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Best Restaurants in Oklahoma City

Best Restaurants in Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City Oklahoma, USA Travel Guide

Culinary Overview

Local Cuisine & Flavors

Oklahoma cuisine draws from Native American traditions, Southern comfort food, ranching heritage, and classic diners of Route 66.

Expect a focus on beef (steaks, burgers), fried foods, barbecue, corn, beans, okra, and pecans. Flavors tend towards savory, rich, and sometimes spicy.

Dining Customs & Meal Times

  • Tipping is customary (15-20% for good service).
  • Reservations recommended for fine having meals on weekends.
  • Breakfast: 7 AM-10 AM; Lunch: 11:30 AM-2 PM; Dinner: 5:30 PM-9 PM.
  • It is common for diners to take home leftovers in a "to-go box."

Regional Variations

Stockyards City

Focuses on traditional steak and Western-style fare, reflecting its roots as a cattle market.

Cultural Districts

Plaza, Paseo, Uptown 23rd areas offer diverse culinary experiences with global influences and modern American cuisine.

Bricktown

A wide range of options, from relaxed restaurants to upscale restaurants, with many American and Tex-Mex choices.

Casual Dining

  • Casual dining is prevalent across Oklahoma City.
  • Many establishments offer happy hour specials.
  • Continuous service often available between lunch and dinner.
  • Checking menus online beforehand can save time.

Must-Try Dishes

Signature Oklahoma City Flavors

Fried Onion Burger

A classic Oklahoma specialty. Thinly sliced onions are smashed into the beef patty.

Find at Nic's Grill or Tucker's Onion Burgers.

Steak & BBQ

High-quality beef reflects Oklahoma's ranching heritage. Sample smoked brisket, ribs, and pulled pork.

Steak at Cattlemen's Steakhouse; BBQ at Iron Star or Clark Crew BBQ.

Comfort Food & Indian Tacos

Chicken Fried Steak with creamy gravy, Fried Okra, and Indian Tacos (fry bread with taco toppings).

Widely can be found at local diners and cultural events.

Street Food & Beverages

  • Food trucks offer diverse options from gourmet burgers to fusion cuisine.
  • Check local event timetables for food truck rallies and gatherings like the H&8th Night Market.
  • Non-alcoholic beverages: Sweet tea and iced tea are common choices.
  • Alcoholic drinks: Growing craft beer scene (Prairie Artisan Ales, Vanessa House Beer Co.) and local distilleries.

Snacks & Seasonal Delights

Pecan Pie

Made with Oklahoma pecans, this rich dessert is a regional favorite.

Fry Bread

Often served with honey or as a base for Indian Tacos.

Dining Options

Fine Dining

For an upscale experience with sophisticated menus and elegant atmospheres.

  • Paseo Grill
  • Vast (revolving restaurant atop Devon Tower)
  • Grey Sweater or Flint

Mid-Range Restaurants

Countless options in every district for diverse cuisine in stylish settings.

  • Cheever's Cafe
  • Republic Gastropub, Mary Eddy's Kitchen x Lounge
  • The Jones Assembly

Budget & Markets

Explore affordable eats, street food, and local markets.

  • Food truck parks like Bleu Garten
  • Local diners, like Nic's Grill
  • OKC Farmers Market, The Collective food hall

Special Dietary Considerations

Vegetarian & Vegan

Increasingly available at most restaurants, especially in trendy districts. Dedicated restaurants like The Loaded Bowl operate.

Use apps like HappyCow to find options.

Allergen Awareness

Numerous eateries provide gluten-free menus or mark GF options. Always inform staff about allergies when ordering.

International Cuisine & Experiences

Mexican / Tex-Mex

Many authentic and fusion options.

Asian Cuisine

Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, Chinese choices.

Italian / Mediterranean

Pasta, pizza, and regional specialties.

Other Cuisines

Indian, Middle Eastern, and more.

Culinary Experiences

Classes & Festivals

  • Dedicated cooking classes for tourists are limited; some local culinary academies offer workshops.
  • Food tours are available in districts like Bricktown or downtown, combining historical walks with culinary stops.
  • H&8th Night Market (seasonal): Popular food truck and local vendor market.
  • OKC Gala of culture (April): Features numerous food vendors alongside art.

Unique Dining Concepts

Vast Restaurant

This revolving restaurant on the 49th floor of the Devon Tower offers an unique dining experience with panoramic city views.

Book reservations in advance for window seats.

Stockyards City

Provides an authentic Western dining experience at its historic steakhouses, immersing you in cowboy culture.

Visit during a live cattle auction for a full experience.

Local Producers & Farmers Markets

Farm & Market Information
Some local farms offer tours or direct sales outside the city.
Check with vendors at local farmers markets for information on their operations.
OKC Farmers Market offers fresh produce and local goods.
Scissortail Park Farmers Market also offers local produce.
Many festivals feature local food vendors and specialties.
The Oklahoma State Fair is famous for varied food offerings.
The Collective Food Hall

A food hall in Midtown that gathers diverse culinary vendors under one roof, perfect for groups having several tastes.

  • Offers a variety of global cuisines.
  • Great for casual meals and social gatherings.
  • Features local and independent food concepts.
H&8th Night Market

A popular seasonal event showing food trucks and local vendors, often having live bands.

See online for dates and specific location, as it changes seasonally.

Local's Lunch Tip

Diner Experience
Great Value
  • You often find great value for your meal.
  • These spots are typically budget-friendly.
Authentic Taste
  • Experience the real taste of local cuisine.
  • It's a step away from tourist-centric restaurants.

Culinary Resources

Online Guides & Local Insights

Restaurant Directories

Many local websites and apps list restaurants, filterable by cuisine, price, and dietary needs.

Yelp | TripAdvisor
Explore Restaurants
Vegan & Veg-Friendly Apps

Apps like HappyCow specialize in locating plant-based dining options.

HappyCow
Find Vegan Spots
Local Food Blogs

Blogs written by local foodies often provide current insights and hidden gems.

OKCFood.com
Read Food Reviews

Dietary Planning & Accommodation

  • It is a good practice to call restaurants in advance to discuss specific needs.
  • Confirm their ability to fit allergies or dietary preferences.
  • Staff are generally accommodating when informed clearly.
  • Specialized grocery stores might carry Halal or Kosher products, as dedicated restaurants are rare.

Seasonal Dining & Events

Oklahoma State Fair

Held in the fall, it is famous for its wide array of fried foods and unique culinary creations.

A real flavor of regional festival food.

Other Food-Focused Events

Many al fresco festivals feature local food vendors and specialties throughout the year.

Check city event calendars for current happenings.

Culinary Scene Highlights

Local Ingredients

Oklahoma City's culinary scene celebrates local ingredients, especially beef, corn, and pecans.

Route 66 Influence

Classic diners and comfort food are a nod to the city's place on historic Route 66.

Heartland Hospitality

Experience the warm, welcoming the mood inherent in Oklahoma's heartland culture.

Additional Dining Tips

Consider exploring different districts for varied culinary experiences. Each neighborhood has its own unique dining landscape.

  • Downtown for upscale and modern American.
  • Bricktown for lively entertainment and diverse casual eats.
  • Midtown for trendy local eateries and craft beverages.
  • Paseo Arts District for unique, independent restaurants.
  • Stockyards City for an authentic Western steakhouse experience.