La Catrina in Oklahoma City: Authentic Mexican Street Food from a Neighborhood Fixture
La Catrina is a Mexican food truck specializing in traditional carne asada, carnitas, and al pastor tacos, operating from a single location in central Oklahoma City with a modest but loyal customer base built over years of consistent quality and fair pricing.
What La Catrina actually is
La Catrina operates as a permanent or semi-permanent food truck rather than a roaming cart, anchored to a reliable spot where regulars know to find it. The truck focuses on grilled and slow-cooked meats served on corn or flour tortillas, paired with onion, cilantro, and fresh lime, reflecting the preparation style of Mexico City street vendors rather than Tex-Mex adaptation. The operation is small enough that peak hours can mean a brief wait, but the volume stays low enough that each order receives proper attention.
Menu and pricing
Tacos cost $2 to $2.50 per piece when ordered individually, with most customers buying three to four as a meal. A full pound of carne asada, carnitas, or al pastor runs $12 to $14 and comes with warm tortillas, allowing you to build your own tacos or use the meat for other dishes. Agua fresca and aguas frescas (horchata, Jamaica) are $2 to $3 per cup. The truck does not serve alcohol. Prices have remained stable within this range, though input costs can shift supply costs slightly; confirm current pricing by phone before a large order.
How La Catrina compares to other Oklahoma City food trucks
Oklahoma City has multiple Mexican food trucks, but most operate on a broader menu that includes quesadillas, burritos, and fried items. Trucks like those found at regular stops near Northside or near the Plaza District tend to emphasize volume and variety. La Catrina's narrower focus on grilled meats means faster service for what you actually order but less flexibility if you want something outside the core menu. Compared to sit-down taquerias in Oklahoma City, La Catrina offers lower prices (roughly half the cost per taco at a full restaurant), no table seating, and food that prioritizes the meat rather than sauces or sides.
Who La Catrina suits and who it does not
This truck works best for people who want straightforward, inexpensive tacos without negotiating a long menu or waiting through a crowded dining room. It suits lunch breaks, quick dinners, and anyone craving grilled meat with minimal adornment. It is not the place for table service, full meals with multiple sides, or exploration of regional Mexican cuisines beyond the grilled-meat core. Those seeking a sit-down experience or full-service restaurant atmosphere should head to a taqueria or casual Mexican restaurant instead.
What the first visit involves
Approach the truck and review the menu posted on its side or window, which usually lists the day's protein options and base prices. Order by pointing or naming your choice: carne asada, carnitas, al pastor, or pollo (chicken). Specify the number of tacos or request a pound if buying larger quantities. Pay cash or confirm card payment before ordering, as mobile payment options vary by truck. Your tacos will be assembled in front of you, with toppings applied by the vendor. Eat standing near the truck, find a nearby curb or bench, or take your order away. A first visit typically takes five to ten minutes from order to food in hand.
Hours, location, and logistics
La Catrina operates from a fixed location in central Oklahoma City, most reliably during lunch hours and early evening (roughly 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., though hours can shift seasonally). The exact address and current hours are best confirmed by phone or a recent online check, as food trucks sometimes relocate or adjust schedules. Parking depends on the specific lot or street where the truck is stationed; most locations offer street parking or a small adjacent lot. No reservations are available; you order and pay on arrival.
La Catrina earns its place in Oklahoma City's food truck scene by doing one thing consistently well: delivering restaurant-quality carne asada and carnitas at a price that reflects the simplicity of the operation rather than the quality of the meat.
