Lunch in Oklahoma City

[suebette]

Hi All - I am on a cross country trip between CA and NY - looking to make a pit-stop in Oklahoma City for lunch - I'd love something that is local/regional - I am thinking BBQ but am up for anything. Your help is appreciated!! Sue

[Mattkn]

I just had dinner at Cattlemen's before going to see Mamma Mia on Sunday. The house salad dressing is somewhat of a ranch. I think it is called garlic something or other. Typical iceberg salad. Decent, but not mind blowing. I had the Top Club-was very thick, but I thought tough. My mom had the ribeye and she thought it was fantastic.

This is a local site for restaurants in the area. He did review on Cattlemen's, but it was for breakfast.

http://www.eataroundokc.com/2006/catt...

[suebette]

thanks foodfuser and mattkn!

[Brian S]

Some of my friends drove to OKC from Tulsa just to eat at Zorba's Mediterranean Cuisine. Though the name does not sound promising at all, I do respect my friend's taste.

[FoodFuser]

Zorba's is wonderful. They just moved into some new digs. They cover the gamut of the classic Mediterranean dishes.

http://www.zorbasokc.com/

[Mattkn]

I like Zorba's, but I liked them better at the old, grunchy place. They now have different routines for lunch and dinner...order at the counter for lunch and a hostess seats you for dinner. Seems weird, but maybe I just don't like change.

[Mattkn]

YW
Also, here is a write up on the roadfood site:

http://www.roadfood.com/Reviews/Write...

Let us know what you did!

[suebette]

Hi All! Thanks for all of the recs - I am going to put them to use, but unfortunately not on this trip - I had to re-route for speed because of a new job I am taking. Thanks again!!

[FoodFuser]

For a one time visit, Cattlemen's. Just south of I 40, on Agnew street. My choice for visitors, not just because the meal is good, but also because it's located smack in the middle of the historical district know as Stockyards City. A nice stroll of a few blocks will give you a feel for what things were like 100 years ago. You can see lots of western wear, boots, saddles, etc. Very low key and laid back, as is the restaurant.

As to your meal: they age their steaks in house. I alternate between their Top Club or Center Cut rib eye. The salad "house dressing" is great, as are their mashed potatoes, and the mushrooms. Do not be put off when the mashed potatoes arrive in a stoneware bowl, portioned from an ice cream scoop; these folks are here to serve beef, and lot's of it. And, if you've ever wanted to try Lamb Fries, they do them perfectly.

Bricktown has lots of great places, but it's more urbane, vs the bucolic atmosphere of the stockyards. Here's a small map of the area, to give you an idea.

http://www.cattlemensrestaurant.com/s...

[porkypine]

Straight up delicious local BBQ - Earl's.

My in-laws live there and it is the first place I request to go to on every visit.

[mom2liz]

Iron Starr BBQ, http://www.ironstarrbbq.com/ is a good choice. Very creative sides.

[Firegoat]

This isn't barbecue, but Cattleman's Steak House is a big tradition in OKC. Great place to go for good food and some history of the area
http://www.cattlemensrestaurant.com/

[suebette]

HI firegoat - thanks for the tip - the website looks fun!

[Firegoat]

I hope you enjoy your trip through our state! I know Tulsa, bbq, just not okc. But Cattlemen's is always a good stop.

[Brian S]

I've never been to Oklahoma City but I know they have a restored warehouse district called Bricktown full of restaurants. Probably better at night but maybe worth a look by day.
http://www.bricktownokc.com/

[suebette]

hi brian - thanks for the tip I will check out the bricktown spots

[Firegoat]

Oh I'd skip the bricktown, most are chains, and touristy. Unless you just want to go to the "celebrity country music star" bar/restaurant.

[suebette]

thanks for the tip firegoat - I'd probably lean towards skipping the celebrity bar

[Bigrayok]

There are some good non-chain restaurants in Bricktown. Nonna's serves high quality New American food. Paul Mcartney recently ate a special made vegeterian meal there. The Mantel is another good higher end option. Mickey Mantle's Steak House, which has no affiliation with the Mickey Mantle's in New York City, is a good steakhouse. Falcone's has ok New York style pizza and pasta as well as good New York Italian style sandwiches. Earl's Rib Palace has more than one location in Oklahoma City but I would not classify it as a chain. Earl's has very good smoked BBQ meats. Another good BBQ a few blocks from Bricktown is Leo's BBQ on N.E. 4th street about two blocks east of Broadway.

Bigray in Ok

[Firegoat]

Thanks for those ideas Bigray. I hadn't been down there in a while, and just remembered not being impressed when I was. I'll have to give it another try, maybe with some different eating company than last time.

[suebette]

thanks bigrayok - I'll check out those links - the BBQ options sound great!

[Brian S]

I haven't a clue about Oklahoma City but if you decide to wait an hour and a half and eat in Tulsa here are some suggestions.

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/553621

http://www.chowhound.com/topics/139859

http://www.chowhound.com/topics/140283

The last two of these links are older and some of the info might be outdated, but they are more along the lines of local and regional food. Also please note that you can get $13 lunches at many Tulsa places this week.
www.tulsaworld.com/restaurantweek

[suebette]

Hi Brian - thanks for the links - I will check them out!