Just ate there and the food is very consistent with the OKC restaurants (been there a few times). The service was excellent, the portions were large, the pre-meal setups (salsa, queso, relish, chips, tortillas) were good, and the free sopapillas were average. The house salsa was plain, but I asked for some hotter. They obliged with their "atomic" - not as hot as it sounds, but it had a good flavor. (I prefer fire-roasted tomato salsa such as that at Las Americas.)
The atmosphere is good. Actually it is MUCH BETTER than the original in OKC.
The prices are a bit on the high side for Tex-Mex, but a lot is included (see setups and sopapillas). You will NOT leave hungry.
The quality of the food is good, but not spectacular. For years, OKC residents have bragged about this restaurant as a point of pride of their city. When visiting, people will often ask "have you been to Ted's?" This is something I have never understood. It is good, but not good enough to create a city wide buzz.
Anyway, I recommend Ted's to Tulsa and BA diners, but I do not recommend the 2-3 hour wait people are experiencing in the evening.
I had a very bad experience with the new Ted's. I've never been to the old Ted's but I like Chellino's in OKC which is similar except chellino's is good and cheap.
We went at 2:30 to avoid crowds. We were told 55-65 minute wait so we put our name in and went and ran an errand. Total wait time was about an hour and a half. The restocking of chips and salsa was done by a seperate group from the waitstaff and was done well. The waitstaff, and we had a "trainer" was lackluster at best. He had a reasonable grasp of the menu but was noticeably absent. Each waiter is assigned 4 adjoining tables so you know he wasn't "checking on another table" for 15 minutes. Of the 4 orders at our table, 3 were wrong and the 4th was missing. After correcting the first three, the 4th was still missing and the manager had to go get it. Prices for the food was pretty laughable. An Enchilada, taco, rice and beans was $11.99 as was almost every other item on the menu. Lunch is $7.99 for pretty much the same menu. Food was not any better than any other mexican restaurant. Queso was decent but was a little weirded out by the fact that the salsa was milky and had bubbles in it. For two people with two drinks it was about $30 (before tip) and we were never given any sopapillas. Total time was about 3 hours and that was with the fact we got there at 2:30.
Either way, I don't get what the big deal is and I will not be returning. Like osu9400, I'll take las americas and get plates the size of small cars (with good food on them) and good salsa for $6 a person.
I usually wait about 4-6 weeks after a new restaurant opens before I try it for the first time. It usually takes that long to get the kinks out and to get the crowds to die down. Hopefully, Ted's will be the same way. I like the one in OKC and I hope that this one in B.A. will be as good.
I was thoroughly unimpressed with the one in OKC. And I doubt I'll be going to this one. There's better food at many a chain, even better if you go to one of the locals.
quote:
Originally posted by inteller
OMG I'm so sick of hearing about this place. Everyone skip the BS wait and go to Mexico Lindo which is just up the street at 71st/Garnett.
I agree.
I've been to the original in OKC, pretty good but nothing spectacular. I doubt I would drive out to BA for this one. They are planning one in a new mixed-use development in Norman, I may go to that one but then again there are much better local places IMO.
I must respond to this. I am a loyal fan of Ted's and have been eating there for several years. I would say it is the best Mexican food I have ever eaten and the service is superb. I do consider myself a food connoisseur as I frequent food establishments from Kansas City to Dallas to Los Angeles. Never have I experienced service in the way that I have at Ted's. Once I was at the NW 68th St location and they forgot my atomic salsa. When asked how things were I mentioned that I wish I had my salsa and the waiter went to get a manager and he came over and apologized and took care of the ticket. In B.A. 2 of the dinners we ordered were just alike and one was not brought out to the table. When the manager came to the table he offered to pay for all 5 dinners due to just one being 2 min. late. Never have I seen this type of pride and service. As for the food I would highly recommend the shredded chicken. The fajita beef is excellent as well. The Mexican tacos are outstanding. Perhaps Ted's is for those with more sophisticated palates. Give them a couple of weeks to work out the kinks and to get used to working under conditions where such high expectations are placed upon their performance. Then try it and let us know what you think.
quote:
Originally posted by thevacman
... Perhaps Ted's is for those with more sophisticated palates...
You've got to be kidding? That is the biggest load of crap I've ever heard. If anything, the opposite is true. Ted's will do fine... Hell, there are people who love that ****ty texas roadhouse crap. But in Tulsa, it will not take on the OKC mystique... It just does not translate. Like the OKC obsession with johnnies charbroiler... Tulsans could give a rip.
If you are going to attempt to convince me that Ted's is premier mexican food you are wasting your time.
I am certain the BA'ns will love Ted's but I won't be making the commute.
I don't like Johnnie's, never have. They are building the freaking things everywhere even though the original one in Tulsa barely keeps it's doors open.
I like Texas Roadhouse. Mainly for the Chicken Fried Steak though. It's huuge. Like a virtual planetoid, got it's own weather system.
TED'S mexican restaurant.
Nope. Not buying it.
I ate at the one in OKC once a few years ago, and all I remember was the overhwelming taste of what I would assume was Velveeta cheese. It didn't live up to the hype.
Ate at Ted's in OKC. Wasn't impressed with the food. All the hype is over the fact you get salsa and queso along with chips when you first sit down. Most of the Mexican joints in OKC do that, probably because of Ted's.
But past that, the food was absolutely nothing special. It was fine. Not worth the wait or the hype.
Are you for real? This post seems loaded with sarcasm to me.
If this is a genuine post, you need to have your taste buds examined. As I stated, the food was GOOD, but not out-standing. You can stop at any "Mexican" restaurant and get the same style food. How you can say Ted's is the "best" is a little strange.
There are a lot of Mexican joints in BA with another big one coming (Los Cabos). Once Los Cabos opens it will be the the darling of the month and Ted's traffic will settle down.
Recap:
- Service: Excellent
- Quantity of food: Excellent (Could feed a small country)
- Salsa: Store bought?
- Quality of food: Average
- Value: higher priced than most, but I realize they load you up with food before and after your entre.
- Atmosphere: Good, a little boring, but better than the original Ted's
Everything about the BA location is very consistent with the home location. If you like OKC Ted's you will like BA.
The thing that most people get caught up in is all of the food and they seem to disregard the average quality of the entree.
q: how was Ted's?
a: It was great, you get a ton of food
q: cool... how were your enchilads?
a: oh, they were ok.
quote:
Originally posted by thevacman
I must respond to this. I am a loyal fan of Ted's and have been eating there for several years. I would say it is the best Mexican food I have ever eaten and the service is superb. I do consider myself a food connoisseur as I frequent food establishments from Kansas City to Dallas to Los Angeles. Never have I experienced service in the way that I have at Ted's. Once I was at the NW 68th St location and they forgot my atomic salsa. When asked how things were I mentioned that I wish I had my salsa and the waiter went to get a manager and he came over and apologized and took care of the ticket. In B.A. 2 of the dinners we ordered were just alike and one was not brought out to the table. When the manager came to the table he offered to pay for all 5 dinners due to just one being 2 min. late. Never have I seen this type of pride and service. As for the food I would highly recommend the shredded chicken. The fajita beef is excellent as well. The Mexican tacos are outstanding. Perhaps Ted's is for those with more sophisticated palates. Give them a couple of weeks to work out the kinks and to get used to working under conditions where such high expectations are placed upon their performance. Then try it and let us know what you think.
Ummmm, who said us Oklahoma Cityans obsess over Johnnie's? Everyone I know at home doesn't even care for Johnnie's. Everyone is either for Ted's, Laredo's or Pearl's. Sorry, but you heard wrong.
¿Maybe it's just fun to say "Escondido"?
quote:
Originally posted by BKDotCom
¿Maybe it's just fun to say "Escondido"?
I prefer "Bob Esponga"
quote:
Originally posted by sgrizzle
quote:
Originally posted by BKDotCom
¿Maybe it's just fun to say "Escondido"?
I prefer "Bob Esponga"
Tarter Sauce
quote:
Originally posted by carltonplace
quote:
Originally posted by sgrizzle
quote:
Originally posted by BKDotCom
¿Maybe it's just fun to say "Escondido"?
I prefer "Bob Esponga"
Tarter Sauce
Platypus
I live in OKC, and I don't think Ted's is all that either. It's good but unremarkable. Its reputation is built on hype, from an alternative newsweekly (the Oklahoma Gazette) whose only "Best of" list is based on a ballot-stuffed popularity contest.
There are lesser-known restaurants such as the Adobe Grill that don't get nearly as mcuh attention.
quote:
Originally posted by MichaelC
quote:
Originally posted by carltonplace
quote:
Originally posted by sgrizzle
quote:
Originally posted by BKDotCom
¿Maybe it's just fun to say "Escondido"?
I prefer "Bob Esponga"
Tarter Sauce
Platypus
Okay, so I spelled it wrong...
(http://www.cromovideo.com.br/bob_esponja_070405.jpg)
quote:
Originally posted by wanderer
I live in OKC, and I don't think Ted's is all that either. It's good but unremarkable. Its reputation is built on hype, from an alternative newsweekly (the Oklahoma Gazette) whose only "Best of" list is based on a ballot-stuffed popularity contest.
There are lesser-known restaurants such as the Adobe Grill that don't get nearly as mcuh attention.
You live in OKC.
OKC gaves us Ted's.
Ted's let us down.
Therefore you let us down.
You make me sad. [:(]
quote:
Originally posted by sgrizzle
quote:
Originally posted by wanderer
I live in OKC, and I don't think Ted's is all that either. It's good but unremarkable. Its reputation is built on hype, from an alternative newsweekly (the Oklahoma Gazette) whose only "Best of" list is based on a ballot-stuffed popularity contest.
There are lesser-known restaurants such as the Adobe Grill that don't get nearly as mcuh attention.
You live in OKC.
OKC gaves us Ted's.
Ted's let us down.
Therefore you let us down.
You make me sad. [:(]
I couldn't live with that kind of logic [;)]
I thought Ted's was excellent! I was there opening day for lunch and was very impressed that Ted himself was there to greet my family. The amount of quality food you get for the money was unbelievable. You could turn every chicken taco into 2 by using one of the tortillas already at your table. The shell was so stuffed with meat that the lettuce and cheese were on the plate next to it. They obviously need some time to get into rythm, but what new place doesn't? I went back a couple of days later and still noticed some kinks to be worked out. They gave me a chicken enchilada instead of a chicken and spinach enchilada. When this was brought to their attention, they corrected it immediately and then offered to buy the entire family's meal. I thought that to be a bit extreme- there were 5 of us. I let them correct the mistake, not change the ticket. They obviously pride themselves on service and quality.
quote:
Originally posted by stormlvr
quote:
Originally posted by tulsa1603
I ate at the one in OKC once a few years ago, and all I remember was the overhwelming taste of what I would assume was Velveeta cheese. It didn't live up to the hype.
Velveeta? You've got to be kidding me. Perhaps you're remembering Los Cabos?
Los Cabos has white queso, how could that remind you of velveeta?
Do you work for Ted's? How in the world could you know that there really even WAS someone named ted that ran the place?
quote:
Originally posted by swake
quote:
Originally posted by stormlvr
quote:
Originally posted by tulsa1603
I ate at the one in OKC once a few years ago, and all I remember was the overhwelming taste of what I would assume was Velveeta cheese. It didn't live up to the hype.
Velveeta? You've got to be kidding me. Perhaps you're remembering Los Cabos?
Los Cabos has white queso, how could that remind you of velveeta?
Do you work for Ted's? How in the world could you know that there really even WAS someone named ted that ran the place?
I've gone to Los Cabos twice. Once, during their grand opening, and then again 6 months later. Hated it both times and had horrible service. Our waitress actually disappeared, so the manager finally served us- after a very long wait! I ordered queso both times after hearing how good it was supposed to be. There was nothing in it at all- and it tasted so much like plain velveeta that I actually came home and tried a piece of velveeta! I don't care what color it is- it tastes like velveeta!
And as far as Ted goes- when a man walks up to every table in a restaurant named Ted's Escondido Cafe on opening day and says, "Hi, I'm Ted. Is there anything I can do for you?" Well, there's probably a good chance he's the owner.
quote:
Originally posted by stormlvr
quote:
Originally posted by swake
quote:
Originally posted by stormlvr
quote:
Originally posted by tulsa1603
I ate at the one in OKC once a few years ago, and all I remember was the overhwelming taste of what I would assume was Velveeta cheese. It didn't live up to the hype.
Velveeta? You've got to be kidding me. Perhaps you're remembering Los Cabos?
Los Cabos has white queso, how could that remind you of velveeta?
Do you work for Ted's? How in the world could you know that there really even WAS someone named ted that ran the place?
I've gone to Los Cabos twice. Once, during their grand opening, and then again 6 months later. Hated it both times and had horrible service. Our waitress actually disappeared, so the manager finally served us- after a very long wait! I ordered queso both times after hearing how good it was supposed to be. There was nothing in it at all- and it tasted so much like plain velveeta that I actually came home and tried a piece of velveeta! I don't care what color it is- it tastes like velveeta!
And as far as Ted goes- when a man walks up to every table in a restaurant named Ted's Escondido Cafe on opening day and says, "Hi, I'm Ted. Is there anything I can do for you?" Well, there's probably a good chance he's the owner.
I dunno, I've been to Los Cabos a few times, food is pretty good for Tex Mex, I really do like the queso though, as for service, it was fine, but the place is as much bar as a restaurant, it's not fine dining, not sure what you are expecting.
Anyway, about the queso, they have white queso with that Asadero cheese, it's so far from Velveeta it make me wonder if you are telling the truth.
I find it really funny that talking about this place it's mentioned that it's for sophisticed palates and the "portions are huge"!
Anyway, Mexico Lindo or El Tequilia are good local chain mexican, Abuelo's is pretty good, I miss En Fuego on Brookside and if you want real mexican Casta Azul and Cancun are really, really good and some place called "Ted's" from OKC in Broken Arrow that has people (person?) spamming this board about how great it is only makes me want to try it less.
Especially when they LIE about what really is the local competition for the place they are spamming about. Los Cabos is a cool place with decent food and good queso and good drinks. The service when I have been there was fine but overwhelmed by the volume of business.
But one thing you can't say is that the queso there is like Velveeta, it's not plastic and IT'S NOT A YELLOW QUESO so I don't think you have even really been there.
Three posts under the one ID all on Ted's, and yours is like the third or fourth ID like that, all proclaiming Ted's the best ever, well good for you, next time pay for the ad space and don't slander the competition? Huh?
So, Stormlvr, or thevacman, or freshnesshotline, or flybriz, or oasis800215 or whatever other ID you want to create and use only to post about Ted's, at least be truthful, ok?
I'll tell you what you have convinced me, to NEVER go to Ted's, anyone with me?
SPAM SPAM SPAM SPAM.....
quote:
Originally posted by swake
I'll tell you what you have convinced me, to NEVER go to Ted's, anyone with me?
SPAM SPAM SPAM SPAM.....
I already went once but I'm in for not going.
There is now way to say "prices are reasonable, plates are huge when they charge $11.99 for an enchilada, a taco, rice and beans. I can get that at taco bueno for $4 with a salsa bar, chips, sour cream and guacamole.
Sorry but I've been to restaurants in Tulsa, OKC, Dallas, Houston, Manhattan and Orlando, and I can't say the food culture is superior to another. It's all pretty much the same story, only difference is price. Honestly, restaurant's menus are getting smaller and smaller.
I like Ted's, yes, but it isn't the best in the world. I just personally like the tortillas. That's about it. The rest is so-so.
'Mexican' restaurants down here in Houston serve - well - Tex-mex. Tastes the same, looks the same. I'm to the point anymore where I desire to eat at home and only go out on special occasions. I get what I want, WHEN I want, how I want. I can also drink as late as I want without running the tab sky high.
ok. i got to go to Ted's during the opening weekend. I was impressed mainly b/c everything was FREE, yes FREE. I met Ted, yes there is a Ted that runs the joint. The food was good. I got a spinach enchilada and beef taco. However, i live in Midtown Tulsa and I don't see myself traveling all the way to the Deep South for Mexican when i can go down the street to Senor Tequilas or Mexicali and spend 1/2 the amount of money for the same thing. And I love Los Cabos for the atmosphere. I love the whole outdoor thing. I feel like I am in a totally different place when I'm out there. However, the drinks are expensive, which leaves a sour taste in my mouth.
By the way, love the Bob Esponja!!!![}:)]
quote:
Originally posted by swake
quote:
Originally posted by stormlvr
quote:
Originally posted by swake
quote:
Originally posted by stormlvr
quote:
Originally posted by tulsa1603
I ate at the one in OKC once a few years ago, and all I remember was the overhwelming taste of what I would assume was Velveeta cheese. It didn't live up to the hype.
Velveeta? You've got to be kidding me. Perhaps you're remembering Los Cabos?
Los Cabos has white queso, how could that remind you of velveeta?
Do you work for Ted's? How in the world could you know that there really even WAS someone named ted that ran the place?
I've gone to Los Cabos twice. Once, during their grand opening, and then again 6 months later. Hated it both times and had horrible service. Our waitress actually disappeared, so the manager finally served us- after a very long wait! I ordered queso both times after hearing how good it was supposed to be. There was nothing in it at all- and it tasted so much like plain velveeta that I actually came home and tried a piece of velveeta! I don't care what color it is- it tastes like velveeta!
And as far as Ted goes- when a man walks up to every table in a restaurant named Ted's Escondido Cafe on opening day and says, "Hi, I'm Ted. Is there anything I can do for you?" Well, there's probably a good chance he's the owner.
I dunno, I've been to Los Cabos a few times, food is pretty good for Tex Mex, I really do like the queso though, as for service, it was fine, but the place is as much bar as a restaurant, it's not fine dining, not sure what you are expecting.
Anyway, about the queso, they have white queso with that Asadero cheese, it's so far from Velveeta it make me wonder if you are telling the truth.
I find it really funny that talking about this place it's mentioned that it's for sophisticed palates and the "portions are huge"!
Anyway, Mexico Lindo or El Tequilia are good local chain mexican, Abuelo's is pretty good, I miss En Fuego on Brookside and if you want real mexican Casta Azul and Cancun are really, really good and some place called "Ted's" from OKC in Broken Arrow that has people (person?) spamming this board about how great it is only makes me want to try it less.
Especially when they LIE about what really is the local competition for the place they are spamming about. Los Cabos is a cool place with decent food and good queso and good drinks. The service when I have been there was fine but overwhelmed by the volume of business.
But one thing you can't say is that the queso there is like Velveeta, it's not plastic and IT'S NOT A YELLOW QUESO so I don't think you have even really been there.
Three posts under the one ID all on Ted's, and yours is like the third or fourth ID like that, all proclaiming Ted's the best ever, well good for you, next time pay for the ad space and don't slander the competition? Huh?
So, Stormlvr, or thevacman, or freshnesshotline, or flybriz, or oasis800215 or whatever other ID you want to create and use only to post about Ted's, at least be truthful, ok?
I'll tell you what you have convinced me, to NEVER go to Ted's, anyone with me?
SPAM SPAM SPAM SPAM.....
Are you implying that only one person in the world can like Ted's? I've never visited any kind of a forum before last week. I didn't realize that if you agreed with the minority of people posting to a topic, then that means you are the same person? How does that work?
stormlvr, it's imperative on a forum to obsess about the tiniest, most insignificant things. For instance, a new Tex-Mex restaurant in Broken Arrow. Not quite worthy of the front page of CNN.com, but worth at least 10,000 words on a forum.
You'll learn. [;)]
quote:
Originally posted by AVERAGE JOE
stormlvr, it's imperative on a forum to obsess about the tiniest, most insignificant things. For instance, a new Tex-Mex restaurant in Broken Arrow. Not quite worthy of the front page of CNN.com, but worth at least 10,000 words on a forum.
You'll learn. [;)]
Thanks for the lesson. I'll keep that in mind.[:)]
quote:
Originally posted by okierunner
ok. i got to go to Ted's during the opening weekend. I was impressed mainly b/c everything was FREE, yes FREE. I met Ted, yes there is a Ted that runs the joint. The food was good. I got a spinach enchilada and beef taco. However, i live in Midtown Tulsa and I don't see myself traveling all the way to the Deep South for Mexican when i can go down the street to Senor Tequilas or Mexicali and spend 1/2 the amount of money for the same thing. And I love Los Cabos for the atmosphere. I love the whole outdoor thing. I feel like I am in a totally different place when I'm out there. However, the drinks are expensive, which leaves a sour taste in my mouth.
By the way, love the Bob Esponja!!!![}:)]
Thanks! [:D]
Don't drag my good name into this, swake. I haven't spammed for Ted's (been in OKC. food's fine. portions are huge. service is good. prefer El Tequila, blah blah blah.)
I'm also not PaulTay/DanChang, so don't start that rumor, either. [;)] I'm just a lurker.
quote:
Originally posted by swake
SPAM SPAM SPAM SPAM.....
Ted's serves SPAM? Like a SPAM taco? No thanks.
Why does everyone think this is good mexican food? You could pick any random mexican food restaurant in San Antonio, and get MUCH better mexican food than Ted's. (Who is Ted anyway, and what makes him think he can cook mexican food?)
We waited over an hour for our table of 4 and a high chair.
The free queso was never refilled, which was okay because it was oily, immitation cheese.
The chips and salsa were okay, but nothing worth waiting an hour for.
I ordered the "world's best fajitas", and was not impressed. They were truly bad. I had to ask for more flour tortillas when I ran out, and it took about 20 minutes (not exagerating) to get someone's attention.
My kids did not finish their bean burritos -- even the kids didn't like the food. As a matter of fact, I've never met a refried bean I didn't like until I ate at Ted's.
My wife's taco salad was much more fattening than she thought it would be. She was also not impressed with the food.
Towards the end of the meal, the fire alarm went off, and scared my 10-month-old. My wife and infant left the table, and never received their sopapillas (despite me asking several times).
The meal cost us $55, which is EXTREMELY expensive for mexican food.
In short, I will not be returning (unless against my will). [xx(]
Oh -- one more thing... When it comes to "fast food mexican", I'm a Taco Bell kind of guy...
A few days ago, I decided to stop for lunch at Taco Bueno... After my Taco Bueno meal, the thought crossed my mind that my $6 Taco Bueno meal was MUCH better than my $55 Ted's Cafe Escondido meal...
Someone help me out please -- I noticed "Ted's" is located at "Bricktown West".
Are we not east of Bricktown?
quote:
Originally posted by CoffeeBean
Someone help me out please -- I noticed "Ted's" is located at "Bricktown West".
Are we not east of Bricktown?
Bricktown = housing edition.
Bricktown west = retail/office park west of housing edition.
It seems that some of you may be confused. Ted's does not have what most of us refer to as queso. What comes free with every meal is simply what they refer to as 'cheese sauce'. You won't find it full of onions, chilis, or peppers like you'd expect when ordering queso.
It'll be interesting to see what they have to say about Ted's on the channel 6 news tomorrow morning.
quote:
Originally posted by inteller
yeah that was the DUMBEST name for a development.
"Wul hay, well juz name this har development after that thar famous place in OKC!"
idiots.
oh and let me reiterate....dont go to Ted's, just go right down the street to Mexico Lindo. MUCH better food and service.
Can we name a sewage channel "The Oklahoma River"?
I'm usually a buffet kinda guy. I have a storage building over by ted's and thought, hey this place is always packed. We may have to try this out.
I have now been 3 times.
I like the all you can eat chips & queso. (definately mix the atomic salsa in with the queso).
I hate getting beans and rice with any mexican meal no matter where I go. You can substitute the R&B with what they call cream corn and mexicas pappos or something like that. I just ask for mashed potatoes and cream corn. This is a better choice "for me".
I have not been overly impressed with any of the entree's but I tell you I can live on the queso & atomic salsa, corn and potatoes.
Give me an order of the sides and I'm good to go. I am a buffet kinda guy so what can I say. I have not left hungry any of the 3 times. 2 of these times my wife and I split an entree and the 3rd time somebody else paid (full portion). ha! What can I say, I am cheap I go to buffets when my wife will let me.
I have had great service twice and average service once. New staff, go figure.
Tulsa is a restaraunt kinda town and I welcome another choice, keep bringing them in.
p.s. I also like the peanuts at Logan's roadhouse. I was flinging shells so far I caused one lady to change her seat because she kept seeing my shells flying out of the corner of her eye! What great fun!
get in my belly!!!!
I think I'll stick with Senior Tequila's on Brookside...
mistake.....
I just ate at Ted's in B.A. for the first time today. We got to Ted's at about 4:15pm and had to wait about 10 minutes for a table.
When we were seated we immediately got the pre-meal set-up. Our waitress was very attentive and also lighting fast with our margaritas. The pre-meal salsa and queso was average but the flour tortillas were excellent. Our meal was really good. The steak fajitas were very good. I decided on the corn and mashed potatoes as my side and was glad I did. They were both tasty! The portions were huge and I couldn't eat it all.
The atmosphere was nice and the restaurant was especially clean. The service was great. Not only our waitress but also the extras that fill up the flour tortillas and the queso. The manager even came by to see if everything was alright with our food and experience.
We left the restaurant a little after 5:00pm. The waiting room was packed and their was a line out the door waiting to speak to the receptionist.
Overall, I recommend the restaurant to people who, like myself, enjoy Tex-Mex. If you enjoy more authentic Mexican food then you may want to go somewhere else. (Like Cancun, Speedy's, Los Americans ect.)
Hi all,
I'm new here to the forums and my name is Ted. Yes this is the Ted of Ted's Cafe Escondido. First of all I'm sorry some of you don't like our restaurant. We take a lot of pride in our food and service and we want to try and make everyone happy. I have to admit this thread has hurt pretty badly but I appreciate the honesty.
We've worked very hard to keep the restaurant consistent over the years.
We're excited to be in Tulsa. I love Tulsa and the Tulsa people. I have a lot of family and friends here and pretty much grew up at Grand Lake. My family owned and operated Goodner Van/Curtis Restaurant Supply here for over 20 years. I'm also in the music business and produce many artists out of Tulsa. There is extreme talent here. It's a beautiful city indeed and I consider it my second home.
I would like to extend an invitation to any of the above that would like to try or re-try the BA location. This meal would be on me. Please contact me at tc4542@cox.net and I will arrange it for you. Also, please don't hesitate to contact me at the above if you EVER have any problems at the restaurant or if you have any questions. We will take care of you. I look forward to hearing fom you! Thanks for the feedback.
Best,
Ted Curtis
Ted's Cafe Escondido
-or-
www.upstairsproductions.com
I would also like to add that $12 for Tacos, beans and rice makes you feel like your window got busted out in your car in the back parking lot. Like one of your employees last time I went.
I eat out a lot. Most restaurants treat me like Norm on Cheers (They say my name when I enter...Mike!).
But I had never been to Ted's.
Last week I was in OKC for a meeting and Ted's had provided catering for us. It was large trays of meat, cheese, chips and extras with bags of taco shells and platters of tortillas.
I really enjoyed the beef and chicken. It was lightly seasoned and moist to the touch. The tortillas were soft and the salsa was just hot enough for me.
I liked it and plan to go to the Broken Arrow location with my family soon.
Ted - I've eaten there twice. I live in Sand Springs and it is a long way away, so I don't eat there often, as well as I don't like to wait an hour to get seated.
But, I thought the food and the service both times were very good. I think the prices were reasonable and you are doing a fine job. There will always be people whom complain. If I had a problem with my service or meal, I would have talked to someone about it then. Good luck to you in Tulsa!
Ted, classy and professional play.
Ted, you're my hero! I love the restaurant. I believe all the Ted's are very consistant and am so happy to have one a bit closer to home. I've never experienced such great service- and when it falls short, the waiters tell the management on themselves! Amazing! Keep up the great work!
I haven't quite figured out the whole queso thing. You know, in California you won't find queso on any menu anywhere. I find the obsession here with queso kind of cheesy.
quote:
Originally posted by Ted
Hi all,
I'm new here to the forums and my name is Ted. Yes this is the Ted of Ted's Cafe Escondido. First of all I'm sorry some of you don't like our restaurant. We take a lot of pride in our food and service and we want to try and make everyone happy. I have to admit this thread has hurt pretty badly but I appreciate the honesty.
We've worked very hard to keep the restaurant consistent over the years.
We're excited to be in Tulsa. I love Tulsa and the Tulsa people. I have a lot of family and friends here and pretty much grew up at Grand Lake. My family owned and operated Goodner Van/Curtis Restaurant Supply here for over 20 years. I'm also in the music business and produce many artists out of Tulsa. There is extreme talent here. It's a beautiful city indeed and I consider it my second home.
I would like to extend an invitation to any of the above that would like to try or re-try the BA location. This meal would be on me. Please contact me at tc4542@cox.net and I will arrange it for you. Also, please don't hesitate to contact me at the above if you EVER have any problems at the restaurant or if you have any questions. We will take care of you. I look forward to hearing fom you! Thanks for the feedback.
Best,
Ted Curtis
Ted's Cafe Escondido
-or-
www.upstairsproductions.com
Hey Ted,
Thanks for jumping in, that shows you take pride in your business and you are interested in what people think. You won't please everyone so don't take it too personal.
Just remember Mexican food is a lot like BBQ when it comes to preferred or prejudiced tastes. What I like, someone else might think is Alpo and vice versa. What some people think is acceptible service, others might think is unacceptable.
Best wishes for your venture in BA.
quote:
Originally posted by stymied
I haven't quite figured out the whole queso thing. You know, in California you won't find queso on any menu anywhere. I find the obsession here with queso kind of cheesy.
It's not food unless we can deep fry it and smother it in cheese (or ocasionally chili).
quote:
Originally posted by stymied
I haven't quite figured out the whole queso thing. You know, in California you won't find queso on any menu anywhere. I find the obsession here with queso kind of cheesy.
Thats why the Mexican food is better in Tulsa than in California. Nothing worse than hard plastic barely melted cheese on your nachos.
I have heard nothing but good about Ted's... And to be honest I have tried to go there with my wife about 5 times... Each time was an hour+ wait. (Not a bad problem to have for a restaurant.)
Thanks to living in Tulsa, each time we are told that, we have no problem thinking of other places that are very good with no wait at all. Neither of us has ever had food worth waiting an hour for anyway.
Ah, you gotta love Tulsa.
quote:
Originally posted by azbadpuppy
quote:
Originally posted by stymied
I haven't quite figured out the whole queso thing. You know, in California you won't find queso on any menu anywhere. I find the obsession here with queso kind of cheesy.
Thats why the Mexican food is better in Tulsa than in California. Nothing worse than hard plastic barely melted cheese on your nachos.
Well, you won't find nachos very much either in California--not real Mexican. But I digress. Ted's is pretty good Tex Mex. It's probably $2 - $3 overpriced per entre IMO. The wait is a drag too with 3 little monkeys that call me their father for some odd reason.
sgrizzle - cheese sauce? chili? you forgot gravy. Never seen gravy as an option for my fries and burger before.
quote:
Originally posted by stymied
quote:
Originally posted by azbadpuppy
quote:
Originally posted by stymied
I haven't quite figured out the whole queso thing. You know, in California you won't find queso on any menu anywhere. I find the obsession here with queso kind of cheesy.
Thats why the Mexican food is better in Tulsa than in California. Nothing worse than hard plastic barely melted cheese on your nachos.
Well, you won't find nachos very much either in California--not real Mexican. But I digress. Ted's is pretty good Tex Mex. It's probably $2 - $3 overpriced per entre IMO. The wait is a drag too with 3 little monkeys that call me their father for some odd reason.
sgrizzle - cheese sauce? chili? you forgot gravy. Never seen gravy as an option for my fries and burger before.
Hmmmm, lived in California for 6 years and never had a problem finding nachos at any and every Mexican restaurant. Never as good as ones you get in Tulsa, and I find a lot of the Mexican food to be very disappointing in CA.
"Mexican" food varies greatly depending on where you are, so it would be impossible to say any of it is "real". It all just depends on what tastes good.
I have to agree with TeeDub about the hour+ wait at Ted's. No food is worth that, especially with so many great options in Tulsa.
quote:
Originally posted by azbadpuppy
quote:
Originally posted by stymied
quote:
Originally posted by azbadpuppy
quote:
Originally posted by stymied
I haven't quite figured out the whole queso thing. You know, in California you won't find queso on any menu anywhere. I find the obsession here with queso kind of cheesy.
Thats why the Mexican food is better in Tulsa than in California. Nothing worse than hard plastic barely melted cheese on your nachos.
Well, you won't find nachos very much either in California--not real Mexican. But I digress. Ted's is pretty good Tex Mex. It's probably $2 - $3 overpriced per entre IMO. The wait is a drag too with 3 little monkeys that call me their father for some odd reason.
sgrizzle - cheese sauce? chili? you forgot gravy. Never seen gravy as an option for my fries and burger before.
Hmmmm, lived in California for 6 years and never had a problem finding nachos at any and every Mexican restaurant. Never as good as ones you get in Tulsa, and I find a lot of the Mexican food to be very disappointing in CA.
"Mexican" food varies greatly depending on where you are, so it would be impossible to say any of it is "real". It all just depends on what tastes good.
I have to agree with TeeDub about the hour+ wait at Ted's. No food is worth that, especially with so many great options in Tulsa.
If you frequent Mexico and the restaurants there enough, you'll know what I am talking about. There are plenty of places in California that serve "Americanized" versions of slightly more authentic Mexican food. Restaurants in Mexico not targeting American tourists don't even serve tortilla chips and salsa. You can't even buy a burrito there. Chips and the later concocted nachos were first introduced in the U.S. Tortilla chips were invented sometime after World War II. Nachos is purported to have been debuted at the Dallas State Fair in 1964. There are about 5 main varieties of Mexican food in the U.S. - Sanoran, New Mexican, TexMex, Baja, and Monterey. The later two being the predominant varieties in California. We could argue which is best. You are obviously partial to TexMex, but you can't call a snack invented for baseball games and fairs "real Mexican food".
quote:
Originally posted by stymied
quote:
Originally posted by azbadpuppy
quote:
Originally posted by stymied
quote:
Originally posted by azbadpuppy
quote:
Originally posted by stymied
I haven't quite figured out the whole queso thing. You know, in California you won't find queso on any menu anywhere. I find the obsession here with queso kind of cheesy.
Thats why the Mexican food is better in Tulsa than in California. Nothing worse than hard plastic barely melted cheese on your nachos.
Well, you won't find nachos very much either in California--not real Mexican. But I digress. Ted's is pretty good Tex Mex. It's probably $2 - $3 overpriced per entre IMO. The wait is a drag too with 3 little monkeys that call me their father for some odd reason.
sgrizzle - cheese sauce? chili? you forgot gravy. Never seen gravy as an option for my fries and burger before.
Hmmmm, lived in California for 6 years and never had a problem finding nachos at any and every Mexican restaurant. Never as good as ones you get in Tulsa, and I find a lot of the Mexican food to be very disappointing in CA.
"Mexican" food varies greatly depending on where you are, so it would be impossible to say any of it is "real". It all just depends on what tastes good.
I have to agree with TeeDub about the hour+ wait at Ted's. No food is worth that, especially with so many great options in Tulsa.
If you frequent Mexico and the restaurants there enough, you'll know what I am talking about. There are plenty of places in California that serve "Americanized" versions of slightly more authentic Mexican food. Restaurants in Mexico not targeting American tourists don't even serve tortilla chips and salsa. You can't even buy a burrito there. Chips and the later concocted nachos were first introduced in the U.S. Tortilla chips were invented sometime after World War II. Nachos is purported to have been debuted at the Dallas State Fair in 1964. There are about 5 main varieties of Mexican food in the U.S. - Sanoran, New Mexican, TexMex, Baja, and Monterey. The later two being the predominant varieties in California. We could argue which is best. You are obviously partial to TexMex, but you can't call a snack invented for baseball games and fairs "real Mexican food".
You are absoultely right- I would never try to call any of it 'real'. Never did say that, did I? But trying to Claim California's 'authenticity' in Mexican food because you can't get nachos there (?) is simply not true.
Actually I'm partial to
Sonoran but really I'm partial to anything that tastes great. The 'authentic' thing with Mexican food amuses me, since we are in America and not Mexico after all. The food eaten in Mexico is completely different that what is served here. As you yourself pointed out, there are many "Americanized" varieties of "Mexican" food. Just go with what you like.
quote:
Originally posted by stymied
quote:
Originally posted by azbadpuppy
quote:
Originally posted by stymied
quote:
Originally posted by azbadpuppy
quote:
Originally posted by stymied
I haven't quite figured out the whole queso thing. You know, in California you won't find queso on any menu anywhere. I find the obsession here with queso kind of cheesy.
Thats why the Mexican food is better in Tulsa than in California. Nothing worse than hard plastic barely melted cheese on your nachos.
Well, you won't find nachos very much either in California--not real Mexican. But I digress. Ted's is pretty good Tex Mex. It's probably $2 - $3 overpriced per entre IMO. The wait is a drag too with 3 little monkeys that call me their father for some odd reason.
sgrizzle - cheese sauce? chili? you forgot gravy. Never seen gravy as an option for my fries and burger before.
Hmmmm, lived in California for 6 years and never had a problem finding nachos at any and every Mexican restaurant. Never as good as ones you get in Tulsa, and I find a lot of the Mexican food to be very disappointing in CA.
"Mexican" food varies greatly depending on where you are, so it would be impossible to say any of it is "real". It all just depends on what tastes good.
I have to agree with TeeDub about the hour+ wait at Ted's. No food is worth that, especially with so many great options in Tulsa.
If you frequent Mexico and the restaurants there enough, you'll know what I am talking about. There are plenty of places in California that serve "Americanized" versions of slightly more authentic Mexican food. Restaurants in Mexico not targeting American tourists don't even serve tortilla chips and salsa. You can't even buy a burrito there. Chips and the later concocted nachos were first introduced in the U.S. Tortilla chips were invented sometime after World War II. Nachos is purported to have been debuted at the Dallas State Fair in 1964. There are about 5 main varieties of Mexican food in the U.S. - Sanoran, New Mexican, TexMex, Baja, and Monterey. The later two being the predominant varieties in California. We could argue which is best. You are obviously partial to TexMex, but you can't call a snack invented for baseball games and fairs "real Mexican food".
Oh and by the way I live 6 miles from the Mexican border and frequent Mexico quite often and I still don't know what you are talking about.
One more thing- Nachos apparently were invented in Mexico in 1943. The story is easily found all over the internet.
My wife and I love Ted's. We live in Sand Springs and try to eat at Ted's at least once a month. Don't mind the wait because the food and service are both excellent.
Heck....I like it so much I'm taking the team of guys that work for me to lunch there today.
I can understand differences of opinion on the quality/taste of food, but those of you complaining about the service at Ted's are just looking for something to grumble about. Every time we have been there the service has been top nothch. Never had to wait on anything and refills were provided well before the point we even had to ask for them.
It just seems to me some of you are being elitist snobs when it comes to Ted's and other eating establishments in Tulsa.
quote:
Originally posted by wavoka
My wife and I love Ted's. We live in Sand Springs and try to eat at Ted's at least once a month. Don't mind the wait because the food and service are both excellent.
Heck....I like it so much I'm taking the team of guys that work for me to lunch there today.
I can understand differences of opinion on the quality/taste of food, but those of you complaining about the service at Ted's are just looking for something to grumble about. Every time we have been there the service has been top nothch. Never had to wait on anything and refills were provided well before the point we even had to ask for them.
It just seems to me some of you are being elitist snobs when it comes to Ted's and other eating establishments in Tulsa.
your final sentence completely contradicts the rest of your post...
you like it, it has always been great for you, you understand different tastes/preferences/experiences but people who don't like/go to ted's are "elitist snobs"???
I disagree that I am "looking for something to grumble about" when I saw my waiter only twice in an hour. That is not a matter of opinion, it is categorically poor service.
I also disagree that I'm being an elitist snob if I consider Taco Bueno better. I don't have a regular table at Bueno between the Warrens and the Kaisers or anything.
My suggestion:
Restaurants should never let the wait exceed around 45 minutes. When the wait gets that high the priority becomes serving quickly, not well. Also, most customers who wait 90 minutes are going to be very hungry and very demanding. They will tear the place apart and find every flaw like a New York restaurant reviewer. During major openings like that, the manager, or an assistant, needs to make a visit to every customer before they leave because the potential for problems is much higher when you've just opened and the first impression rule holds true.
Ted made a good offer to anyone not happy with their visit. Very rare to see that kind of effort.
Thanks, but no thanks Ted.
I've paid twice, been burned twice.
Food was awful the first time. Friend insisted that I try again and guess what...
Still awful
Anyone know a Tulsa Mex restaurant with sopa de fidello??
Zoog
I went to the BA location with some ladies from work. The food and service were good but average. It was more flashy and trendy than unique and tasty. For chain Mexican, I think On The Border is the best and it's much less expensive.
I really like Arizona (amazing white queso) or Santa Fe. I also like Rio Verde and Cancun, these are very small places with the emphasis on food and no emphasis on atmosphere - hence the food is amazing.
Mexico Viejo, Casa Laredo, Rancho Grande (great lunch buffet), and Costa Azul are also good non-chain restaurants.