Let’s start with the chips and salsa. Yeah I know, sounds Texmex, it’s not. Chips were thicker and different than every other place in town. I could taste the roasted chiles in the salsa, so much so I was trying to identify them.

The beans were great. Simple, but tasty with texture. Those who have had authentic refried beans will know what I’m talking about. It wasn’t blended into a paste, flavorless, over flavored or infused with that whack ass smoke flavor so many restaurants are fond of. I Haven’t had beans like that in some time.

Rice was great too, not overpowered with tomato sauce or flavorless. Again it was perfect ,the salsa’s were great as well.

Atmosphere was perfect too.  So often if you want good ass Mexican you are going to hit some hole in the wall, struggle with a language barrier and eat in an environment that is not completely comfortable.  Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not disparaging these places. I patronize them. Shit… I’ll go to a Tijuana red zone whorehouse with a Maga hat on parallel to a $10 donkey show if the food is right.

My point is, it’s rare to have tremendous Mexican fare, prepared with such care in a comfortable environment. The owner greeted me when I walked through the door, prepared my food, and served and checked on us throughout the meal. We engaged in a great conversation on food and culture, and I felt like more than just another customer. 

This is the way dining should be. Maples 918 definitely has a new customer . If you try them, I’m sure you’ll feel the same way.

8151 E 21st St, Tulsa, OK 74129