Taqueria Express
★★★★☆ 4 (62) • $
"I happened to be out past normal dining hours on the South Side last night, so I decided to grab something to eat. No shade on fast food (sometimes nothing will do but something battered pulled from a vat of bubbling fat), but I was looking for some Mexican/Mexican adjacent fare from both a dietary and flavor standpoint. So, like any good Yelper, I fired up my app. It led me to Taqueria Express.Now, I was born on the South Side and worked over there for several years, so I know this turf pretty well. I forget exactly what Express' building used to be (I'm thinking it was a Captain D's, but it might have been a barbeque joint. Anyway, I only bring this up because I'm always fascinated when entrepreneurs repurposed chain restaurant buildings, especially ones that have strong branding elements. When you're my age, you can spot an old school Braum's or Taco Bell at half a mile, but hustlers find a way to make it their own.It was around 11:15PM when I pulled in to the parking lot. When I walked in, they were mopping. I was the only customer there. I had no problem with that; I've worked late at restaurants and as long as I get fed, you can handle your business and get out as soon as the doors lock.The first thing that caught my attention was the extensive menu. Everything was displayed by name, menu number, and a photo. I was so hungry that it took me some time to decide, but I eventually decided on the Steak Ranchero. I omitted a couple of things for dietary reasons, and took a seat to wait for my order. Someone else came through the drive-thru and placed an order. After about five to seven minutes, my order came up and I was out the door.Now, I will bring up that as I was leaving, there were some young guys yelling at each other while traipsing through the vacant lots/fields behind the restaurant. It should be noted that there's an OnCue across the street from the restaurant, and a large newer design 7-Eleven a block north. May Avenue is a busy street, there are several apartment complexes nearby, and it was after 9PM. Nothing bad happened, but sensible people open their eyes wider and observe their surroundings the later it gets. As a wise person once told me, "If you stay ready, you don't gotta get ready." Enough said.So, I'm in the car and headed home. The food smells amazing, and I'm really hungry. I noticed the container's weight on my way to the car (surprisingly heavy), and I'm uncertain about how the dishes will be set up, so I put my hand in the bag to see if there's any way I can grab a bite of something. When I do, I feel something wet and it's not condensation. A little something had leaked out. I really didn't want to stop the car to investigate, so I stuck some napkins in the bag and hoped I didn't have a major issue on my hands. Once I parked at home, I saw that the container was so full, some of the sauce had leaked out of the styrofoam clamshell. The only reason why I bring this up is to put you on alert that if you get takeout or delivery. My portion was enormous, but so big that the clamshell couldn't hold it all neatly. Hey, God bless generosity.So, I park and I open the box. WOW, that's a lot of food. It's set up to be consumed with tortillas, so there was lettuce, tomatoes, a big chunk of lime, and (thank you, food gods) pickled carrots (pretty sure they're called Zanahorias en Escabeche, and they're proof that Latin culture is brilliant). The extra acid was welcome, because this dish was RIIIIIIIIIICCCCHHHHH. Incredibly flavorful. The sauce was thicker than what I typically see with most Ranchero dishes, and it made all the difference. Either they use roasted tomatoes in that sauce, or they let it simmer for a long period of time and then assemble the dish when it's ordered. Regardless of the method, this was one of the better dishes I've experienced in OKC in the past five years. It's that good. I literally sat in my car with the door open and just scarfed through that huge amount of food. It was amazing.Looking back this morning, I have several observations. One, I really want to go into the restaurant and have a sit down experience. Having all the ingredients presented the way they're intended at a table would probably be even better than the caveman approach I took last night (although I'm not complaining). Two, they have a number of breakfast dishes on their menu, and they look/sound great. If I would have known about this place when I was working on the South Side, it would have solved my persistent breakfast issues. Three, anyone coming here should temper their expectations with regards to decor. It's obviously a restaurant run by food-focused ownership/management. The finish/decor is inexpensive, and has some wear on it. However, it's clean, and the service was unfailingly kind. You're not coming here to be impressed by the table setups or the cool interior design. You're coming here for kick-ass food. And that's why I'll be coming back. HIGHLY recommended."
"This is a great place for a party, small gathering, or something more intimate. The decor is beautiful and the murals are amazing. The staff is very friendly and attentive and even when it's super busy or super slow they make sure you have everything you need. The food is always delicious and fresh. I highly recommend trying it out! Especially with these decent prices!"
"I was waiting for my pup at a vet appointment and went to have some lunch. I walked in here and it was a nice atmosphere and was greeted promptly. I was seated and got a water while waiting for the server.The server was very helpful in suggestions and favorites on the menu. I got the poke bowl and it was so delicious! They also have rotating local beers on tap. The server suggested I try to prairie esses and brought me a small sample. I had already ordered the prairie blueberry boyfriend. Both were very good sours. The server was awesome and I thoroughly enjoyed everything! I will be back!"
