The Michoacán style Enchiladas are a good example of the type of food that is served. Folded over instead of rolled, and stuffed with melted cheese, they resemble quesadillas as much as enchiladas. You can tell they are authentic enchiladas, though, because of the red chile on the outside that makes them similar to the red enchiladas served in New Mexico. These are not as spicy, but they are very good.

Another very good item was an order of Flautas--rolled tortillas cooked golden brown with chicken or beef inside. Sour cream and guacamole are served on the side. On my dinner the guacamole was very fresh and exceptionally good. Some of my favorite flautas in the El Paso area are at Flautas Tepalca in Canutillo, another Michoacán style restaurant. The flautas at Don Elias were not quite as extraordinary as the ones at Flautas Tepalca, but were still quite enjoyable. It is probably a good bet that flautas are one of the better dishes in the state of Michoacán.

The Chicken Tostada is a crispy tortilla piled high with seasoned meat, Mexican cheese, lettuce and tomatoes in sort of a flat version of a taco. Having tried numerous versions of this item at countless restaurants, the one at Hacienda Don Elias seemed to be one of the best. The seasoned meat and mild cheese seemed to bring this rather simple concept of chicken and lettuce to the level of gourmet Mexican food. It also did not hurt that the tostada was cooked to a golden brown giving it an almost perfect state of crispness.

Sopes are similar to tostadas but with a thicker and softer shell. They can be made with beef, chicken, or pork, and although I get less excited about beef than just about any other meat, the carne asada version of the sope was every bit as flavorful as would be expected in a good Mexican restaurant.

One of the biggest surprises was that the Salsa tasted so authentic. The spice level was the same as can be found south of the border, and the mixture of spices and other ingredients was skilfully done.

The quality of the Chips has varied on my visits, but they seem flavorful and home made. The soft Flour Tortillas were much better than the chips, and I can see why many customers order items made with flour tortillas--burritos, soft tacos, etc.

Although Horchata (a rice drink) is commonly found in Mexico, Don Elias is one of the few restaurants in OKC to serve it. I thought it was on the sweet side, and it needed some cinnamon.

The home made Lemonade was refreshing and south of the border quality.

Hacienda Don Elias opens early, closes at 9 p.m., and will not rush customers out the door near closing time (I believe they are also closed between about 2:30 and 5:00 in the afternoon). Breakfast is served all day (I am told that the burritos and huevos rancheros are the best breakfast items). This restaurant provides Oklahoma City ample opportunity to try some very authentic and high quality Mexican food, giving a much needed break from the Tex-Mex food found on just about every major street in the Metro.