El Primo Loco in Oklahoma City: Carne Asada and Birria in Midtown
A casual Mexican restaurant on Northwest 23rd Street, El Primo Loco specializes in grilled meats and slow-cooked stews that pull from northern Mexican traditions rather than Tex-Mex standardization. The space operates counter-service with a small dining area, positioned as a lunch and early-dinner spot for diners who want substantial plates at modest prices rather than sit-down service or ambiance as the draw.
What El Primo Loco actually serves
The kitchen centers on carne asada, prepared over a grill from trimmed beef, and birria, a slow-cooked beef stew traditionally from Jalisco and Zacatecas. Both anchor the menu: carne asada arrives as grilled strips with grilled onions and peppers, served with warm flour tortillas, refried beans, and Mexican rice. Birria comes as a rich, spiced broth with shredded beef, served in a bowl with a side of warm corn tortillas for dunking or as a sandwich (birria tacos, where fried corn tortillas are dipped in the fat layer of the broth, then filled with meat and topped with diced onion and cilantro). Sides include charro beans (cooked with bacon and jalapeño), elote (grilled corn with mayo, cotija cheese, and lime), and fresh pico de gallo. Agua fresca and aguas frescas rotate seasonally; regular options include horchata and jamaica.
Menu and pricing
A carne asada plate runs $12 to $14 depending on portion size. Birria bowls are $10 to $12; birria tacos (typically four) are $8 to $10. Combination plates that pair carne asada with birria cost $15 to $17. Elote is $3 to $4. Agua fresca runs $2 to $3 per cup. Prices have remained stable, but confirming current rates by phone is advisable before a visit.
How El Primo Loco compares to other Mexican restaurants in Oklahoma City
El Primo Loco occupies a distinct niche among OKC's Mexican dining. Restaurants like Chelitas on NW 10th focus on taqueria-style items (carnitas, carne guisada, al pastor) and operate more as full-service sit-down spaces; El Primo Loco's carne asada and birria are less common in the city and draw specifically on the grilled and braised traditions of northern Mexico. Comparably priced counter-service spots like Abuelo's Tacos (also OKC-based) emphasize barbacoa and chorizo rather than the slower-cooked, broth-forward birria that El Primo Loco prioritizes. If you want tender, grilled beef with a side of substantial stew, El Primo Loco is the clearer choice. If you prefer the full taqueria spread or a longer sit-down meal, Chelitas or similar full-service restaurants serve that better.
Who this place suits and does not suit
El Primo Loco works well for diners seeking lunch or an early dinner (the spot closes early), with an appetite for meat-forward, warming dishes, and who don't need table service or lingering space. It's a practical stop for office workers on NW 23rd or families wanting a quick, filling meal. It does not suit those who prioritize vegetarian options, fine-dining presentation, or full-service pacing. The limited seating and counter format mean it's less suited to large groups or lingering conversation.
What to expect on a first visit
Arrive with a clear sense of whether you want carne asada, birria, or both; the menu is straightforward enough that you can order at the counter without extended deliberation. Expect to receive your plate within 10 to 15 minutes. Seating is first-come, first-served at small tables or high-top counters. Grab napkins and hot sauce (typically salsa roja and salsa verde, self-service) as you settle. The carne asada will be hot; the birria broth will be rich and require a measured approach if you're trying the tacos for the first time.
Hours, parking, and logistics
El Primo Loco operates Tuesday through Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Sunday 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; closed Mondays. Hours can shift seasonally or for holidays, so calling ahead is wise. Street parking is available on NW 23rd; a small lot serves the restaurant directly. The location is accessible by car; public transit access is limited.
El Primo Loco fills a gap in OKC's Mexican restaurant landscape by doing carne asada and birria with consistency and care, at a price and pace that makes a weekday lunch or Sunday dinner straightforward and satisfying.
