Don Ciro's Tacos: Authentic Mexican Street Tacos in Shawnee, OK

Don Ciro Review: An Old Flame in a New Frame It had been almost seven years since I last set foot in Don Ciro. Back then, the restaurant was tucked into a cozy, character-filled spot to the south of the newer location. While the new space is more spacious, it doesn’t quite have the same charm as the old haunt. Walking in, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the restaurant now feels like a nostalgic relic—once vibrant and bustling, but now almost forgotten. Arriving around noon, I expected the usual lunch rush that used to define the old location, but surprisingly, only three tables were occupied, and I made the fourth. It took a minute for the staff to notice me, and once they did, they got me seated promptly. Right away, I could sense they were understaffed. With only three tables of guests, they seemed to be hustling for reasons unclear. One bright spot: their chips and salsa, still as memorable as ever. The salsa is uniquely flavorful and hard to replicate, a true highlight. The staff were moving quickly, though it was clear there was only one waiter with a single helper covering all the other tasks—table cleaning, drink refills, who knows what else. When the waiter finally reached my table, he asked if I was ready to order. Thankfully, I was, and I went for the Birria plate. As I waited, I headed to the restroom, which painted a picture of the general upkeep: clean but dated, with a decor that seems frozen in the ’90s and in need of a refresh. The dining area didn’t suffer from any bad smells; rather, you could smell authentic Mexican food being cooked, which is always a good sign. When my food arrived, however, I experienced another hiccup in the service. The waiter left my plate, tortillas, and the check in one fell swoop. Really? No follow-up to see if I might want anything else? That kind of rush doesn’t sit well with customers—it almost felt like I was being hurried out. Don Ciro, please, don’t do this to yourself! Your food is wonderful; the Birria was delicious and hit all the right notes. But it’s those little service missteps that can leave customers feeling a bit overlooked. A Few Friendly Suggestions: Service: Hospitality goes beyond just good food. Make the effort to connect with the people who love your dishes. Don’t leave the check on the table before the meal even begins; it can make guests feel rushed and unappreciated. Menu: Your menu is extensive, maybe a little too much so. Narrowing it down to your 20 most popular dishes would streamline things for both your kitchen and customers, making choices easier and reducing food waste. Food Presentation: The Birria was great, but consider serving garnishes and condiments separately. Not everyone loves onion or cilantro, so let customers add those extras themselves. Atmosphere: A little investment here could go a long way. Updating the decor, a fresh coat of paint, maybe even new flooring—small changes that could revive some of that charm your old spot had and make the new place feel less like a blast from the past. Don Ciro, I hope you see this as constructive criticism from a loyal customer. Your food has heart and authenticity; now bring the same warmth to the rest of the experience, and you’ll win over even more fans.

The restaurant was good. So far it's the only place I found in Shawnee Oklahoma that has authentic street tacos. I actually ended up going twice in one week. I have the tamales and tacos. My only issue would be to season the food more. Other than that it's a great Hole in the Wall Restaurant. I'll definitely go back and bring some friends along with me. They also have drinks in glass bottles which I like.

Thought it was a very average Mexican restaurant. I didn't particularly like it - but that's my taste. The staff was very friendly. The facility was clean and picked up. The food was good - complementary sopopias. If you like Mexican food, give this place a try. Menu photos as of Sep 2024.

I've been eating here for a while, consistency is the key, and they are good at it. Continuously good food. I really like their hotter salsa.

I couldn’t remember if I had eaten here before, so I ordered here since I saw a bunch of different people placing orders. It was once I tasted the salsa I knew, instantly, I had been here. I love salsa, but for some reason, every time I get take out from here my salsa is literally steaming hot, and taste like marinara sauce. I do not understand, it tastes nothing like salsa. The queso is good, and was included in my order. I was able to substitute the chicken in my enchilada for cheese, so I was really happy about that. And, the beans and rice were good, I just wish everything wasn’t so runny and smushed together when I got it, it’s quite unappealing to look at.