La Carreta Restaurant Bar - Stillwater

This restaurant serves the best Mexican food I have ever had! You absolutely have to give it a try. We've visited several times, and each visit leaves us amazed at how delicious the food is, especially since we didn't even know it existed before.

I want to give this place 5 stars, but I just can’t anymore. When it first opened, both the food and service were excellent. They used to have an amazing green tomatillo salsa, which they've stopped making for some unknown reason. The food is still pretty good, but the service has really declined. On our recent visits, we've had to wait a long time for our food, even with just a couple of other tables occupied. I’m not sure what’s gone wrong, but I would love to see things improve because I genuinely enjoy the food. Also, please bring back the green tomatillo/onion/cilantro/garlic salsa. And I find it strange that fries are now a side option. They were great when they were homemade, but the last time we visited, they were obviously frozen fries.

The ambiance left much to be desired; it was cold inside (the servers were wearing jackets!), and there were at least a dozen large TVs, each showing a different channel, which created a chaotic environment. I had to find my own silverware and high chair. There were crayons and coloring books available for kids, but we weren't offered them, so I went ahead and grabbed some myself. Even though there was only one other table occupied in the entire restaurant, our server rarely came to check on us. When she did stop by, her interaction was minimal. I found myself needing to have a list of requests ready—basic things like water and a plate—but after realizing that the service was lacking, I only asked for items that I couldn’t fetch from other tables or the visible serving station. I rattled off my needs quickly before she walked away. Having worked as a server myself, I understand how challenging the job can be, and I usually tip well even for mediocre service, provided I see that the staff is genuinely trying. However, this was just very poor service without any justification. Perhaps the server was having a bad day or didn’t take a liking to us, which is something we always have to consider as a Queer couple with kids. One final complaint: we were charged $9 for a tiny basket of chips and salsa, which weren’t refilled until the very end, after I had to flag the server down to ask for more. I strongly dislike when something typically offered as a complimentary item—like chips and salsa at a Mexican restaurant—is instead treated as an extra charge.

La Carreta is the best Mexican restaurant in Stillwater. I really wish I had discovered this authentic spot sooner. I've probably passed by it for a couple of years without realizing it was there. The food here is truly authentic Mexican, which is hard to find in this area. They offer a large selection of dishes along with a variety of Mexican beers.

**Dining Experience:** Dine-in **Meal Type:** Other **Price Range:** $1–10 **Recommended Dish:** Cake I recently enjoyed a meal at this restaurant, where the atmosphere was welcoming and the staff attentive. I would especially recommend trying the cake — it’s absolutely delicious! Plus, the price is very reasonable, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a satisfying dining experience without breaking the bank.