Cantina Grill — Restaurant in Oologah

Cantina Grill, located in the heart of downtown Ooglagah on West Cooweescoowee Avenue. It is easy to find from Highway 169. Just look for the longest street sign. My best guess is that the word is a form of profanity meaning, “something went wrong.”

My initial impression of the restaurant prior to the visit, was formed from the menu found on their Facebook page. Queso and lots of it. Available on everything. I didn’t want a plate of queso; so, I went with the fall back, and usually fool proof, carne asada. This is usually a safe selection; like ordering a club sandwich at an unfamiliar diner, when you are not too sure how good the food is.

The carne asada was not spectacular, but also not disappointing. Several medallions of very thin lean steak, probably sirloin, well-seasoned, grilled to a char on the outside, with a helping of grilled onions. The beans and rice were fantastic; both flavorful. Cooked by an expert. This is not quite what I would call a standard OkieMex restaurant. Authentic though. It has a smaller menu and a couple of unique menu items. One of them, the Mango Chicken, which my wife ordered.

So then, “Mango Chicken.” Not particularly attractive on the plate, but captivating in flavor. She raved about the taste. Strips of wonderfully seasoned grilled chicken breast and shrimp, mixed and grilled with chopped mango, peppers and tomatoes. A mouth filling mixture of flavors. Spice, shrimp, chicken, sweet mango, a little bitterness from green peppers and the tartness of the tomato. Add a side of the tasty beans and rice. She rated the meal very high on her list of favorite Mexican meals, “I would come here again for this Mango Chicken!” The unique and refreshing taste of this is worth a try; unless of course, you have your mind set on a queso smothered something.

Good chips and salsa. The salsa picante is brought out in little plastic cups, (individual adult dosage size) with lids, for your safety. Real HEAT! It should be kept in child proof containers. It was good!

A jolly, pleasant, friendly, young lady took care of us. Great service. Laid-back small-town atmosphere.

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Food was pretty good. I had the Oologah bowl. Was very heavy on the spinach (seemed to be buried under the food when it came out and I took the pic), but otherwise good. The shrimp was cooked just right and not over-cooked.

Rice and beans were on par for what I would expect.

Was a bit disappointed that I only got three (or maybe it was four?) tortillas though. I asked for more and was a little surprised to see the $0.99 charge for another three. 🙄 But whatever, not that big of a deal.

Salsa was mild but not bad.

Kids were happy enough with their Mac n cheese...

I'd noticed the name change awhile back. I was worried that my favorite menu item; Shorty's Chimis, was gone forever! But it was just a name change... same menu, same staff, same delicious & speedy service. My beloved 😋Shorty's😋 were still on the menu! The wife ordered a fabulous Tortilla Chicken Soup... loaded with chicken & great flavors. They still have beer/drink specials & the lunch specials...