On a recent trip to Oklahoma City, my husband and I learned just how much of a foodie town Oklahoma City is! Craft breweries, vegan eats that will satisfy even the most die-hard carnivores, and international cuisine fill this city. I need to come back to Oklahoma City just to fill my tummy more! Keep reading about the best restaurants where you can eat in Oklahoma City!
Oklahoma’s First Craft Brewery
Bricktown Brewery is a popular spot in OKC with several different locations. However, it’s in Bricktown where they actually brew the beer! I couldn’t choose between the Blues Berry Ale and Wiley’s One Eyed Wheat! They even have bottles so you can take your favorites home and (maybe) share with friends!
In addition to great beer, they have an incredible selection of food. Caramel and bacon glazed sweet potato fries, cheese curds, juicy burgers, and avocado fries left me in a wonderful food coma! They perfectly paired sweet and savory with a wide variety of dishes from Southern comforts to unique finds!
Oklahoma Shaped Pancakes
I thought Texas was the only place that made everything in the shape of our state, but apparently Oklahoma has jumped on that trend. Hatch Early Mood Food in OKC is one of the best places that you could come to everyday you stayed in OKC and never run out of things to try.
In addition to Oklahoma shaped pancakes, they have blueberry streusel, banana foster, pina caramelo, and a pancake flight if you want to try them all!
If you want something savory, the Cheiftan’s revenge is filled with spicy grits, beer braised pork, tomatillo salsa, over easy eggs, avocado salsa, cotija cheese and is basically just a plate full of savory goodness!
Sandies
The macaroni pony at The Mule hit just the spot with Jalapeno cornbread, chipotle BBQ pulled pork, and a three-cheese mac and cheese!
Vegan Option: The Herbivore. Vienna wheat, cashew cheese, roasted beets, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, avocado, grilled jalapenos, grilled onions, and chipotle aioli. I was tempted to order this just to make sure I got all my veggies, but that mac n cheese was calling my name!
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
After the Mule, you can walk over to Roxy’s, a vibrant ice cream shop and soda fountain with fun art around the shop! Their cappuccino sundae with coffee ice cream and cappuccino whipped cream was the perfect buzz I needed to make it through the rest of our fun day!
Out Of This World Flavors
Flower shop turned restaurant, Cheever’s Cafe is another intimate spot perfect for a date night in OKC with a diverse range of unique culinary options.
This is also another flavor packed vegan restaurant option! Savory cauliflower bread pudding with mushroom pesto, red pepper jus, crispy brussel sprouts, pistachios, and goat cheese was such a unique combination, unlike anything I had ever had. It took all my effort not to lick the plate clean! The boneless short ribs with charred jalapeno gratin and roasted veggies were another incredible option!
Elote Pizza and Live Music
The Jones Assembly is a concert venue that also serves as an upscale restaurant. During lunch, they serve more contemporary comfort food. As someone who could eat elote every day, I was so excited to discover their elote pizza!
For those who have never tried elote (first: I’m sorry!), it’s Mexican street corn filled with flavor and definitely goes on pizza!
Don’t skip out on drinks, either. I ordered the I Like You Gelato because they described it as fluffy, which I had never heard a drink described as before. They were totally right, fluffy and fresh!
Mouth Watering Sandwiches
I can’t say I’m really a sandwich person. I usually argue that I can make sandwiches myself, but that was not the case at Stitch OKC. Their fresh and healthy fare was the perfect light meal for lunch. I ordered the rainbow beet hummus sandwich filled with colorful veggies and was impressed with the flavor!
The adobo pulled melt was delightful, and I wish I could have eaten a whole tub of mac and cheese! It was so good!
Afterwards, I ordered a little pick-me-up – a beautifully pink beet latte! Who knew that a once-hated vegetable could taste so good in latte form!
Award Winning Brunch
Featured on the Food Travel Channel and recognized for multiple awards, Cafe Kacao, a Guatemalan brunch spot, is an easy winner! I slurped down the horchata latte before I could get a picture, but trust me, it was good 😉 . They have an extensive menu of different items.
The crispy motuleno is a delectable mixture of black beans, ranchero sauce, dry cheese, and queso fresco. Or go for the Tikal with scrambled eggs, grilled flank steak, plantains, and longaniza (Guatemalan sausage).
A Laotian Lunch
Spicy cravings hit at lunch, so I went to Ma Der Lao Kitchen, a modern Laotian restaurant. The floral walls were like a neon welcome sign. Inside, the cool air and delicious food greeted me. I grabbed a patio seat, perfect for people-watching.
Sharing seemed like the best way to tackle the menu, full of unfamiliar flavors in small plates. We ordered sticky rice, a fiery papaya salad, savory grilled beef, and a selection of chili sauces (seriously, they had some kick!). But who is the star of the show? The crispy fried chicken – a sweet and spicy glaze with a shatteringly crisp crust. Each bite was an explosion!
To cool down, I tried their Tamarind Whiskey Sour – tangy and sweet, it perfectly balanced the spice. Ma Der Lao Kitchen wasn’t just lunch, it was a delicious adventure. Now I have to go back for their “Freestyle Friday” menu. – can’t wait to see what surprises they have next!
Distilled Cocktails
Hidden downstairs in an old bank vault (seriously, the National!), Library of Distilled Spirits felt like a secret. Dim lights, cool vibes – all very speakeasy. Their menu boasted house-made syrups and a handful of fun cocktails, including a new strawberry one I couldn’t resist on a happy hour.
No crystal ball was needed, this place knew how to make a thirst-quenching drink. They also offer mouthwatering tacos and savory snacks that pair perfectly with their extensive collection of spirits.
‘Presidential’ Steakhouse
Cattlemen’s Steakhouse boosted Oklahoma’s history. Built in 1910, it felt like a Western movie come to life. I tried the hot cakes and bacon for breakfast, then savored lamb fries and the Presidential Choice T-bone – the steak President Bush himself enjoyed. To end this hearty adventure, I shared local favorite cow-shaped pancake (Cowpoke Cake!) and a warm cinnamon roll. Delicious!
A Journey to Asian District
JK by Chef King was an absolute sensory overload in the best way possible. Stepping into the restaurant felt like entering a fairytale – hanging flowers from the ceiling, and a beautiful faux tree stood majestically in the center. Angus, our attentive server, expertly guided us through the menu, making the excellent service even more enjoyable.
The food itself was a celebration of modern Asian cuisine. We started with delicate Lobster & Shrimp Shumai dumplings and a refreshing Crispy Duck & Watermelon Salad. The Hamachi Kurudo was melt-in-your-mouth perfection, and the Wagyu Shortrib Skewers were smoky and flavorful. For a heartier option, we shared the Oxtail & Bone Marrow Fried Rice – a rich and delicious dish bursting with flavors.
But JK by Chef King isn’t just about the food; it’s about the presentation too. Our dessert arrived in an impressive plating – the JK Fruit Basket. A cloud of dry ice smoke reveals a stunning display of colorful fruits and pillowy mochi ice cream. It was a truly a wonderful time!
And let’s not forget the classic cocktails! My Deluxe Espresso Martini came with a tiny, customized picture airdropped from my phone – a playful touch that perfectly captured the restaurant’s vibrant atmosphere. We also shared a “Pink Sensation” with bubbles, and the Hibiscus Royal, a 2017 cocktail of the year in Japan, featuring a stunning edible hibiscus flower.
The chefs, Josh and King (hence the restaurant’s name!), met back in England and have a long history of creating successful restaurants together, including several top spots in Dallas. Their passion for food and creating an unforgettable dining experience is evident in every detail at JK by Chef King. It’s a must-try for anyone seeking a unique and delicious adventure in Oklahoma City.
Enjoy Mexican Food
Craving a taste of Mexico without the plane ticket? Look no further than Rika’s Botanas in Oklahoma City. This spot serves up authentic Mexican street food that’s both delicious and approachable.
If you’re feeling adventurous, their aguachile is a must-try. This spicy seafood salad is a refreshing take on ceviche, with the tangy citrus marinade perfectly complementing the fresh, raw seafood.
But fear not, spice-averse foodies! Rika’s Botanas caters to all palates. Their vibrantly colored strawberry horchata is a feast for the eyes and a delightful blend of creamy rice milk and sweet strawberry. For a tropical twist, the dragon fruit lemonade is another winner, offering a unique and refreshing alternative to classic lemonade.
With its focus on bold flavors and fresh ingredients, Rika’s Botanas is a hidden gem in Oklahoma City’s vibrant food scene.
Fine Dining with a Heart
Soaring high above Oklahoma City in one of its tallest buildings, Vast offered a stunning backdrop for even a casual visit. Pressed for time, I opted for cold drinks at the full bar, a decision quickly rewarded with breathtaking cityscapes.
The twinkling skyline stretched as far as the eye could see, transforming the cityscape into a mesmerizing view. Thankfully, enjoying the view didn’t require a hefty bill. The drink menu offered private dining rooms, wallet-friendly options, and some even came with a charitable twist – a dollar donated to partner charities for every drink ordered.
While I didn’t experience the full dining experience, Vast provided the perfect perch for a relaxing drink and an unforgettable perspective of Oklahoma City.
Similar Taste for a Similar Face
Walked into The Crown OKC and it was dark and mysterious inside. Cool vibe with those dim lights, felt kinda secretive almost. The menu was wild, not your usual Oklahoma stuff. They had these fancy rice balls called “Lea Lou Onigiri” and this dish named after a Chef’s friend who looked like Patrick Bateman from the movie “American Psycho” (crazy, right?). But instead of weird breakfasts, this “Patrick Bateman” was all fancy noodles and melt-in-your-mouth meat, way better.
They had beautiful sushi too, and the cocktails were creative and fun. I definitely recommend getting “The Platter” – it lets you try a bunch of their different dishes, like a greatest hits kind of thing. And their “Crown Roll” is this amazing creation you gotta try, a perfect mix of flavors.
To finish it all off, I dove into their Pineapple Bread Pudding – man, that was incredible! Like a flavor party in my mouth. The Crown OKC isn’t your average dinner, it’s a whole experience. Definitely recommend checking it out!
A Cozy Breakfast
Bradford House Restaurant felt like a cozy friend’s place. Their breakfast menu was amazing! I couldn’t decide between buttery pastries like a caramelized kouign amann or a blueberry lemon scone. They even had a cookie butter pecan croissant! In the end, the gooey Monkey Bread won me over. No matter what you pick, Bradford House has yummy breakfast in a friendly spot.
80 Ways to Escape OKC Heat
Escape the Oklahoma heat with a trip to Tizo’s Pops & Ice Cream, a vibrant Latino-owned paleteria. With over 80 popsicle flavors to choose from, decision-making might be the hardest part.
Do you go for a classic mango or opt for something more adventurous like a creamy mamey or a decadent Gansito-inspired paleta? Tizo’s doesn’t stop at just popsicles, though. Their ice cream selection boasts unique flavors that echo favorite Mexican snacks. Enjoy a strawberry and vanilla ice cream with a delightful twist, or the sweet and tangy combination of mango and chamoy frozen into creamy perfection.
Craving something savory? Tizo’s has you covered there too, with authentic Mexican snacks and refreshing aguas frescas to complete your delightful and flavorful dessert experience.
An Ideal Spot for a Noon Sweetness
The Oklahoma sun was beating down mercilessly, and I craved something cold. Luckily, I stumbled upon Boom Town Creamery! This great place wasn’t just any ice cream shop – it was a haven. They open at noon sharp, which was perfect timing for my afternoon meltdown.
Walking in, I was greeted by a display case overflowing with colorful ice cream flavors – 24 in total. They even had some seasonal menus and options for those who can’t do dairy! It was like a choose-your-own-adventure for ice cream addicts.
Boom Town Creamery definitely saved me from the heat with their delicious ice cream!
Closed Spots We Will Miss
Date Night at Ludivine
Ludivine is closed (but close in our hearts).
If you’re looking for a beautiful date night spot, Ludivine is a romantic spot with a menu that changes every day and menu items you won’t typically find! We made our way through three exquisite courses starting with seared foie gras and roasted bone marrow. The lavender pound cake and plum jam served with the foie gras was an unexpected combination that I still dream about it. The roasted bone marrow was buttery and served on toast!
For the main course: Ponderosa Farm Rabbit Leg served over pepper & pecorino grits, patty pan squash slaw, golden beets, and a red wine rabbit pan sauce. For my husband: Oklahoma Wagyu Tri-Tip Steak with potato, heirloom carrots, eggplants, squash, kale, and kimchi.
We opted to order different dishes to try more things. However, they have a wonderful chef’s pairing with wine.
Where to Eat in Oklahoma City
There just wasn’t enough time, or room in my belly, to try all of the amazing foods in OKC. If you can, I recommend bringing a group of friends so you can try all the amazing food in OKC! There’s also a lot of unique experiences you can try when in Oklahoma City!
The line of Oklahoma City restaurants is like a choose-your-own-adventure for your taste buds! Whether you’re craving a modern twist on Laotian cuisine at Ma Der Lao Kitchen, a trip down memory lane with a perfectly cooked steak at Cattlemen’s Steakhouse, or a dark and mysterious ambiance with unique dishes at The Crown OKC, there’s something for everyone.
Don’t forget to cool down with a scoop (or two!) of creative ice cream at Boom Town Creamery, or grab a taste of Mexico with delicious street food snacks at Rika’s Botanas. From trendy hotspots to historic landmarks, Oklahoma City offers a surprising and delightful range of best restaurants waiting to be explored. Bon Appetit!
Last Updated 1 month ago by Jessica Serna | Published: June 25, 2019
