Casa Laredo downtown any good?

[OUGrad05]

I ate there for the first time today at lunch.  

The chips and salsa were really very good.  The queso as another mentioned lacked flavor.  The cheese enchiladas weren't bad but they weren't great.  El Guapos is definately the best mexican food downtown IMO.  But for lunch when time is of the essence I'd go back to the Casa.

[sgrizzle]

quote:Originally posted by 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.

I think they both close at 2.

[mrburns918]

quote:Originally posted by 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.

Nope, I do not own So-Chey, that would be George.

I have bit my tongue regarding El-Guapo because I love what Elliot has done for Tulsa. I hope that someday the food and service will rise to the level that their great Margaritas are on.

Mr. Burns

[zstyles]

Just go to east Tulsa for real Mexican...I find it the best over the "Tex mex" of anything mentioned here....Costa Azul is one of my fav Caribbean Mexican places....and there is never a wait and plenty of non-english speaking staff!

[grahambino]

wasn't overly impressed.

the tamale lunch special is overpriced.  those were some tiny tamales.

yeah, the chips, salsa and water were delicious.

[John Redcorn]

I've always liked casa laredo at 41st and peoria, never been to the one downtown, but to me the best mexican was casa laredo, puerto vallarto on 21st garnett, cancun 5th/lewis, and a now out of business place in BA 71st/145th can't remember the name.


The lady and I have been wanting to try el guapos for a while now but I've heard people say it's gross Ameri-Mex tex-mex stuff like El chico or chimis. Is that true?

[carltonplace]

It is tex-mex, but not gross.

[Conan71]

Be careful what you wish for.  "Real" Mexican can be a little gamey and road-killish.

[Gold]

LOL.  Seriously though, there is the Mexican food that was generated for folks in the US in the last 50 years and the real thing; and of the stuff that constitutes the "real thing," some of it is outstanding and some of it would creep out most on here.

I grew up going to Laredo.  Since it opened, better places sprang up.  But I have a soft spot for Laredo.  It's not outstanding; it doesn't suck, either.  Hard to fault them for taking a risk on downtown.

[John Redcorn]

quote:Originally posted by Conan71

Be careful what you wish for.  "Real" Mexican can be a little gamey and road-killish.

I was under the impression that the places I mentioned as well as like taco stands and taquerias were pretty "real". Are their recipes kinda americanized to please my american taste buds? Or is it higher quality meat here in the states that makes the difference? (Never been down south)

But I do hate me some obviously americanized stuff like el chicos or chimis or on the border and los cabos. The last 2 aren't quite as bad but I'd rather have bueno than el chico or chimis.