I see that the cartel that operates the El Maguey restaurants has expanded its territory, with the opening of a new restaurant in Bixby. El Maguey Prime is the name for that location. Their online menu looks flashy and fancy. Enticing! I have been to the Claremore restaurant twice. That location goes by the name of just, El Maguey Mexican Food. Slightly different menu than Bixby and Bartlesville. Simpler. The food and service is good, and I recommend it. Check that review. What about El Maguey Mexican Grill and Cantina in Bartlesville. I have driven by the pinkish orange building on highway 75 many, many times purposely ignoring it; my car navigation destination locked in on chips and salsas elsewhere. Today, it is the destination. Ok, so you already know what color the outside of the building is. Inside the restaurant is clean without the mucous membrane scorching smell of Fabuloso. Gritty Mexican restaurants favorite air freshener. No high back wood booths or chairs with hand carved colorful scenes of Mexico. A few bright pictures on the wall, hand made vases scattered around here and there. Yeah, is still looks a little Mexicany looking without being gaudy; more on the classy side. On the large menu everything you would expect and a few items that are highlighted with the exclamation of NEW! One caught my eye. Tacos Al Pastor! The picture describes the platter of food better than I can, but I will throw a few words at it to help. Three large tacos. These are not the 50-cent sized, $2 each street tacos that you get from an unknown vendor in a trailer. These are packed with tender juicy pork, grilled pineapple, cilantro and pickled purple onion. I have not had any al pastor tacos, that come even close to these on delivering the flavor. Check the pictures. Add beans and rice, chips, salsa, and a small delicious guacamole…it was a big meal. Two tacos and I was done. That tasty little chili toreado did not go to waste. Oh, be sure to ask for the salsa picosa. Get some spice! That plate was 5 stars. The service today was provided by Mr. Luiz. Exceptional start to finish. On to the Sand Springs location. Then the season finale will be Bixby’s, El Maguey Prime. 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 probably been there.
El Maguey Mexican Grill & Cantina
Excerpts
I see that the cartel that operates the El Maguey restaurants has expanded its territory, with the opening of a new restaurant in Bixby. El Maguey Prime is the name for that location. Their online menu looks flashy and fancy. Enticing! I have been to the Claremore restaurant twice. That location goes by the name of just, El Maguey Mexican Food. Slightly different menu than Bixby and Bartlesville. Simpler. The food and service is good, and I recommend it. Check that review. What about El Maguey Mexican Grill and Cantina in Bartlesville. I have driven by the pinkish orange building on highway 75 many, many times purposely ignoring it; my car navigation destination locked in on chips and salsas elsewhere. Today, it is the destination. Ok, so you already know what color the outside of the building is. Inside the restaurant is clean without the mucous membrane scorching smell of Fabuloso. Gritty Mexican restaurants favorite air freshener. No high back wood booths or chairs with hand carved colorful scenes of Mexico. A few bright pictures on the wall, hand made vases scattered around here and there. Yeah, is still looks a little Mexicany looking without being gaudy; more on the classy side. On the large menu everything you would expect and a few items that are highlighted with the exclamation of NEW! One caught my eye. Tacos Al Pastor! The picture describes the platter of food better than I can, but I will throw a few words at it to help. Three large tacos. These are not the 50-cent sized, $2 each street tacos that you get from an unknown vendor in a trailer. These are packed with tender juicy pork, grilled pineapple, cilantro and pickled purple onion. I have not had any al pastor tacos, that come even close to these on delivering the flavor. Check the pictures. Add beans and rice, chips, salsa, and a small delicious guacamole…it was a big meal. Two tacos and I was done. That tasty little chili toreado did not go to waste. Oh, be sure to ask for the salsa picosa. Get some spice! That plate was 5 stars. The service today was provided by Mr. Luiz. Exceptional start to finish. On to the Sand Springs location. Then the season finale will be Bixby’s, El Maguey Prime. 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 probably been there.
It was OK. We were excited to see an el maguey in town because we love the one in claremore. I had a tamale, chicken taco, and beef enchilada with rice and steamed veggies. I wanted to try a variety to compare and it just wasn't the same. The tamale was very very dry but the flavor was decent, the chicken taco on the other hand was so juicy that my shell was falling apart, and the enchilada was just your average Mexican restaurant enchilada. Our server was nice enough but did not check on us but one time which I thought was weird because she checked on the other 2 tables frequently. The inside of the restaurant was really pretty actually, I loved the large light fixture in the dining area, it was giving sophisticated and fun. Pricing was pretty average, I can't remember what my fiancé got but with our 2 meals and 2 beers I think we ended up paying around $60 including the tip so not too bad. All in all, it's a fine Mexican restaurant. There are better ones and there are worse ones.
It was OK. We were excited to see an el maguey in town because we love the one in claremore. I had a tamale, chicken taco, and beef enchilada with rice and steamed veggies. I wanted to try a variety to compare and it just wasn't the same. The tamale was very very dry but the flavor was decent, the chicken taco on the other hand was so juicy that my shell was falling apart, and the enchilada was just your average Mexican restaurant enchilada. Our server was nice enough but did not check on us but one time which I thought was weird because she checked on the other 2 tables frequently. The inside of the restaurant was really pretty actually, I loved the large light fixture in the dining area, it was giving sophisticated and fun. Pricing was pretty average, I can't remember what my fiancé got but with our 2 meals and 2 beers I think we ended up paying around $60 including the tip so not too bad. All in all, it's a fine Mexican restaurant. There are better ones and there are worse ones.
Amazing food and wonderful service!