Perfection in Woodward? Maracas' Tortilla Soup is a deadly pleasure.

For those of you who do not know me, there are five food groups in my life. The Burger, the Pasta, the Steakhouse, the Spicy and the never too far from my heart, Soup group. Yes, Soup is good food and isn't just a bowl of colorful liquid that is typically placed in front of your main course and for an extra charge. I am someone who will actually search out far and wide for the best soup dishes and I now present for your visual pleasure perhaps the Best Chicken Tortilla Soup on the planet. Yeah I'll make that statement, how couldn't I after dinning on this feast of flavor and texture overload.

For the past few years diners looking for great Mexican food in Woodward, OK have had to look no further than Maracas; which sits tucked away in a tiny strip mall at the intersection of 34th St and Oklahoma Ave. Known for creating fantastically flavorful and authentic dishes, I first stumbled upon this place after the closing of El Sol, another Woodward, OK Mexican food heavyweight, and quickly discovered what so many were doing before me; this place is simply one of the best in Northwest Oklahoma. From the creamy queso and homemade salsa that smells of fresh cilantro, served with crispy, lightly salted chips, to the two crispy beef tacos, served on my request with tomatoes on the side (I can hardly stand raw tomatoes), but the ultimate is the soup, hidden at #30 towards the end on the menu, it is perhaps a well forgotten afterthought. However after one look at the bowl of goodness placed before me, I feel there maybe no other way to describe it; other than a guilty pleasure and as if it were made specially for you from someone's 90 year old grandmother. The chicken is correctly seasoned and cut to bite size, but the protein is upstaged by the vegetables; who are the real stars of this elegantly colored dish. The rough cut medley includes Broccoli, Carrots, Cauliflower, Zucchini, Yellow Squash, and a freshly cut whole Avocado; all married perfectly in a delectable both as rich in flavor as it is bold in color. To finish the whole thing off Maracas melts a blend of cheeses, adds crispy tortilla strips and a generous topping of just cut cilantro.

Maracas is a must for all travelers who find themselves in Woodward and in need of finding a friendly, comfortable and fabulous dining establishment. The waiter was friendly and knowledgeable of the menu and service was fast even during their lunch rush. I of course recommend the soup, but I would find it difficult to believe that there is anything on their menu that isn't given the same best effort they put on display for my enjoyment. Maracas is a No Man's Land restaurant that would survive and strive anywhere and a place that I will visit again and again.

Maracas - Woodward, OK (580) 254-3532

Mexican Food

Alcohol: Beer

Service: 3 stars

Atmosphere: 2 1/2 stars

Food: 3 1/2 stars

Price: 3 1/2 stars

Overall: 3 1/2 stars

No Man's Land review's are out of 4 stars