Oklahoma City has a tremendous amount of restaurants, and they are very eclectic in their selections. Barbeque and steaks are common cuisine, but Mexican/Tex-Mex is also quite prominent. No matter what your tastes, there's a restaurant to suit your needs.
But my top 10 list is centered on those restaurants that are truly unique to Oklahoma City. Of course there are chain restaurants, but these are the ones that truly define our city - the best of the best of those we call our own.
Also check out some OKC Reader Reviews of metro restaurants and submit your reviews as well.
1. Cattlemen's Steakhouse
© 2007 Adam Knapp, Licensed to About.com, Inc.
Cattlemen's has been around since 1910 if you can believe it. In 1945, it was won by Gene Wade on a dice bet, and the "hard 3's" he rolled have been branded on the wall ever since. It's known to most Oklahoma City residents as the place to go for a great steak and lamb fries. They're open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Features:
- Banquet facilities for 120 people
- Casual "Diner" side and "Fine Dining" side
Information:
- Address: 1309 S. Agnew
- Phone: (405) 236-0416
Features:
- Banquet facilities for 120 people
- Casual "Diner" side and "Fine Dining" side
Information:
- Address: 1309 S. Agnew
- Phone: (405) 236-0416
2. The Coach House
Greatness began with the arrival of renowned chef Kurt Fleischfresser, and it's now considered one of the best places for an elegant dining experience. Warmly lit and covered in wood paneling, the restaurant uses linen and fine china. This is truly the place to be pampered. Add a fantastic wine list and a menu that adjusts its fine cuisine by season.Features:
- Frequent diner program
- Private dining
Information:
- Address: 6437 Avondale
- Phone: (405) 842-1000
3. The Deep Fork Grill
It's not exactly a long-standing OKC tradition since it's only been around since '97, but it is widely considered to offer the largest selection of fresh seafood in town. Classic guitar music is featured on occasion as patrons enjoy the warm, friendly environment and great food.Features:
- Exclusive custom catering
- Private dining
Information:
- Address: 5418 N. Western Ave.
- Phone: (405) 848-7678
4. Mickey Mantle's Steakhouse
© 2005 Adam Knapp, Licensed to About.com, Inc.
Across the street from the Bricktown Ballpark and right on the canal, Mickey Mantle's is fast becoming one of the top spots in downtown. Steaks and Seafood are the main menu items, but it features a wine list of over 150 selections. Surround yourself with memorabilia from the Mantle family personal collection as you dine on great food.
Features:
- Lounge with live entertainment
- Banquet booking available
Information:
- Address: #7 Mickey Mantle Drive
- Phone: (405) 272-0777
Features:
- Lounge with live entertainment
- Banquet booking available
Information:
- Address: #7 Mickey Mantle Drive
- Phone: (405) 272-0777
5. Ted's Cafe Escondido
It's my lone Mexican selection, and that may surprise those who know how much I love Mexican. But Ted's is truly an Oklahoma City staple, even though they opened one in Broken Arrow. With 3 locations, lines are a little shorter than before, but that doesn't mean you won't have to wait. It's just that good. Ted's serves your favorites, but don't leave without trying the famous fajitas.Features:
- Casual attire for lunch and dinner
- Private rooms available
Information:
- Address: 2836 NW 68th St.
- Phone: (405) 848-8337
6. Jimmy's Egg
Comfortable, casual and reasonably priced, Jimmy's Egg has 11 locations around OKC. Yes, there are a couple in Tulsa as well so it's not completely unique to us, but it's been a city staple since the early '80's. Every breakfast food you can imagine and lunch items such as soups and sandwiches make the menu, but make sure you try the omelets.Features:
- Very casual atmosphere
- Consistenly named top breakfast restaurant
Information:
- Address: 1616 N. May Ave.
- Phone: (405) 942-8710
7. Bellini's Ristorante and Grill
Located in the Waterford Complex, Bellini's is upscale yet relaxed. Fine Italian food and brickoven specialty pizzas are served in comfortable booth seating or on the patio overlooking a pond. It opened in 1980, and at one time Oklahoma City featured several Bellini's. Now there's just the one, and it has a new cosmopolitan feel to the decor.Features:
- Underground parking
- Private dining and meeting area
Information:
- Address: 6305 Waterford Blvd.
- Phone: (405) 848-1065
8. Earl's Rib Palace
OKC loves BBQ, and not many do it as well as Earl's Rib Palace. With 5 locations in the metro including one in lower Bricktown, Earl's features some of the best hickory smoked meat in the state, homemade sides, chicken sandwiches and outstanding hamburgers. All locations are open lunch and dinner. The Edmond and Bricktown locations are now open Sundays.Features:
- Casual dining
- Average meal around $6-10
Information:
- Address: 6816 N. Western (Nichols Hills)
- Phone: (405) 843-9922
9. Nonna's Euro-American Ristorante and Bar
Nonna's has always been one of my favorites, and now it makes my top 10 list. With unique and eclectic food such as Italian-style pastas and salads as well as great breads and desserts, Nonna's is the total package. Great service, wonderful atmosphere and food you won't find anywhere else all make the higher prices worth it.Features:
- Classy but still casual
- Valet parking
Information:
- Address: One Mickey Mantle Dr.
- Phone: (405) 235-4410
10. Classen Grill
I'm finally able to add a true OKC classic. Classen Grill has been around forever in OKC, it seems. It offers unparalleled great tastes for breakfast and lunch such as the often-raved-about Mexican Egg Scrambles, freshly-squeezed OJ and herb potatoes.Features:
- Casual early dining
- Catering available
Information:
- Address: 5124 Classen Circle
- Phone: (405) 842-0428
