Tarahumara's Méxican Cafe & Cantina

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.

Me and my family have been going to Tara’s for years! This place is the best! The food is always on point. The service is so fast! We always ask for our favorite waiter Mynor and he’s always so kind and he always takes great care of us! He greets us with a smile every time we go. We love the new remodel, the seating is so much more comfortable and roomy! Not cramped like before. Don’t understand the negative reviews, this place is awesome!

We typically don't like going out to Mexican restaurants, my wife's cooking is better, but we came from put of town and our friends highly recommended this place. We couldn't have asked for a better experience. Arielle was incredible as our server, the food was quick and delicious and don't forget your Sopas that were delicious. The ambiance is great and the prices are extremely reasonable for the amount of food you get.

Came alone and got seated immediately. Ordered food and it came out at lighting speed. The guy behind the counter, maybe the manager? He was really cute. I wanted to say hi but I’m too shy. 😂

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.

The most delicious food! Drinks were crisp and refreshing. Happiness was in the air as laughter and great conversations could be heard! Even though we went during the lunch rush, our food was so hot and fresh and not a thing was wrong with the order. Unbelievable service!! I can’t wait to go back!! The drive from Okc to Norman is well worth it.

This used to be a 5 star place for me, but the last couple of times we have gone, everything seems to be riding the tastless train. This feeling has between multiple people, especially in regards to the house salsas, even the paid hot salsa --- just seems like no flavor. For the most recent visit, I swear the "hot" upcharge salsa tasted like it was dipped in sugar and salt, which no other flavors. The service here is amazing, and everything feels like it is moving around at 100mph while also being very well organized. It's the main reason we go, but after the remodel, the food itself just feels....less than hoped for, for us. Will try again, but I will probably space out the visits more than before. One more note, the drinks are quite nice. Good portions, appearance, and strength. So, another positive note. Just need to find out what happened to the food flavor!

I've given this restaurant three chances, hoping for improvement each time — but unfortunately, it keeps getting worse. The food is just okay, but the pricing is about 1.5x higher than similar places. More concerning is that the portion size and quality have noticeably declined with each visit. The last time I ordered the fajita, what I received looked like half of what’s shown on the menu photo (see attached). I mentioned this to the waitress, and she responded, “If you want more food, you can talk to the manager.” But I wasn’t asking for more — I just expected to receive what was advertised. At $22.45 before tax and tip, the dish simply isn’t worth it. In my opinion, it should be priced under $15 based on what I got. Sadly, I won’t be returning.

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 :)

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.

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.

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

Good Mexican food and service . The owner is always working along side staff. Don't see that much anymore .

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.

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

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

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!!!!

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

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!

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.

This is the place! Date night or family dinner. This is a restaurant that knows what good service looks like. Friendly waiters and waitresses. Food and drink are always great! If you have never been definitely go. If you have been then you know. Also, they rebuilt the whole inside; I thought I walked into the wrong restaurant.

Great value for the money. A bit noisy but it was a busy time. Definitely go back and have recommended it several times.

The remodel is complete and it is really nice. Good is great and the service is better.

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.

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.

Love Love the newly renovated restaurant, it's open & clean. The food, drinks & service is superior!!

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!

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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 .

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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 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!

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.

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!