El Rio Verde Restaurant

Stopped here on my way driving across country for lunch and was one of the best meals of my trip! Easy access right off the highway and although its in a desolate looking neighborhood, the area seemed safe. Plenty of parking in the side lot. Lots of friendly locals coming and going and was surprised at the quality of the super authentic Mexican food from this little spot. Very retro vibe inside with counter and table service. The girl behind the counter couldn't have been nicer and they had my order ready to go in 15 minutes. I ordered the chicken enchiladas and they were some of the best I have ever eaten. The red sauce was amazing. Was spicy but not hot, just the slow burn where you need to go back for more. Corn tortillas were super fresh. If I lived close by, would be in every week. Between the atmosphere, service, good prices and quality of food, you can't do much better.

Long time ago, a friend dragged me here for the so call wet burrito. Gotta say it is a burrito alright, not only it wet BUT should say it is a gigantic wet burrito.
Glad to see it has not change.
The chips are fresh and crysty, add a bit of salt and it is tasty!
The salsa is right, if you want a bit more spicy, just add the Valentina.
Must say one of the original down to earth tasty Mexican jewel in T-town!
Must try, if you think you can handle the wet gigantic burrito!

We were in town for a fews days and ate here twice! We ate here on 10/1/23 & 10/3/23. The restaurant is in a sketchy looking area but, in our experience, this is where the best food is found. The place is not very big and it was packed full of people. We were greeted promptly and told to sit where we wanted. Service is excellent and everything was delicious. I had the wet burrito both times and Buttercup had tacos one time and a torta the next. I also had ceviche one time and it did not disappoint. I wish we were in the area more. We would definitely be regulars. We highly recommend this place!!!

2weekendtravelers

Words cannot convey how much I love El Rio Verde. Today will mark my second visit to this restaurant, cementing my stellar opinion of both the food and service. This is easily my favorite Mexican restaurant in Tulsa. If you're reading this and are new to this eatery, I'd recommend starting with a wet burrito or a shrimp enchilada. Honestly, though, you'll be safe with just about anything that you pick.

For the salsa enthusiasts out there, ask for the "diablo" salsa... I underestimated it, just as you will. It's wonderful. Painfully wonderful. 5 stars all around.

Out working and need a good lunch? Be sure to stop in and grab yourself a quick bite. The food is both flavorful and filling.

Really good Mexican food! I tried their "Wet Burrito," which, according to them, is what put them on the map. The "wetness" comes from how much sauce it has. It was a little spicy, but not so much that I was tearing up or anything.

The restaurant is located in what looks like a neighborhood, so don't be alarmed if Google Maps is having you drive by a lot of houses. The parking there isn't marked, so it's just kind of whatever you can make into a parking spot.

I really enjoyed dining at El Rio Verde and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for good Mexican food in Tulsa!

Absolutely the best wet burrito and I love these chips and salsa!! The wait staff are fast and friendly and as always serve with a smile. This is one of those places that you NEVER quit going...awesome job Rio Verde!

Food here is incredible. The place reminds me of an off the path bar I used to go to in my traveling days. All in all, can get a little cramped, but the food is good. No sweet tea here.

Another hidden gem that's close to downtown Tulsa. I had the wet burrito, and let me tell you, this was delicious. I will definitely be going back here when I'm back in Tulsa.

Food and service were superb! The restaurant was a total surprise being in the middle of a neighborhood. We had the steak and carnita wet burritos and they were amazing. Don't skip the bowl of queso either, it was the best I've had. This will definitely become a regular stop.

If you're searching for genuine Mexican flavors in Los Angeles, look no further than El Rio Verde. Their Wet Burrito is a mouthwatering masterpiece, bursting with savory fillings and smothered in flavorful sauce. The Carne Asada Quesadilla is equally impressive, with tender, perfectly grilled meat and gooey cheese sandwiched between crispy tortillas. This restaurant truly captures the essence of Mexican cuisine, making it a must-visit spot for food enthusiasts.

Laid-back atmosphere, amazing quality food! If you have a big family, you can still afford to eat here. Tulsa best!!

Over the past years, I have dined at hundreds of Mexican restaurants in northeastern Oklahoma. An area I define as within the boundaries of I-40 on the south to I-35 on the west. I was searching for a Wet Burrito that would rival the Wet Burrito that has made El Rio Verde a legend and for several years, rated as the best Mexican restaurant in Tulsa. Well, nothing comes close. It is not only the best wet burrito in Tulsa, it is the best in NE Oklahoma, Period! It is what put El Rio Verde on the map.

Ok, let’s get down to the beans and rice of this issue. And that is a good place to start, beans and rice. Especially now, this burdening inflation has many restaurants stuffing their burritos disproportionately with rice. A cost saver, that will cost the restaurant customers. Too may times you can’t find the meat. El Rio Verde continues to provide customers with an equal balance of filling: rice, beans and meat. The meat is fabulous. My top choices are the carne asada, carnitas, shredded beef and the chicken. Carnitas and shredded beef being the top two picks. Wrap all of that up in a large soft flour tortilla. The makings of a nice well-balanced burrito.

The defining attribute that sets El Rio Verde apart from the competition; it is truly a wet burrito. There is a plentiful amount of tasty sauce. The menu uses the appropriate word “drenched” in salsa, not smothered, not covered, or with. There is a difference. Look at the pictures. I have had wet burritos in other restaurants that would be more appropriately called stained burritos. Very little salsa. The ample salsa does a couple of things. It softens the fluffy flour tortilla even more and allows you to dunk and sop it up with a big fork full of beans rice and meat. Enjoyment in every mouthful. There is enough tangy tasty tomato salsa to last beyond the last bite of burrito. That’s a wet burrito. That’s what to eat at El Rio Verde! The best!

Spike’s inessential commentary and misguided, unsubstantiated opinion:
Some restaurants offer burritos “smothered” in queso, that are passed off as a wet burrito. Diners with little expertise in the matter, fall for the deception. So, what’s the difference between wet and smothered well, think biscuits and gravy. Have you ever had wet biscuits. Or a wet chicken fried steak? No, they are smothered in gravy. I rest my case. A burrito covered in queso is not a wet burrito. Don’t be a victim of this common Mexican restaurant scam! You know what a real wet burrito is and you know where to get the best.

Next time we will discuss the difference between a burrito and a sancho, and where to find the best “smothered burrito” in Tulsa.

For other reviews laced with superfluous, time-wasting inessential information, sarcastic diatribe and subjective opinion, follow Spike Speedwell on Google and Spike S. on Yelp

Great customer service ,the food was excellent
Tried the wet burrito and the chimichanga
Clean restaurant,the food was out quick
It was fresh and tasted good
One of the good Mexican restaurants in Tulsa
The portions were perfect.

Great atmosphere and food! We went around 6pm and it was packed, which was a good sign for us being out of town-ers.

The food was very authentic. I had the nachos and my friend had the chimichanga. When you walk inside, there are pepper plants growing literally all along the side of the building. It was cool to see they grow their own peppers!

The staff was relatively friendly. They were busy so they were constantly moving.

The restaurant was in a bit of a shady part of town, but I'm glad we went. We felt safe inside.

Great little place. Great taste, in authentic Mexican food. But, you expect nothing less from a small restaurant like this.

My wife and I very much enjoyed our time spent here. It's a tiny building at the edge of the "rough side of town" but it felt very cozy and the atmosphere was both lively and friendly. The young man working the tables / register / everything else was a flurry of productivity, but never broke his positive attitude and kindness.

The menu was varied, and had authentic Mexican dishes you often don't find in other similar restaurants here in Oklahoma. I was craving a fajita though, and it didn't disappoint. Chips and salsa, plus caso were all on point. The same young man from earlier gave us more chips the moment we ran out without asking.

Overall, a great experience with great food. Very affordable as well, with better food than you'll get paying for more elsewhere.

The veggie burrito is one of the best burritos I’ve had. It’s a must try! The wait staff are friendly and the atmosphere is pleasant.

The food is excellent here! It is a nice little restaurant tucked away in the neighborhood off Admiral and Utica. When given an opportunity to eat Mexican I'd go here everytime. I've been going here for about 6 years now and honestly there's no bad choices. I started with the "Wet Burrito" then moved to the Shrimp Fajita burrito and it was the most delicious thing I've eaten. Several burritos later I decided to try the Asada Torta and tortilla soup which were both Phenomenal. And last but not least complementary chips and the best salsa in town.

Great food at a price that won't kill your budget. It's a small restaurant but popular & well known to those who don't need the ambiance of more expensive places. Located on the North side of I-244 near Utica, but you won't be disappointed at all!