Best Restaurants in Oklahoma City
They say everything's bigger in Texas, but its neighbor to the north gives that old saying a run for its money on meal flavors alone
Come to Oklahoma City with a prairie-sized appetite, because you'll find sizzling steaks in the old stockyard, comfort food with a modern touch, a burger hailed by many as the best-ever and sandwiches that take the flavors far beyond just meat and bread. Instead of just thinking about it, plan your next trip and get ready to taste the countryside when in Oklahoma City.
Burger Experience: Nic's Grill
Every city has a best burger in town, but award-winning Nic's Grill has bragging rights to one of the best burgers in the United States. They don't accept credit cards, so bring cash, and be prepared to wait in line for one of only 16 seats inside. The big, perfectly seared burger comes with your choice of toppings including onions and jalapeños, sizzled on the grill as well. The result is sloppy and juicy, so have a small stack of napkins at the ready. A pile of curly fries tops off the meal.
Scrumptious Sandwiches: The Mule
Sandwich shops are rarely praised on "best of" lists as places to go for something different, but this Plaza District hotspot earned that recognition for its unique twists on their sandwiches, or as they call them, "sandies." The Mule's combinations include putting pulled pork, mac 'n' cheese and pickles on jalapeño cornbread, or dressing up a classic roasted chicken sandwich with brie, gruyere, caramelized onion and pear. Wash it down with a drink from their extensive beer and cocktail selection and add onion rings or fries—which can be drenched in gravy and cheese curds.
Comtemporary Comfort: Cheever's Cafe
A favorite in Oklahoma City, this eatery down the street from the Oklahoma State Capitol serves contemporary fare in a building that used to belong to the family of the first baby born in Oklahoma City. Though Cheever's Cafe has a flower shop signage on the front, you'll find fragrant food within. Think of it as a classier spin on comfort food: the potato chips are accompanied by a blue-cheese fondue, the chicken-fried steak is dressed in smooth jalapeño gravy and the brunch Cowgirl Benedict comes with a red chili hollandaise. Save room for the roasted pecan ice cream ball.
OKC Institution: Cattlemen's Steakhouse
For more than a century, the Cattlemen's Steakhouse in the heart of Stockyard City has been serving up steaks in a way that brings cowpokes and city slickers together. The old country cafe atmosphere is nothing fancy, but all you'll notice anyway is grilled-to-perfection meat and generous portions of homemade sides and desserts. They're also open for breakfast, so you can get your favorite cuts of that legendary steak with eggs and all the trimmings. If you ask the server to identify a must-try, prepare to hear about the lamb fries, which are really deep-fried lamb testicles.
Ready to travel? Find hotels in Oklahoma City, or view our Oklahoma travel guide.
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