Unofficial Guest Experience Comparison: Vecina vs. Mesero (Oklahoma City)

While in Oklahoma City for an official guest experience audit, our team took the opportunity to explore the local restaurant scene. This wasn’t a scheduled or commissioned audit — just a chance to compare two restaurants while off the clock. For context, we never publish the results of our official audits unless explicitly instructed to do so by the client. What follows is an informal look at two Latin restaurants we visited: Vecina (North OKC) and Mesero (Penn & NW Expressway).

Customer Service

At Mesero, service was smooth and attentive from the start. We had a reservation (not necessary, but we booked one anyway), and we were seated quickly. Our waiter greeted us immediately, and service remained consistent throughout the meal. One detail that stood out: when one of our drinks ran empty, someone who appeared to be a manager (not our server) stopped by unprompted to offer a refill. That kind of awareness is rare and appreciated. Our only knock: the check was brought without asking if we wanted anything else. We likely would have ordered another round, so a small missed revenue opportunity there. Service: 4 out of 5.

Vecina was, unfortunately, a different story. Upon arrival, we waited at the host stand for an uncomfortable amount of time without being greeted. We eventually had to flag someone down just to be seated. Once seated, our server was average at best in the beginning and shockingly rude by the end of the visit. It was a disappointing experience that overshadowed some otherwise positive aspects of the visit. Service: 2.5 out of 5.

Ambience

Mesero nails the upscale-casual vibe. The dining room felt polished and modern, with design choices that made it feel more like a trendy Dallas or Scottsdale spot than something you’d find in Oklahoma City. The surrounding area adds to the feel — shopping, walkability, a nearby garage. It all worked together. Ambience: 4 out of 5.

Vecina is located in a strip mall, which doesn’t do it any favors from the outside. But step inside and it’s clear they’ve worked hard to create a swanky, upscale environment. The lighting, layout, and décor are all excellent. Still, the setting outside the front door matters. That drops the ambience score to a 3 out of 5.

Bar Service & Drinks

Mesero’s bar service was solid. We ordered the Mesero Mimosa (vodka-based), which was well-made and served quickly. The same attentiveness we saw with food carried over to the bar experience. Bar: 4.5 out of 5

Vecina’s bar service was surprisingly slow considering the place wasn’t busy. We were never asked if we wanted a second round, which echoed the broader issue with inattentive service. Though the drinks were good, nothing else about the drink experience stood out for the right reasons. Bar: 4 out of 5

Food Quality

This is where things got interesting. Both restaurants offered strong salsa trios: Mesero featured a creamy avocado verde, a spicy aioli-style dip, and a smoky red salsa. All were excellent. But Vecina edged them out. Their salsas were bold, layered, and beautifully presented. The standout was their aioli-style salsa, which had just the right amount of heat.

As for the entrées, both spots delivered. At Mesero, we had bacon-wrapped shrimp (a showstopper), brisket tacos, and tuna tacos — all solid, with the shrimp taking top honors. At Vecina, the salmon tacos and empanadas were phenomenal. Fresh, well-seasoned, and plated with intention. In the food category, Vecina takes the win.

Food:

• Vecina: 5 out of 5

• Mesero: 4 out of 5

Overall Experience

Mesero felt like a complete experience. Strong service, well-executed food, solid drinks, and a comfortable, stylish environment. It’s easy to see why it has steady business. Overall score: 4.5 out of 5.

Vecina left us conflicted. The food and interior design suggest a restaurant poised to compete with the best in town. But the service wasn’t just lackluster — it was disruptive. With better staff engagement, Vecina could be a top-tier destination. For now, overall score: 3 out of 5.

Final Thoughts

We visited both restaurants when one should expect a decent crowd. Mesero was steadily busy. Vecina, not so much. Based on food alone, it should be the opposite. Our hope is that Vecina’s team can elevate the service to match the quality coming out of the kitchen. If they do, they’ll have something special.

This wasn’t an official audit. Just two experienced professionals grabbing dinner in OKC. But sometimes, the casual visits reveal just as much as the structured ones.

Cheers to great food and even better service.

— The BG&T Team