Restaurant Reviews
Greg Elwell
Alvarado's Mexican Restaurant
1000 E. Second, Edmond
alvaradosmexican.com
359-8860

What works: Tortilla soup and tacos poblanos are must-haves.
What needs work: Thanks to a college crowd, it can get pretty busy.
The tip: If you want a hotter salsa, ask for it.

Restaurant Reviews
Doug Hill
Bellini’s Ristorante & Grill
6305 Waterford Blvd.
bellinis.net
848-1065
What works: Great service in a charming atmosphere.
What needs work: One dish’s flavor was subtle to a fault.
The tip: Go with the daily specials using local, in-season produce.  

Restaurant Reviews
Greg Elwell
Saigon Baguette
2426 N. Classen Blvd.
524-2660
What works: Barbecue pork banh mi and egg rolls for crazy cheap.
What needs work: The line can get a little long.
Tips: Take cash. The entrance is the door on the east side of the building.

Restaurant Reviews
Greg Elwell
What works: Enchiladas, tacos, fajitas … you know, Mexican food.
What needs work: Get rid of those fried guacamole bites.
Tips: Botanos are good, but filling. It’s an appetizer for a group.

Restaurant Reviews
Doug Hill
Golden Phoenix
2728 N. Classen Blvd.
524-3988

What works: The beautifully remodeled dining room with the same authentic and delicious Asian food.
What needs work: A menu that’s intimidating in its length and obscure descriptions. 
The tip: It’s possibly the best Asian food in the entire state.  

Restaurant Reviews
Greg Elwell
Yamato Japanese Steakhouse
7101 Northwest Expressway
721-2420

What works: The shrimp and scallops are delicious.
What needs work: An overall update to its menu and decor.
The tip: Don't order the flounder, even if it's on the menu.

Restaurant Reviews
Jenn Scott
West Restaurant
6714 N. Western
607-4072

What works: Thoughtful, flavorful dishes.
What needs work: Maybe add the sandwiches to the dinner menu, as well.
The tip: Sub cashew cheese for actual cheese if you're looking to cut dairy.

Restaurant Reviews
Greg Elwell
Shawn's Sushi
5612 Northwest Expressway
792-2211

What works: Inexpensive, but still tasty.
What needs work: The wait time, especially for to-go orders, is approaching unreasonable.
Tips: Albacore loin. For reals. You’ll thank me later.

Restaurant Reviews
Greg Elwell
Taco Rico
3838 N. Lincoln Blvd.
521-1330

What works: Tacos, burritos … you know, Mexican food.
What needs work: Not much. It does what it does.
Tips: Get queso for the tamales on the side. You may find you don't need all that sauce.

Restaurant Reviews
Doug Hill
Sergio’s Italian Bistro
104 E. Gray, Norman
573-7707

What works: Friendly service and good value.
What needs work: The marinara sauce is way too sweet.
The Tip:  Italian-American dishes in a nice restaurant with prices nearly the same as fast food.  

Restaurant Reviews
Greg Elwell
Carican Flavors
2701 N. Martin Luther King
caricanflavors.com
424-0456

What works: Oxtail, oxtail, dear lord the oxtail.
What needs work: A little more heat on the red snapper, but that's about it.
Tips: Ask about the Jamaican empanadas.

Restaurant Reviews
Greg Elwell
Steve's Rib
7202 W. Hefner
728-9555

What works: Spicy sauces and tender meats.
What needs work: Soggy french fries and flavorless green beans.
Tips: The two-meat plate is enough for two meals, if you’re the kind who likes next-day barbecue.

Restaurant Reviews
Jenn Scott
Gopuram Taste of India
4559 N.W. 23rd
gopuramtasteofindia.com
948-7373

What works: Everything on its menu is spectacular and carefully spiced.
What needs work: Nothing, actually.
The tip: The buffet is hard to beat and offers you a chance to try everything the menu has to offer.

Restaurant Reviews
Sam Lower
Abel’s Mexican Restaurant
5822 N.W. 50th, Warr Acres
491-0911

What works: Consistently great flavor and variety of food.
What needs to work: The taco menu option needs to be advertised.
The tip: The fresh fruit with lime juice and chili powder is a must.

Restaurant Reviews
Greg Elwell
Bedlam Bar-B-Q
610 N.E. 50th
528-7427

What works: The ribs and the smoked ham are some of the best.
What doesn’t work: Come at the wrong time and you’ll find a very long line and only one register.
Tip: If it’s nice, sit on the back patio. If you get sweet tea, mix it 50-50 with unsweetened, lest you get diabetes.