El Chico Cafe — Restaurant in Tulsa

Went to grab a quick bite. The place was pretty calm for a restaurant on a Friday night, so my wife and I figured they would be a good place to stop in. We were seated, and the waitress was with us within a few minutes. So far, everything is fine, we asked to see the gluten-free menu due to my wife having food allergies. The waitress told us they didn't have, which we knew they do, 1: We went to the 21st location before and 2: they are listed as a gluten-free friendly restaurant on various aps. But we more or less figured out the menu and what she was able to have and what needed to be substituted. We knew the chips granted were corn, were likely contaminated, so she didn't have those. No problem, we knew this. But she took our order, and we were informing her of the food allergies (gluten and dairy) and requested substitutes. Though she wasn't able to help much. I understand that a potential language barrier may have played a part, but food allergies can potentially be dangerous to people. So we placed our order and the substitutes for her food, and the manager came by a few moments later (after the order was placed) and asked about the food allergies and he was very customer service oriented. He informed us that certain items such as the rice and steak may or do have gluten present and offered replacements for them. Which was greatly appreciated. But when the order came out, there was cheese on her dishes (requested no cheese or sour cream) that we had to send back. The waitress seemed frustrated that we wanted to return it. So another was brought out not long after, and things seemed fine until we found cheese within the guacamole (may have fallen in with the storage containers in the kitchen), so she had to avoid that. Honestly, for dietary needs, they dropped the ball on this one compared to their 21st location. Especially if someone is potentially celiac. My order was messed up as well, but mine was more based on preference, I never requested bacon + mushrooms (upcharge) on my dish, though it was put on anyway and charged for. I personally don't like mushrooms in any capacity. I'm not saying it is a bad restaurant. The food was alright, but I doubt we will return to this location. Purely based on the lack of concern from the staff, besides the manager on duty. The waitress didn't seem as attentive or worried about her patrons. I don't know if it was a bad friday, but my wife and I were not happy with the...

Poor delivery experience. I've always preferred El Chico's bean and cheese nachos. In my humble opinion the way they make them, the chips, beans, cheese, sour cream, guacamole and jalapenos, is simply the best way. I've eaten at El Chico for decades, since the 80s. Albeit at the restaurant on 21st street. Every time I ordered nachos that's what I got. A perfect blend of chips, beans and cheese with sour cream, guac, and jalapenos on the side. Perfect. NEVER, in over 20 years and many many plates, has only chips, beans, cheese and absolutely nothing else arrived. No condiments of any sort, not even hot sauce. But that's what I received earlier. When I called to complain I was told, in no uncertain terms, that it was my fault. According to the nice, condescending lady on the phone, you "have to specify" if you wish the store to include sour cream, guacamole, or any of the other toppings traditionally included with El Chico nachos. It's true, if you look at their menu there's no mention of any condiments. However, bizarrely, if you search for El Chico nachos online you'll find a consistent pattern, chips, cheese, beans, sour cream, and guacamole. Everywhere. In spite of this and the fact that I had over two decades of previous nacho experience where EVERY meal included these basic nacho staples, it seems I made a massive mistake assuming I'd get the same delivered via Doordash. Or maybe my mistake was assuming El Chico would care about customer satisfaction. In either case, unless you enjoy disappointing delivery experiences don't make the same mistake as I and order from the 71st...

I can’t deny, other than Taco Bell I have eaten more Mexican food at El Chico than any other Mexican chain restaurant.

When I only had pennies in my pocket, the Taco Bell Bean Burrito was king. Later on in life, when I had a few more pennies, dining at El Chico was high end dining. A luxury. It seemed that no matter where I lived or where I traveled, there was an El Chico. Consistency, availability and satisfying TexMex. All those years and even now, there is one meal and one meal only for me, Mama’s Favorite Enchilada Dinner.

A simple filling plate, of delicious spicy goodness. Two enchiladas filled with well-seasoned beef and smothered in dark rich TexMex chili. Perfect beans and rice on the side. Before that hot plate of food arrived, crispy chips, mild and salsa picante, and something no other restaurant has, El Chico’s signature relish bowl of carrots, onion and jalapeno. You have to pace yourself and remember you also ordered a big plate of food.

The service we had with this excellent meal was stellar. Diana an energetic, personable, friendly young lady took care of us. She wears a big smile and has sparkling eyes that brightened our table. I left stuffed with great TexMex food and with having the pleasure of experiencing competent, caring, first-class service. A rarity in large chain restaurants. I needed that!

If you are looking for other Mexican restaurants in the area, check out my reviews in my collection "Jalapeno Highway" by Spike S. on Yelp. I've...