For nearly 60 years, this family-owned and operated eatery has been a familiar and welcome landmark to anyone who regularly makes the drive between Oklahoma City and Dallas. Ballard’s boasts a king-size belt-buster burger, fresh-squeezed cherry limeades, crisp salads and Mexican favorites, and all its dinner baskets come with french fries and cole slaw. The motto here is “Good food, fast,” and Ballard’s has been living up to that creed since 1951.

Learn More

Think you’ve tasted it all when it comes to diner food? Think again. This small-town gem offers such delights as Broccoli Cheese Poppers and the Blue Moon Fries, an order of French fries smothered in mozzarella, Monterey jack and cheddar cheeses, and crispy, crumbled bacon. This restaurant’s slogan is “Classic food at a classic cafe,” and the Blue Moon never misses the mark. The decor features red vinyl booths surrounded by vintage Coca-Cola signs and is perfectly suited for a lineup of all-American favorites like steaks, burgers, meat loaf and chicken-fried steak. Be sure and ask about the daily specials, and there’s even an extensive list of fresh, light and healthy options.

Learn More

This is that most unique of barbecue restaurants – an eatery where the side dishes and the atmosphere are just as good as the tender, juicy, falling-off-the-bone ribs. Instead of being an afterthought, the potato salad and cole slaw here draw rave reviews from diners near and far, while the bar is widely considered an excellent place to knock back a cold one. Owner Buddy Simon runs a friendly, lively place that dishes up tasty food and fun in equal proportion.

Learn More

From a humble little ex-convenience store, owner Nancy Fulton has built her own pastry empire, giving tourists an excellent reason besides nearby Turner Falls to get off the interstate and spend a little time in the scenic Arbuckle Mountains. Working from a time-honored family recipe, Fulton fills her light, flaky pastries with all manner of goodies ranging from chocolate, blackberry and peach to apple coconut and apricot, each of which is also available in a sugar-free variety. There’s even a bacon-egg-and-cheese fried pie for breakfast!

Scotty’s One Stop Café & RV Park, in Tishomingo, (580) 371-9288: Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Any excursion on the Blue River, perhaps the most gorgeous and pristine waterway in the state, should begin or end with a visit to Scotty’s for a hot, home-cooked meal and provisions. The fishermen who frequent the Blue River know that better than anybody, and during trout season they flock to Scotty’s for a burger, hot deli sandwich, corn dog or hearty, home-cooked breakfast. Scotty’s is also a convenience store where Blue River adventurers can stock up on ice, drinks, snacks, bug spray and sun block, but it does feature seating for about 20 people at the café.

At 14,000 square feet and five specialty rooms, A Spot for Tea is a family-owned and –operated business that has grown from humble beginnings to a virtual tearoom empire. Husband-and-wife team Eric and Tammie Seibert offer a fine selection of salads, sandwiches, wraps and casseroles, as well as dozens and dozens of teas. A Spot for Tea is well equipped to handle groups of nearly any size and functions of almost any nature.

Learn More

This restaurant offers much, much more than the typical Tex-Mex dining experience. While its menu features a full range of traditional Mexican fare, the real treats are the especialidades, ranging from the Camarones Escondidos, a grilled chicken breast stuffed with sautéed shrimp, spinach, mushrooms and cream cheese, and covered with salsa de calamares; to the Chiles en Nogada, a poblano pepper filled with a family recipe, then fried and covered with a special walnut cream sauce and pomegranate seeds. Try the guacamole, prepared fresh at your table, or explore a few of the Adobe Grill’s 12 signature sauces.

Learn More

It’s not just the view of small aircraft constantly taking off and landing that makes this cafe unique, although that’s one good reason to give this place a try. Annie Okie’s goes that extra mile to make sure the food is just as good as the entertainment. The café is renowned for its three-egg omelets, which are baked instead of fried, and its blueberry and pecan pancakes. But it’s not all about breakfast here. The restaurant bakes its own buns and rolls, and makes all its soups, salsas and sauces from scratch. The club sandwich may be the best in town, and the cinnamon rolls are enormous.

Learn More

Steeped in nostalgia, this Route 66 landmark – notable for the Pepto Bismol-pink Cadillac and vintage police car parked out front – elevates the humble chicken-fried steak to high art. Try it the way it was meant to be eaten, with mashed potatoes and cream gravy, with a side of your choice. Ann’s also boasts wonderful fried chicken and fried green tomatoes. Located in a one-time gas station, the restaurant has a cozy and intimate feel, but seating is limited, so get there early and avoid the rush.

Learn More

The key words here are fresh and natural. At this combination deli, meat market and fine dining establishment, you’ll never have anything served to you with hormones, preservatives or additives, according to owner Paula Barber. Benedict Street serves certified Black Angus beef, and its signature sandwiches featuring Boar’s Head products are imaginative and ever changing – “not the seen-one, seen-‘em-all kind of sandwich,” Barber says. Seating is available for nearly 70 diners, and there are even five-course dinners on the menu.

Learn More

A big, bold slice of Rio in the heart of Oklahoma City, Café Do Brasil is a heady mix of a festive, Latin-American atmosphere, exotic and sophisticated cuisine, and colorful surroundings. A wide-ranging menu accommodates everyone from children to vegetarians, with the spicy seafood dishes leading the way. Once you’ve enjoyed a great meal, make your way to the Bossa Nova at the Top bar or the sidewalk patio and settle in for one of the club’s refreshing signature drinks and a night of blood-stirring Latin rhythms.

Learn More

As the name indicates, this is a catfish lover’s paradise. It’s served breaded with a house recipe of herbs and spices, but butterfly shrimp and smoked ribs and brisket are on the menu, too. Folks also rave about the fresh, hot rolls and the delicious apple or blueberry fritters. The service is fast and friendly, and families are always welcome. No wonder this restaurant reportedly goes through a half-ton of catfish each week. If you find yourself waiting for a table, take the opportunity to check out the 750-gallon aquarium that greets visitors at the front door.

Approaching its 100th anniversary, Cattlemen’s has been serving hearty breakfasts and slab-like steaks to the denizens of Oklahoma City’s Stockyards City since 1910, making it the city’s oldest continuously operating restaurant, as well as a cultural icon. Try the Presidential Choice T-Bone, billed as “two steaks in one.” This is the cut President George H. Bush ate during his visit to the restaurant. Wanna sink your teeth into a real local delicacy? Order up a mess of lamb fries, a Cattlemen’s specialty.

Learn More

Cheever’s has become one of Oklahoma City’s finer restaurants. Specializing in what it calls “contemporary comfort food,” Cheever’s brings a new twist to such Oklahoma staples as its Chicken-Fried Steak – a seasoned, hand-breaded top sirloin smothered in jalapeno cream gravy – and Molasses Roast Chicken Breast, served with creamy green tomato grits and seared whole green beans. And don’t miss the Yukon Gold-Bleu Cheese Potato Chips, homemade potato chips tossed in a creamy bleu cheese sauce.

Featured in Oklahoma Today

Learn More

Let’s face it... there are times when nothing satisfies your appetite like a good, old-fashioned Coney dog. Oklahoma State University students have known that for a long time, and that’s why they continue to make their way down to the Strip for a fix whenever the need for a hot dog arises. Coney Island adorns its dogs with a wide array of relishes and enhances the experience with a cool selection of video games and pool tables.

Learn More

Does anything smell better than chopped onions and freshly ground beef sizzling together on the grill? Pair one of those burgers with an order of fresh-cut fries, and you’ve got yourself a simple yet deeply satisfying meal. Follow your nose to this trio of eateries, each of which helps El Reno stake its claim to the title of “Onion-fried burger capital of the world.”

Now approaching its 35th anniversary, the modest little Stillwater tavern started by Stan Clark and his pal Steve File on a lark one afternoon in 1975 has evolved into a restaurant and clothing empire fronted by a distinctive, timeless logo recognized the world over. Clark, who became sole owner in 1978, has built a business that is synonymous with fun. And he’s done it by keeping things simple. The fare is tasty and satisfying (love those cheese fries!), the atmosphere is always lively and the beer is ice cold. The Jumpin’ Little Juke Joint may be nearing middle age, but it shows no sign of losing its rhythm.

Learn More

Egyptian decor, huge murals, and a spacious and shady vine-covered patio make Georgeo's one of the most visually appealing restaurants in the state, and that's before you even take the exotic and wonderfully prepared food into account. The cuisine is a fusion of Italian, Greek and Lebanese styles, borrowing the best from each of those countries. They gyros, kabobs, hummus and tabouli are all made from the freshest ingredients.

Learn More

Hard as they are to resist, you should avoid the urge to fill up on Gliori’s breadsticks because the entrees at this quiet little Italian eatery are superb. Owners Phyllis and Ian Gliori take a personal interest in each diner who comes through the door, providing the kind of personal touch that led to their restaurant being named Tecumseh’s Small Business of the Year last year by the local chamber of commerce. The pizzas and pasta dishes are first rate, and the salads are exceptional. Try one with the house dressing.

Learn More

When it comes to home-cooking credentials, nobody beats your granny – unless it’s Granny Had One. From the breaded dill pickle chips to the irresistible Mary’s Chicken Salad to Don’s Bourbon Glazed KC Strip, Granny’s all but defines comfort food. The historic setting – the restaurant is housed in an 1891 Victorian brick building that has been a hardware store, a cigar factory and an auto parts store over the years – only enhances the experience.

Learn More

The secluded, ivy-covered estate at the end of a lonely road takes its name from a trio of mysterious, and perhaps connected, deaths that took place there in the early 1960s. But in the decades since Art Thibault took the estate over and built it into an elegant and one-of-a-kind restaurant, the Haunted House has become just as well known for its to-die-for steaks, lamb and seafood. Enjoy your entrée with the restaurant’s signature authentic wild rice, grown on a Minnesota Indian reservation, and hot asparagus spears, all served at prices that won’t give you the chills.

Learn More

In 1957, the future Oklahoma State University was still known as Oklahoma A&M, and its sports teams went by the name Aggies instead of Cowboys or Cowgirls. But the university was far from being the only Stillwater institution that would still have a statewide presence more than 50 years later. That year, the original Hideaway served its first pizza to hungry students, and since then, the Hideaway brand has expanded across Oklahoma, becoming famous for its hearty pies, crisp salads and memorable decor highlighted by imaginative collages. But the cozy, independently owned pizzeria on Knoblock where it all began still ranks first in the hearts of A&M/OSU alums everywhere.Learn More at TravelOK.com

Learn More

A Lebanese steakhouse that specializes in Middle Eastern and North African cuisine, as well as barbecue, Jamil’s is one of the most unique eateries in the city. So it’s not hard to figure out why it’s always been a favorite gathering spot for state legislators from the nearby Capitol. All Jamil’s entrees come with the restaurant’s famous appetizers – tabouli, hummus dip, a relish tray, crackers, smoked bologna, a cabbage roll and baked potato – so it’s easy to fill up before you’ve even dug into the main course. But you’ll need a full appetite to finish one of Jamil’s signature Angus steaks, particularly the Governor’s Cut, a 24-ounce Porterhouse T-Bone.

Learn More

Ken Morrison has been a fixture here for 21 years, always wearing white with his signature red suspenders and a smile. This food is exceptional with ribs and steaks cooked over mesquite wood, a crisp salad bar, beans and okra. And there's no doubt that Ken's personality only adds to making for a memorable evening.

Learn More

It’s all about the plate lunch or dinner at Kendall’s, where diners select from chicken-fried steak, chicken strips, catfish, hamburger steak, roast beef or a grilled chicken breast and a host of vegetables. It’s one of those isn’t enough to sate your appetite, the Hot Beef Open Face Sandwich, roast beef served on Texas toast with mashed potatoes and gravy, certainly will be. Best of all? A buttery, homemade cinnamon roll comes for dessert.

Learn More

Unassuming and suburban-looking on the outside, Kha Zana is a very pleasant surprise on the inside. Tastefully and attractively decorated, the restaurant boasts an extensive and adventurous menu that puts it a cut above other Indian food eateries. Kha Zana’s curry, masala and tandoori dishes are all rich and flavorful, but this restaurant offers a plentiful vegetarian selection as well. You’ll find plenty to your liking if you opt for only the meatless selections.

Learn More

Simply put, Nonna’s has it all – great location, luxurious and spacious surroundings, knowledgeable and professional staff, live entertainment, and, of course, unbelievable food, topped by a wonderful, on-site bakery. Situated across the street from the AT&T Bricktown Ballpark, Nonna’s offers a dining experience that is difficult to match. Begin your meal with Nonna’s Favorites in a Cloud – a sampler plate of appetizers that includes Artichoke Gratin, Smoked Salmon, BBQ Shrimp and other treats – before moving on to a main course of Blackberry Duck, a pan-seared duck breast presented over candied sweet potatoes and Yukon Gold potato galette with blackberry-infused demi-glace, or the Nested Sea Scallops, pan-seared scallops in a potato nest with braised spinach, pearl onions and wild mushrooms with a citrus beurre blanc.

Learn More

The barbecue is Texas style (an emphasis on beef), but it’s a Prohibition-era Chicago atmosphere at the County Line, housed in a classic, 1930s Art Deco structure that once served as a speakeasy. You won’t spy Al Capone in one of the private dining rooms, but you might catch a glimpse of the local glitterati getting their feed on with heaping portions of beef ribs or smoked prime rib or perhaps just enjoying a quiet drink at the timeless, sweeping curved bar.

Learn More

Eastern Oklahoma County might be the last place you’d expect to find an authentic Bavarian chalet serving top-shelf German cuisine, but Old Germany has been doing exactly that since 1976. That explains why it’s not uncommon to experience a lengthy wait for a table if you don’t phone ahead for a reservation. The menu goes far beyond sausages and sauerkraut, ranging from veal to pork to beef dishes, many of them paired with delectable sauces. Naturally, the German beer and wine lists are extensive. The restaurant also stages a marvelous Oktoberfest celebration each fall featuring 30,000 square feet of tents and attracting tens of thousands of celebrants.

Learn More

Think this place is all fizz and no pop? Think again. It may have an iconic, 66-foot sculpture of a soda bottle and straw bathed in dazzling LED lights out front, along with an ultra-modern, red-rock-and-steel-truss building design, but the essence of Pops is its diner – with counter, booth or patio seating – and all the traditional breakfast and burger favorites, as well as soul-satisfying, hand-dipped ice cream milkshakes. Naturally, you’ll want to wash your meal down with one of the more than 500 ice-cold soft drinks offered, perhaps a Waialua Pineapple Soda from Hawaii.

Learn More

Crisp attention to detail marks this recent addition to the Stillwater dining scene. Located in the historic Atherton Hotel on the OSU campus, the Ranchers Club features an elegant yet comfortable atmosphere and a menu highlighted by pork, fowl, seafood and, of course, thick cuts of USDA-certified black angus beef, expertly prepared. Want something out of the ordinary? Sample the Shrimp and Grits, sautéed Gulf shrimp with cheddar grits and braised greens, or the Pork and Beans, thyme-scented pork tenderloin, pork confit, garlic sausage and cassoulet of white beans.

Learn More

Lauded as one of RT 66's iconic attractions, the Rock Cafe is now back in business after a devastating fire back in May of 2008. You'll be happy to know that owner, Dawn Welch, whose persona was the inspiration for Sally the Porsche in the movie "Cars", is still working the grill.

Learn More

The atmosphere may not be fancy, but the smoked brisket and the chopped beef are second to none. Chickasha families have been flocking to Roy’s for decades, where the curly fries alone are worth the trip. And the help is always friendly. But you’d be well advised to get there early for dinner – closing time comes at 7 p.m.

Learn More

Daily specials such as the Falafel Sandwich, the Thai BBQ Salmon and Grilled Mahi-Mahi offer a nice departure from the regular menu that boasts dozens of tempting sandwiches, pizzas, salads and pasta and vegetarian dishes. This eclectic, urban café, with its half-circle booths and bright, cheerful colors, presents an out-of-this world dining experience that should make it a fixture on the Oklahoma City restaurant scene for years to come.

Learn More

A fixture in this college community for three decades, The Earth’s organic, veggie and vegan offerings are a favorite of many current University of Oklahoma students, as well as alums. If you think of healthy, nutritious food as being dull or unimaginative, this place will cure you of that misconception. Dig into the Tofu Scramble or Vegan Biscuits and Soysage Gravy for breakfast, or try the Messy Mary or Tempeh Tacos for lunch or dinner. You won’t be disappointed.

Besides being an immensely popular hangout for University of Oklahoma students, The Mont continues to attract diners from all over the metro area, as it has done since opening in 1976. It offers enough well-prepared and tasty salads, soups, burgers and sandwiches to satisfy anyone, but the specialty here is Mexican food. Two of the best offerings are the Green Chili Burrito – tender roast beef cooked with green chiles and spices, then topped with cheddar cheese and a green chile sauce – and the Chicken Grande, featuring a large flour tortilla stuffed with char-grilled, diced chicken, beans and cheddar cheese, topped with chile con queso. During the warmer months, be sure and enjoy a meal on the gorgeous patio, home to the state’s first cool-water misting system, designed to keep diners comfortable.

Learn More

From the oversized artwork and the “redneck loveseats” (lowered pickup tailgates) to the 12,000 square feet and seating for 450 guests, everything about this place is bigger and badder, just like its namesake. The menu reflects the same attitude – nothing fancy here, but lots of down-home favorites, well prepared and served by a friendly and efficient staff. Check out the Big T’s Smoked Prime Rib, served by the ounce, or the “canal catch” catfish, flash fried Mississippi style. For a distinctive Okie treat, don’t miss the Fried Bologna Sandwich, a thick slice of meat served with the eatery’s signature barbecue sauce, Monterrey jack and cheddar cheeses, and lettuce and tomato. While you’re there, be sure and browse the hundreds of pieces of Toby Keith memorabilia on display – everything from guitars to platinum records to clothing.

Learn More

One look at the décor and menu illustrates why this restaurant bills itself as “an Italian urban eatery.” Everything about Trattoria il Centro is sophisticated, elegant, authentic – and delicious. The colorful, tiled columns and high ceilings are accented by imaginative murals and luxurious leather seats. And the menu is a collection of Italian delights. The Quatro Stagioni is a pizza served piping hot from a wood-fired oven featuring kalamata olive tomato sauce, roasted garlic, artichoke hearts, proscuitto, provolone and mozzarella cheeses with a wild mushroom mix and finished with a sunny-side-up egg. If it’s pasta you desire, sample the Ravioli di Manzo, spinach pasta stuffed with beef and parmesan in a spicy tomato-caper sauce. And if your tastes run to poultry, enjoy the Chicken Crespelle, a dish of spinach, wild mushrooms and pulled chicken in a chickpea crepe with garlic cream and fontina cheese.

Learn More

Take your pick of the prime rib, steaks, shrimp or catfish – each is fantastic, as is the friendly service. Even if you don’t live close by, it’s worth the drive to this tiny southwest Oklahoma community just to enjoy a meal here, where you can start your experience by grabbing a handful of complimentary peanuts, then tossing the shells on the floor when you’re done. Even the sides – dinner rolls, baked potatoes and dinner salads – routinely draw raves from diners here.

Learn More

Marlow might be the last place you’d expect to find an authentic Big Apple-style Italian eatery, but founder and native New Yorker Brian “Giuseppe” DiCintio has created just such an establishment in the former State National Bank, circa 1911. The result is a sophisticated, accomplished Italian restaurant with small-town charm. The menu is extensive and loaded with all your Italian favorites, including antipastas, seafood, hand-tossed pizzas and even some unusual twists, like the “Oklahoma Veal” Parmigiana, featuring tenderized, boneless pork tenderloin, or the Straw & Hay, a mixture of traditional and Spanish fettucine, along with ham, mushrooms and peas, all tossed in a rich Alfredo sauce.

Learn More

Squeezing in at the nine-stool counter and wolfing down an onion burger have been a Mangum tradition since the late 1920s when the Hamburger Inn opened. Since then, generations of locals have grown up on these burgers, now fortified with salsa from a top-secret recipe. In recent years, the establishment has grown from a small, concrete shack to three buildings, and the menu now features steaks, catfish, shrimp and prime rib on weekend nights.

Learn More

A haven for ranchers and cowboys, the ID Cafe serves huge breakfasts and country cooking for lunch, all in a cozy, 20-seat dining room. Owner Ilene Eoff says she only uses fresh ground beef, never frozen, for her tasty burgers and chicken-fried steaks, while the pork chops are also a big draw. She also offers daily breakfast specials like ham and eggs and bacon and eggs that come with hash browns and your choice of biscuits and gravy, toast or pancakes.

For smoked meat lovers, it doesn’t come any better than Jigg’s. Founded in the early 1970s, this restaurant serves towering sandwiches stuffed with some delicious combinations. With sandwiches with names like the "Kitchen Sink" and the "Wolly Burger" you know this has got to be a fun place!

Learn More

Founded by Route 66 enthusiast Rick Koch, Lucille’s is a recent and worthy addition to America’s most storied roadway. A replica of a 1950s diner – complete with polished chrome, glass bricks and colored lighting – greets diners during the day, while a relaxing lounge and upscale steakhouse are available in the evening, where diners can dive into affordably prices and delicious steak, seafood and pasta dishes.

Learn More

If you thought a juicy, mouth-watering burger couldn’t be part of a healthy-eating regimen, think again. The Meers Store and Restaurant serves burgers made from its own lean, grass-fed Longhorn herd, ground fresh and served the cowboy way. For decades, visitors to the nearby Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge have been stopping here for a hearty meal after a day of hiking, rock climbing or taking in the sights. There’s no better way to finish your day than with the store’s signature 7-inch diameter Meersburger and an ice-cold, 22-ounce Meers Gold Beer, a wheat brew produced by the Krebs Brewing Company.

Learn More

Tired of the same franchise Italian eateries? Nicoli’s is a small-town, second-generation Italian restaurant that also specializes in steaks, pork chops and prime rib. Owner Nicholas Scaffetta has a lifetime of experience in the restaurant business, and it shows in the way he runs Nicoli’s. The prices are very affordable, and the service is terrific, but reservations are recommended, as its limited hours make it a popular destination when it is open.

Learn More

The Salas family has been serving tacos and enchiladas to hungry Lawton residents for more than 50 years, the last 39 at this existing restaurant, which has become a local landmark with its unique, glassed-in kitchen. A lot of things have changed over those five decades, but not the quality of the food. The Barbacoa – tender, braised top sirloin served with corn tortillas and charro beans – is a local favorite, along with the Red, White and Green Enchiladas for those who can’t decide which sauce is best. Afterward, dig into the Chocolate Dream Xtreme, a slab of layered, rich chocolate cake with chocolate cream cheese frosting and fresh raspberry sauce.

Learn More

For anybody who grew up in or has lived in Lawton, Wayne’s is universally known for being “on the way home.” For three generations, people have been enjoying Wayne’s steak fingers, sissy burgers, cherry Dr Peppers and foot-long hot dogs. Even the restaurant’s T-shirts and caps have achieved a degree of worldwide fame, thanks to loyal customers from nearby Fort Sill, and the service is consistently outstanding.

Learn More

The spectacular sunsets alone are enough to enjoy a meal at the White Dog, positioned as it is atop a rising plain with an unimpeded view that stretches for miles. But owner Nelson King has also put together a first-class eatery in the native redstone clubhouse of the former Clinton Country Club, complete with a sprawling deck from which to view those sunsets. Succulent steaks, juicy fowl and imaginative salads made only from the freshest ingredients await you at the White Dog.

Learn More

This sparkling, 7,200-square-foot building houses a family-owned restaurant featuring delicious sandwiches made from freshly baked bread, tasty meats and dozens of cheeses from the local Amish community, as well as those in Ohio and Pennsylvania. Not sure what to have? No problem – take advantage of the free samples. But don’t leave without loading up on the other fine products, ranging from homemade noodles and fudge to cider and cheese balls. Better yet, take home a gift set for a friend or love one.

Learn More

Offering fine dining only minutes from the shores of Grand Lake, The Artichoke serves outstanding steaks, chicken and seafood in the cozy confines of a farmhouse that is more than a century old. The result is a relaxing, country atmosphere that nevertheless achieves a level of elegance. Try the steak soup, the Syrian Salad, a Whole Fried Potato or enjoy the shrimp, prepared three ways. The house artichoke and spinach dip, served with pita points, comes highly recommended, as does the fresh asparagus, grown on the premises in the restaurant’s garden.

Learn More

Nestled in the hippest section of downtown Tulsa, the Blue Dome Diner serves all the traditional diner favorites, albeit with a sophisticated flair. For example, the seared veggie sandwich with lemon caper aioli sauce pairs nicely with the fried potatoes. And no Blue Dome Diner breakfast is complete without the pancakes, fluffy and hot off the griddle. The décor – brick walls, exposed ductwork, a concrete floor and, of course, vinyl booths – give it an airy, urban feel unmatched anywhere else in Tulsa.

Learn More

Local, organic and delicious are the key words for the ingredients at this culinary gem, part of a secluded Green Country resort of the same name. The menu changes seasonally, but the standards are always lofty. Start your meal with the Smoked Seafood Spread – pecan smoked and served with tomatoes, gherkins, capers, red onions and table crackers – before settling in for an entree of Roast Duck, Pacific Black Cod or Chopped Elk Steak.

Learn More

The oldest continuously family-owned restaurant on Route 66 in Oklahoma, Clanton’s has been around since 1927, and hungry travelers have been finding their way there ever since. Start your meal with the calf fries, served with horseradish sauce, then move to the main attraction: the famous chicken-fried steak, immortalized in Gourmet magazine. The chicken and dressing is another favorite, along with the home-style pot roast, the 16-ounce T-bone and the made-from-scratch pies.

Learn More

Founded in 1962 by the colorful Clifton “Click” Nelson – the original bar and grill was known as Click’s Alamo Club, and customers were admitted only after being checked through a see-through mirror – the restaurant now is run by Roger Smith, who has expanded the menu a little, though the eatery still concentrates on serving great steaks at affordable prices. You can also choose from sandwiches, burgers, chicken or seafood, but most diners head here for the hearty cuts of beef grilled to perfection or the towering, fluffy meringue pies.

Learn More

Featuring delicious, all-American fare in a rustic surrounding, the Cookson Smokehouse has been a favorite of Lake Tenkiller visitors and residents for 20 years. Choose from a variety of thick, hearty steaks, tasty burgers, hickory-smoked barbecue and fresh catfish or even such down-home favorites as Frito chili pie and macaroni and cheese. There’s enough variety of this menu to please anyone in the family. For dessert, don’t forget the famous apple dumplings.

Learn More

Known for years as Halim and Mimi’s, this Lebanese eatery is now operated by Galib and Randa Naaman but remains a lunchtime favorite, particularly for the nearby University of Tulsa crowd. And it’s no wonder. The traditional Mediterranean fare – falafels, gyro, hummus, etc. – is healthy, delicious and well prepared, and best of all, this is one of the most affordable dining options in town.

Learn More

Freddie’s features the tender, mouth-watering ribs, brisket and steaks you would expect and the tangy, one-of-a-kind tabouli salad and humus and cabbage rolls that might take you by surprise. It all started more than three decades ago in the back room of a Drumright grocery store, and the tradition continues today in the form of a full-service restaurant, catering center and Gourmet Touch line of specialty products.

Learn More

The Hammett House has been a success for four decades by keeping things simple. Its unmatched Southern hospitality and heaping platters of well-prepared food, along with a menu with a wide array of choices and daily specials, make it a must-visit on any trip to Claremore. The “pamper fried” chicken and pork chops are this eatery’s calling card, but don’t leave without sampling one of the equally renowned pies, ranging from Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter to Sour Cream Blueberry.

Learn More

There’s been an Ike’s Chili House in Tulsa since 1898, and not much about this Tulsa institution has changed in that time. This particular location has been open for 40 years in an unassuming storefront where the sign reads, “A chili for all seasons,” and Ike’s still dishes up the best chili in the city, spicy and hearty, with or without beans. Try the Three Way – served with spaghetti and beans, it’s the restaurant’s most popular dish – or the Frito Pie or Coney Dog.

Learn More

Everybody goes nuts for the hamburgers at this Route 66 landmark, famous for its giant yellow fiberglass cuckoo bird emerging from the front wall and a huge, green-and-yellow neon sign. While you’re soaking up the unique atmosphere, treat yourself to a fantastic, cooked-to-order burger with a side of piping-hot, crispy fries. One of the best burger joints, and burger experiences, anywhere on the Mother Road.

Learn More

It’s not just the setting – a rustic log cabin on historic Route 66 situated on the banks of the Verdigris River – that makes Molly’s special. A full assortment of steaks, game and seafood awaits diners here, along with Hawaiian pit-style chicken or pork. Pair your entrée with a selection from the impressive wine list or enjoy sipping an after-dinner liquer while you engage in a game of chess on Molly’s life-size board.

Learn More

Steeped in local history, Ollie’s is located at the famed Red Fork Corner, where the oil and railroad industries merged with Route 66. Fittingly, the food doesn’t stray far from traditional, down-home favorites, but that doesn’t make it any less satisfying – and the prices are easy on your wallet. Sample the Liver and Onions, the house specialty, or see if you are up to downing The Westside’s Pride – a 13-ounce sirloin that will challenge even the healthiest appetite.

For almost three decades, the Claremore lunchtime crowd has flocked to this Victorian homestead – now more than a century old – to enjoy the hearty and satisfying fare. The sandwiches are served on thick slabs of homemade bread, and the salads are always crisp and fresh. But if it’s a hot lunch you’ve got an eye for, sample one of the specialty casseroles or quiches. And don’t forget to try a slice of the coconut cream pie for dessert.

Learn More

The sausage cheeseburger – a third-pound burger made half with ground beef and half with Owens pork sausage – is tasty enough, but when you top it with roasted green chiles and American cheese, you’ve got a culinary combination that tantalizes the tastebuds like never before. Order it with a side of Spanish okra – prepared with onions and jalapenos – and you begin to understand why Ron’s has been a Tulsa tradition for more than three decades.

Located in a distinctive building on historic Route 66, it’s no wonder that Russ’ Ribs has attracted an international clientele, as evidenced by the many world travelers who have scrawled a message on one of its walls. And what’s not to like? Owner James Russell uses his own secret dry rub to bring out the true flavor of his smoked meats, including his one-of-a-kind Tri-Tip, an especially lean cut that nevertheless is rendered tender and juicy after a few hours in his smoker. Delicious homemade pecan pie completes the experience.

Learn More

This is truly a place where the best pizza comes home to roost. Chicken isn’t on the menu; the name is derived from the décor, which features all things fowl. The menu focuses on hand-tossed pies, including the Rock Island Red, a local favorite featuring red sauce, ham, mushrooms, sweet onions, mozzarella, pineapple and honey; and the Pie Without a Face, a veggie feast of red and green bell peppers, red onions, black olives, mushrooms and pineapples. You can also create your own masterpiece. Tasty subs and fresh salads round out the menu.

Learn More

Founded in 1933, Weber’s isn’t just the oldest business in the entire Brookside district, it’s a veritable Tulsa institution. Generations of local residents have grown up on the famed hamburgers – cooked on the very same 3-foot-by-4-foot iron grill where founder Oscar Weber Bilby is said to have grilled the world’s first real hamburgers on July 4, 1891 – and thirst-quenching root beer, the product of 14 secret, all-natural ingredients and served in a frosted mug.

Learn More

An unassuming storefront operation tucked in an industrial district near Tulsa International Airport, White River comes as a wonderful surprise to the uninitiated. Among those who have raved about its offerings over the years are Gourmet magazine, National Public Radio and Bon Appetit magazine. The seafood is always fresh, flown in daily from across North and South America, and the selection is unmatched. Order it any way you want it – broiled, grilled, fried or smoked – and pick your own cut from the display case in front.

Learn More

Try this place once, and wild horses couldn’t drag you away. Barbecue at this Sallisaw institution is a family tradition, so it’s no wonder they treat you just like family when you walk through the door. The Holman family serves up wondrous pork ribs and tangy barbecued beans, all in the shadow of the local landmark known as Wildhorse Mountain.

Learn More

What a combination: a terrific, elegant restaurant in a gorgeous, remote location just a stone’s throw from Beavers Bend State Park. Great-tasting, tender steaks and chicken, savory appetizers, a relaxing atmosphere and consistently excellent service are the hallmarks of this establishment, made even better by the recent addition of an outdoor patio that features live music from spring through fall. Abendigo’s offers not just one of the best all-around dining experiences in the region, but in the entire state.

Learn More

You’ll feel like you’ve entered a time warp when you step inside this unique diner that channels the 1950s. Dazzlingly clean and featuring impeccable service, Angel’s Diner dishes up burgers, fries and shakes to time travelers seated in aqua and black booths while records spin nonstop on the Wurlitzer jukebox. No visit to this eatery is complete without enjoying a stay at the companion hotel, where guests are likely to share a room with Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, James Dean or Lucy.

Learn More

Settled by immigrants who came there to work the coal mines, the Krebs area comes by its Italian personality honestly. Naturally, delicious food is a big part of that. These four eateries – each with its own, distinctive atmosphere – dish up some of the best and most authentic pasta and sausage dishes in the region and have been family-owned and operated for generations. Each eatery offers its own signature attraction – at Pete’s, it’s the Choc beer, at Isle of Capri, it’s the Kentucky Bourbon Pecan Pie. Roseanna’s boasts a wonderful Steak & Pepper Dinner, and Lovera’s has an incomparable Famous Homemade Italian Summer Sausage.

This 1950s style lunch counter combines with a soda fountain and a sweets shop to present a culinary triple threat. Lunch offerings range from BLTs, chicken sandwiches, salads and burgers to hot-plate offerings like enchiladas. Wash all that down with a refreshing and creamy malt or float from the fountain. But no visit here is complete without a take-home treat. The homemade fudge comes in a variety of flavors, including tiger butter, chocolate explosion, Snickers, even jalapeno.

Learn More

Owner Debra Crabtree calls the fare she serves at the restaurant she runs with her son "typical American southern cooking," and the menu certainly reflects that description. Here, you'll find tasty steaks, burgers, fish, sandwiches and pork chops, all prepared in a down-home fashion. The house specialty is the Southern Belle Chicken - a boneless chicken breast marinated in a secret house dressing, then dipped in batter and fried, served with a special dipping sauce. It comes with a potato, bread and trip to the salad bar. For dessert, try a slice of homemade pie.

Learn More

A renowned steakhouse tucked away in the heart of Poteau, Warehouse Willy’s offers the best cuisine from cattle country with a bit of Cajun influence, as well. As the winner of the 2000 Golden Fork Award for the best steaks in the United States, Willy’s cuts can’t be beat, but try yours with a cup of the gumbo, too. Don’t miss the potato wedges, the stuffed mushrooms or a local specialty known as mudbugs, better known as fried crawfish.

Learn More

Generations of Durant residents have grown up on the chili cheeseburgers at George’s, where a lot of owners have come and gone over the years, but, thankfully, the menu has remained the same. There’s no big mystery about why George’s has been a fixture in Durant since 1947: the food is hot and tasty, the service is speedy and friendly, and the prices can’t be beat.

Learn More

We folks here at Discover Oklahoma love to eat... and we're here to tell you this is some of the best food we've ever tasted in Oklahoma! But don't be mistaken, if you've eaten at other restaurants that also happen to be called "Roma", it's not the same. This is not a chain... they are all independently owned, and this is the only one where Gzim Krasniqi creates these culinary classics especially for you.

Learn More

Eischen’s is the first and last word in fried chicken in Oklahoma, in addition to being the oldest bar in the state. The signature dish, a whole fried chicken, emerges sizzling hot from the kitchen fryer on butcher paper, served with white bread, pickles and onion slices. Try it with a side of fried okra, chased down with a pitcher of ice-cold beer. But be warned: show up early for dinner on the weekends, or be prepared for an hours-long wait for a table. Folks drive from all over the state to make a night of it at Eischen’s.

Learn More

Enrique’s is not just “the hottest jalapeno on the runway,” as it bills itself because of its location adjacent to Ponca City Municipal Airport, it’s a family-owned operation that takes great pride in satisfying every customer who walks through the door. While you’re watching the small aircraft take off and land next door, munch your way through an order of chips and queso before you move on to the main event – the sizzling fajitas or the unique seafood platter.

Learn More

A combination country diner and Mexican restaurant, Marla’s appeals to two of the most popular food types among Oklahomans – and those styles even mix periodically. For traditional diner fare, try the chicken-fried steak, pork chops, catfish or burgers. There’s even a rib-eye steak for those hankering for something more substantial. Also on the menu are such Mexican favorites as fajitas, enchiladas, quesadillas and burritos. But Marla’s is famous for its Green Chile Chicken Fry – a chicken-fried steak covered in green chile and baked. There’s also the Mexican Chicken Breast – a tender, juicy breast of chicken covered in sautéed onions, tomatoes and cheese.

Learn More

Imagine kicking back in a huge, overstuffed chair with a glass of wine from a selection of more than 100 bottles as the prelude to a sophisticated, romantic dinner. Panevino – which means “bread and wine” in Italian – features the best of Italian and Spanish cuisine, with an emphasis on steaks, seafood and pasta. If you’re in the mood for something lighter or more adventurous, there’s surely something on the lengthy tapas menu to whet your appetite.

Learn More

The Rusty Barrell doesn’t try to be all things to all people. Instead, the focus here is on first-class, aged beef, grilled to perfection, along with chicken, seafood pork chops and prime rib. Every dinner comes with a huge, fluffy baked potato and a trip to the most extensive salad bar in town. If you find yourself waiting for a table on the weekend, when the restaurant is very busy, slip into the lounge and try the Rusty Barrell Surprise, a house specialty that is a refreshing blend of ice cream and liquers, or the Peach Bellini, if you thirst for something fruitier.

Learn More

This quaint little eatery covers all the barbecue bases – smoked ribs, brisket and chicken, and barbecued beef and pulled pork sandwiches – but it distinguishes itself with its famous homemade buns and its hush puppies. In fact, everything on the menu here has that home-cooked flavor. It’s located in the ghost town of Ingersoll, but there’s nothing spooky about a meal at the Smok-Shak.

Learn More

Tom’s is an important part of the Kingfisher landscape. Manager Stephanie Flynn jokes that it’s been around “since they invented dirt,” or at least since the early 1970s. In that time, it’s fed generations of locals at its old-fashioned soda counter, where Kingfisher residents slide on to a bar stool and wolf down sandwiches, hot or cold wraps and salads, along with some tantalizing ice cream. But the signature item here is the orangeade, a once-popular drink now all but forgotten everywhere but at this small-town gem.

Learn More

The bakery’s homemade buttermilk biscuits, dinner rolls and, of course, cinnamon rolls are the reasons people drive for hours to enjoy a soul-satisfying meal at this small-town gem. The Tower’s hearty breakfasts, lunches and dinners all hit the spot, but no meal here is complete without the cinnamon rolls, which come in large and small sizes. Don’t forget to take home a case lot from the bakery.

Learn More

The first-class fried chicken isn’t the only reason to stop for lunch here. This small-town diner is located in a former gymnasium, but what really makes it unique is that it is said to be haunted by the spirit of a young woman who died under mysterious circumstances more than 50 years ago. That makes Vina Rae’s a destination for the hungry and the adventurous alike.

“Eclectic” and “barbecue” are two words that don’t normally go hand in hand, but they do at Wagg’s. The décor is quirky and interesting, and it gives you plenty to look at while you’re putting away some of the finest ribs and brisket in the state – along with catfish, shrimp and more – in a building that served as an auto assembly plant in the early 20th Century.Woodward,OK

Learn More

There’s nothing fancy about the Whistle Stop, it’s just delicious, homemade mom-and-pop-type foods, as owner Cokie Trendle says. There’s something here for everybody – meat loaf, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, biscuits and gravy, salads and burgers. There’s even a local favorite, a Russian-German dish called Bierox – hamburger, cabbage, onions and a variety of seasonings, loaded into a house bread and baked. Don’t forget to have some homemade cobbler for dessert.Shattuck,Oklahoma

Learn More