The Bottom Line
The mirrored glass reflects your car as you approach, not allowing you to gaze inside Barry's Grill on north May Avenue. This isn't necessarily a bad thing because the interior is a non-descript, scarcely-decorated are with a snack-bar atmosphere, not unique or special in many ways. However, when it comes to that which Barry's is known, the wonderful grilled hamburger, appearance matters not.
Pros
- Fantastic burgers
- Casual dining
Cons
- Very casual dining
- No wait service
- Items other than burgers are less impressive.
Description
- Location: 3124 North May Avenue
Oklahoma City, OK 73112 - Directions: May Avenue just east of I-44 at NW 30th
- Phone: (405) 948-7878
Guide Review - Barry's Grill - Restaurant Review
When you open that mirrored glass door of Barry's Grill on north May Avenue, you don't know what to expect. But outside appearances, in this case, are not deceiving. Stuck in a small, less-than-picturesque shopping center, Barry's is a simple place. So simple that the restaurant is essentially one large, open rectangle room.
On one side are the snack bar-esque tables that look as if they were purchased at multiple restaurant closing sales and a couple of gum ball machines. On the other, there is the grill, surrounded by the counter and cash register.
You won't find servers at Barry's Grill, so make your way up to the counter to place your order. Though they don't bring the food to your table, I've found the staff to be competent and friendly, though certainly not overly so.
Have a seat at a table and watch them toss your burger on the grill. When it's all finished, it's time for the highlight. What I consider to be one of the best burgers in OKC, Barry's product is dubbed "old-fashioned," a good name for it, I think, as they remind me of those great grill burgers you can find at a good roadside diner. They are flavorful but thin, not overly juicy but certainly not dry. I recommend one of the doubles if you're hungry. Buns are buttered and slightly toasted, and toppings are fresh and plentiful, in the case of the onion burger, maybe even too plentiful. Get a round bacon disc rather than strips, and add the thick, fresh-cut fries that could be cooked a bit longer, particularly for the bigger ones. The tots, another meal option, are probably better.
Beyond the burger, unfortunately the offerings are slim and less than memorable. There's a ham and cheese that is made with a ham-steak, some chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders and a catfish sandwich, but none of them match the quality of the burger varieties. The Price is quite affordable, though, with a significant meal setting you back less than 10 bucks (remember, you won't have a tip), so it makes a good, tasty and quick stop for a meal in OKC.
On one side are the snack bar-esque tables that look as if they were purchased at multiple restaurant closing sales and a couple of gum ball machines. On the other, there is the grill, surrounded by the counter and cash register.
You won't find servers at Barry's Grill, so make your way up to the counter to place your order. Though they don't bring the food to your table, I've found the staff to be competent and friendly, though certainly not overly so.
Have a seat at a table and watch them toss your burger on the grill. When it's all finished, it's time for the highlight. What I consider to be one of the best burgers in OKC, Barry's product is dubbed "old-fashioned," a good name for it, I think, as they remind me of those great grill burgers you can find at a good roadside diner. They are flavorful but thin, not overly juicy but certainly not dry. I recommend one of the doubles if you're hungry. Buns are buttered and slightly toasted, and toppings are fresh and plentiful, in the case of the onion burger, maybe even too plentiful. Get a round bacon disc rather than strips, and add the thick, fresh-cut fries that could be cooked a bit longer, particularly for the bigger ones. The tots, another meal option, are probably better.
Beyond the burger, unfortunately the offerings are slim and less than memorable. There's a ham and cheese that is made with a ham-steak, some chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders and a catfish sandwich, but none of them match the quality of the burger varieties. The Price is quite affordable, though, with a significant meal setting you back less than 10 bucks (remember, you won't have a tip), so it makes a good, tasty and quick stop for a meal in OKC.


