Cantaritos Mexican Grill in Oklahoma City: Hand-Rolled Tortillas and Carnitas Tacos

Cantaritos is a casual counter-service restaurant specializing in made-to-order tacos, with a focus on carnitas, al pastor, and carne asada prepared in small batches throughout the day. The operation occupies a modest storefront and draws a steady mix of lunch crowds, construction workers, and families seeking straightforward Mexican street food at prices well below sit-down alternatives.

What Cantaritos actually is

The menu centers on tacos built around slow-cooked proteins: carnitas (pork shoulder braised until shredded), carne asada (grilled marinated beef), pollo asado (roasted chicken), and al pastor (vertical-spit pork with pineapple). Each taco arrives on a corn or flour tortilla made in-house, topped with onion, cilantro, and lime. The kitchen does not layer sauces or garnishes; the plate stays minimal, which signals that the protein quality carries the dish.

Tacos, pricing, and what sets them apart from other Oklahoma City taco options

Individual tacos cost $1.75 to $2.25 each, depending on protein. A three-taco order runs $5.25 to $6.75 before tax. Carnitas tacos hold steady at the lower end; carne asada and al pastor command the top price. Comparing this to Tamashii Ramen, which serves tacos as a secondary offering at $3.50 each, Cantaritos undercuts on per-unit cost and makes tacos the primary focus. Fuzzy's Taco Shop, a regional chain also present in Oklahoma City, charges $2.50 to $3.00 per taco with a bar-forward atmosphere and late-night service; Cantaritos skips alcohol entirely and targets the daytime and early-dinner window.

The distinction matters: Cantaritos prioritizes meat quality and hand-rolled tortillas over ambiance or beverage pairing. The carnitas deliver visible shred and fat render; the tortillas show char from the griddle. Neither Tamashii nor Fuzzy's emphasizes tortilla-making as part of the operation.

How to order and what to expect on a first visit

Walk to the counter, study the handwritten menu board, and order by protein and quantity. The staff assembles tacos while you watch, placing them on a plate with lime wedges and a small cup of salsa (typically red and mild, sometimes verde). No table service; payment is cash or card at the register. The space is eat-in or takeout; seating is limited to a few high-top tables and bar stools along the front.

First-timers should request carnitas or carne asada. Both showcase the kitchen's core strength. Skip the breakfast burritos if you arrive after 10:30 a.m., as they run out and are not remade mid-shift. If the al pastor looks freshly carved (meat still glistening on the spit), that is the order to make.

Who Cantaritos suits and who it does not

This place works for anyone seeking efficient, affordable protein-forward tacos without ceremony. Construction crews eating lunch in under five minutes, families splitting six tacos for under $20, and office workers grabbing takeout all operate comfortably here. The lack of alcohol and minimal seating mean it does not function as a hangout venue or date destination.

It does not suit those seeking loaded tacos with lettuce, cheese, sour cream, or other toppings. It also skips dietary accommodation; the kitchen works with a tight protein roster and does not field substitutions easily.

Hours, parking, and logistics

Cantaritos opens at 7 a.m. and closes at 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday; Sunday hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Confirm Sunday hours before visiting, as they shift with holidays. Parking is street-level only; the lot is small and often full during 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The closest paid lot is one block north. Payment is cash or card; no app or online ordering exists.

The storefront sits in a mixed commercial corridor just south of Downtown Oklahoma City, accessible by car or bike. Public transit options are limited; the nearest bus stop is two blocks away.

Why it matters in Oklahoma City

Cantaritos fills a gap between food-truck taco service and sit-down Mexican restaurants. It delivers consistent, properly cooked carnitas at a price that makes frequent visits realistic, which is rare in Oklahoma City's taco landscape.