Enjoy Delicious Fried Chicken at This Unique 1940s Railcar Restaurant in Oklahoma

In Oklahoma, there are endless amazing dining experiences to be discovered. From the most luxurious downtown steakhouses to the most rural barbecue joints, there are eateries for almost every occasion and palate in the Sooner State. This includes unique restaurants in Oklahoma, some of which didn't even start as restaurants. Enter Southern Belle Restaurant, an old-fashioned railcar turned fried chicken eatery in the small town of Heavener.

Apart from being one of the best restaurants in Oklahoma, Southern Belle Restaurant's history and unique atmosphere draw people in. The 1940s railcar has been fully renovated to accommodate guests while maintaining some of its original structure and charm, transporting customers back in time. Read on to learn more about this cool Oklahoma establishment, plus the must-have menu items to try when you visit.

What Makes Southern Belle Restaurant So Unique

Southern Belle Restaurant is in an authentic railcar that's no longer in service. It was in use until the 1960s and now houses a one-of-a-kind dining room that attracts locals and tourists alike for comforting Southern meals.

Since the restaurant's opening in 1995, Southern Belle owners have worked hard to keep the interior as original as possible. A fresh coat of bright red paint on the exterior, updated lighting fixtures, tables, and seats, and much more have elevated the experience.

Once you take a look at the menu, however, you'll see why this restaurant is a crowd-favorite. Choose from all the best Southern classics, including fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, and biscuits galore, with decent portion sizes to boot. From the history to the welcoming wait staff and the delicious food, you'll keep returning to this unique Oklahoma restaurant time and time again.

Must-Order Menu Items at This Oklahoma Restaurant

It goes without saying that fried chicken is out of this world in the South. The fried chicken strips and chicken-fried steak are must-orders at Southern Belle—the hand-breaded batter creates a perfectly crispy exterior, and has become the restaurant's true claim to fame.

While the fried chicken gets top billing here at Southern Belle Restaurant, the steak is also one of the best we have found. This ribeye with baked potato is cooked with butter to absolute perfection, and comes out juicy and tender each time. The dinner rolls are made in-house, too, and add the perfect finishing touch to each entree.

Beyond meat, visitors rave about the hearty and zesty chicken tortilla soup, refreshing taco salads, and a menagerie of other delectable fried foods, including hush puppies, fried catfish, onion rings, and more. It'll be tough to decide on just one thing, so come hungry and ready to order lots!

Your visit wouldn't be complete without dessert. Locals love the meringue pies and cheesecake. Popular favorites include the Heath Bar pie, the chocolate-striped delight, and the peanut butter meringue—perfectly light, sweet, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Why You Should Add This Oklahoma Eatery to Your Bucket List

The longevity of this Heavener staple is truly remarkable. It's one of the best places for comfort food in Oklahoma, and it has the coolest atmosphere around. If you're a true fan of the food and experience, make sure to pick up your t-shirt to let everyone know that you have been to this historic establishment.

For more meal options, check out the restaurant's Facebook page for the menu. To get there, view this map of Southern Belle Restaurant's location and note its proximity to other Heavener landmarks—including Heavener Runestone Park, just six minutes away.

Hungry for more small-town Oklahoma dining spots? Check out the Butcher BBQ Stand in Wellston, near Tulsa. There are so many amazing eateries here in the Sooner State.