Taqueria Los Carbones: barely just another Okla-Mex place
by Tim | February 13, 2008 | 18 Comments
(votes: 27, average: 3.93) 
Loading ...Taqueria Los Carbones is located at 4621 N. May Ave. in Oklahoma City (map).
As you all know, I get excited about new and potentially unique restaurants opening in the Oklahoma City area. So, over the past few weeks, I’ve been watching them build out a new Mexican place where Zorba’s used to be, in the little building near 46th and May. The sign out front said “Taqueria Los Carbones — Traditional Mexican Grill” which got me pretty excited thinking that we don’t really have a lot of taquerias in this town. My mind started racing with visions of a menu full of unique taco combinations, tasty, interesting salsas, and unique flavors. But alas, when I got to try the place, I found nothing more than another Okla-mex restaurant, and a sub-standard, fairly bland one at that.
I sat down and scooped up the menu, my eyes eagerly searching it for the tacos that would set this place apart from the crowd. Unfortunately, all I saw was dish after dish of standard Okla-mex fare: enchilada plate, burrito plate, fajita plate, rice and beans with everything … etc. Oh wait, over in the lower left-hand corner, almost hidden by the loads of text crowding the menu was a listing of the taco choices. To be fair, they did actually have a few unique taco options, but why were they hidden on the menu as if they didn’t matter? There were a couple types of pork, one brisket, and even a cow tongue taco. “Ok, now we’re talking,” I thought to myself, “this is what will make this place great.”
So, after I figured out how to order the tacos (you have to use inductive reasoning to figure out that you order the “taco plate” from the right side of the menu and pick your two taco selections from the left side), I asked for the taco plate with one pork taco and one brisket taco. Of course, they came with beans and rice, so I asked if there were options and the waiter said they had black beans, so I thought I’d give them a try (I’m not much of a refried bean fan so multiple bean options are always good).
While we waited, we got to try the chips and salsa. There’s no cheese sauce. Now, I don’t mind that so much but if you’re going to compete as an Okla-mex place, I think you pretty much have to have cheese sauce. You wouldn’t have to have cheese sauce if something else set you apart, but unfortunately for Los Carbones, nothing does. They did have two types of salsa, a red and a green. Both were pretty bland. No kick. No spice. No real heat. No real flavor. Too bad.
Now, onto the main course. The two tacos were served in taqueria-style with two, soft corn tortillas and just the meat filling — no other fillers like lettuce … etc. I actually like this style and it is unique. The two meats I tried were good, but they were a little bland, and adding the equally bland green salsa didn’t really help much. The black beans, however, were horrible. I’ve really never had black beans that were horrible. It seems like a hard thing to mess up, but there they were. The rice was also very dry and tasteless.
So, all in all, you can tell that I was pretty underwhelmed with this place. I’ll admit part of my problem to be the fact that I was expecting something different given the name. But in truth, I really think this place really could be unique. Here’s my recommendation.
They need to play up the taqueria part. Maybe they could offer a few more taco selections and feature them on the menu, and lower the price. The tacos are $2.50 each and, for what they are, they are not worth it. The taco platter was $6.50, also overpriced in my opinion given the quality. In comparison, I went to Taqueria Del Sol in Atlanta, which was featured by Bon Appetite Magazine as one of the best taco places in the nation, and their tacos are only $2.19 each. So, I’m thinking our friends at Taqueria Los Carbones ought to lower the price a bit and try to get more people to drop in for a taco or two. They should pick a few additional items and spice them up. Heat up the salsas. Add some flavor to the beans and rice. Maybe even make some fresh guacamole. If they could feature the tacos and then just support them with a few tasty extras, the place could be great.
Has anyone had a great taqueria experience in Oklahoma City? Please share it in the comments below.
We want to hear from you!
So far, 18 people have responded to this article. Won't you join in?February 15th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
Thanks for the review. I was dead set on trying them out today instead of going to one of the usual Taquerias that I eat at. I must say that after eating at Carnitas Michoacan in Edmond - where the Tacos cost $1 each and are rather tasty, I would have been really disappointed by going here. Thanks for the heads up!
February 15th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
You’re welcome, Guatty. And thanks for the tip on the Edmond place. I may have to try that.
February 20th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
I’ll second Carnitas Michoacan in Edmond. Skip the pollo, but go for the pastor or asada tacos. Good and cheap!
February 20th, 2008 at 10:09 pm
I say go to Max Burger!
March 4th, 2008 at 6:37 pm
Wow! I understand everyone giving their opinion of what they consider great or even good food… However if you haven’t tried Los Carbones, I totally recommend it! I have been there 3 times and really enjoyed everything I’ve ordered. It is not the same ole Okla-Mex or Tex-Mex at all, it seems to fit the statement on the sign, “Traditional”. Also, I received queso with my chips and salsa. Speaking of salsa… I love it! Great tasting salsa accentuates the rest of the food and brings out the true flavor as if they were meant to be together… That doesn’t happen by mistake! So, give it a try. And the price? Totally reasonable!
March 5th, 2008 at 7:27 am
Chad, thanks for sharing a different perspective. Hearing from others who disagree with us is vital. That’s what makes this site a comprehensive resource, so thank you!
I’ll admit that my experience here was right after their open and it’s very possible they’ve made some changes for the better since then. In fact, maybe it’s possible our review actually spurred on some of the changes (like offering cheese sauce)? You never know.
Thanks again and I’d love to hear anyone else’s experiences.
March 7th, 2008 at 1:04 am
I agree with Chad. The foot at Los Carbones is excellent. Very authentic, they added cheese sauce because a lot of people were complaining that they didnt have it. Every one in OK is so used to Tex-Mex or Okie-Mex. In Mexico, cheese sauce in unheard of. They have added a new chipotle salsa and habanero salsa. Besides if you live on the North side, it saves you a trip to like Tacos San Pedro. San Pedro is great but Carbones is better and they use much better cuts of meat especially with their beef and chicken. They pretty much have everything that you can get at a taqueria or your favorite Tex-Mex place minus the chili and sour cream sauce. I recommend everyone to go there and eat some real Mexican food. They have a lot of the same food that you can find a little taco stand in Central Mexico.
March 7th, 2008 at 7:27 am
Kevin, I agree that cheese sauce is unheard of in Mexico. Even in south Texas, most places only have salsa. But, my point was that in Oklahoma, everyone expects cheese sauce, so you almost have to have it in order to compete. You just have to play the hand you’re dealt up here. I’m glad to hear they’ve added a couple new salsa choices, too.
Anyone else have an experience to share? If the positive comments keep coming in, I will definitely have to give this place another try.
March 16th, 2008 at 11:50 am
I must disagree heavily with the person who reviewed this restaurant. For starters, cheese sauce is not served in Mexico. I travel there several times a year, and I have yet to be offered this outside of the United States.
REAL gorditas, like those served for breakfast at Los Carbones are the best I have had north of the border. Also, the fact that they cook with nopales is a huge plus for those of us who like REAL Mexican food.
Their tortas are fantastic, and their salsas (both green and red) are authentic and carry a nice kick. They have a great special daily, and I recommend the pork with cabbage.
April 13th, 2008 at 11:15 am
I’ve got to agree with all of the positive comments for Los Carbones. My wife and I have eaten there three times since they opened. Each time we go the owner brings us at least four different types of salsa. There is usually a red salsa, tomatillo salsa, pico de gallo, chipotle and habanero. If you want something with a little more spice just ask and I’m sure they’ll bring you something that will knock your socks off.
The tortas and the gorditas are wonderful. Their carne al pastor is among the best I’ve ever had. The quality of their meat is much better than any of the taquerias we’ve been to in Oklahoma City.
April 29th, 2008 at 9:15 am
Los Carbones does have a place in OKC’s Mexican food market. I agree with all of the positives on this list. Another great dish is the guiso rojo. I usually go with beef. Los Carbones is a great place to eat. The staff is friendly and the owner is always present.
If you haven’t tried it yet, take the opportunity to visit!!!
April 29th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
Wow. Well, the positive comments and high ratings keep rolling in. I’m definitely going to have to give Carbones another try. My first visit was very close to their opening, so perhaps they have improved quite a bit since then. I hope so.
May 5th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
I tried out Carbones on Saturday and opted for the potato and vegetarian tacos — both were good, if not great. The salsa was fresh and spicy. The cheese sauce was better than I’d had in other Okla-Mex restaurants.
My brother-in-law’s fajitas were a little greasy, but they tasted great and my wife even liked her chicken quesadilla. I know we’ll be going back, hopefully to try a few more dishes.
May 9th, 2008 at 5:20 pm
Ok, everyone, I went back for lunch at Los Carbones today. The only reason I returned was due to your overwhelming comments and votes in favor of this restaurant. Since I originally went the first week they opened, I figured it was possible that things had improved. I went hoping that I would be pleasantly surprised … but unfortunately, I wasn’t.
I will say that I think my title for this article was inaccurate. It’s not fair to say this is “barely more than another Okla-mex place.” That was the impression I got my first time but after returning, I do see that they offer quite a few things you don’t get at most Okla-mex places.
However, I still have to say that after having been here twice, I just don’t see what everyone loves about it. I’m not saying that it’s bad, but it’s just not exceptional in my opinion, and it is far more expensive than most other taquerias, especially the ones you would find on the south side.
This time I had a gordita al carbon and a taco al pastor. Both were fine, but they cost me $6.50 (tax included), and that’s not even with a meal, just ala carte. The meat in the al carbon was very tough and had a strange, earthy flavor. Still, it wasn’t bad, just not great.
Also, the red salsa did not taste good to me. It tasted a little like pizza sauce, so very thick and with a strange flavor. The green salsa was better, but still not great. The cheese sauce (an addition since my first visit) was pretty good compared to other cheese sauces.
I coaxed my co-writer, Andrew, into going with me as well. I won’t speak for him but hopefully he’ll leave a comment here with his impressions as well.
Guys, as always, these are just my opinions. I just wanted you to know that I gave it another shot based on all of your comments. I wish that I could be more positive but I have to call it as I see it. As you can tell, there are many who disagree with me so take my thoughts with a grain of salt.
Thanks everyone for the discussion.
May 9th, 2008 at 6:46 pm
So my thoughts were, “eh…not bad”. I had the burrito al pastor. It was pretty good, and huge. I wasn’t a big fan of all the cheese and sour cream it had in it. I’m used to eating my burritos down off South 29th out of the little burrito carts on the side of the road. Better burritos for half the price. And still, the best al pastor in town is Max Burger’s. Plus, they have a tasty green sauce.
I agree with Tim on the red salsa. It had a strange marinara flavor and consistency. Not bad, just kind of weird. I understand rent is higher when you have a big nice building like this, and the North side of town will always command higher prices. I will probably stick with the little joints off 29th though from here going forward for $1 tacos, $2 gorditas, and $3 burritos.
I once heard a saying, “Never eat at a Mexican restaurant with a strong air conditioner” It was down right comfortable in this place. Bad sign.
May 14th, 2008 at 8:26 pm
Well, I somehow missed this review and went to this place for lunch today on the behest of a business acquaintance.
I have three words for this place, BLAND, BLAND, BLAND. Since I’ve only been to Mexico once in my life I can’t comment on whether or not it is genuine Mexican food. I can however comment on how I like my Mexican food. I want quality ingredients, which Los Carbones seemed to have and I want things seasoned well which was sadly lacking. This was the blandest “Mexican” food I’ve ever had.
The salsa was a runny tomato pasteish mess, even the green stuff was incredibly bland. The cheese sauce had chunks of onions and peppers but was really bland as well. I had the chicken enchiladas and they didn’t taste bad they just didn’t have any spice or seasonings at all that I could tell. My boss got the same meal and had the same comments. His wife got the daily special and after finishing most of it (again, not bad just bland) said, “Well, that sucked”. I guess for myself and the people I normally eat with, lack of seasoning/spice is just the unpardonable sin and we got the full treatment today. I won’t go back. To many good places to choose from to go give that place another try.
May 18th, 2008 at 10:18 am
My sentiments echo those of Tim’s. I was not at all impressed with the offerings of TLC. For me, it was nothing special, and my money would have better been spent at Taco Bell.
June 1st, 2008 at 9:25 pm
I found Los Carbones bland as well, nothing to write home about that is for sure. The service was very poor when my husband and family went. I had the chicken quesadillas which were the most boring ones I think I have ever eaten. The salsa was slop in a bowl. Honestly, while we were trying out our meals we thought about leaving right then and there and going some place else to eat. I wouldn’t recommend this place to anyone with taste buds because they won’t be used when you eat here.
Please tell us what you think.