I visited Oaxaca in Chamblee, not to be confused with Oaxaca Tacos and Tequila Bar in Lawrenceville, with a friend, for an early dinner before a Rugby game. I researched restaurants near the stadium and landed on this one because it was close and seemed like a new place to eat. I was not expecting the experience I received based on the location and was presently surprised.
Aesthetic and Vibe
The entrance was slightly hard to find based on it being located under an apartment building, but there was a lot of street parking. If you frequent Atlanta, this is a make-or-break. The main entrance is beautiful. The light-colored furniture went well with the dark cement. It was modern, but it is still warm and inviting. This theme carried on inside as well with more browns. The restaurant felt upscale.
There was a group of older people dining and it livened the atmosphere because they seemed relaxed. There was enough room and soft music in the back to conversate without feeling people were eavesdropping or you were too loud. The phrase I would use to describe the vibe is relaxed but classy.
Service
Due to the weather, there was no wait. The hostess and servers were terrific. Our server was knowledgeable about the menu, food sourcing, and the history of traditions in Oaxaca.
The food was a bit slow, but I understood why once I tasted it. All the staff were attentive and well-dressed, and they gave us a seamless experience. They were professional and blended into the background as they moved around the restaurant.
Food and Drinks
For starters, I ordered the Salsas, but after further information, I decided to get the Papas Bravas instead because I dislike avocados. The Papas Bravas were terrific. The shape was different, but the flavor was there. The garnish on the top served an actual purpose. My friend ordered the Churros and an expresso. This was my first time trying Churros and these were different. They are covered in charred corn husk mixed with cinnamon and sugar which when they were placed on the table I was nervous eating, but I enjoyed them. I don’t eat chocolate but my friend loved the chocolate dip they provided.
My drink of choice was a margarita, and it was on par with the taste. I am a fan of margaritas, a big fan. What stood out was the garnish since it was a mix of salt and herbs. It was appealing but did not take away from the drink. I did wish the glass was smaller because the drink was not filled to the top, but I could see the purpose was to show off the salt rim which would be challenging on a shorter glass.
For my main course, I ordered Carne Asada tacos. If you do not like your steak well done, let them know before they prepare to see if they can change the temperature. I did not specify the temperature I wanted, they just brought the tacos out. Mine was well done, but it was still flavorful and moist. Adding the lime and salsa to the taco was the perfect finish. Rice is a la carte.
The menu has many options for appetizers and desserts, but in the future, there should be more variations between the quesadillas and tacos. The tacos and quesadillas seem the same with the difference being in how it is served. This may be a turn-off to some, but based on how the tacos tasted, I don’t think anyone will be upset with whatever option they choose. They also offer large plates, and I want to try them when I go back.
Overall Experience
I felt immersed in the food and the ambiance. The food presentation was extravagent; it was not something you would expect based on it being outside of Buckhead and with the price point.
Additionally, our server packaged our food to go, which is always a plus and again, I felt like I was in an upscale restaurant.
Everything is Instagramable, so if you’re looking to make content or wow your friends on social media and make them ask you where you are, this is the place.
I rate it 10/10 based on the size of the restaurant, location, food quality, and price point. I would suggest this place for get-togethers with friends, dates, or family outings. This is a steal when it comes to quality for your dollars. I did not feel anything was lacking in my experience, and I will return to try other menu items. I want to try their Tres Leches, which is soaked in coffee in addition to the milk mixture.
