Details revealed for Mexican Radio in the Plaza (http://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=578-Details-revealed-for-Mexican-Radio-in-the-Plaza)

The Good Egg Dining Group has started work on the former Empire Slice House space in the Plaza District.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/mexicanradio4.jpg


The group currently operates Cheever's Cafe, Iron Star, Red Primesteak, Republic, Tucker's Onion Burgers, Kitchen No. 324, The Drake and Barrios. Most of the restaurants are in the the urban core, but Mexican Radio will be their first venture in the popular Plaza area.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/mexicanradio021791a.jpg

The first new concept for Good Egg in two years will involve a full renovation of the former Empire Slice House space, which moved to expanded quarters just to the west.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/mexicanradio9.jpg


Keith Paul, Good Egg CEO, described the concept: “If Barrios had a black sheep half-sister, this would be her.”

"We are creating a laid back taco shop. A small menu with mostly tacos, a few apps and salads, one dessert. Ice cold beer, signature frozen margaritas and swirls and a handful of fun cocktails. While the food items will be rooted in Tex-Mex, this is not a taqueria. There will be original items that can't be pushed into a specific Mexican category and we don't want to get into the 'that's not real Mexican' thing. You could say non-denominational tacos; a taco for everyone! Music, our playlists will be a big part of the experience, focusing on music from the MTV generation.”, Paul said.


The new design will add a large kitchen to the southern half of what was a patio, while completely gutting and re-working the existing building into a dining room and large bar area. There will still be a large patio which will be semi-enclosed with a polycarbonate roof.

Design is by Gardner Architects. Mexican Radio hopes to be open this summer.

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Now I'm going to have that song in my head the rest of the day. Thanks Pete! :D

Now I'm going to have that song in my head the rest of the day. Thanks Pete! :D

Whoa-oh.

Now I'm going to have that song in my head the rest of the day. Thanks Pete! :D

Same here. Craving some BBQ Iguana.

Same here. Craving some BBQ Iguana.
if they don't have a bbq iguana taco I will be so disappointed

lol... i came here to say the same thing as everybody else.

/no comprende, it's a riddle

Has to be done. I'll take the hit for it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyCEexG9xjw

Has to be done. I'll take the hit for it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyCEexG9xjw
Beat me to it, But yes it had to be done.

if they don't have a bbq iguana taco I will be so disappointed

You win OKC Talk for the day.

if they don't have a bbq iguana taco I will be so disappointed

I think we might've had iguana in Mexico City a few decades back, not impressed, but done right and the right amount of marketing, could sell well nowadays with all the weird food around.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/mexicanradio040419a.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/mexicanradio050419a.jpg

Eager to see the menu. I walk my dog through the plaza every day and pick up to-go food on the walk quite often. I've been dreaming of a taco spot in the plaza for years!

Eager to see the menu. I walk my dog through the plaza every day and pick up to-go food on the walk quite often. I've been dreaming of a taco spot in the plaza for years!

Used to be an amazing taqueria located where The Pritchard is now back before the gentrification started.... There was a bit of a language barrier there back then but they made some great food.... Not sure if they closed or moved when that area started to take off.

Used to be an amazing taqueria located where The Pritchard is now back before the gentrification started.... There was a bit of a language barrier there back then but they made some great food.... Not sure if they closed or moved when that area started to take off.
How long ago was that? I've lived in the Plaza/Gatewood/Las Vegas for 6 years but that is definitely within the gentrification period so I probably missed it.

How long ago was that? I've lived in the Plaza/Gatewood/Las Vegas for 6 years but that is definitely within the gentrification period so I probably missed it.

I would say about 8 years or so.... They also served a smothered burrito in one of the best salsa verde I ever tasted.

I would say about 8 years or so.... They also served a smothered burrito in one of the best salsa verde I ever tasted.

Interesting, I actually got in an argument with someone the other day who was talking about an awesome taco place in the Plaza years ago and I was swearing up and down that they were thinking of Chiltepes haha, oops.

Interesting, I actually got in an argument with someone the other day who was talking about an awesome taco place in the Plaza years ago and I was swearing up and down that they were thinking of Chiltepes haha, oops.

LOL... well a version of Chiltepes was there at the same time... Just most people thought it was just a Guatemalan convenience store.

LOL... well a version of Chiltepes was there at the same time... Just most people thought it was just a Guatemalan convenience store.

Haha well I wouldn't be surprised if their food was an improvement over 2016 Chiltepes :D
Very excited to see what Good Egg does with Mexican Radio though, I constantly look for an update as to either the menu or projected opening haha.

Interesting, I actually got in an argument with someone the other day who was talking about an awesome taco place in the Plaza years ago and I was swearing up and down that they were thinking of Chiltepes haha, oops.
Having lived two blocks north of the Plaza for 25 years, it was almost empty when we moved in, and I remember a Mexican restaurant in what is now the quick store. Whoever was cooking was really good. There was a buffet, but the specials were amazing. One day, they had stuffed squid with grapes, something from southern Mexico. Too bad they were ahead of the curve.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/mexicanradio062019a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/mexicanradio062019b.jpg

I took this photo last night during Skate on the Plaza. This place is going to be awesome!

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http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/mexicanradio071419b.jpg

Is the arch covering up part of an air vent?

drove by the other day. I really like the colors of that arch.

Flashback to when is was Old Coin Laundry
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First shots of the interior and patio by Gazette photog Alexa Ace.

They are doing some soft open stuff this weekend then open to the public on Monday.

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I love the globes at the top of the bar!

I've been watching the Taco Chronicles on Netflix. Docu-series covering the 7 traditional style tacos of Mexico. Really looking forward to them opening.

I have the strong feeling they are going to kill it here.

I have the strong feeling they are going to kill it here.

My stomach agrees after lunch today. The munchies and sides shine just as well as the tacos. The two drinks we had were great too.

Good Egg does such a great job.

I have the strong feeling they are going to kill it here.

I don't think you are going very far out on the limb with that statement.

Had a great late lunch here today - really enjoyed it. Tacos were really good (shared fried chicken / carne Assada and cauliflower) and the side rice was fantastic. Drinks are fun.

Had a great late lunch here today - really enjoyed it. Tacos were really good (shared fried chicken / carne Assada and cauliflower) and the side rice was fantastic. Drinks are fun.

An Airbnb guest of mine ate there a couple of days ago and reported that he liked the flavor of the tacos he ordered, but found that they overdid it on the saltiness. Was that anything that you (or anyone else on here) noticed?

^I didn't notice that but probably depends on the taco.

The only somewhat negative was from one in our party who said their drink had too much ginger in it. The Dole Whip Marg got high reviews for taste (but was small in size).

Went the other day when we had an unexpected day off work because of the lost power. I had the brisket taco which was really good and smoky. I liked my margarita as well. The highlight for me was the Elotes style cauliflower which was very tasty.

All the sides looked great - rice, Elotes cauliflower, refried beans and Brussels. (Those are the 4 I recall anyway).

Went for lunch yesterday and everything was fine. I ordered the fried chicken taco knowing that I would take the pickles off (I hate pickles) but when it arrived I realized in doing so left the taco as a piece of fried chicken inside a tortilla with some onion. The chicken was very good, but the taco needs some slaw IMO. The BBQ shrimp taco was very good and quite spicy. Queso was fine, but nothing special. Guac was pretty good, as were the chips. Overall I'm excited to try more of the menu and I'm kicking myself for not ordering the spicy cauliflower taco.

Heads up that their happy hour is M-Thur 2-6pm and tacos are 3.50. Smoked brisket still has excellent flavor even 3 years in.

I asked about the new location and was told they aren't quite ready to divulge. Obviously, lots of good options in Midtown.

Press release:

*********

MEXICAN RADIO TO CLOSE IN PLAZA DISTRICT, WILL RE-OPEN AS A QUICK SERVICE HOT SPOT IN MIDTOWN DISTRICT SUMMER 2024

OKLAHOMA CITY (Feb. 26, 2024) – A Good Egg Dining Group announced today that Mexican Radio will be closing its doors in the Plaza District on March 10th a@er the final dinner service to undergo a change in service style and reopen in the Midtown District in Summer 2024. The new location will better support the updated fast-casual, counter service model.

“We have tons of respect for the Plaza District and truly appreciate everyone who visited Mexican Radio in this location over the last 5 years. We have continued to refine our concept post-pandemic and believe a counter-service model is the final piece of the plan,” said Keith Paul, Chief executive Officer and Co-Founder of A Good Egg Dining Group.

Guests can expect the same laid-back taco shop with unique high-quality tacos, signature frozen drinks, and authentic hospitality they’ve come to know and love.

“I have always thought of Mexican Radio as the quirky little sister to Barrios. The opportunity to move just around the corner from our sister restaurant is so valuable. We can’t wait to see our team own this new experience and welcome back our guests to this colorful, any-day-of-the week taco stop for neighbors, friends, and family” said Heather Paul, Chief CreaIve Officer and Co-Founder of A Good Egg Dining Group.

I bet where Sunset Patio Bar was. It’s close to Barrios.

I bet where Sunset Patio Bar was. It’s close to Barrios.

Seems like a really big space for a fast casual concept. I'm banking more on Louis' or 1492 locations, with Louis' being the front-runner.

I bet where Sunset Patio Bar was. It’s close to Barrios.

That space is going to be something similar to Sunset, since the Sunset group still leases the space for a long time.

1492 space seems most likely, followed perhaps by Cafe do Brasil. 1492 is practically turnkey for this relocation.

I bet where Sunset Patio Bar was. It’s close to Barrios.

Sunset's operator will return with a new concept. They have a long-term lease.


In addition to the recently closed restaurants, there will also be the restaurant space in the Phillips Murrah complex.

1492 space seems most likely, followed perhaps by Cafe do Brasil. 1492 is practically turnkey for this relocation.

This seems most likely. I don't know how big Cafe Do Brasil is, but for a quick service, it might not make sense. 1492 is the obvious choice as you wouldn't have to do a ton of build out. And who knows when the Cafe Do Brasil space will be ready.

I'm a little bummed. I visit Plaza more than I do Midtown. Mexican Radio wasn't our favorite restaurant in the Plaza, but it was always nice when we got to it in our rotation.

I'm a little bummed. I visit Plaza more than I do Midtown. Mexican Radio wasn't our favorite restaurant in the Plaza, but it was always nice when we got to it in our rotation.

Agreed. Had it Saturday night and it was great and busy. Since they are changing over to counter service (I assume similar to Ted's cantina on 23rd) the overhead will be lower and maybe at a smaller space, more traffic, turnover and higher margins.

1492 space seems most likely, followed perhaps by Cafe do Brasil. 1492 is practically turnkey for this relocation.

my guess is the old louies space

my guess is the old louies space

Yes, because of the existing patio. Would be a great spot for them and their concept.

1492 has zero outdoor space.

In addition to the recently closed restaurants, there will also be the restaurant space in the Phillips Murrah complex.

... which is even closer to Barrios, so I would consider it unlikely for a good egg mexican concept. :)

^^^^^^^^
Could be. Just seems super small. Barely works as a restaurant space. But possibly that's what they are seeking, and the patio is definitely a winner.

The Old Midtown Louie's spot is going to be the next Mexican Radio, confirmed 3 days ago by Midtown Renaissance and the Leasing Agent Allison Barta Bailey.

Someone has reported that Aurora/Social will take over the Plaza location as a combined business.

Someone has reported that Aurora/Social will take over the Plaza location as a combined business.

Which begs the question: Who will take over the two restaurants they will be vacating?

Which begs the question: Who will take over the two restaurants they will be vacating?

The report said the Social Spot would become an Event venue.

The report said the Social Spot would become an Event venue.

That's disappointing, we don't go to the Plaza much because it's a PITA, too crowded, but we do go to Social a few times a year.

The interior of the old Louie's has been gutted and there was a big crew working on the improvements for Mexican Radio.

I bet they are open in a couple of months.

Aurora posted on FB they plan to be open in June in the old Mexican Radio space.