After a long and extensive search across Oklahoma City, I finally feel qualified to give my recommendations for the best hamburgers in the metro. Here's my ranking for the top burger restaurants in OKC.
1. Nic's Grill
It was one of the last burgers I sampled as part of my multi-month search around the metro, and it impressed me enough to grab the top spot on my list. The meat has a wonderful, loosely-packed texture, and the toppings are fresh and plentiful. The tiny little restaurant near 10th and Penn has limited hours of operation, but you should absolutely find a way to stop in and try this hamburger.1201 N. Pennsylvania Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK 73107
(405) 524-0999
2. Ron's Hamburgers
Ron's has been one of my favorites ever since I would get a cheeseburger and frosty mug root beer as a kid. It's amazing how much less my stomach can handle these days, but I still have one of the gut-busting chili cheeseburgers from time to time. This is not by any means a gourmet experience, but if you're looking for a great burger, you can't get much better than Ron's.3 OKC Locations Including
4723 N. May Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
(405) 943-7667
3. Irma's Burger Shack
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Irma's is a well-known OKC staple, with locations on NW 63rd and at Plaza Court in midtown, and I've been a big fan for years. In fact, I was sitting in the comfortable booth with the famous "No Name" burger in my mouth when I had the idea to do this burger search. The meat is delicious, the shredded cheese a perfect topper, and a beer or some chili makes a great addition to the meal.
Original Location at:
1035 NW 63rd Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73116
(405) 840-IRMA
Original Location at:
1035 NW 63rd Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73116
(405) 840-IRMA
4. Bricktown Burgers
© Adam Knapp, Licensed to About.com, Inc.
Like Nic's noted above, it's tough to get into Bricktown Burgers unless you work nearby. They're only open a couple of hours each day and not on the weekends at all. But if you can sneak out of work to get one of their huge burgers, you won't be sorry. Take a seat on the tables outside at their Bricktown location and enjoy large bacon strips, crispy fries and one of the tastiest burgers around.
300 E. Main
Oklahoma City, OK 73104
(405) 232-4373
300 E. Main
Oklahoma City, OK 73104
(405) 232-4373
5. Barry's Grill
© Adam Knapp, Licensed to About.com, Inc.
Like many of the best places for burgers in this world, Barry's Grill doesn't look like much on the outside, a non-descript, mirrored glass exterior. Or on the inside for that matter, a wide open room with less-than-impressive booths and tables. But once you see and smell the burgers being cooked on the grill behind the counter, you know you're in for a treat. These aren't oversized like some others on the list. They are thin with that old-fashioned diner grill flavor.
3124 N. May Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
(405) 948-7878
3124 N. May Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
(405) 948-7878
6. Earl's Rib Palace
If you only know Earl's Rib Palace for their BBQ, the best in OKC if you ask me, you're missing out. Earl's also makes a great burger, doing the fire-grilled taste as well as you can do it. The burgers are thick and filling, and I love the toasted bun.Multiple OKC Locations Including
216 Johnny Bench Drive
Oklahoma City, OK 73104
(405) 272-9898
7. Johnnie's Charcoal Broiler
When you think of burgers, it's difficult to get more "OKC" than Johnnie's Charcoal Broiler. They've been around since the early 70's and are the local, multi-location burger specialists. Johnnie's has that "charcoal-grilled" flavor, just enough to be unique but not overwhelming. Try their unique sauce as well.Multiple OKC Locations Including
2652 W. Britton Road
Oklahoma City, OK 73120
(405) 751-2565
8. Red Robin
I was less than impressed with nearly all of the national chain places that I tried for this search, but I was pleasantly surprised with Red Robin. With locations in Norman and near Quail Springs Mall, Red Robin has a fairly traditional, family-style atmosphere, and there's little to complain about as far as burger quality. More than anything, though, the place earns big points for all of the specialty burgers, perfect for those seeking variety and novelty.13800 N. Pennsylvania Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK 73134
(405) 753-9393
9. Johnnie's Grill (El Reno)
There are a couple of good spots in El Reno that specialize in onion burgers and could be on this list, and you don't even have to wait for the city's annual Onion Burger Festival to try one. Johnnie's Grill is probably my favorite out of the bunch, and they call themselves the "Home of the Onion Fried Burger." The burgers have all the onions you could ask for cooked right in, and they're quite affordable as well.301 S. Rock Island Ave.
El Reno, OK 73036
(405) 262-4721
10. The Meers Store and Restaurant
As with some of my other lists, I'll throw in a wild card at the end from time to time. And yes, I realize this is cheating since Meers is located in southwest Oklahoma near Lawton, a good hour and a half drive from the metro. However, I simply couldn't not mention the Meers burger. Named one of the best in the entire country, according to Bon Appetit magazine, the burger is absolutely gigantic, made with beef from the owner's family ranch. If you're down that way, you must stop for a burger in the Wichita Mountains.State Highway 115
Meers, OK 73507
(580) 429-8051
