We've all been guilty of being restaurant snobs - you drive by an eatery and don't give it a chance because it doesn't look like much on the outside. However, you soon discover that some of the most delicious food in the state is served at these unassuming restaurants. They may not look glamorous on the outside, but once you eat at these 14 hole in the wall restaurants in Oklahoma, you'll be a fan:
1. Elmer's BBQ, Tulsa
(Editor's Note: Elmer's BBQ is currently closed but has plans to reopen in the near future. Check the Facebook page for updates.)
Elmer's BBQ has been serving Tulsa mouthwatering barbecue for over 35 years. Customers from all over continue to enjoy the food, the outstanding customer service they receive, and place Elmer's at the top of the list of their favorite BBQ restaurants. Visit the Elmer's BBQ Facebook page for more information.
2. Dutch Pantry, Chouteau
For real ingredients and real food, head over to Dutch Pantry for an all-you-can eat buffet and bakery. This unassuming restaurant delivers delicious food that tastes like home cooking. Visit the Dutch Pantry Facebook page for more information.
3. Granny's Kitchen, Stillwater
Granny's is known for large food portions, friendly staff and fabulous fare. The next time you're in the mood for granny's food, head over to Stillwater and Granny's Kitchen will take care of you. It's one of the best hidden gems in Oklahoma. For more information, visit the Granny's Kitchen website.
4. Nic's Grill, Oklahoma City
This tiny, down-home American diner serves hearty breakfasts and lunches in Oklahoma City. This iconic place is known for some of the best burgers in the state. Nic’s has been featured on Food Network’s "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" and has been the subject of dozens of articles and publications. If you're looking for options for dining in Oklahoma, you have to come here! Visit the Nic's Grill Facebook page for more information.
5. The Stables, Guthrie
Located in the historic town of Guthrie, The Stables has been a favorite dining spot since it opened in 1987. It's all about great food at a reasonable price, good service by an experienced staff and a nostalgic look back to the past. The "Broken Wheel BBQ" cooks constantly to keep up with the demand. It's a little sweet and a bit spicy but very tasty. The Texas-style barbecue is served with the best homemade fried onion rings around. For more information, visit The Stables website.
6. Kendall's Restaurant, Noble
Kendall's offers great family charm, home-style cooking and melt in your mouth cinnamon rolls. You'll find some of the best chicken fried steak in the state, along with many other delicious offerings. For more information, visit the Kendall's Restaurant website.
7. Ike's Chili, Tulsa
Established in 1908, this simple eatery known for chili also offers burgers, sandwiches & sides. It's the best place on Route 66 to have what Will Rogers called a "Bowl Of Blessedness." Ike's has kept the same secret recipe since opening over a century ago. Visit the Ike's Chili website for more information.
8. Clanton's Cafe, Vinita
Clanton’s has been a family tradition in Vinita Oklahoma since 1927. They have been featured in many magazines and on the Food Network’s hit series, Diners Drive-Ins & Dives. For more information, visit the Clanton's Cafe website.
9. Jake's Rib, Chickasha
This longstanding roadhouse dishes up hefty portions of barbecue & burgers in simple, airy digs. Pick from an extensive menu consisting of ribs, brisket, hot links, steaks, burgers and more. Choose your favorite meat and pair it with sides like fried zucchini, fried okra, corn on the cob, coleslaw and french fries. Visit the Jake's Rib Facebook page for more information.
10. Libby's Cafe, Goldsby
Libby's Cafe is a family-owned & operated full-service bar and restaurant. They offer a wide variety of foods from their famous all-you-can-eat catfish to certified Black Angus steaks. And you can't miss out on their chicken fried steaks covered in homemade gravy. If you're heading to Riverwind Casino, make sure to stop into the most famous restaurant in town, Libby's Cafe. For more information, visit the Libby's Cafe website.
11. Meers Restaurant, Meers
You won't find much in Meers, but you will find the best burger in Oklahoma. The Meers Store and Restaurant has became famous for their Meersburger, a 7" diameter burger made exclusively from prize winning Texas Longhorn beef raised on the family's own ranch - beef that is actually lower in cholesterol than chicken. They also serve a delicious selection of steaks, barbecue, home-baked bread and desserts, including homemade ice cream. Visit the Meers Restaurant Facebook page for more information.
12. Murphy's Steakhouse, Bartlesville
Murphy's Steak House has a diner atmosphere with counter and stools, bare-tabled booths and a friendly staff. The menu includes a number of favorites including, chicken fingers, steaks and burgers, but it's not the steak that locals recommend a visit to this 1940s-era eatery - it's for a hot hamburger. They are famous nationwide for the Hot Hamburger with Fries and Gravy Over All. For more information, visit the Murphy's Steakhouse Facebook page.
13. The Old Plantation Inn, Medicine Park
Located in the quaint town of Medicine Park, The Old Plantation Inn is open daily and serves steak and seafood as well as a great selection of salads, sandwiches and appetizers. Visit The Old Plantation Restaurant website for more information.
14. The Rock House, Talihina
The Rock House in Talihina specializes in aged, hand-carved Black Angus steaks, pasta, and weekly specials that are all served in a refurbished 1920s era rock home. Guests seated at almost every table in The Rock House are rewarded with beautiful panoramic views of the Kiamichi Mountain Range, the Potato Hills and stunning Buffalo Mountain. For more information, visit The Rock House website.
As you can see, there are so many incredible places to eat in Oklahoma. What other restaurants do you think we should we add to this list?
If you are looking for additional hidden gem and hole in the wall restaurants in Oklahoma, check out our article, These 9 Small Town Oklahoma Restaurants Will Serve You The Best Meal Of Your Life.
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