La Cabana Restaurant — Restaurant in McAlester

McAlester is home to the Naval Ammunition Plant, recognized as a leader in the manufacture of the finest, effective pyrotechnics, that have been enjoyed by millions of adversaries around the world. It is also home to societies most vile felons. The Oklahoma State Penitentiary, nicknamed "Big Mac," provides comfortable housing and three nourishing meals a day, to those that have earned the opportunity to be residents. The many truck stops along highway 69 helps to keep McAlester on the map as a place to fuel up and take a bio-break, as you continue your road trip to somewhere better. Your safest bet for food is one of the McDonalds. The boring little town of 18,000 is a restaurant desert. I don’t believe I have ever had a good meal in McAlester OK.

That brings this essay to the topic of La Cabana. La Cabana is a grungy little restaurant that blends with and complements the city’s ambiance. The air conditioner struggles. The restroom appears to have hosted an intense altercation leaving the cabinet door under the sink, torn from the hinges. The restaurant’s service is adequate, but slow. The servers seem indifferent to their tasks. The food is mediocre, from the canned tomato sauce salsa, to the bland beans. As you leave you can’t help but notice the junk, trash and carcasses of failed air conditioners piled behind the building. You cringe a little as you think that this is possibly indicative of the restaurant’s kitchen operation.

The service, unexceptional version of OkieMex food, and shabby structure invite you to try somewhere else, next time….in a different town.

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I cannot think of any reason to rate La Cabana less than five stars. Service A+ our waiter must have been a mind-reader; because, he was there with whatever we needed, right there & then, and he forgot nothing. The unsweetened iced tea actually tasted like something. It was nice. Everything came out as it should. Meaning: not too early. I hate getting an entree while we're eating our appetizers. That was very carefully watched here, obviously. We enjoyed the restaurant's version of queso fundido con chorizo, that was authentic and so tasty, and complimentary chips n salsa. Very nice. The chips are great and the salsa was perfect. Our entreés showed up and everything was as it should be. Nothing was forgotten. Double steak Fajitas served on a sizzling pan with perfectly cooked bell peppers and steak, extra Pico de Gallo on the side as requested w sour cream, fresh guacamole, no salt needed. It was all seasoned perfectly. Warmed flour and white corn tortillas were with our entrees and limes as well. We got to taste the 3 tamales dinner w/ salsa Verde as a special request and they were amazing!! They have the best Flan. It was certainly a large portion. Amazing place for casual dinner, or special occasion. It was mild and the perfect amount of spicy, the flavor was very on point. I didn't have to use salt one time! 🎉Comfortable seating. Restaurant was busy, but no wait, and they are very well staffed. This place is now one of my...

We all know I don't hand out 5 stars. So let's get started! This little restaurant is so inviting from the minute you walk in til the last bite. U have the atmosphere of a mariachi event on the walls and coming from the speakers in the back; to the unique photos and pictures on the wall. My husband and I had complimentary chips and dip, ofc I got queso, then we ordered. My husband had the beef chimichanga, with Mexican rice and refried beans topped with cheese. He did have to order a side of sour cream as the small lettuce salad does not come with this meal. As guys say uhh. Good!! LOL! No really, he thoroughly enjoyed his meal. Now I had the Chicken chimichanga with Mexican rice and refried beans topped with cheese. The rice was fluffy and tasted so perfect. I honestly didn't get to eat the beans I was already full! But the chicken chimichanga had a little too much cumin today. I'm not saying it wasn't good. It was cooked very nicely. The lettuce salad wasn't offered with this meal either but I didn't hesitate to order the guacamole! The staff here was very nice and friendly and I am sure we will visit again soon! Thank...