1492 New World Latin Cuisine - Restaurant Review

Located in Oklahoma City's rejuvenated MidTown district, 1492 New World Latin Cuisine offers Mexican and Latin dishes in a modern atmosphere. The restaurant opened in 2007, a "Latin fusion" concept designed by two brothers from Dallas, and has received plenty of praise as a quality eatery far more unique than traditional Tex-Mex restaurants.

Here's my full guide review of 1492 New World Latin Cuisine.

In the Oklahoma City metro area, there are a number of Mexican/Tex-Mex restaurants, some of which receive a great deal of hype even though the offerings are fairly standard and the atmosphere uninspiring. 1492 New World Latin Cuisine stands in stark contrast to that blandness, a cool, modern spot in a revitalized urban neighborhood that will garner many a repeat visit from Mexican and Latin food lovers.

At night, the blue lighting reflects off the long, windowed front along North Walker, just up the way from the MidTown roundabout at Plaza Court. Inside, it's contemporary elegance, cloth-covered tables dotting the mid-sized dining area. Take a left and you're in the bar area, an intimate but comfortable room with drop down lighting and flatscreen televisions, nice but casual, perfect for after-work drink and conversation.

Have a seat and sample the chips and salsa as you prepare to order from a selection of Mexican, Tex/Mex and Latin dishes.

First, I should note that if you're not too adventurous and are simply looking for your tried and true favorite Mexican dish, don't worry. The white chile con queso is an excellent addition to the pre-meal chips, and there is a fairly extensive list of "Tex/Mex Basics," everything from enchiladas and tacos to the 1492 Fajitas, which come in several varieties. On the side, you can get the traditional rice and beans. Overall, I've found the basic fare to be good, not great.

But if you're looking to try something more out of the ordinary, 1492 offers several intriguing options. Though the menu isn't as extensive as some other Latin restaurants, the quality and diversity is there. For just a little change, choose the outstanding, slightly sweet coconut rice or black beans as a side. Even better, sample one of the Latin seafood dishes such as blackened tilapia or the bacon-wrapped, chipotle-stuffed shrimp cabobs, a nicely spicy main course alongside the coconut rice. The sugarcane-marinated duck is delicious, as is the Venezuelan shredded brisket.

The drink menu also offers a number of choices. Wine-lovers will find a thorough collection of offerings unusual to many Mexican restaurants, and there are several Latin drinks in addition to the margarita varieties. For a fruity mix, order the Caribbean Breeze or the Cuba Special.

You'll find pleasant, quality staff at 1492. Perhaps strangely, I have had slower service during some non-peak hours, say early evening on a Saturday, but it's never been an issue during busier times.

As for prices, though it's well worth it based on quality and atmosphere, you will pay a bit more than at a small Mexican restaurant or a chain such as Abuelo's. Entrees start at a very reasonable $11-12 for some of the more common dishes, and as with most restaurants these days, serving sizes are more than adequate. But if you want to enjoy the specialty items, plan the $15-20 range. During the week, there are lunch specials, with several $9 options. Drink prices, with the exception of wine, might be a bit higher than you'd expect. For example, one of the really good margaritas will ring up over $10.

1492 New World Latin Cuisine
1207 N. Walker
Oklahoma City, OK 73103
(405) 236-1492
Full menu available on the official site

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