A family meal and entertainment or a romantic meal is as close as the east shore of Lake Hefner. Mama Roja’s offers an atmosphere to relax in and a view to enjoy while relishing your meal. When you finish, take a stroll by the lake to the lighthouse, a lovely backdrop to cap off your dining experience.  

My daughter Mandy and I recently enjoyed a late, leisurely lunch while admiring the lake. There are three dining areas at Mama Roja’s and all offer great views of the lake.

Mama Roja’s offer a variety of salsas for your chips; we had roasted salsa which is served warm (our least favorite), regular fresh salsa, tomatillo (similar to my recipe, creamy and a little tart), and the fiery, chunky habanera salsa. Complementary queso is not offered, but it is available on the menu. This is not the thin mixture you may be used to, but a thick, cheesy sauce topped with chopped cilantro. We ordered the soft corn and flour tortillas and a cup of queso ($4.29) to accompany the complimentary chips and salsas. Be sure to take your time to savor all these flavors.  

Before filling up on all these tasty bites we ordered our lunch. Mandy decided on the Mama’s hand-rolled chimichanga with ranchero chicken ($10.99). It is also available with seasoned ground beef or fajita beef or chicken. The chimi is filled with a sour cream sauce, blend of Mexican cheeses, and corn salsa; then fried and drizzled with chipotle sour cream sauce. There is an abundance of shredded ranchero chicken that spills out when cut into. Mandy had queso on the side with hers. The chimichanga is served with rice and beans and makes a huge plate.

Since Mandy’s plate came with rice and choice of beans I decided to order al a carte. I selected a street taco ($3.49) and a tostada ($2.29) to have along with the chips and tortillas. The street taco isn’t anything like the typical crunchy taco; it has two layers of soft, white corn tortillas filled with shredded beef, onions, cilantro and jack cheese (though they forgot the cheese on mine). You are to squeeze fresh lime over it which gives it a nice fresh bite. The tostada, a layer of beans, seasoned ground beef, lettuce, cheese, and tomato was excellent. I will be happy to order it again.

On another visit, I want to try the sweet corn tamale cake appetizer ($6.99). A corn cake topped with avocado, chipotle sour cream, tomato, sweet corn, and spicy verde sauce, sounds yummy!

Mama Roja’s offers a variety for all taste buds. There are fish tacos made with Mahi Mahi, plus grilled tilapia, skirt steak, brisket, pork and chicken.

After all the chips and salsa and your entrée, a bite of sweetness maybe the perfect end. There is a sorbet or flan on the menu or I recommend the complimentary sopapillas. Pillows of cinnamon and sugar coated fried dough, a light and crispy delight to be enjoyed.

We enjoyed our visit with good service, good food, and good company.  Hope your visit is as pleasant!

4 of 4 forks

Mama Roja
9219 E Lake Hefner Parkway
Oklahoma City, OK 73120
405-302-6262
Prices: $2.29-$19.99

Hours: Monday – Thursday: 11am-10pm
            Friday & Saturday: 11am-11pm
            Sunday: 10:30am-10pm