Casa Laredo downtown any good?

[onehandoneheart]

Hey guys. Long time forum reader, first post.

My family and I are going to the Carrie Underwood concert this evening and we're looking for a place to eat tonight. We were thinking of giving Casa Laredo a try. I looked at some reviews on Yahoo! and there a couple of people who have said the food at the downtown location isn't good. Has anyone tried it?

Could you recommend any other restaurant downtown fairly close to the BOK Center?

Thanks!

[sgrizzle]

There have been other reviews posted here that concur with what you read on Yahoo.

My choice would be to to go El Guapos which is not that close but there is a shuttle that runs downtown during major events and has a stop right by El Guapos.

[inteller]

i would suggest finding another restaurant.  They have great location, but the food is not good.

[mrburns918]

The downtown Tulsa area lacks a good Mexican restaraunt. I have tried Laredo twice, it was horrible.

I recommend you try So-Chey, the food and atmosphere is excellent. They have a new menu with pricing to fit everyone's budget.

Mr. Burns

[inteller]

quote:Originally posted by mrburns918

They have a new menu with pricing to fit everyone's budget.

Mr. Burns

so you mean on the low end of the menu they just give you a paper plate and a napkin to eat?

[Wrinkle]

I have yet to visit the downtown location, but always enjoyed very much Casa Laredo's food at their original location. Finding it hard to imagine anyone not finding it at least par.

Their comp'd chips and salsa is a treat.

[RecycleMichael]

Their chips and salsa are excellent. Their cheese sauce is bland.

Their margaritas are strong, their service staff are great and their location is wonderful when going to the BOKcenter.

The food is OK.

[mrburns918]

quote:Originally posted by inteller

quote:Originally posted by mrburns918

They have a new menu with pricing to fit everyone's budget.

Mr. Burns

so you mean on the low end of the menu they just give you a paper plate and a napkin to eat?

Who said anything about you getting a plate?

Someone buy the building (around the 15th and Peoria area) where the Sub shop is located and turn it into a 24hr diner. I think it would be pretty successful at that location.

Mr. Burns

[candidgentleman]

It has good prices and is the only one within walking distance of the BOK Center. It's got a laid back atmosphere where you can enjoy authentic mexican food before heading to an Event. If you are looking for a romantic Jazz place to take a girly girl SoChey's is the place. If you're looking for real mexican food, Casa Laredo is the place.

[Ibanez]

quote:Originally posted by candidgentleman

It has good prices and is the only one within walking distance of the BOK Center. It's got a laid back atmosphere where you can enjoy authentic mexican food before heading to an Event. If you are looking for a romantic Jazz place to take a girly girl SoChey's is the place. If you're looking for real mexican food, Casa Laredo is the place.

There is nothing authentic about Casa Laredo. The food is barely one step above a frozen dnner.

[YoungTulsan]

I find this hard to believe, as I used to regular their Brookside location back in the day.  Did their period of closure make them forget how to make great food?  Or did they just totally skimp on quality to make up for the change in food prices these days combined with their obviously high next-to-the-arena rent?

Did the menu totally change?

[mrburns918]

quote:Originally posted by YoungTulsan

I find this hard to believe, as I used to regular their Brookside location back in the day.  Did their period of closure make them forget how to make great food?  Or did they just totally skimp on quality to make up for the change in food prices these days combined with their obviously high next-to-the-arena rent?
Did the menu totally change?

Oh no, it's still consistent. Like Ricardo's it has always consistently sucked.

Just my opinion. Walking into Ricardo's is like walking into another dimension. I swear everyone seems different and a bit off like my relatives in Ardmore or the kids in Village of the Damned.

Mr. Burns

[Townsend]

It is edible but I'd never tell someone to go there.

I'd like to ask them to make something the way they'd make it for themselves.

[groundhog]

I've eaten at Casa Laredo about 5 times since it has opened (3 months ago), and with each return visit have found that BOTH the service and the quality of the food have been better than the previous time. Try the Flautas. Amazingly good.

Althogh I love the rooftop patio at El Guapos, Casa Laredo does not suffer from the same all-the-food-has-a-similar-odd-smokey-taste problem that Guapo's has.

On my most recent visit to Casa Laredo, I chose from their lunch special menu ($5.50) and had two delicious, queso-soaked, soft tacos with rice and beans on the side.  The food was delivered to my table about 5 minutes after we ordered on searing hot plates.  I was out the door in 30 minutes, tip included for $8.

The comment about SoChey's having affordable prices has to have been written by one of the owners or manager. I hope that the place does well, but don't kid yourself, this is a place to drop some cash on a hot date. It has entrees with prices that rival the most expensive "foodie" restaurants in town, but without the quality or presentaion of other Tulsa foodie restaurants (e.g. Palace Cafe, Oscar's, and Lava). I've seen the new menu and didn't perceive much of a change in pricing -- $15 - $30 entrees, with some $10 burger or appetizer options.  Also, I have eaten there three times and found the service extremely slow and was disappointed by the lack of food on the plate with the lesser-priced options, especially the steak panini.  No sides come with the lesser-priced options. The lower-level, swanky basement-style atmosphere is no different from the former Pomodori's, which I have always liked.

I'd like to see BOTH restaurants survive, seeing as they are the closest entertainment rooms to the BOK Center and each have taken a risk and are making downtown more vibrant at night.  Therefore, here's my rec if you're looking for a bite to eat before or after a show at the BOK Center or the PAC:

1.  If you are looking for a quick place to feed a group (with or without strong margaritas) without breaking the bank, then try Casa Laredo at the corner of 4th and Cheyenne. They may have some live salsa music for you at night in the bar.

2. If you're looking for a place to casually have a meal without a time committment and with a larger budget, choose SoCey at the corner of 3rd and Cheyenne. They may have some live jazz for you.

[inteller]

no if you are going to catch a show at the PAC then I would say walk up Boston and go to the Boston Grille, or Elote's if they are open.