The Oldest Restaurant In Oklahoma Has A Truly Incredible History
By Ashley|Published August 04, 2016
×
Ashley
Author
Ashley has lived in Oklahoma for 30 years and is the Oklahoma staff writer for onlyinyourstate.com. When she isn't writing about Oklahoma, she enjoys visiting the beach and exploring new areas.
Few places in the Sooner State can rival the history of the longest operating restaurant in Oklahoma – Cattlemen’s Steakhouse in the historic Stockyard City district of Oklahoma City. Dating back to 1910, Cattlemen’s has been serving Oklahomans prime-cut beef, delicious desserts and the best cup of coffee around. It not only has a long history, but a colorful one as well.
Read on to learn more about the oldest restaurant in Oklahoma (and why the number 33 is significant):
Originally Cattlemen's Cafe, this restaurant primarily served ranchers, cowboys and cattle haulers. Stockyard City was a bustling place filled with cattle and became home to two major meat processors which gave it its nickname, "Packing Town."
Cattlemen's was one of the few places that stayed open after dark. As you might guess, this also brought in a more rowdy crowd and during Prohibition, became known for its "liquid delights."
The current cafe side hasn't changed much over the past 50 years. I'm sure lots of conversations and business deals have taken place at these stools over the last half-century.
The fate of Cattlemen's changed one night in 1945. Hank Frey, the then owner, was in a gambling game with a local rancher, Mr. Gene Wade. Mr. Frey was running out of money and offered up Cattlemen's in the pot, alongside Mr. Wade's life savings. What was the bet you ask? If Wade could roll a 'hard six,' otherwise known as two 3s. And in one roll of the dice, the ownership transferred to Mr. Wade. The "33 Brand" can be seen throughout the restaurant...and for a good reason.
The restaurant is surrounded with historical pictures and art that has welcomed patrons from around the world. You'll feel right at home from the moment you walk in the door with the warm smiles and friendly hospitality.
Address and Phone Number of Cattlemen’s Steakhouse:
1309 S Agnew Ave Oklahoma City, OK73108
Phone: 405-236-0416
Hours of Operation:
Sunday-Thursday – 6:00am-10:00pm
Friday-Saturday – 6:00am-12:00am
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.