Taqueria El Mezcal in Oklahoma City: Carnitas and Barbacoa from a Truck on NW 23rd

Taqueria El Mezcal is a food truck specializing in slow-cooked Mexican meats, operating from a fixed lot in northwest Oklahoma City and serving tacos, tortas, and plates at prices under $12 for a full meal.

What the truck actually is

The operation runs from a permanent spot on NW 23rd Street between Walker and Meridian and focuses on traditional preparations: carnitas (pork cooked in its own fat), barbacoa (beef or lamb braised until shredded), and al pastor (meat roasted on a vertical spit). The truck operates as a lunch and dinner service with a small customer window and no seating, making it a takeout-only model suited to quick stops or orders for eating elsewhere.

Menu and pricing

Tacos run $1.75 to $2.50 each depending on meat selection, with carnitas and barbacoa at the higher end. A three-taco order with two sides (typically refried beans, rice, or fresh onion and cilantro) costs between $7 and $9. Tortas (stuffed sandwiches on bolillo bread) with the same proteins range from $6.50 to $8. Plate orders, which include rice, beans, and three corn or flour tortillas alongside a protein portion, fall in the $9 to $12 range. The truck does not serve alcohol or beverages beyond what customers bring themselves; many regulars buy sodas or agua fresca from neighboring businesses.

How it compares to other Oklahoma City food trucks

Taqueria El Mezcal occupies a middle ground between high-turnover taco carts that emphasize speed and lower-cost food trucks that serve multiple cuisines. Trucks like Tamashii Ramen focus on a single noodle format and charge $10 to $12 per bowl, making them pricier per item. By contrast, trucks operating near Bricktown or the Plaza District often charge $2.75 to $3.50 per taco, which adds up faster for a meal. Taqueria El Mezcal's commitment to slow-cooking meats in-house rather than assembling from pre-prepared bases distinguishes it from operations that treat the truck primarily as a distribution point for catering or meal-prep services. If you want quick, cheap tacos with multiple protein choices, nearby cart vendors on NW 10th or around Stockyard City offer competitive speed. If you prioritize meat quality and don't mind slightly longer waits, Taqueria El Mezcal is the stronger choice.

Who it suits and who it does not

The truck works best for people who live or work nearby, have 10 to 15 minutes to spare during lunch or dinner, and are comfortable eating in a vehicle or taking food elsewhere. The carnitas and barbacoa appeal to anyone seeking authentic braised textures that require slow cooking; these are not the seasoned ground meats found at faster chains. It does not suit diners seeking dine-in atmosphere, full beverage service, or a wide variety of side dishes beyond rice and beans. Those with dietary restrictions should ask directly about preparation methods, as shared cooking surfaces and ingredient sourcing are not publicly detailed.

What the first visit involves

Pull into the lot, approach the window, and order by pointing to the menu board or stating your choice. Payment is typically cash, though some food trucks in Oklahoma City now take cards via mobile payment; call ahead to confirm. The wait during peak lunch (11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.) or dinner (5:30 to 7 p.m.) can reach 15 minutes if the truck is busy. Off-peak visits are nearly instant. Once you receive your order, find a nearby parking spot or curb to eat, or take the food home.

Hours, parking, and logistics

Taqueria El Mezcal operates Tuesday through Saturday, typically opening at 11 a.m. and closing around 8 p.m., though hours can shift seasonally; call or check social media to confirm exact times before planning a visit. The lot itself has informal parking for two or three vehicles at most. Street parking on NW 23rd is available but can be tight during afternoon hours. The truck sits roughly two blocks north of the Mesta Park neighborhood, making it accessible from I-44 via the NW 23rd exit. No restroom facilities are available on site.

Taqueria El Mezcal fills a specific gap in Oklahoma City's food truck landscape: owners unwilling to sacrifice cooking time for convenience, and customers willing to wait for meat prepared the way it is meant to be. The truck has developed a steady following among NW OKC workers and residents who value the consistency of slow-cooked proteins over novelty or speed.