I’m no restaurant critic, but I am a fan of these two things: (1) supporting small businesses in small towns and (2) healthy food options in the heart of the Cherokee Nation.

Tonight we grabbed dinner at Rafa’s Burrito Co. in downtown Tahlequah, Cherokee Nation. It’s only their second day of operation, so they have some minor details and mechanics to work out, but – I’ll go with 2 thumbs way up.

Happy to have them open! Happy to have them in downtown! Happy that they provide some solid healthy food options!

As you can see from the photo taken from the entrance down into the dining room below street level, this had a modern feel and for small town America, trendy.

You walk down a flight of stairs, into a Chipotle- like open air feel – but what you find after that, is much better than Chipotle. Photos by local artists of Tahlequah scenes. A vegan and vegetarian options for self-build and bowls.

It’s an assembly line ordering process or order online in advance. Really fresh guacamole. Quick service.

We went with a vegan bowl and a vegetarian bowl for comparison sake – (both had yummy black beans, brown rice, grilled veggies). $7 each.

You can choose among several proteins, burrito, tacos or bowl and load it up as you wish.

For the average college town throughout the USA, what I just described may not be anything to text home about, but for Tahlequah, where I absolutely love to live (but also acknowledge that it’s a series trade offs) – THIS is a VERY exciting development.

Go check out and patronize Rafa’s. Here their website. Here’s their deal:

”Rafa’s Burrito Company is a contemporary restaurant designed to be socially inviting with dine in seating and online/to-go options.

We are excited to offer a more innovative food option to downtown Tahlequah. A menu ranging in options of Build your own burritos, Protein Bowls, Salads, and KETO friendly options. 

With over 17 years experience providing fresh food cooked daily, we are excited to be in the heart of Tahlequah within walking distance of NSU and other locally owned businesses.”