Oklahoma City, a vibrant hub in the heart of America, boasts a unique culinary landscape shaped by its rich history and diverse cultural influences. From hearty, stick-to-your-ribs classics to innovative, farm-to-table creations, OKC offers a delightful array of dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. If you’re wondering “What Food Is Oklahoma City Known For?”, prepare for a flavorful adventure.
Steak
When exploring what food is Oklahoma City known for, steakhouses are a must. Oklahoma City is renowned for its old-school steakhouses, serving up perfectly grilled slabs of red meat with all the traditional accompaniments. Among these, Cattlemen’s Steakhouse stands out as an icon. Located in historic Stockyards City, this landmark has been feeding hungry cowboys, ranchers, and celebrities since 1910. It’s a true taste of Oklahoma’s heritage.
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Alt text: Cattlemen’s Steakhouse interior, showcasing classic Oklahoma City steakhouse ambiance with tables, chairs, and a sense of history.
Another notable steakhouse is Mickey Mantle’s Steakhouse, offering prime Wagyu beef and walls adorned with memorabilia from the baseball legend’s collection.
Chicken Fried Steak
A quintessential Oklahoma dish, chicken fried steak is a hybrid recipe that blends elements of fried chicken and steak. A tenderized cube steak is breaded with seasoned flour and pan-fried to a crisp, golden-brown crust, then smothered in creamy white gravy. It’s a comforting and indulgent choice.
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Alt text: Classic chicken fried steak with creamy gravy, garnished with spring onions, served alongside mashed potatoes, a popular dish in Oklahoma City.
Ann’s Chicken Fry House and Cheever’s Cafe are two excellent destinations to savor this Oklahoma signature entrée, often served with mashed potatoes and a side of green beans or fried okra.
Pho and Banh Mi
Oklahoma City’s vibrant Asian community, particularly the Vietnamese immigrants who settled in the 1970s, has enriched the city’s culinary scene. The Asian District, located off Classen Boulevard, is a must-visit for adventurous eaters. Here, you can indulge in fragrant Vietnamese noodle soup (pho) at Pho Lien Hoa and Pho Ca Dao, or sample fresh banh mi sandwiches at Lang Bakery and Quoc Bao Bakery. The district also offers a smorgasbord of authentic Thai, Chinese, and Japanese cuisine.
Fried Onion Burgers
Another iconic OKC food is the fried onion burger. Thinly sliced onions are pressed into a beef patty and grilled to savory perfection, resulting in lacy-edged caramelized onions that infuse the burger with incredible flavor. The burger is then garnished with standard burger toppings and served on a toasted bun.
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Alt text: Oklahoma City’s famous fried onion burger, featuring thinly sliced onions pressed into a beef patty and grilled to perfection, served with cheese and fries.
Tucker’s Onion Burgers and Nic’s Grill are popular spots to grab this local favorite. Be sure to order a pile of fresh-cut fries to complete the experience.
Deep-Fried Pickles
Deep-fried pickles, particularly Sonic Drive-Ins’ Pickle-O’s, are a fun and tasty side. These batter-fried pickles come with a dipping sauce, offering a tangy and satisfying crunch. Don’t hesitate to ask for them, even if they’re not listed on the regular menu, as they are often part of the “secret menu.”
Farm-to-Table Cuisine
Oklahoma City embraces its agricultural heritage by highlighting local farms and food providers. Restaurants like Ludivine showcase seasonal and fresh ingredients, offering a constantly evolving menu that features locally sourced meat, pork, poultry, and produce at their peak flavor. The Red Cup caters to vegetarian and vegan diners with excellent plant-based cuisine and outstanding coffee.
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Alt text: Farm-to-table dining in Oklahoma City, featuring a spread of locally sourced vegetables, cheeses, and bread, reflecting the city’s commitment to fresh ingredients.
Foraged Fare
For a unique dining experience, Nonesuch offers tasting menus composed of foraged ingredients, such as local plants, herbs, mushrooms, and root vegetables. These often-overlooked ingredients are brought to the forefront, creating creative and beautiful dishes that highlight the flavors of the region.
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Alt text: Foraged fare dish at Nonesuch in Oklahoma City, showcasing locally sourced ingredients like steak and vegetables garnished with flowers, emphasizing the restaurant’s unique dining experience.
Pie
Pie is a beloved dessert in Oklahoma City. Florence’s Restaurant has been serving slices of pear pie alongside soulful meals since 1952. Pie Junkie offers a wide variety of pies, from apple and berry to key lime and coconut cream. Arbuckle Mountain Fried Pies serves delicious hand pies with sweet or savory fillings.
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Alt text: Arbuckle Mountain Fried Pies, a popular dessert option in Oklahoma City, showcasing a fried hand pie with peach filling on a cutting board.
Indian Tacos
Built on a base of Native American fry bread, Indian tacos are topped with meat, beans, cheese, vegetables, and salsa. They’re a hearty and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Tim’s Drive Inn and The Press are two local restaurants where you can find this dish. Picasso on Paseo offers a vegan version.
Chili
Chili is another Oklahoma favorite. This spicy, saucy blend of ground beef or bison and beans has been a staple in the state since the early 1900s. Every cook has their own unique recipe, with variations including Mexican spices, cinnamon, coffee, and cocoa powder. Ron’s Hamburgers and Chili and Coney Island are great places to sample this meaty goodness.
In conclusion, Oklahoma City’s culinary scene is a delightful mix of classic comfort food and innovative creations. From steakhouses and chicken fried steak to Vietnamese pho and fried onion burgers, there’s something to satisfy every palate. So, the next time you’re pondering “what food is Oklahoma City known for?”, remember this list and embark on a delicious culinary adventure.
