Pepe Delgados
No Queso? No Problem.
Pepe Delgados is a lot of things to a lot of people. But most of all, Pepe Delgados is a line in the sand.
You’re either on the side that likes Pepe Delgados or you’re not. And what makes the disciples of Delgados come back for more tends to be the thing that repels the non-believers. The Norman staple has been in business since 1992, the Campus Corner storefront a beacon to those looking for a fresh lime margarita and a friendly bartender to chat with. Owner Emilio L. Salinas wanted to create a place that sold more traditional Mexican food than the standard Tex-Mex fare typical of Oklahoma. And yet, therein lies the controversy.
It’s hard to call a restaurant with burritos on the menu a challenge, but to many, a queso-less Mexican joint is a gauntlet thrown. In fact, Pepe Delgados is a Mexican restaurant where there is no set up. You order at the counter and you can order chips and salsa. But you won’t have bottomless chips dropped at your table as often as a server walks by. You will find your favorite Mexican menu items, like quesadillas and enchiladas, just not exactly like you’re used to.
The flavors are best described as crisp, bright, and fresh. Many dishes feature cilantro and avocado sauce instead of the chili sauce and monterey jack cheese common to local Mexican restaurants. There are many vegetarian options and true Delgados devotees know the magic that can be found on the special board next to the register. You can’t mention the restaurant without someone sighing, breathlessly recalling the last time they had the Super Nachos with pork. Others will mention how the lunch portion of the veggie sopes got them through their college days.
More than a restaurant, Pepe Delgados is an anchor on Campus Corner, a steadfast example of quality and consistency in a place known for some ill-conceived concepts. The university down the street would be hard pressed to get me to attend a College of Arts and Sciences reunion. But Pepe’s? I’d make the drive south in game day traffic.
> Pepe Delgados, 786 Asp Avenue, Norman, (405) 321-6232
