(9.5) 
Iguana Mexican Grill-Formerly Iguana Lounge
December 12, 2008 by BJ
Filed under Highest Rated, Mexican, Most Recent, Tex-Mex
9 NW 9th St
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
(405) 606-7172
Map
There comes a time when all good things must end. Fortunately there is the rare occasion when a good thing returns and becomes even better than its original incarnation. Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to present back to Oklahoma City once again the Iguana Mexican Grill. It is located just east of Broadway, in Automobile Alley, on 9th Street and offers some of the most creative Mexican Fusion in the city.
Most already know that the temperament of okcbites tends to be a little edgier than the other watered down restaurant blogs around town. Please reference the review of Iguana’s neighbor to the north 1492 New World Latin Cuisine. Iguana, as I will affectionately refer to it from now on has captured everything that I had wished 1492 would have. They have their inferior counterpart beat in every category ranging from: ambiance, variety, creative, food, drinks, quality, service, and overall originality.
My only wish is that I would have posted this sooner before the other incorrect reviews of this place, by other blogs, which will remain unnamed tarnished it’s good name.
Contrary to what you may have heard the food here is great and the staff is more than willing to accommodate special requests. The salsa sampler is a must with four varieties of salsa: Citrus Habanera, Coral Snake (A mango, habenaro variety) a lime laced tomatillo, and a smoked tomato based salsa. All of which are great additions to their already great salsa. (By the way it’s way better than 1492, because it’s loaded with fresh veggies.) The owners are past being cool. I walked in there the day they opened and have frequented the place ever since that day. A friend of mine walked in shortly after they opened (this particular day they were closed), and began to talk to one of the owners about how wonderful the salsas were. I’ll be damned if the man didn’t teach him how to make it and send him on his way with veggies and peppers to get him started. That’s the kind of thing that keeps me coming back and makes me appreciate people who have a passion for what they do; obviously these owners are friendly and care about their customers.
Upon deciding to dine at the Iguana, my recommendations are to explore all of the creative side dishes they offer. One of my favorites is the lime and cilantro infused white beans. You will find a south of the border influence on all of their unique offerings. During my most recent visit, I enjoyed the Crispy Pork Carnitas, which is a corn tortilla fried to perfection with seasoned shredded pork white cheese.
Truthfully, I can’t say enough wonderful things about this place. Round up some free time, order a drink, an appetizer, an entrée and a desert. Take your time and enjoy it with friends. I guarantee you will not be disappointed.
One questions for Iguana folks, if you should read this: Whatever happened to the Tropical Iced Tea you had? It was bomb.com!!!!! Bring it back!
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I am a member of a sorority that would like to look at the possibility of having our Valentine social in your restaurant. It would be a party of 18 on Saturday, February 14th. We understand this would be normally busy time for you. Please let me know what arrangements could be made if any.
XI Zeta Rho chapter is a group of older women who do service projects for our community. Just so you would know that we are not college age. We are 40-60!
I HAVE INSIDE FOOD VENDOR SOURCES THAT TELLS ME THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST DISCUSTING KITCHENS HE’S EVER SEEN…FOOD ON WALLS DIRTY FLOORS AND OVERALL DIRTY KITCHEN…OHH DID I MENTION HE WAS THERE IN THE MORNING BEFORE OPEN…THAT ONLY SAYS THEY DONT CLEAN THE NIGHT BEFORE..I SMELL A VIST FROM THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT!!!!
Absolutely delicious, extremely clean, and the food was the best I’ve had anywhere in OKC and I’m a native Oklahoman and have lived in the state for 34 years. (Disregard the “know it all” who doesn’t know enough to communicate in standard English. My general rule is that if you want people to respect your opinion then at least portray yourself as an educated person.)
I just love the Iguana! Great ambiance and style, and the food is just wonderful. The Sopa de Maiz is to die for! The staff are always friendly and attentive. When I’m trying to meet someone for lunch or dinner anywhere in the area, I almost always try to make it Iguana Mexican Grill!
File this under “great things take time to mature”. I have eaten here dozens times, frequently as part of groups or during interview processes, etc. when on an expense account and the place is chosen for me. At times the food is flawless, but too often the atmosphere is great and the food is mediocre. I have not explored the reasons (perhaps staff variability?) and I must admit it is much improved as compared to a year ago. If you are into tequila they have an above average selection and a few rare bottles as well making this a fun place for drinks and a snack as well. We were disappointed with the “family style” dishes - they didn’t seem to be much of a bargain. I would suggest you consider the daily special as it has almost always been above average. Specify exactly how you want your fajitas (I really didn’t think it was possible to have them served rare since skirt steak is not very palatable rare…but it arrived pink in the middle more than once) and don’t miss the Sopa de Maiz - this is always wonderful. Don’t let this scare you away - when they get it right it is great, and perhaps with practice it will always be right. This is certainly a huge quality step above the bland Tex-Mex generally available in town, just don’t be shy about asking how the dish is prepared, asking for it to be prepared to your liking, or telling them if it isn’t right. They have never failed to be friendly, attentive, and have “taken it back to try again” when asked. The quest for Mexican is not an easy one in OKC. Perhaps the 9.5 was on a very good day, I dont think I have had less than a 6.5 meal there, and I have eaten on 10 days as well. When you are done, don’t forget a cupcake for desert from their neighbors if they are still open (SaraSara)
Re: Taco Tuesday replacement cutsie suggestion:
Tuesday 2 the 9s (location, location, location…ancient 9s illusion=the best)
Probably too ambigious, huh?