By, Macy Goodnight; May 2019: At El Maguey, it’s all about la familia. From the kitchen to the front door, the warmth of family invites you to enjoy some of the most delicious and authentic Mexican food in the state, and an embrace of genuine hospitality.
El Maguey is all about family. Kitchen crew with Chantal. (L-R: Genaro, Mario, Chantal, Ubaldo, Pablo.)
Since 2006, El Maguey has served Claremore and the surrounding area and is recognized for the freshest ingredients and delicious dishes with their own unique recipes. El Maguey is named for an agave plant and is known for its use in the production of tequila. Owner, Chantal Vidal, says she and her husband had decided on the name because of where her husband grew up, in Jalisco, Mexico. The blue agave is indigenous to the region, and the best tequila comes from there. Naturally, margaritas come to mind. “We use our own ingredients and recipes for margaritas,” said Chantal. “We have many unique drink options to choose from.” Because it is a family restaurant, they have recently introduced smoothies and shakes to the menu for the young and young at heart, and coming this summer, snow cones will join the selection. “We wanted to make sure we had something fun and yummy for the kids,” said Chantal.
Some of the more popular menu items include Pollo Loco and their famous fajitas. Pollo Loco is an incredible chicken dish with grilled peppers, onions, and mushrooms served with rice and covered in their amazing white sauce. Fajitas can be ordered in six different ways, with a unique spin on each recipe. With a five-page-long menu, there is no shortage of options to choose from, and portion sizes are enough to ensure you leave feeling full and satisfied, and likely in need of a box to take home what’s left.
Enchiladas served with refried beans, Mexican rice and El Maguey's signature white sauce.
Chips and salsa are served as soon as you sit down, and if you’re lucky, Blanca Lemus will serve you with the sweetest smile and the friendliest disposition. When you come back again, she will likely remember you, and any special requests you had previously made.
“We treat our customers like family,” said Chantal. “We have family who work here with us, so we truly can call ourselves a family business.” Chantal greatly enjoys getting to know her customers and takes pride in knowing that she and her restaurant have served generations. “I love seeing the families come back regularly and it excites me when they come in and are happy to see me too,” she said.
Pollo Loco is an incredible chicken dish with grilled peppers, onions, and mushrooms served with rice and covered in their amazing white sauce.
Kolohe McWilliams has worked at El Maguey as a server for two years and loves her job and the food so much, she comes in on her days off to eat. “They really do treat me like family here,” she said. “It’s so much fun, and I’ve learned so much since I’ve been here.” Chantal smiles fondly at her as she speaks, and it is clear that the feeling is mutual and completely genuine.
There is no other place like El Maguey that combines the pure hospitality with the original and divine authentic flavors that they provide. “Give us an opportunity to show you how unique we are,” said Chantal,” and how our fresh ingredients make all the difference.”
Come in for lunch or dinner, in Claremore at 1958 South Highway 66.
See more about Arriba, Andale! El Maguey:
https://www.valuenews.com/arriba-andale-el-maguey-news-article_4811
