The Cantina in Oklahoma City: Contemporary Mexican with a Strong Cocktail Program
The Cantina is a mid-scale Mexican restaurant in Midtown Oklahoma City that focuses on house-made salsas, fresh masa, and a cocktail list built around tequila and mezcal. It occupies the space between casual neighborhood spot and destination dinner, with plated entrees and table service rather than counter ordering, and attracts diners seeking current Mexican cooking rather than Americanized comfort versions.
What The Cantina Actually Is
Located on Northwest 23rd Street in the Midtown district, The Cantina operates as a full-service restaurant with a bar that gives equal weight to spirits and food. The kitchen works with fresh ingredients and makes salsas and tortillas in-house, visible choices that set the tone for what arrives at the table. Dinner plates run to eight to twelve items, most involving grilled or braised proteins with vegetable sides and house-made accompaniments. The space seats roughly eighty across a main dining room and bar counter, with exposed brick and moderate noise levels that support conversation without isolation.
Menu, Pricing, and What to Order
Appetizers range from $8 to $14 and include ceviches, chile-based dips, and grilled vegetables with salsa verde. Entrees fall between $16 and $26, with popular plates including carne asada, chile relleno filled with cheese and topped with ranchero sauce, grilled fish with citrus and avocado, and slow-cooked carnitas. Sides of rice, beans, and grilled onions come standard. The cocktail menu centers on tequila and mezcal at $10 to $13 per drink, with margarita variations and spirit-forward options like palomas. Domestic beer runs $4 to $5; imported selections $5 to $6. Wine by the glass costs $6 to $9. Prices are current as of early 2025; verify by calling ahead for seasonal adjustments.
The carne asada and chile relleno are reliable entry points for first-time diners; both showcase the kitchen's hand-made elements without requiring knowledge of regional Mexican cooking.
How The Cantina Compares to Other Mexican Options in Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City has several Mexican restaurants serving different needs. Ted's Cafe Escondido, also in Midtown, emphasizes counter service, larger portions, and lower prices ($8 to $15 entrees), making it the faster and cheaper option for casual weeknight eating. Otro Cafe, further north, focuses on breakfast and lunch with a lighter, vegetable-forward menu. Los Favoritos Taco Shop specializes in breakfast tacos and quick service. The Cantina's distinction is its table-service format, emphasis on fresh-made components, and substantial cocktail program; choose it when you have time for a full meal and want spirits treated with the same care as food. Choose Ted's when speed and volume matter, or when you prefer casual counter dining.
Who The Cantina Suits and Who It Does Not
The Cantina works well for date nights, small group dinners, and diners comfortable with moderate prices and a bar scene. It suits people who value house-made elements and are willing to spend time at a meal. It does not suit those seeking quick takeout, families with very young children (the bar noise carries), or diners on a tight budget. It also does not market itself as kid-friendly; call ahead if you plan to bring children to confirm comfort level.
What to Expect on a First Visit
Arrive with a reservation on Friday or Saturday; walk-ins are accommodated on weeknights but waits can run thirty minutes or more on weekends. The host will seat you at the bar or dining table depending on availability. A server will bring water and the menu within a few minutes. Peruse the cocktail list first if spirits matter to you; tequila options change seasonally. Order an appetizer while deciding on entrees. Meals typically take ninety minutes to two hours from seating to check. The kitchen is not fast, but the pace is deliberate rather than slow.
Hours, Parking, and Logistics
The Cantina is open Tuesday through Sunday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., closed Mondays. Call ahead to confirm weekend hours, as restaurant schedules can shift. Street parking is available on Northwest 23rd and surrounding blocks; a small lot behind the building serves overflow. The nearest cross street is Walker Avenue. No reservation system is visible online; call the restaurant directly to book or arrive early for walk-in seating.
The Cantina has established itself as the Midtown destination for contemporary Mexican cooking with serious drinks, earning regular traffic from diners who prioritize craft over convenience.
