Tarahumara's Méxican Cafe & Cantina

Tarahumara’s Mexican Cafe and Cantina is a true gem in Norman! The food is absolutely amazing – every dish is bursting with flavor and cooked to perfection. From the fresh tortillas to the savory entrées, everything tastes authentic and made with care. You can really tell the difference in the quality and tradition behind their recipes. The atmosphere is warm and lively, and the service is always friendly and attentive. If you’re craving real, authentic Mexican food, Tarahumara’s is the place to go!

Since they reopened after their renovation it has been amazing and it was already amazing before. They expanded the amount of dining area for more customers and expanded the bar sitting area. The wait time for the food was less than 10 minutes. Sitting at the bar has two large tvs to watch any sports that happen to be on at the time. The attentiveness of the staff is not just to one person checking in with you but maybe two or three. Refills happen before you can even ask most of the time.

Out of all the mexican restaurants I have tried this is probably the best. As you can see in the picture the attention to detail is impeccable. The food arrived hot and fresh. My tilapia specifically could use a little more salt and seasoning but thats just on a personal preference. Clean place and good service.

A wonderful restaurant! Always makes me happy whenever I eat here (which is frequently). Wait staff is extremely hospitable. They always remember my order!

This AirBNB was one of the most exclusive & quiet places I have stayed in , in my 10 years visiting Cancun. Roof top pool never business with its own bathrooms beautiful 360 views with sun tan loungers & dinning tables . It’s across the street from the beach Playa Tortuga & beautiful beach with 3 restaurants right off the water. It has an OXXO in the same building & across the street for all your drinks & snacks. It’s also across the street from one of the few docks that the fairy’s takes you to Isla Mujeres. Next to Aqua Tours for any and all your Yacht & Seadoo rentals . Inbox me for more rental information!

Oh my, what a wonderful restaurant! The chips, guac, and queso that come to your table were delicious along with their unique pico. If you get a corona, ask for the frosted mug! That was unique as well and delicious. We also experienced the pomegranate margarita on the rocks...super strong and dangerously tasty, watch yourself! I had the green chili pork...soo tender and packed with flavor, one of my favorite dishes ever. We all left completely stuffed...and then we remembered the sopapillas! This wonderful gem is worth a stop!

AMAZING food. I travel all over oklahoma looking for great mole. The search for the best is over!!! It's here. Service is top notch. Spilled my drink and embarrassed myself. Made me feel welcome. I would recommend 10 times over!!!

This is a weekly or more stop for us! The service is outstanding, the food beyond delicious and they’re super fast! It’s a great place for a quick dinner, a date, celebrating a birthday, just a place to unwind and have some comfort food. It’s always fresh, palatable and served by the kindest wait staff. I love everything about it. I think when you factor in taste, service, speed and environment their prices are beyond fair. I love it. Now I’m craving it lol. Besides, my new claim to fame is being teased by Barry Switzer here for wearing my longhorns shirts 😂

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 :)

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.

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.

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.

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!!!!

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.

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!

I came to restaurant with my husband and my four kids, Food was ok but very oily. Service was very rushed. When I asked to sit somewhere more quiet they literally just sat me two chairs down however, the hostess were not really welcoming I felt rushed The environment was very loud and crowded.

Food is always hot and fresh , iced mugs for your beer and always so very helpful. We go there at least once a week. We love the atmosphere and very helpful staff. Never a bad time or unhappy experience.

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.

Cons: There's only one Tarahumara's in existence. The bench seats need to be replaced. Television screens with NFL network. Pros: Clean tables. Television screens with NFL network. Fast kitchen. Excellent food. Huge plates. Reasonable price. I normally don't eat the free chips and salsa but... Great Queso. Nice Salsa. Good chips. Top notch service and I mean among the absolute best.

Attempted to visit for lunch and was literally physically kicked out, cursed at, and discriminated against for having a service animal. The owner, maybe "Effran", stated this is "HIS place, for human beings, and not animals". "Pets and dogs" are not allowed. He then stated he "didn't give a f**k" after trying to discuss the role a service animal provides. He cussed in my face in front of the entire establishment and when I said I was calling the authorities due to him being extremely aggressive and physical, he said call them and then we were literally forced out of the door and had the doors closed on us. Not only is this illegal, it is extremely unprofessional, and rude. I have never felt so discriminated against, violated, and put in an unsafe situation in my entire life. I will NEVER return to this establishment and highly discourage anyone from visiting. I am genuinely concerned for the patrons of this restaurant. I will be contacting the police.

We come to eat here at least once a month. One of my favorite Mexican restaurants in Oklahoma. The manager is always friendly.

I haven't been to Tarahumara's since college, which was more than 10 years ago! This used to be the go-to Mexican restaurant spot for me and my friends. I came here for lunch after a work volunteer opportunity in Norman with a coworker right when the restaurant opened at 11 am. The food did not miss a beat. I ordered the chicken mole with beans and rice and my coworker got the combo steak and chicken fajitas. Everything was delicious. The place was PACKED, but the service was still so quick and our server was so friendly. The space is very festive and fun. I'll make sure to not wait another 12 years to return to Tarahumara's!

Lunchtime on Sunday. Very busy, but got seated immediately, greeted immediately, order taken, and seriously, before I finished my tortilla with salsa, our order was on the table, incredible. Our server was fantastic and the food was fantastic. The food portions are huge, the prices are high though. As soon as we finished, a crew of 3 guys cleared the table and had it set up for the next people before we even got to the door. We were thanked many times for eating here, they are great at what they do. This is a must visit Mexican restaurant if you're in Norman. Love this place.

Stopped in for lunch and was glad we did! Restaurant is a "hopping" place and the combination of speed AND quality is second to none! We were quickly seated at a table and the waiter came over dropping off a basket of chips, a red salsa, a green salsa, and a cheese dip for EACH person at the table. No sharing needed which was great! We quickly ordered and had fresh food in front of us within 5 mins of our order being placed. Everything was hot and all orders were correct. Food has a great taste. We got the bill and were out the door. All said 4 men ate for $50 in under 45 mins - and it could have been under 30 mins if we hadn't been chatting. Perfect place for a quick and tasty lunch. Menu is extensive so if your first time visiting I would recommend doing a bit of research in advance so you can keep things moving. However, staff are not pushy. You can take as long as you want but they also recognize during lunch break speed is key!

The best Mexican food in Norman. Been frequenting this place for 15 years and never had one bad meal. The service is top tier and the staff is always extremely friendly and helpful. It's a loud, fun, and hectic atmosphere.

The food and service are always fast and so good! I love the new outdoor area that is enclosed!

Neither manager nor staff understand the Americans for Disabilities Act in regards to service dogs. I was told my dog couldn't enter without being vested (incorrect). I was then told that the restaurant was private property (irrelevant when it comes to service dog regulations). I've reported the restaurant to the Department of Justice. I've always preferred Pepe's anyway.

Food is the best around and staff are quick and on top of things. If you're looking for authentic Tex Mex it's worth it.

The service was absolutely TERRIBLE our waitress acted like we were a bother to her The other 2 tables that were there after us got there food and drinks way before we did they she gave us the wrong drinks The food was nasty I got a Mama Salad disgusting Hire better waitress and a Thank you goes a long way .

Best Mexican food since California. Great, fast service! Very busy atmosphere with quick turnover. My husband had the fajitas with: chicken, steak, pork, AND shrimp. I had the big boy plate with the chile relleno, bistek, and Mexican asada taco. The rice and beans were fantastic! The chips were on the table before we were sat, AND they were HOT and fresh. The salsa was the best we've had in a long time- not spicy, good for everyone. The swirl margarita was very tasty and hit harder than expected. Dario was our server and he was very professional and fast. He even boxed our leftovers and brought our desert to go. Thank God we found Taramuhara's. It will be our New Mexican home.

They were really fast with getting the food out. The environment was great. I loved the sweet tea and queso. I had a really good time eating here with family. The people were really nice.

First of all, I'm from the DFW area, and this place has the best service I've had in a long time. Every time I drive from Dallas to OKC we stop here. Awesome food, awesome service and a great place to go with friends. Also their bloody Mary's and margs are great. One ask would be to add Chicken Tortilla Soup to the menu!

The portions are large and the food is delicious. Staff is very quick so you won't have to wait long. Best Mexican in Norman.

Hands down the best Mexican restaurant in the state... the waiters are some of the best they seem to know what you want before you even ask some say they feel like they're being rushed, but they're just being very efficient at their job. You can stay there for three or four hours and they'll never say anything to you about wanting you to leave early every glass of beer you get is an icy mug. I love it.

Excellent Mexican food! Some of the fastest survive you'll have at any restaurant. Freaky fast!

The service was amazing! They are so quick and very nice and friendly! The enchilada was yummy only thing was the tortillas got hard

First time there. Noon on Saturday. They open an hour ago! Packed to the rafters. Didn't think we'd ever get in! Ten minutes later seated. Not that hungry so I had one cheese enchilada and one tamale, no rice and beans. Delicious Wife had cheese enchilada and crispy taco! Same, delicious. Three other people had chicken quesadillas! All loved them. The set up was perfect. Ready for you when you sat down. OMG! Hands down to Teds at Tulsa Hills! Service! If you find a place better than this, let me know. Staff worked perfectly with each other. Never had to wait for anything! EXCEPT: getting into restrooms! Okay okay, but when your 75 a quick trip to the head is very important! Mens John had one of each, toilet and urinal! Not acceptable! That's the only thing negative about this restaurant. Oh yea, it's crowded and loud! So, turn hearing aids down. Eat and enjoy! LOVED IT AND WILL BE BACK WHEN IN NORMAN, OK!

Roberto is the best ever and was delicious. There was very nice and quick service #notsponsored

Fast and friendly. The food is delicious and margs are fantastic! Above and beyond type of service - will be coming back!

This is one of the best Mexican Food Restaurants in Oklahoma. The homemade chips, salsa & queso are unmatched. We ordered three entrees, all entrees were outstanding. The service was exceptional.

Violated ADA laws and will not allow service animals. Ownership made it clear they do not care about ADA laws. Friend has a disability and had a properly trained service animal, they were kicked out. "He doesn't look handicapped." Food is mediocre. We didn't care for it. Service was horrendous and rude. Atmosphere is loud with live music walking around. Not able to hear the people at my own table.

Updating my review as I just saw that I last updated it 6 years ago :) Still my favorite restaurant! Everything here is perfect: chips and salsa, green salsa, unsweet tea, food, service - everything! Lunch prices are good until 5pm, which is perfect on nights we want an early dinner. My current favorite is: mixed (chicken/beef) fajitas, light onions, add extra red and green bell peppers and add sautéed mushrooms! Absolutely the best and enough for leftovers Service: this is worth mentioning again - all of the workers are friendly, help each other out and are extremely attentive. We frequent so often, many of the servers know our drink and food orders! The owners must take good care of the employees because everyone always has a smile on their face and hustle hard!

The prices are insane!!! I live in the DFW and we can get quality Tex-Mex for about half the cost. That said the food tasted great. The wait staff was extremely attentive. However we did not need 4 waiters asking if we are ok. If they cut that down then maybe the prices could be cut as well. The atmosphere was nice too. My only major issue was cost. If they can figure out how to do the same thing (as others in the region) then they will be 5 star!

Pros: sat and served very quickly! Beers came out super fast and cold. Cons: food is incredibly flavorless and pricy! I've never experienced such lack luster carne asada and every plate on the menu is dang near $15. Beans were definitely out of a can, which is fine but at least add some seasoning. The salsa is not great either. Way too chunky and again, flavorless. 3/5 for me. Not sure what all the hype is about, I found it disappointing and mediocre at best.

The service was phenomenal. It was the best restaurant I visit in Norman, Oklahoma to this date

Too loud Too expensive And they try to rush you out the door Food is just as good at MV and prices are much better.

The service and food were incredible! We loved the restaurant ambiance as well. This may be the best mexican food we have ever had and will definitely be returning here the next time we are in town! It is a 10 out of 10! Everything from chips, salsa, queso, tortillas to the enchiladas, tacos, rice, beans, etc....every single thing was awesome.

Food was very good and the service was the best we have had in a while. Surprised at how soon our food came out. We had a double chicken Fajitas, no beans & rice but extra onions and peppers. Loved the cheese dip. About 4 different people thanked us for coming as we left.

This place is not great -- comparatively to its competitors of similar Mexican restaurants who offer the same chip, salsa, and queso starters, it lacked flavor and felt cheap all throughout. The salsa tasted watered down; the queso didn't even taste like cheese; and the chips were mediocre at best, as they were sitting out and weren't even hot but lukewarm. The service was one of the more saving graces of this place, as the server was nice, but refills were hard to come by, which cancels out the positives by itself. The inside was rather packed, as tables weren't given much of a room apart of each other, but it was a pretty typical open Mexican restaurant interior. If I remember correctly, I got the chicken burrito, and it wasn't great -- all of the sides also lacked flavor and tasted plain. It's okay food, but there are definitely better options out there to eat at, especially ones with much more flavor.

This place was excellent!!! I took my family here while they were in Norman for the weekend, and i'm just itching to get back. The margaritas are AMAZING and the tamales were so good!!!

Best Mexican food in Norman. You can't go wrong with this place. Fast pace, and Chesse sauce is not watered down

Tarahumara's is our favorite Mexican restaurant in town. It's always fast, good & outstanding service! Never a bad idea!

Let me start by saying my family and I have been going to this restaurant for years! I was there this past Sunday, December the 8th with my church family. I ordered fajitas for the very first time. I'm always getting a chimichanga but wanted to try something different. You guys it was horrible. I told our waiter that it tasted like someone squeezed several limes all over it and there was no seasoning. He looked at me like I was freaking crazy and wouldn't take it back. After pressing the issue he said that they marinate the chicken in lime juice and cook everything with Worcestershire and vinegar but left me with the plate. A manager came by. I told him about the issue. He did not apologize. He did not offer to fix anything. I was given a box. They were ready for me to go. Thinking back I should've just left the food and an unpaid ticket. I paid, tipped, brought the food home, and seasoned it. I am very displeased and will not go back there anymore. Thank you but no thank you.

Good food. Super busy. Really impressed at how fast these guys can turn a table. Like it was empty, cleaned, and new people were seated within a minute. Drinks are good but strong.

Tarahumara has wonderful food. The last time there I wasn't too hungry so I ordered a cheese-stuffed chile relleno a la carte. It was magnificent - covered a large dinner plate - very tasteful. My granddaughter had the guacamole salad - a full plate loaded with crisp greens, avocado, enough for 2 people. And the Tecate I had with lime - yum, yum. Highly recommend this authentic Mexican eatery with EXCELLENT service.

If you've ever thought you wanted to go here, but didn't want to wait in the line, just do it. There's a reason there's a line! We were told a 35 minute wait but really it was only about 10 minutes. It's a good thing they let us look at the menu while we waited because the instant we got seated they came to take our order. They already had plates, and the set up ready for us on the table. We had hardly placed our order when it came to the table sizzling! we haven't had fajitas sizzle anywhere in the last 4 1/2 years so that was a pleasant surprise lol really great food, exceptional service. It's a must go!

Service was great food it's average on good places busy but if you wanted to get Mexican food you're not going to find there The reason why I give him a three stars is because the service