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A Tour of Hispanic Food in Downtown Tulsa

September 19, 2022

Category:  Dining

Hispanic food is culturally rich, exciting, complex, and most of all delicious. If you are in the mood for some homemade cuisine with a little adventure, come to Downtown Tulsa enjoy one of our Hispanic eateries!

Donde vaya, ve con mucho apetito! (Wherever you go, take a big appetite!) Downtown Tulsa will surely provide.


Salsa and meals at La Tertulia
La Tertulia

La Tertulia 

The story of La Tertulia in Tulsa's Blue Dome District dates back 50 years. June and Willie Ortiz, two Santa Feans without any experience in the restaurant industry, were fueled by the belief that if they brought Santa Fe a fine dining experience, those who came would embrace their love of Native New Mexican food. Using Willie’s pension, they leased a convent to open their first restaurant. Now the Ortizes have reimagined this family treasure with you here in Downtown Tulsa!

Here is a peak at their menu: 

  • Chorizo Flautas 
    Chorizo, flour tortillas, cheese, salsa verde
  • Enchilada Plate 
    Three-layered house-made blue corn tortillas, red or green chile, cheese, Spanish rice, and pinto beans (optional: add chicken, beef, carnitas, or carne adovada) 
  • Pair with their house sangria and Capirotada for dessert!

Empanadas and other food at Que Gusto
Que Gusto

Que Gusto 

Carla and Fernando Meneses' fresh, handmade Ecuadorian food comes from family recipes and decades of feeding happy, hungry crowds. They believe that even on the busiest of days and with the fastest of meals, food should be an experience at Que Gusto. Each bite is a moment filled with flavor and the power to transport you across the world. 

This Tulsa Arts District eatery is a spot where everything you eat will fill you with joy and anticipation for your next visit!

Make sure to try their:

  • Fried Plantains 
    Sweet plantains fried in organic canola oil
  • EMPANADAS! 
    Their baked empanadas have 5 ounces of delicious stuffing: beef, chicken, pork, vegetarian, vegan, tomato and cheese, breakfast, or vegan breakfast (gluten-free option available!) 
  • Pair with their organic, house-made beverages and a dulce de leche cookie! 

    beans, rive, pico de gallo, and fajitas at Mexicali Border Cafe
    Mexicali Border Cafe

    Mexicali Border Cafe 

    Feeling like a little Tex-Mex? A casual Mexican eatery, Mexicali in the Tulsa Arts District serves familiar favorites and original dishes! They’ve been in Downtown Tulsa for nearly 30 years, but their story starts in 1917 when Julio Tumatoe won the Mexicali cantina in a poker game. Ol’ Julio was good at poker, but his wife was even better at cooking. As she made fresh Baja dishes from generational recipes in the little kitchen out back, word spread fast that Mexicali had the best food and the coldest drinks.

    Check out a few of their menu options:

    • Stuffed Jalapeños 
      Hand-breaded jalapeños filled with cheddar cheese and deep fried to perfection, served with pico de gallo and sour cream
    • Durango Chicken 
      A grilled chicken breast topped with melted jack cheese, roasted poblanos, cilantro, and bacon. Served with rice and sautéed vegetables. 
    • Pair with one their many margaritas, and finish with flan! 

    tacos and chips at Elote Cafe & Catering
    Elote Cafe & Catering

    Elote Cafe & Catering 

    When Libby Billings opened Elote in 2008, she wanted to serve fresh, innovative Mexican food in the heart of Downtown Tulsa using local products and sustainable practices. Founded in 2008 with just five employees, Elote has grown from a small lunch spot to a key in the revitalization of the Deco District, hosting community events including Salsafest, chihuahua races, Cinco de Mayo, Drag Brunch, and luchador wrestling. Elote has also led the city with its sustainable practices such as recycling, composting, and using biodegradable to-go boxes.

    As far as their delicious Mexican food goes, try these options: 

    • Luchador Scoop Slam 
      Black beans, white queso, free range chicken, tomatillo sauce, crema fresca, pico de gallo, jalapeños, and guacamole 
    • Pork Tamales 
      House-made tamales served with chipotle crema fresca 
    • Pair with their Mexican classic horchata, Jamaica, or Tamarindo beverages, and a sopapilla! 

    Pork Taco at Taqueria Et Al.
    Taqueria Et Al.

    Taqueria Et Al. 

    Taqueria Et Al. is every Tuesday from 5-10 PM at Foolish Things Coffee Co. in Downtown Tulsa.

    Taqueria Et Al. is led by chef Marco Herrera and focuses on fresh masa. He sources heirloom field corn from Mexico that is then used to make hand-pressed, fresh tortillas that are cooked to order. All of this Cathedral District spot's dishes are a reflection of Chef Marco’s own Mexican-American identity; he is a first-generation immigrant from the border city of El Paso, Texas.  

    In addition to tacos, Taqueria Et Al. offers other antojitos (snacks), a small natural wine selection, Mexican and local beers, and other beverages to complement their food menu. They offer different special tacos, drinks, and other items weekly and strive to showcase the full spectrum of Mexican food. 


    various dishes at Restaurant Basque
    Restaurant Basque

    Restaurant Basque 

    Downtown Tulsa’s only Spanish restaurant offers a unique European dining experience meant to be enjoyed at a comfortable pace over multiple shared courses. The staff recommend that you make selections from various sections of the menu, then sit back and relax while they guide you through the evening.

    The exquisite dishes you'll find at this Tulsa Arts District spot were inspired by Executive Chef Andrew Donovan's travels through the Basque region of France and Spain. The menu reflects a mix of traditional Basque fare and regionally grown ingredients. 

    Consider these amazing entrees:

    • Garnacha & Dark Chocolate Leg of Lamb
      This gluten-free dish is served with polenta cakes, broccolini, and rosemary jus
    • Espinacas con Garbanzo
      A spinach and chickpea stew with ginger, coconut milk, and curry. Gluten-free and vegan!
    • Pair with a glass of vino from their extensive list of wines from Spain and Southern France!


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