed or they are packing too many tables in. I've been eating there for 20 years and it was the worst service I have ever had. Took forever to get silverware, had to go get small plates myself, green sauce and relish took forever, long time assistant manager was rude, and my sons order was wrong. Will try again of course after 20 years of enjoying the place but between the prices and the latest service it's not the place it's always been. read more

Always great food and friendly service . On busy days there is a wait but it's worth it!

Had a birthday get together with 11 of my friends and the only one who paid cash was literally chased after in the parking lot and accused of not paying. I watched her put the money in the servers hand. Plus the prices are waay too high, small guac and small swirl was $25. I won't be back. read more

Great food Great service Great restaurant It never disappoints. Every time we are in Norman it is a stop even for lunch. read more

This place was great service fast to get your drinks and food. The chips are warm and massive like my low taper fade. read more

Tarahumara's Mexican Cafe & Cantina - MASSIVE LOW TAPER FADE - Mexican Near Me - Norman, Oklahoma

Love this place ! Some of the best Mexican I found around Norman / OKC ! Great service too ! Addicting Chips & Salsa Great Enchiladas and Tamales ! Can't wait to come back :) read more

The Tex Mex restaurant has good food, and the staff is very friendly. I appreciate the efficient service.

Simply delicious and on an OU Game Day!! We didn't get our relish and salsa until toward the end of the meal, but the place was packed. Our food came out quickly and we were seated in a timely manner despite there being eight in our party. read more

I LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS PLACE. The people are amazing, service is lovely! Food is absolutely outstanding!! Environment is absolutely amazing, so comfortable! I usually get anxious going into busy restaurants but they are so kind I forget! read more

Always get the fajitas here. Not to mention the margaritas also. Probably the coolest thing is watching the staff clear the tables after someone gets up. I think they just opened a a/c control patio. Definitely recommend this place read more

From the moment we decided to visit Tarahumara's Mexican Cafe and Cantina, we knew we were in for something special. The buzz about this place--its reputation for being busy and yet absolutely worth the wait--set the tone for our journey. My mom, dad, and I made the drive, prepared for a crowd and a potential wait to be seated, especially since we arrived right at noon on a bustling Saturday. To our surprise, we were seated immediately, despite the restaurant being packed. The energy inside was electric. We watched as the staff moved with precision and speed--tables were cleared and reset in less than ten seconds. It was mesmerizing, a kind of choreography that promised this would be no ordinary dining experience. Once seated, things only got better. We placed our order: a massive plate of fajitas for my mom and me, and enchiladas for my dad. The chips and queso came out first, and they were a delight. The queso was rich and creamy, and as I enjoyed it with the chips, something magical happened--before I even realized I'd finished the first dip, another one appeared, unprompted. The service was seamless, intuitive, and attentive without being overbearing. Then came the food. Within five minutes of ordering, steaming plates were set before us. My dad's enchiladas were piping hot, and he declared them some of the best he'd ever had. The fajitas, though, were the star. The chicken was seasoned with a spice we couldn't quite place--a unique, flavorful touch that wasn't too spicy, even for my mom, who's sensitive to heat. We savored every bite, pairing the sizzling fajitas with the chips and queso, marveling at the balance of flavors. The drinks were another highlight--huge, refreshing, and constantly refilled without a word. And throughout it all, our waiter knew exactly when to check in and when to let us enjoy our conversation, a level of service that's hard to find. By the time we finished, it was clear: this wasn't just a great meal. This was the meal. Better than Ted's, better than any Mexican restaurant I've ever been to. Tarahumara's delivered on every level--speed, flavor, service, and atmosphere. Walking out, I couldn't help but feel like we'd discovered something extraordinary, a place that sets the bar impossibly high for all others. Tarahumara's isn't just a restaurant; it's an experience, one I'll be telling everyone I know about. If you haven't been yet, go. You won't just enjoy it--you'll remember it. read more