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If Cuban food and Mexican food joined forces and created a CubeMexiAmercian-ish cuisine, it would be the food at Enrique’s Mexican Restaurant. A Ponca City constant for over 40 years, this vibrant restaurant has been serving original Mexican-inspired dishes sprinkled with some Cuban influence to those of us in Kay County and to people across the country.
Arguably one of the most well-known menu items in northern Oklahoma, the puffy chips at Enrique’s are one-of-a-kind. Made fresh to order, these corn tortilla chips puff up when fried, leaving the lucky diner with a distinctive, airy version of a commonplace staple served at Mexican restaurants nationwide. Take a bite off the corner and fill it with salsa. These chips are unforgettable and stellar.
Another familiar and popular dish is the Texas Hot and Spicy Burrito. Lots of tender chuck roast, lots of beans, lots of cheese, and lots of jalapeno gravy make this sucker true to its name. The whole roasted jalapeno served atop this mountain of food is available in two sizes, small and large. Do not be fooled. The small is not small. It’s just not quite as massive as the large and the small comes with rice and beans.
Don’t sleep on the sauces/dips at Enrique’s. The salsa is freshly made, and it is easy to automatically smother every single bite of food with it. Order the Jalapeno Bean Dip with the chips and salsa. This is the best dip in town. Served sizzling hot, this spin on a traditional bean dip has a little bite and a ton of flavor. Paired with a favorite cerveza, the chips/salsa/Jalapeno Bean Dip hits the mark every time. Pro tip: Grab a pint of salsa to go.
Opened in 1983, the Avila family has owned and operated this hometown restaurant from the start. The love this family puts into their craft and their community is apparent in every bite of food. Hosting blood drives, throwing dance parties for customers, and supporting local events such as the Hispanic Heritage Festival are a few examples of how owner Mercedes Avila and the entire staff at Enrique’s are committed to strengthening our community. Not only that, they make really tasty flautas 😊 Happy Eating!!
TOP THREE FOR ME
Order the Asado al Cubano. Pulled pork Cuban goodness.
Where else can you watch airplanes take off and land while enjoying a meal? Most exciting location around.
The chicken soup! Only available at lunch, this is my favorite soup in town.
Enrique’s Mexican Restaurant is located at 2213 Waverly, Ponca City. It’s at the airport!
Hours: Lunch: Monday - Friday 11:00am – 2:00pm; Dinner: Monday – Thursday 4:30pm – 8:00pm, Friday 4:30pm – 9:00pm; Saturday 11:00am – 9:00pm.
Check out Enrique’s menu at www.enriquesmexicanrestaurant.com and on Facebook at @enriquesmexicanrestaurant
IF YOU FIND YOURSELF IN…..
Denver and you’re looking for irresistible Cuban food, go to Cuba Cuba on Delaware Street. Open for dinner only, enter through the door of two historic homes that have been converted into a crazy good Caribbean spot. Start with two Croquetas de Jamon, flash fried ham croquettes, and a legit daiquiri (not frozen!). Order the Ropa Vieja de Casa, slow cooked shredded beef that melts in your mouth. Order a blackberry mojito. Get the flan. Pair it with rum, whatever your server tells you to order. Grab a Cuban Sandwich to go and eat it tomorrow. 86 the pickles. I know. Pickle people LOVE pickles. Pickles are gross.
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