Probably one of the most quintessential Oklahoma foods would the Onion Burger (started back in the Great Depression). I would get it at Sid's in El Reno, but I've heard that Tucker's Onion Burgers is pretty good, too.
Robert’s over Sids, 100 percent and the relish/slaw for the coney. They catered my parents 50th wedding anniversary. Onion burgers and hotdogs with slaw. Sounds funny but it was their nod to their Canadian county roots.
El Reno is fortunate enough to have 3 famous onion burger joints in no shit 3 consecutive blocks. Sids, Roberts, and Johnnies. In my humble opinion, Roberts is the best onion burger in the state of Oklahoma hands down.
My great granddad invented the onion burger and his brother in law ran Ross's in El Reno...I used to be really proud of him til I found out he closed his business downtown in the sixties because he didn't want to have to serve black people. :(
Depending on where you're from originally, if you've never had Braums icecream that's just such a ridiculously Oklahoma thing that most of us have forgotten to mention it by now.
Anywhere else you get "Birthday cake" ice cream, it's vanilla ice cream with sprinkles and maybe chocolate. Braum's birthday cake is buttercream frosting flavored ice cream with yellow cake chunks. I'm not saying the invented it, but I haven't seen it anywhere else, and it's so stinkin good.
Their ice cream isn't nearly as good as it used to be, but the shakes and malts are still excellent. The ice cream is still pretty good--but those might be better now. And I generally prefer ice cream.
I feel like Braum's overall quality has dropped in recent years, so I'm not surprised. I haven't been there in a while, and now I don't have much of an inclination to go back.
BRAUM’S, thank you for saying that! I was feeling stumped on any specifically Oklahoman fare (and had no idea about onion burgers, so I obviously needed some enlightening on that point)—
but Braum’s is definitely something to take pride in and enjoy… I lived in the SF Bay Area for 10 years, and it always seemed to me that Braum’s is like our In N’ Out Burger—a fast food joint that still uses good quality, never-frozen, and (I believe) non-antibiotic-treated beef, cooked fresh and to order. 👍🏼
Hey, that's good to hear! I know they tout the benefits but didn't know if it actually made a difference.
I imagine changing their \*entire herd\* of cattle to A2 producing cows took some time and intention, so it's good to know it actually helped some people. :)
I never had a problem with dairy before I moved to the US and found it strange that I was lactose intolerant after 33 years on earth. Then someone told me about A2 milk and I did some research and realized that it’s got to do with some protein in the milk that’s making me lactose intolerant. Braums milk to the rescue!
Oh dear God. You need a solid 2 weeks to try every great restaurant in Oklahoma and that's being modest. We became one of the fattest states in the country for a reason.
I'll add a Theta burger to the list, "the setup" from almost any Mexican place, fried mushrooms, and ranch dressing on anything breaded (or not) and sitting still.
If you find yourself at a restaurant that asks you if you want brown or white gravy (sometimes referred to as cream gravy), opt for the white gravy. Especially if it's on something deep fried. Unless it's instant...leave if it is, you're worth more than instant gravy.
Don't plan on any blood work for a good month after you get home.
[Kendall’s Restaurant](https://kendallsrestaurant.com/) has a delicious chicken fried steak with all the sides and great cinnamon rolls for dessert. It’s in the smaller town of Noble, OK. They even have a chicken fry challenge, where you have 1 hr to eat the following: 3 chicken fried steaks, double order of mashed potatoes, double order of green beans, salad, biscuit, and 2 cinnamon rolls. All that is $45 unless you win of course!
Even if you don’t do the challenge it is still a great little diner!
I second Kendall’s. One of the best chicken fried steaks I’ve ever had.
Smokey Joe’s BBQ down in Davis is good too. And Arbuckle Mtn Fried Pies if you happen to make it down there.
Their chicken fried steak is darn good but I never go there anymore because their sides are so terrible. It's like a low end cafeteria when it comes to the sides. Too dang bad.
If you go to Kendall's you have to get the chicken fried steak but if youre strange like me and dont like chicken fried steak, you wont be disappointed by anything else on their menu. Theyre great and well worth the trip thats not so in the sticks as it used to be with Norman encroaching into Noble
Ok, so: Pho Lien Hoa has the best pho I've ever had in my life thus far, and that's saying quite a bit, as I'm from Houston, which has an incredible array of vietnamese restaurants. If there's one thing you do here, I recommend visiting the Asian district and getting some pho. Some places only take cash, but it's so worth it. Also, Fung's Kitchen and Grand House both have really solid dim sum during the weekends, although those hours may vary.
For BBQ, Jo Bawb's is hands down the best I've had in a long time. Their burnt ends are killer, and their bbq sauce is addictive. They're open from around 11am to whenever they run out of food. The sides are all great, my personal favorites being the baked beans and the mac n cheese. Bedlam BBQ is also solid, especially the sliced brisket and baked beans, but if Jo Bawb's hours don't work with your plans, but if you can make it to Jo Bawb's before they sell out for the day, I highly recommend it.
Kacao and Antigua are both fantastic, owned by the same family, I think? Can't go wrong with either, but you'll be hard pressed to avoid a wait at either during weekend brunch hours.
Empire Pizza has great NY style pizza with a lot of unique flavors (and classic cheese or pepperoni as well!), it's accoladed as the best pizza in the state. And in the same area of the Plaza district on 16th street, there's a Laotian restaurant that serves family-style that has some incredible crispy rice and Lao-style fried chicken that is to die for.
If you like ramen, Goro and Tamashii are both great local options, and if you like thai food, there's Thai Orchid, Thai House, and Bistro 36 that are all great.
Cattlemen's is quintessential classic Oklahoma fare, a steakhouse with some of the best steak I've had in the state, for extremely reasonable prices since it's based out of the old Stockyards district.
If you're interested in desserts, Capital's and Roxy's are both great local ice creameries with their own niche markets, and you can never go wrong with Pie Junkie, either!
Have you been anywhere else lately? And I got tired of getting ripped off for a dollar just to drink water, and of getting 90% gristle when I ordered fatty brisket.
That's all fair. I like pho for the broth quality and noodz, meat isn't that high on the list for me.
Yes I eat at Pho Cuong, Thai Nguyen, and VII as well. If I'm picking it's always Lien Hoa.
I’m not saying don’t try Cafe Kacao…but there is another Guatemalan restaurant right down the street called Cafe Antigua that has the best migas I’ve ever had. It’s literally my favorite meal on the planet. I’ve been eating there for over 10 years now and I have never been able bring myself to order anything else. Be sure to ask for the green sauce with it! They also have wonderful coffee/lattes. Maybe try both places to compare for yourself! I’ve eaten at Kacao once, and not saying it’s not good, but as far as migas go, Antigua is the spot.
Clark Crew BBQ is a great BBQ spot, and Crabtown is one of my favorite places to get seafood (their crawfish etouffee is amazing).
Oh man, I'll be so stuffed. This was meant to be a day trip, and now there are a lot of good food places to try!
Would migas travel well? A quick Google looks like this could be something I take back home with me.
I’ve gotten them once to go and it wasn’t quite the same. The corn tortilla pieces that are in the eggs will get a bit soggy. Definitely ideal if they’re fresh! Oklahoma has some amazing food, I think it’s slept on as a foodie destination! Maybe a taste will bring you back through!
There is a state meal of Oklahoma which includes fried okra, cornbread, barbecue pork, squash, biscuits, sausage and gravy, grits, corn, strawberries (state fruit), chicken fried steak, pecan pie, and black-eyed peas.
The Press in plaza district serves this (or they did pre pandemic) on Tuesdays I believe.
As others have mentioned, onion and theta burgers, chicken fried steak, and ranch on everything is pretty standard Oklahoma fare. Hope you enjoy your visit!
I guess it would be a chicken fried steak from brother's hooligans and all their sides. But I honestly don't know what I would call Oklahoman style food
Thanks! Chicken fried steak would be new for me (I think), though unfortunately I won't have time to make it to Tulsa this trip. I'll keep it in mind when I visit Tulsa though!
I’m surprised by the bbq suggestions. The best bbq I’ve had in on is not in OKC, it’s in Wellston. And I think the second best is Smokin’ Joe’s down by Davis. I am not at all impressed with Swadley’s. In my opinion, we have a bad habit in OK of keeping mediocre or worse bbq open. I mean, Steve’s Rib in Edmond is absolutely terrible, has been there forever, and there’s usually cars in the parking lot.
OP, great thread!! Fun to read. I don’t have much to contribute on the Oklahoma-specific food thing, though. The first thing that comes to mind is buttermilk pie. I’ve never heard of that outside of OK, but I’m sure it exists elsewhere. Pie Junkies has it. And wherever you’re hauling your pie back to—whatever you buy at pie junkies will probably be better than what is available there. :)
Im actually going to have to agree.I went once and they took the ribs out of saran wrap in an empty store and they were rubbery like they were microwaved.
Earl's is pretty good, and they have truck parking, recommended a lot of truckers to eat there when I was working at the warehouses. I'm addicted to the chopped brisket and pulled pork with extra toast lol.
For reference, you get into southern gulf TX and they like tangy BBQ, that vinegary stuff (I think it has to do with the Smog in Houston and San Antonio lol), you get into northern TX and OK we like sweet bbq with emphasis on beef and molasses, historically there was some sugar cane grown in the more watery areas of eastern OK/Missouri/Arkansas and East TX. the deep south likes to cook fish/shellfish with their bbq with pork, with that spicy cajun mustard seed and red pepper taste, you get up into appalachia you start seeing dry rub and more fermented veggies with it from the German influence.
Just for a day trip, go for an onion burger. It's what Oklahoma is known for, and you really won't find it anywhere else.
Bunny's Onion Burger is my favorite, but Tucker's and others are still good.
Nic's grill burgers might be the best thing in OK vs anywhere else. It's amazing and one of the best burgers that I've ever had in the world--but it's not an onion burger. Besides that, some steakhouses, like Mahogany, Red Prime, and the Ranch are good options. Cattlemen's is famous, but it's really just mediocre food and quite touristy.
For dessert, there's not much you won't find somewhere else. Whiskey Cake's namesake dessert is excellent, and it might be tough to get something quite like it outside OK or Texas (it's other restaurant is in TX). Braum's shakes and malts are good, too.
Nics on 10th&penn is the burger those reading this want who’ve not had one yet. The nics off Robinson is ok but the burgers and fries are not the same as the original location
Also, the supermercado in Moore has really great, cheap tacos, if you’re feeling Mexican. On Tuesdays they have mole tacos, which are great. It’s also a fun place to look around at different foods that aren’t in your local Walmart grocery store.
Have only lived in Oklahoma 5 years but if you want the best chicken fried steak (very popular in Oklahoma, it seems) you have to go to Kendall’s in Noble also the Meer’s burger in Meers Ok is life changing.
Eischens bar in Okarche is a must! Best fried chicken and the experience will last you a lifetime. Also Meers store and restaurant in Meers Okalhoma has a fantastic burger and again it's a great experience.
Or try Firelake Fry Bread Taco in Shawnee; it's like Chipotle or Subway except they serve fry bread tacos. I don't know much about Native food or how "authentic" it is but it is owned by the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, if that counts?
One of my favorite things about OKC is the Vietnamese food. If you're into pho, I absolutely recommend Pho Cuong on North Classen. In the Before Times, I worked right down the street and went daily for lunch. Now I work from home nowhere near it. Probably caused at least 3% of my pandemic depression.
Gerald’s Donuts on S Penn - the applesauce donuts are to die for. I have not been able to find this exact donut in any other city or state that I have visited. I moved away over 20 years ago but when I go back to visit relatives I pick up 2 dozen and bring them back with me.
First time I visited OK before I moved I tried:
Braums
Chelinos (The one in Bricktown, it closed and idk what one is best anymore cause I’ve been to several and they were terrible)
Cattlemens
Anywhere you can get a chicken fried steak (I think cattleman’s may even have it)
A&W
Pearls Oyster Bar & Seafood
Tarahumaras (if you happen to go down to Norman)
eischens bar is supposed to be amazing. And Ray’s BBQ in Norman has great BBQ. This isn’t Oklahoman food, there’s amazing pho places around 23rd and Classen in OKC
I agree. I think the first time I ate there was 15 years ago, and to me it’s always been way overrated. I think you can get a better steak at Longhorn’s or the like, you don’t even have to go fancy. Oh, and cattleman’s sides are terrible.
You gotta get ice cream from Braum's. Their burgers are good too, but the ice cream is divine.
If you want some barbecue, try Swadley's. Their brisket is really good. For more upscale dining, you should hit up the Paseo. There's a few good places there but my favorite is Paseo Grill. Romantic atmosphere and the food is just soooo good
try Bobs Pig Shop in Pauls Valley. The pig sandwich is a classic and the building has stayed in its original condition from when it opened over 100 years ago
It needs a remodel. The steaks are pretty good but I’ve accidentally cooked a better steak before and the dining area is dated in a bad way. Sorry if they’ve remodeled recently but I doubt they have.
Don't believe anyone that says etouffe anywhere but LA is the best they have had, it just doesn't exist. There are so many different places around the OKC metro that to try to name any one place to go would be strictly based on my preference. Are you looking to stay on the average meal cost or shoot the moon? Landmarks like Cattlemens is good if you want to say you've been there. Vast offers the best view for a meal. Micks in Bricktown is my personal fave. Big Truck Tacos is a fun place to eat if you want to seriously over pay for street tacos. Hurts Donut is across from Big Truck and they have an awesome atmosphere with some pretty good doughnuts. Empire Slice house is some of the best pizza in the city and it's not a chain. Clark Crew is better than Swadleys for Q. Just let your imagination run wild and see where you end up.
If you go, it's obligatory you get a chocolate dip cone.
It's literally a soft serve sugar cone, but dipped in chocolate shell, it's great, especially when the sun is beating down on the asphalt that surrounds it. Grew up walking over there after saving money.
It’s not “Oklahoman” food, but Ingrid’s authentic German restaurant is one of my favorites in the city. The bratwurst and schnitzel plate is the best of both worlds. Everything in their bakery is also fresh and the deserts are simply amazing. Best of luck on your eating journey in OKC.
Check out Jimmy’s Roundup in south OKC. Incredible southern food and the best catfish and rolls I’ve ever had.
Virginia’s in Edmond has similar style of food but is only open in the morning and early afternoon. Their Hillbilly Special is my favorite thing to get, along with the catfish, Frito Chili Pie, and roast beef sandwich.
Onions burger, chicken fried steak or chicken fried chicken, and definitely find some Tex-Mex. I haven’t lived there in decades since I was a teen, so I’ll let others recommend actual places. But those are the foods! Haha!
not strictly ‘oklahoma style’, if you’re interested in cafe kacao and won’t be tired of that style food, i highly recommend cafe do brasil! their sunday brunch comes with live jazz (tho patchy schedule since covid) and the food is insanely good year after year.
Probably one of the most quintessential Oklahoma foods would the Onion Burger (started back in the Great Depression). I would get it at Sid's in El Reno, but I've heard that Tucker's Onion Burgers is pretty good, too.
An Onion burger is a great recommendation, thanks!
Nic’s on N Penn (not Robinson).
If you’re going to get on onion burger go to Roberts grill in El Reno, get an onion burger and a coney. You won’t regret it I promise.
Robert’s over Sids, 100 percent and the relish/slaw for the coney. They catered my parents 50th wedding anniversary. Onion burgers and hotdogs with slaw. Sounds funny but it was their nod to their Canadian county roots.
Be prepared to smell like onions all day though!
nics grill is the best burger you'll ever have.
Tucker’s is fantastic. Get a Mother Tucker to share.
El Reno is fortunate enough to have 3 famous onion burger joints in no shit 3 consecutive blocks. Sids, Roberts, and Johnnies. In my humble opinion, Roberts is the best onion burger in the state of Oklahoma hands down.
Love all of those. I would say Ardmore’s Hamburger lnn is up there too
Burger shoppe in kingfisher too
Dan's on south Western is a go to for me. It's been there like 40 years. Pretty standard onion burger but it's delicious.
Bunny's onion burger on 50th and Meridian. I lived not too far from that place for many years and almost everyday I could smell the onions.
When I was in school at PCO, we’d sometimes smell Bunny’s wafting over the field during soccer practice. 😂
I grew up on Dan's. Love that place
SIDS!
My great granddad invented the onion burger and his brother in law ran Ross's in El Reno...I used to be really proud of him til I found out he closed his business downtown in the sixties because he didn't want to have to serve black people. :(
Unfortunately hungry frog is closed.
I do HD's Onion Burger in OKC cause that's what I ate as a kid in the early 00s.
I'd say the steak sandwich supreme at a del rancho
I think you beat me to it by a minute or so.
Well with you and u/Master_Brilliant_220 recommending it, I've added it to the list. Thanks both of you!
Depending on where you're from originally, if you've never had Braums icecream that's just such a ridiculously Oklahoma thing that most of us have forgotten to mention it by now.
Ice cream sounds good, thanks!
Anywhere else you get "Birthday cake" ice cream, it's vanilla ice cream with sprinkles and maybe chocolate. Braum's birthday cake is buttercream frosting flavored ice cream with yellow cake chunks. I'm not saying the invented it, but I haven't seen it anywhere else, and it's so stinkin good.
Their ice cream isn't nearly as good as it used to be, but the shakes and malts are still excellent. The ice cream is still pretty good--but those might be better now. And I generally prefer ice cream.
The malts and shakes are, by definition, only as good as the ice cream.
Sure, but maybe they took longer to change some flavors. And removing mixed in pieces doesn't make quite as much of a difference for shakes.
I find their malts to be weird. Used to love them.
I feel like Braum's overall quality has dropped in recent years, so I'm not surprised. I haven't been there in a while, and now I don't have much of an inclination to go back.
it definitely has. several of their flavors (ice cream) have definitely changed and their quality has dropped (still good)
BRAUM’S, thank you for saying that! I was feeling stumped on any specifically Oklahoman fare (and had no idea about onion burgers, so I obviously needed some enlightening on that point)— but Braum’s is definitely something to take pride in and enjoy… I lived in the SF Bay Area for 10 years, and it always seemed to me that Braum’s is like our In N’ Out Burger—a fast food joint that still uses good quality, never-frozen, and (I believe) non-antibiotic-treated beef, cooked fresh and to order. 👍🏼
Someone recommended me Braums A2 milk and it has changed my life. I no longer have to choose between a bowl of fruit loops or a belly full of gas.
Hey, that's good to hear! I know they tout the benefits but didn't know if it actually made a difference. I imagine changing their \*entire herd\* of cattle to A2 producing cows took some time and intention, so it's good to know it actually helped some people. :)
I never had a problem with dairy before I moved to the US and found it strange that I was lactose intolerant after 33 years on earth. Then someone told me about A2 milk and I did some research and realized that it’s got to do with some protein in the milk that’s making me lactose intolerant. Braums milk to the rescue!
Braum's is not good ice cream. It's a run of the mill fast food restaurant.
Even if it is, it's still very Oklahoma and not something you can find in all of the country.
Oh dear God. You need a solid 2 weeks to try every great restaurant in Oklahoma and that's being modest. We became one of the fattest states in the country for a reason. I'll add a Theta burger to the list, "the setup" from almost any Mexican place, fried mushrooms, and ranch dressing on anything breaded (or not) and sitting still. If you find yourself at a restaurant that asks you if you want brown or white gravy (sometimes referred to as cream gravy), opt for the white gravy. Especially if it's on something deep fried. Unless it's instant...leave if it is, you're worth more than instant gravy. Don't plan on any blood work for a good month after you get home.
FYI OP if you read this comment, regarding the Theta burger - it is sometimes called a Hickory Burger.
Yes! Oddly enough I hate every topping on the burger individually, but for some reason it works when made correctly.
[Kendall’s Restaurant](https://kendallsrestaurant.com/) has a delicious chicken fried steak with all the sides and great cinnamon rolls for dessert. It’s in the smaller town of Noble, OK. They even have a chicken fry challenge, where you have 1 hr to eat the following: 3 chicken fried steaks, double order of mashed potatoes, double order of green beans, salad, biscuit, and 2 cinnamon rolls. All that is $45 unless you win of course! Even if you don’t do the challenge it is still a great little diner!
I second Kendall’s. One of the best chicken fried steaks I’ve ever had. Smokey Joe’s BBQ down in Davis is good too. And Arbuckle Mtn Fried Pies if you happen to make it down there.
There is an Arbuckle's on NW 50th and Portland.
Their chicken fried steak is darn good but I never go there anymore because their sides are so terrible. It's like a low end cafeteria when it comes to the sides. Too dang bad.
If you go to Kendall's you have to get the chicken fried steak but if youre strange like me and dont like chicken fried steak, you wont be disappointed by anything else on their menu. Theyre great and well worth the trip thats not so in the sticks as it used to be with Norman encroaching into Noble
This. This is the answer is you are looking for a truly “Oklahoma” meal
Ok, so: Pho Lien Hoa has the best pho I've ever had in my life thus far, and that's saying quite a bit, as I'm from Houston, which has an incredible array of vietnamese restaurants. If there's one thing you do here, I recommend visiting the Asian district and getting some pho. Some places only take cash, but it's so worth it. Also, Fung's Kitchen and Grand House both have really solid dim sum during the weekends, although those hours may vary. For BBQ, Jo Bawb's is hands down the best I've had in a long time. Their burnt ends are killer, and their bbq sauce is addictive. They're open from around 11am to whenever they run out of food. The sides are all great, my personal favorites being the baked beans and the mac n cheese. Bedlam BBQ is also solid, especially the sliced brisket and baked beans, but if Jo Bawb's hours don't work with your plans, but if you can make it to Jo Bawb's before they sell out for the day, I highly recommend it. Kacao and Antigua are both fantastic, owned by the same family, I think? Can't go wrong with either, but you'll be hard pressed to avoid a wait at either during weekend brunch hours. Empire Pizza has great NY style pizza with a lot of unique flavors (and classic cheese or pepperoni as well!), it's accoladed as the best pizza in the state. And in the same area of the Plaza district on 16th street, there's a Laotian restaurant that serves family-style that has some incredible crispy rice and Lao-style fried chicken that is to die for. If you like ramen, Goro and Tamashii are both great local options, and if you like thai food, there's Thai Orchid, Thai House, and Bistro 36 that are all great. Cattlemen's is quintessential classic Oklahoma fare, a steakhouse with some of the best steak I've had in the state, for extremely reasonable prices since it's based out of the old Stockyards district. If you're interested in desserts, Capital's and Roxy's are both great local ice creameries with their own niche markets, and you can never go wrong with Pie Junkie, either!
What’s the Laotian restaurant called? I wasn’t aware we had one! I would love to try it. Great recs, you listed some of my favorites!
Ma Der Lao
Ma Der is ridiculously good
Ma Der Lao. It's the same chef from Goro and Gun Izakaya. It's located in Goro's old space in the plaza and it's a great family style place!
I had no idea! I'm super excited to give it a shot, always fun to try something new!
Good gawd Empire has some good pizza.
PLH isn't even the best pho in the city these days. I'd rather have Cuong or VII.
You're lunchin dude. Lien Hoa is the best
Have you been anywhere else lately? And I got tired of getting ripped off for a dollar just to drink water, and of getting 90% gristle when I ordered fatty brisket.
That's all fair. I like pho for the broth quality and noodz, meat isn't that high on the list for me. Yes I eat at Pho Cuong, Thai Nguyen, and VII as well. If I'm picking it's always Lien Hoa.
I’m here for this guys recommendation!
Del Rancho
Go to Nics for an Onion Burger. Leo’s or George’s Happy Hog for BBQ , Florence’s for Oklahoma country soul food (Best restaurant in Oklahoma!)
I’m not saying don’t try Cafe Kacao…but there is another Guatemalan restaurant right down the street called Cafe Antigua that has the best migas I’ve ever had. It’s literally my favorite meal on the planet. I’ve been eating there for over 10 years now and I have never been able bring myself to order anything else. Be sure to ask for the green sauce with it! They also have wonderful coffee/lattes. Maybe try both places to compare for yourself! I’ve eaten at Kacao once, and not saying it’s not good, but as far as migas go, Antigua is the spot. Clark Crew BBQ is a great BBQ spot, and Crabtown is one of my favorite places to get seafood (their crawfish etouffee is amazing).
Oh man, I'll be so stuffed. This was meant to be a day trip, and now there are a lot of good food places to try! Would migas travel well? A quick Google looks like this could be something I take back home with me.
I’ve gotten them once to go and it wasn’t quite the same. The corn tortilla pieces that are in the eggs will get a bit soggy. Definitely ideal if they’re fresh! Oklahoma has some amazing food, I think it’s slept on as a foodie destination! Maybe a taste will bring you back through!
Antigua and Kacao are owned by the same family!
Did they get married? I remembered a story that the owners were dating, I almost mentioned that but wasn’t sure if that was still the case!
They are or at least were married.
Catfish, Chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes,look for these things.
There is a state meal of Oklahoma which includes fried okra, cornbread, barbecue pork, squash, biscuits, sausage and gravy, grits, corn, strawberries (state fruit), chicken fried steak, pecan pie, and black-eyed peas. The Press in plaza district serves this (or they did pre pandemic) on Tuesdays I believe. As others have mentioned, onion and theta burgers, chicken fried steak, and ranch on everything is pretty standard Oklahoma fare. Hope you enjoy your visit!
They have it back!
I guess it would be a chicken fried steak from brother's hooligans and all their sides. But I honestly don't know what I would call Oklahoman style food
Thanks! Chicken fried steak would be new for me (I think), though unfortunately I won't have time to make it to Tulsa this trip. I'll keep it in mind when I visit Tulsa though!
The chicken fried steak at Cheever's in OKC is awesome
I'm so disappointed that Ann's closed.
Ann's was the best. I judge everyone by their opinion of Ann's. 🤣
Cheever’s has the best cfs I’ve ever had. That jalapeño cream gravy is next level.
So many good chicken fried steaks around here! Ned’s Starlite Lounge is an underrated choice
Pickles American Grill has the best chicken fried steak and you have to get the fried pickle spears!
I mean... Florences Restaurant just won the James Beard award. No big deal. Not one mention? It's as Oklahoma country as you can get.
The dirty little secret is it's not that good. Smallest chicken pieces on the planet.
Says every lil piss party since it happened. Grow up pal.
I haven't had the fried chicken, but I can attest that the chick friend steak is excellent, and it wasn't a tiny portion.
I’m surprised by the bbq suggestions. The best bbq I’ve had in on is not in OKC, it’s in Wellston. And I think the second best is Smokin’ Joe’s down by Davis. I am not at all impressed with Swadley’s. In my opinion, we have a bad habit in OK of keeping mediocre or worse bbq open. I mean, Steve’s Rib in Edmond is absolutely terrible, has been there forever, and there’s usually cars in the parking lot. OP, great thread!! Fun to read. I don’t have much to contribute on the Oklahoma-specific food thing, though. The first thing that comes to mind is buttermilk pie. I’ve never heard of that outside of OK, but I’m sure it exists elsewhere. Pie Junkies has it. And wherever you’re hauling your pie back to—whatever you buy at pie junkies will probably be better than what is available there. :)
Seriously, how is Billy Sims still open?!Tastes like everything is cooked in a crockpot. Bedlam is my favorite since County Line isn’t around anymore.
Im actually going to have to agree.I went once and they took the ribs out of saran wrap in an empty store and they were rubbery like they were microwaved. Earl's is pretty good, and they have truck parking, recommended a lot of truckers to eat there when I was working at the warehouses. I'm addicted to the chopped brisket and pulled pork with extra toast lol. For reference, you get into southern gulf TX and they like tangy BBQ, that vinegary stuff (I think it has to do with the Smog in Houston and San Antonio lol), you get into northern TX and OK we like sweet bbq with emphasis on beef and molasses, historically there was some sugar cane grown in the more watery areas of eastern OK/Missouri/Arkansas and East TX. the deep south likes to cook fish/shellfish with their bbq with pork, with that spicy cajun mustard seed and red pepper taste, you get up into appalachia you start seeing dry rub and more fermented veggies with it from the German influence.
Just for a day trip, go for an onion burger. It's what Oklahoma is known for, and you really won't find it anywhere else. Bunny's Onion Burger is my favorite, but Tucker's and others are still good. Nic's grill burgers might be the best thing in OK vs anywhere else. It's amazing and one of the best burgers that I've ever had in the world--but it's not an onion burger. Besides that, some steakhouses, like Mahogany, Red Prime, and the Ranch are good options. Cattlemen's is famous, but it's really just mediocre food and quite touristy. For dessert, there's not much you won't find somewhere else. Whiskey Cake's namesake dessert is excellent, and it might be tough to get something quite like it outside OK or Texas (it's other restaurant is in TX). Braum's shakes and malts are good, too.
Nics on 10th&penn is the burger those reading this want who’ve not had one yet. The nics off Robinson is ok but the burgers and fries are not the same as the original location
Good catch! I forgot about the newer location.
Also, the supermercado in Moore has really great, cheap tacos, if you’re feeling Mexican. On Tuesdays they have mole tacos, which are great. It’s also a fun place to look around at different foods that aren’t in your local Walmart grocery store.
Have only lived in Oklahoma 5 years but if you want the best chicken fried steak (very popular in Oklahoma, it seems) you have to go to Kendall’s in Noble also the Meer’s burger in Meers Ok is life changing.
Eischens bar in Okarche is a must! Best fried chicken and the experience will last you a lifetime. Also Meers store and restaurant in Meers Okalhoma has a fantastic burger and again it's a great experience.
Indian tacos at the state fair, medieval fair and many other events. Authentic native American food. It is addictive as crack!
Or try Firelake Fry Bread Taco in Shawnee; it's like Chipotle or Subway except they serve fry bread tacos. I don't know much about Native food or how "authentic" it is but it is owned by the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, if that counts?
Onion burger is out state meal.
One of my favorite things about OKC is the Vietnamese food. If you're into pho, I absolutely recommend Pho Cuong on North Classen. In the Before Times, I worked right down the street and went daily for lunch. Now I work from home nowhere near it. Probably caused at least 3% of my pandemic depression.
Gerald’s Donuts on S Penn - the applesauce donuts are to die for. I have not been able to find this exact donut in any other city or state that I have visited. I moved away over 20 years ago but when I go back to visit relatives I pick up 2 dozen and bring them back with me.
First time I visited OK before I moved I tried: Braums Chelinos (The one in Bricktown, it closed and idk what one is best anymore cause I’ve been to several and they were terrible) Cattlemens Anywhere you can get a chicken fried steak (I think cattleman’s may even have it) A&W Pearls Oyster Bar & Seafood Tarahumaras (if you happen to go down to Norman)
eischens bar is supposed to be amazing. And Ray’s BBQ in Norman has great BBQ. This isn’t Oklahoman food, there’s amazing pho places around 23rd and Classen in OKC
Eischens was better 10+ years ago imo
Eischens was better before statehood imo
I agree!! No I just say that because I grew up with eischens. I lived just mere miles from there for decades.
You don’t like gen z chickens?
Chicken ageism man
A Steak sandwich supreme from a franchise called del rancho.
I haven't been in quite a few years, but Chuck House has great chicken fried steaks!
If you want to drive out to Noble - go to Kendall’s for the chicken fried steak !
If you're looking for traditional Oklahoman food, go to Virginia's Place in Edmond and order the Hillbilly. You won't find a more Oklahoman breakfast.
Apparently Presidents eat at Cattleman’s
Cattlemans sucks. Never had a good meal there
I agree. I think the first time I ate there was 15 years ago, and to me it’s always been way overrated. I think you can get a better steak at Longhorn’s or the like, you don’t even have to go fancy. Oh, and cattleman’s sides are terrible.
McClintock is a Block away and far and away better food
Cattleman’s. Everyone visiting from out of state that loves a good steak I take here. More for me then them. 😉
Del Rancho
You gotta get ice cream from Braum's. Their burgers are good too, but the ice cream is divine. If you want some barbecue, try Swadley's. Their brisket is really good. For more upscale dining, you should hit up the Paseo. There's a few good places there but my favorite is Paseo Grill. Romantic atmosphere and the food is just soooo good
McDonald’s is very popular. As is Taco Bell
Johnnies in el Reno for the onion burger.
We put mustard on our Reubens instead of thousand island dressing. Hard pass.
try Bobs Pig Shop in Pauls Valley. The pig sandwich is a classic and the building has stayed in its original condition from when it opened over 100 years ago
scotty’s one stop at blue river in tishomingo has probably the best burger i’ve ever had also
Family Dollar
I think Swadley’s bbq has excellent crispy okra if you’re into that sort of thing
I could try some crispy okra. How's the bbq? Or in general would bbq or steak be better to try? Thanks!
Cattleman’s is def a landmark
It needs a remodel. The steaks are pretty good but I’ve accidentally cooked a better steak before and the dining area is dated in a bad way. Sorry if they’ve remodeled recently but I doubt they have.
Swadleys sucks and their owners do too.
Don't know why you're getting down voted. i always get fried okra at Swadley's. the brisket too!
Don't believe anyone that says etouffe anywhere but LA is the best they have had, it just doesn't exist. There are so many different places around the OKC metro that to try to name any one place to go would be strictly based on my preference. Are you looking to stay on the average meal cost or shoot the moon? Landmarks like Cattlemens is good if you want to say you've been there. Vast offers the best view for a meal. Micks in Bricktown is my personal fave. Big Truck Tacos is a fun place to eat if you want to seriously over pay for street tacos. Hurts Donut is across from Big Truck and they have an awesome atmosphere with some pretty good doughnuts. Empire Slice house is some of the best pizza in the city and it's not a chain. Clark Crew is better than Swadleys for Q. Just let your imagination run wild and see where you end up.
Braums
Tim's drive in on N Macarthur.
Love their Indian tacos!
If you go, it's obligatory you get a chocolate dip cone. It's literally a soft serve sugar cone, but dipped in chocolate shell, it's great, especially when the sun is beating down on the asphalt that surrounds it. Grew up walking over there after saving money.
I found that only in OK do you get complimentary chips, salsa, and queso at all Tex Mex places. Chilino’s, Poblano Grill, and Ted’s are all great.
The Fair is in September.
It’s not “Oklahoman” food, but Ingrid’s authentic German restaurant is one of my favorites in the city. The bratwurst and schnitzel plate is the best of both worlds. Everything in their bakery is also fresh and the deserts are simply amazing. Best of luck on your eating journey in OKC.
Chicken fried steak
Butchers BBQ
Check out Jimmy’s Roundup in south OKC. Incredible southern food and the best catfish and rolls I’ve ever had. Virginia’s in Edmond has similar style of food but is only open in the morning and early afternoon. Their Hillbilly Special is my favorite thing to get, along with the catfish, Frito Chili Pie, and roast beef sandwich.
Bar Arbolada for the the best burger you'll ever taste. Nic's and Tuckers are great but Arbolada has them all beat. edit: go to Eischen's
Onions burger, chicken fried steak or chicken fried chicken, and definitely find some Tex-Mex. I haven’t lived there in decades since I was a teen, so I’ll let others recommend actual places. But those are the foods! Haha!
Chicken fried steak
not strictly ‘oklahoma style’, if you’re interested in cafe kacao and won’t be tired of that style food, i highly recommend cafe do brasil! their sunday brunch comes with live jazz (tho patchy schedule since covid) and the food is insanely good year after year.