Today I had to run to Claremore over lunch, so I took advantage of the opportunity to try El Banquete. TLDR: Great food, nice interior, decent prices. I hit the door right at 11:45 and was promptly seated, swapping a menu, chips and salsa for a drink order and a small queso. The menu is reasonably large, but not overly so. Plenty of options to choose from for almost anyone. I'd already seen they had Chile Verde on the menu, so I zeroed in on that like a fat dog on a chicken leg. Almost immediately, the queso hit the table. The salsa was out of this world good. I seriously almost ordered a pint to go, it was so good. Not hot at all, but rich with tomato flavors and subtle heat and spices. The queso was thin, and stayed workable throughout the meal, which is a huge plus for me. Flavorwise, it was slightly rich, very Monetery Jack flavored with noticeable hints of jalapeno. Great queso. My entree hit the table quickly, while I was still face deep in queso and chips. Beatifully plated, I hoped the taste lived up to the appearance.... and it did. While it was all good, surprisingly the rice turned out to be the unexpected star. It takes effort to make a simple rice dish standout like this. Light and fluffy, the flavor was borderline intense, for rice. It had a hearty undertone that I couldn't place, but I loved it. A lot. Nothing but rice... no corn, no peas, no nonsense, no kidding. The Chile Verde was outstanding. Probably one of the top three I've had in the area. Not sure if they slow cooked the pork with the sauce like is proper, but if I can't tell, then I'm not gonna care. The meat was properly shredded, tender and moist, and full of both meaty and saucy flavor. The beans were also really well done. Well colored (not gray), and with some noticable flavoring in the chile powder spectrum, I dipped chips into them until they were gone. Overall, nothing about my experience was less than great. My server was amenable enough, but didn't really engage in any interaction. No issues there, just a difference in styles, that didn't detract at all. With the queso and an iced tea, the bill was just over $22, and for what I got, I came away quite satisfied. read more

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I normally do not do this but I was so uncomfortable the last time I ate at this restaurant. I felt the need to write a review. They have a robot going around the restaurant that comes up to your table and starts speaking. I was so uncomfortable and disappointed that this restaurant would bring such a horrible thing in. My food was cold because instead of having waiters and waitresses, they rely on a robot to do their job. My food wasn't fit to eat and I'm sure it was because it sat back in the kitchen for an absurd amount of time because they have a robot for an employee instead of real human beings. Shame on this restaurant. I'm so disappointed that they would literally have a robot instead of a human being & someone who needs a job in there to wait tables. read more

If your craving Mexican food then this place will fulfill all your munchies. Been here and I ordered the chicken tacos with white cheese dip. All I can say is Delicious. Nothing better than dipping these tacos in there homemade cheese dip. I came during lunch and it was busy. But I had delicious food and a great waitress. read more

I wanted to update and tell you about the street tacos, they're delicious! The menu says three but there is so much filling I had five! Also the sauce that comes with them- VERY spicy!! I mean it's habanero so... My husband had the spinach and chicken enchiladas, had to share that picture- they looked amazing and tasted even better. As always the waiters are always attentive and the place is very clean. Definitely recommend. read more

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Waiter brought chips, salsa, drinks then left without taking order. Lime in one drink was rotten, other drink was wrong. Great start. Food arrived quickly and hot, with bonus hair in the beans! They remade it, but I could tell they'd lost the plot. Canned red sauce had zero flavor. Enchiladas barely filled with unseasoned, chewy chicken and bland beef. Plain rice and watered-down, pale beans rounded out this pretense of a meal. Give up on this place. They clearly have. The most unimaginative meal I've ever had. No flourish, no garnish, just plain. A tv dinner has more character. read more

Stopped by one evening to have an early dinner in an atmosphere that we could sit at a table instead of standing and carrying our food from a fast food place while maneuvering with our canes necessary for walking. We were pleasantly greeted upon our arrival and escorted to a nearby booth. The booth was clean and the table also. We ordered the enchiladas vegetarian with vegetables and spinach sauce. When the entrees arrived at our table we could tell that the chef in the kitchen took extra care to ensure that our entrees arrived at our table with eye appeal. Our entrees were of excellent quality. Our server was very busy but she took the time to check on us whenever possible. We were pleased that she brought us extra napkins without us having to ask. The sweet tea is Texan recommended. Texans prefer very flavorful tea with a lot of ice. She also was kind enough after dropping off the bill she took our credit card for processing. This extra service means a lot to us as walking and standing is difficult for both of us. I am not sure what type of product the chips brought to the table are fried in but at first taste the flavor is very similar to those cooked in lard so we didn't consume the complimentary chips. When we visit again I will try to remember to request that chips not be brought to our table. The menu has a lot of selections to include possibilities for vegetarians. We will stop by this restaurant again in the future. My spouse ordered a flan. The presentation was excellent as well as the flavor. read more

El Banquete - Flan - Mexican Near Me - Claremore, Oklahoma

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Kind of a weird lunch and I had to look back to see what I had rated them before. I think our wait person was new and that might explain part of this. First of all, I ordered unsweet tea. What came was sweetened. I put my glass at the edge of the table but no one stopped by to check for quite some time. Once we got someone's attention, it was quickly remedied. I ordered the taco salad with chipotle ranch dressing. It came out without it and had to specifically ask. Again, quickly remedied. The salad was more chicken than lettuce. I left half of it uneaten. Dining partner ordered the lunch combo of a taco and a burrito. He wasn't asked if he wanted a crispy or soft taco. What came out was almost two identical items, just wrapped differently. There was no lettuce or tomato or anything on the taco. It was smothered in cheese sauce and was just beef (like the burrito). We were asked if we wanted more chips and they were brought to our table but no salsa. Might try them again for lunch on taco Tuesday though. Maybe they were just having a bad day training new staff members. read more

This place is a mixed bag depending on what you order. I had enchiladas in mole which was pretty lame. However, the carne asada was good per my son-in-law. My daughter had pollo Mexicana and was pleased. I personally doubt if I will return. There are other Mexican restaurants that are much better in the area IMHO. The staff area mixed bag as well....some friendly and others not so much. read more

Reviewed February 3, 2019 Health Score 83 out of 100 That sauce would be good on a tennis shoe! I am not too sure that wasn't what it was on! I was looking for a new place to try and ran across an old review from 2013 in regards to its premier opening. The chef explained that each of his restaurant's dishes had their own signature sauce, unlike other restaurants that use only two sauces for all their various dishes. That intrigued me. Even though this restaurant was only rated # 23 out of 68 restaurants in Claremore (and # 4 of Mexican) I just felt like I needed to give it a try. I decided to try Steak Ranchero with a chili toreado. It was described as having a chili morita sauce. I had to do a quick internet search to find out what that was. After reading about it before the waitress got to our table; based on the description, I assumed it was a screaming hot sauce. She said "no, it was mild ad flavorful." Ok I will give it a try." The other meal was the chicken spinach enchiladas. It too had its signature sauce: roasted poblano and spinach cream sauce. The Chicken Enchiladas were delicious. The sauce made the meal! Now the Steak Ranchero was a little more challenging. It seem to take while to get the food. I think the steak ranchero is not a meal that is ordered here that often and that the sauce was made fresh! The sauce was overwhelmingly good. I just really don't know how to explain the taste other than mild and it did not taste like chili powder. It complemented the steak perfectly. I could have eaten a bowl of it. The steak was a different story. I believe it had recently escaped from a shoe factory. One of the toughest I have ever had. The meat that I was able to saw off, tasted good though. The chips and salsa were good and they do have some very good, very hot salsa available. I had bad luck on the steak (sometimes that happens), but the sauces and everything else was so good, I gave it a very good overall. I will be back to give it another try. If you try it, be sure to order a chili toreado to go with the meal. Note: This review and photos were originally posted on Tripadvisor by Spike S. read more

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Me and my wife decided to try this place out as we recently moved to the area. The service was good and the place seemed authentic but the food was bland and had no flavor. Coming from New Mexico this was a rude awakening but I guess this is how the gringos like their Mexican food in this area. read more

Was taken on Father's day and the food was good. The wife liked the robot that brought out the food. I will go back.

Went to meet friends this evening. Our last experience was pretty awful, but I've always been a fan of this place, so I went, assuming the previous experience was a fluke. Nope. We were a party of nine. The waiter only took the orders for eight of us. He seemed to be very distracted or possibly new. I'd requested no lettuce with mine, since the last time it was wilted and unappetizing. My food arrived with no lettuce, but also no pico de gallo, sour crème, or guacamole. After I mentioned it, it was forgotten and when I finally received it, the rest of my food was cold. The tortillas were slimy and burnt. My son had the steak and shrimp. The steak was tiny, overcooked and 1/2 gristle and fat. He got about ten French fries and PACKETS of ketchup sitting on top of the food! I was charged for a soda I didn't order. The rest of the guests at the table had equally awful experiences. Orders taken incorrectly. Food poorly cooked and poorly presented. Much confusion about the food ordered. In addition, one person requested a to-go order, and it never arrived. The manager, Daniel, was extremely kind, made it right with us, and was professional in every way. The cashier was just delightful, as well. I'd always been a fan of El Banquete, but they've lost me as a customer. read more

I love the spinach chicken enchiladas from here. They are so good! I have been getting this same dish since 2020. Servers are very nice and I love how they play Mexican music. Definitely should try this place!!! ( they give chips and salsa when seated) read more

El Banquete - Chicken Spinach enchiladas - Mexican Near Me - Claremore, Oklahoma

Had dinner here with my sisters on Friday. Service was very good, but what impressed me most was the number of vegetarian options on the menu. As a vegan, I find that quite often vegetarian choices are very limited and frequently bland. I found a lovely variety of vegetarian options on their menu and the vegetarian fajitas were delicious and fully loaded with squash, mushrooms. spinach, and corn, in addition to the onions an peppers. I will definitely be returning the next time I'm in town! read more

I went there for Taco Tuesday. They have a great deal for all you can eat tacos for $5.99 ground beef or chicken. The portion size is good and it comes with beans and rice. The margaritas were great! They have a nice kick to them and I definitely think you should order them. The salsa is really good too!!! read more

El Banquete - Chips w/ Salsa and Queso - Mexican Near Me - Claremore, Oklahoma

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I only eat here for authentic Mexican food. I have tried something new every time and everytime has been amazing. And the wait staff (Cezar) is so so so nice. Amazing family owned business that genuinely cares about the customer read more

Always very good and the chicken tortilla soup is a must try. We've been to this restaurant many times and never had anything less than delicious. read more

One of the better Mexican food restaurants in Claremore. Good rice, beans, chips and salsa. I order the carne asada and it's pretty good.

Traveling through and searched Maps for a Mexican restaurant along our route. Went through lots of construction but finally made it and was well worth it ! People so nice ! They open at 11:00 , we got there at 11:05 and many tables we already seated . This was on a Sunday. The salsa was awesome ! Food came piping hot ! Usually you get more rice and beans than entree but not here ! Entree was good size ! If we are ever through Claremore again we will definitely stop for a great meal . read more

The food here is always awesome and the salsa is amazing of course but sometimes we get this one waiter won't say the name but he's always pretty slow but somehow the food always comes out hot and ready to eat. Great place. read more

I stop in ever so often for happy hour. Upon noticing no women employed there I asked if there were any in the back and when I asked the waiter he said no we guys are "better workers". I was flabbergasted. Then asked the manager why they didn't employ any females he said " I don't have to". Whoa! I believe there is a law about this segregation! I think it's time to find another happy hour! The food is mediocre anyway. read more

Great service, food was good but the green salsa was wonderful. I like Rick and spicy Mexican. This is not it yet not bland. I had the chicken chimichanga no rice no beans. The chicken filling reminded me of chicken pot pie. Not bad but not exciting. read more

Our experience here began with dirty menus. Had we not been so hungry, we would've walked out. Waited forever for someone to take our drink order, and even longer for the drinks to make it out to the table and order our meal. My guess is that the tea leaves must have to be processed in the back of house. Anyway, our food arrived looking like it had been tossed across the kitchen and caught on our plates just before hitting the floor. My husband's meal came out before mine, but had to be sent back after discovering something not fully cooked. Once all food was received, we discovered our food had all the flavor of an El Churrito freezer meal. Very unimpressive. read more

Claremore is overrun with Mexican food places and most are pretty good. So in the middle of stiff competition El Banquette has excelled in creating a great Mexican food restaurant you will want to try. We have been here several times and have always found the food to be tasty, the service friendly and quick and the store clean. Tonight we tried their new $9 special. It cam with BBQ fries. I've never had fries with Mexican food or BBQ sauce. It was great. read more

This is the best Mexican spot! Service is always great and the quest fundido is bomb. You can eat indoors or outdoors. The atmosphere is great and they make guacamole right at your table read more

We eat here weekly. Lately the food has been cold. The service has become terrible! We can get refills, or the extra items that we have ordered and asked for multiple times. read more

Great service! My chicken was a little dry but the management fixed that stat! The food here is more than expected and by that foodies - it is very good and exceeded my expectation!!! The flavor is outstanding and each dish had a flavor that was totally different than the other! There were 4 plates and all were very good! Thanks for the service! read more

El Banquete - Pollo Spinach is delish foodies!! Has a slight hint if chipotle - Mexican Near Me - Claremore, Oklahoma

Disappointed is the best word for our meal experience. Salsa fair, hot salsa we requested fairer but the ala cart dishes of ground beef enchiladas and ground beef chimichanga need improvement. More seasonings in the beef like salt and pepper nothing fancy. The red sauce was glorified tomato sauce and the cheese sauce was just melted white cheese with no seasonings. I can't recommend this place but if you like mediocre Mexican food this is the place to visit. read more

service is terrible! i've been twice and both times the food was cold, when you ask the server about it he acts like he he doesn't understand what you're implying. read more

I really like El Banquete and think it's the best Mexican in Claremore. The tableside guacamole is fantastic! I've had the vegetable quesadilla and the burritos...both were very good. The soft taco I had was underwhelming tho. The portions arent huge& feed baggy so you don't leave feeling completely stuffed. I like that it's not greasy Mexican food, and I like the square plates& the food presentation. Staff is friendly& the restaurant part has been revamped from what was there before so it's a nice space. The restrooms are kinda cruddy. They should've spiffed them up a bit too. Thats all I can complain about tho...Good place with good food! read more

Out for a quick lunch after errands and my first choice was full. Wanted Mexican so stopped in here. Walking in no one seemed to want to wait on me, 6-8 people standing around talking and I had to walk up and ask to be seated. Still not good, seemed to not care if he had a job or not, didn't even ask for the drink order when sitting me down. Brought the chips and salsa, rather bland, then asked about my drink, it the took awhile before he got my order. Never saw him again until I ran him down to get a drink refill. Nice polite man brought me my meal, chicken burrito and taco. Food was hot but portions smaller than other restaurants though probably all I needed but just plain in taste. Overall I find other places a better value with a higher level of food than here. With the poor service I probably will not return for awhile. read more

1 great dish, one OK dish, and one meh dish. Fish tacos - awesome. Great. Highly recommended. Fajitas (beef). OK.. a bit dry.. but acceptable. Taco salad (beef). Meh. Someone that was with me thought it was at best average.. it looked like it wasn't their strength. Stay with the fish tacos and you won't go wrong (if you like that kind of stuff). Lots of alternatives in Claremore for Mexican.. but definitely worth a shot. read more

I love their food every time the salsa is excellent, I would recommend going on a Tuesday and getting there all you can eat tacos for 5.99 it is such a good deal!! Highly recommend read more

Felt really bad for the staff. Today was local homecoming parade and seats were prime on patio. Owners family came in took a table the others were waiting for. Don't care who you are... you can't expect to be given special seating because you run the place... customers pay the bills read more

Great Mexican food and margaritas! Love the quick and courteous service. Our favorite place to eat!

This place was recommended by a colleague of mine and she was on point. I've been here several times and they have not disappointed. I've tried their bang bang enchiladas (amazing), carnitas enchiladas, and carnitas plate. Free chips and salsa while you wait for your food to come out, chips are freshly made btw. Salsa is ok but I highly recommend their guacamole. It's prepared at your table and is delicious. Out of the plates I've tried the carnitas was divine (Carnitas is pork cooked in pork lard). It came with rice and beans, which were also great. Can't go wrong with this place! read more

El Banquete - Great selection of Mexican beer, hard to find in this part of the country - Mexican Near Me - Claremore, Oklahoma

This was the worst mexican food we have ever eaten. The salsa tasted like it had canned tomato in it and the guacamole was bland, no cilantro and no jalapeños. The chicken in the fajitas was tough and scarce. We will not go there again. People eating there must not know what good food taste like. read more

The best Mexican restaurant in town and I've eaten at them all. They are a cut above the average as they take the time to marnate and tenderize their meat. Everything has a good flavor and the salsa has a nice just medium kick. Service is spot on, even when they are real busy. Chips good and fresh. Refills,pronto. I have never had a bad or a disappointing meal here. read more

Always enjoy their food. Fast friendly service. Patio seating available. Quesadilla Guanajuato is my favorite!

Food was bland but I didn't expect much difference from anywhere else. I gave it a 2 because the service is terrible. My wife asked for shredded cheese for her fajitas and it never came. Couldn't even find our waiter the rest of the evening. So no refills until we finally got our check. Yeah, no. read more