Zarate's Latin Mexican Grill in Oklahoma City: Full-Service Sit-Down with Strong Enchilada and Chile Relleno Execution
Zarate's Latin Mexican Grill is a full-service sit-down restaurant serving traditional Mexican cuisine across two Oklahoma City locations, with an emphasis on sauced entrees and scratch-made preparation rather than assembly-line speed or casual takeout convenience.
What Zarate's actually is
Zarate's operates as a neighborhood Mexican restaurant with two OKC-area locations. The menu centers on combination plates, enchiladas, chile rellenos, and grilled proteins, with table service, full bar, and a customer base that skews toward people seeking a sit-down meal rather than quick lunch. The restaurant does not position itself as upscale or casual-fast; it occupies the mid-range Mexican dining middle ground common across Oklahoma City's south and central areas.
Menu, dishes, and pricing
Combination plates run $10 to $16 and typically include two to three items (enchiladas, chile rellenos, tacos, or tamales), refried beans, and Spanish rice. Enchiladas with red or green chile sauce are a core strength; the sauces are applied generously and cooked through rather than served on the side. Chile rellenos (poblano pepper stuffed with cheese, covered in egg batter and sauce) fall in the $11 to $14 range. Grilled plates, including carne asada and pollo asado, run $13 to $18 and come with the standard sides. Appetizers such as chile con queso, guacamole, and flautas range from $5 to $8. Margaritas and beer pricing is standard for full-bar Mexican dining in the metro area. Verify current pricing by phone, as menu prices adjust seasonally.
How it compares to other Mexican restaurants in Oklahoma City
Zarate's sits between casual chains like El Sombrero and more upscale options like Ted's Cafe Escondido. Compared to Ted's, Zarate's offers lower prices ($10-$16 vs. $14-$20+ for entrees), simpler plating, and a less polished atmosphere; choose Ted's if you want careful plating and craft cocktails, Zarate's if you want straightforward sauce-forward entrees at neighborhood prices. Against casual competitors like Fuzzy's Taco Shop or Tamashii, Zarate's leans toward sit-down service and fuller preparation rather than quick counter order; use Fuzzy's for a fast taco lunch, Zarate's for a full meal with service. The sauce application and Chile relleno consistency at Zarate's exceed most casual chains in Oklahoma City, a practical edge for anyone seeking properly executed versions of those two dishes.
Who it suits and who it does not
Zarate's works for families with children, groups seeking inexpensive full meals, and anyone prioritizing large portions and sauced dishes over dietary customization or trendiness. The casual, unfussy service and noise level suit people who are not dining for ambiance. Skip it if you need gluten-free accommodations, vegan options, or a quiet conversation space; the restaurant does not emphasize dietary restriction options, and the dining room is acoustically live and often crowded during dinner service.
What a first visit involves
Expect a short wait during lunch (noon to 1 p.m.) and dinner (6 to 8 p.m.) on Friday and Saturday. You will be seated at a booth or table, offered a drink menu, and given a printed menu listing combinations by number. Chips and salsa arrive before the order is taken. Entrees typically arrive within 15 to 20 minutes. Service is friendly but not detailed; staff do not upsell or offer pairing notes. Many customers order combination plates, which reduce decision friction. First-timers should order either an enchilada combination (to test the red or green sauce) or a Chile relleno plate (to assess the restaurant's technique on this demanding dish). Both are reliable indicators of execution.
Hours, locations, and parking
Zarate's operates two locations in Oklahoma City. Both open for lunch and dinner seven days a week; typical hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., but call ahead to confirm, as holiday hours vary. Parking is available at both locations in shared or dedicated lots; neither location is in a downtown high-density area. Street parking is not a concern. Both venues are cash-friendly but accept cards.
Zarate's survives in Oklahoma City's competitive mid-market Mexican segment because the kitchen handles sauced dishes and poblano prep with consistency that casual chains often skip, and prices remain accessible enough that a family of four can eat for under $60 before drinks.
