Oklahoma City is one of the Midwest’s most visited cities by tourists. When it comes to sports, the city is home to several icons, including Hall of Fame tennis player Louise Brough, Hall of Fame baseball player Johnny Bench, and Super Bowl-winning coach Barry Switzer.
On the entertainment side, director Ron Howard, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame singer Wanda Jackson, and Grammy-winning psychedelic rock band The Flaming Lips are also connected to the city.
In a city known for its massive livestock markets, food is serious business. A number of entrepreneurs open restaurants every month to showcase the food they love in hopes that others will feel the same way.
Food can bring people together, and these 13 best restaurants in Oklahoma City deliver a slew of different styles of food for whatever mood you’re in. From Pacific Rim food to Vietnamese dishes, there’s something for everyone here.
1. Barley & Bees
$$ | (405) 297-9961 | WEBSITE
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Barley & Bees started out serving food throughout the town via a food truck before. officially opening up inside the Twisted Spike Brewery in December 2021. For their dinner menu, the Southern food restaurant brings items such as pulled pork silders, chicken and waffles, and fried chicken strips.
On Saturday and Sunday, Barley & Bees offers a brunch menu filled with choices such as biscuit doughnuts and barley French toast. The restaurant also has a hat and stickers for sale for those looking to represent the spot wherever they go. Barley & Bees is closed from Monday through Wednesday.
2. The Joinery
$$ | (405) 702-7657 | WEBSITE
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When it comes to finding a location for The Joinery, the owners knew to pick a noticeable area. The restaurant is located in the Oklahoma Furniture Manufacturing Company building, which was built in 1903.
For the main menu, The Joinery features a ton of delectable food, including the double burger, braised short rib, and the fan favorite fish and chips. The three-story restaurant features a private events area on the third floor for lively parties of all sizes. Aside from food, people can also try out a game of golf on the second floor via their Full Swing golf simulators.
3. Pachinko
$$$$ | (405) 242-3471 | WEBSITE
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Chef Eric Smith opened Pachinko to showcase some of the best Pacific Rim cuisine around. When it comes to the main entrees, there are plenty of delicious meals available, including a charred fillet of beef, Asian spaghetti, and a triple offering of pork known as Pork Three Ways.
For side orders, sweet and spicy carrots, Wasabi mashed potatoes, and Brussel sprouts are on the menu. There’s also a special all-you-can-eat offer, which includes dinner with Smith. Aside from offering food, Pachinko brings special events such as whiskey tasting.
4. The Jones Assembly
$$ | (405) 212-2378 | WEBSITE
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If you’re into good food and a concert, The Jones Assembly is the place for you. The restaurant has a strong selection of pizza, burgers, and salads. The Jones Assembly also has a private room for small gatherings. Touring acts from all over make their way to The Jones Assembly for nightly performances.
Some noticeable acts to perform at the restaurant/venue include hip-hop artist Vince Staples, iconic indie rock band Pixies, and Grammy-winning bluegrass artist Billy Strings. The restaurant also has a merch store for those looking to show their love for the spot at the gym or work.
5. Metro Wine Bar & Bistro
$$ | 405-840-9463 | WEBSITE
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Opening in 1988, Metro Wine Bar & Bistro has gained a slew of longtime patrons, who travel for miles for their food. When it comes to the lunch menu, the restaurant has a grand selection, including smoked salmon, Thai curry shrimp, and an Italian shortrib sandwich.
When the sun goes down, the dinner menu comes out to play. Chicken fricassee, grilled pork tenderloin, and the vegetarian special are some of the entrees available for dinnertime. If you’re looking for a spot for a private party, Metro Wine Bar & Bistro’s Tapestry Room can hold up to 40 people.
6. Four J’s Laotian & Thai Cuisine
$$ | (405) 512-3944 | WEBSITE
Four J’s Laotian & Thai Cuisine combines Laotian and Thai food for one fantastic experience. The restaurant’s name comes from the owners having four daughters with names beginning with the letter J. The main entree menu has a nice selection of food, including pad mixed vegetable, stir-fried basil, and red curry.
Four J’s Laotian & Thai Cuisine also has party trays for those big gatherings; some party tray offerings include seafood, chicken, and chicken wings. The restaurant is closed on Mondays. There aren’t many Thai restaurants in Oklahoma City, which makes this a highly attended place.
7. Ma Der Lao Kitchen
$$ | 405-900-5503 | WEBSITE
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After spending a plethora of time cooking Japanese food, chef Jeff Chanchaleune decided to focus more on cooking Lao food. Chanchaleune’s Ma Der Lao Kitchen. When it comes to the menu, a slew of fantastic food is available to choose from, including the original Lao papaya salad and fried pork spare ribs.
The restaurant has earned accolades from acclaimed publications Bon Appetit and The New York Times, who both listed Ma Der Lao Kitchen as one of the best restaurants of 2022. Aside from serving delicious food inside the establishment, they also host several pop-up events across the city.
8. Rivière Modern Banh Mi
$$ | (405) 604-3446 | WEBSITE
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Rivière Modern Banh Mi brings a slew of amazing Vietnamese food to Oklahoma City. As expected by the restaurant’s name, it thrives on offering a unique selection of bánh mì, which is a common sandwich.
The bánh mì features a slew of cleverly titled sandwiches, including the Bánh Jovi and James Bánh. For those looking to drink, the restaurant has a ton of alcoholic beverages available, including the Prairie Rainbow Sherbert Sour, Twisted Spike Dirty Blonde, and Skydance Mosquito Hawk Amber.
There’s also a gluten-free selection of food, including lettuce wraps, chicken wings, and house side salad.
9. Nunu’s Mediterranean Cafe & Market
$ | (405) 751-7000 | WEBSITE
Named after restaurant owner Nunu Farhood, Nunu’s Mediterranean Cafe & Market brings some of the best Lebanese food to Oklahoma City. The biggest attraction of the restaurant is the speciality dishes, which always leave patrons happy.
Some speciality dishes include charbroiled chicken kabob and beef tenderloin kabob. There’s also the sampler plate, which offers a little bit of everything from the speciality menu. For health fanatics, the menu is also mostly gluten-free with some great options for vegetarians, including the veggie cabbage roll plate and the lentil & rice pilaf plate.
10. The Hamilton Supperette and Lounge
$$ | (405) 849-5115 | WEBSITE
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If you’re in the mood for a sophisticated experience, the Hamilton Supperette and Lounge is the restaurant for you. The entire restaurant is covered in a mid-century ambiance filled with a slew of old school photos and books.
When it comes to food, Hamilton Supperette and Lounge offers a slew of food perfect for any time, including the Hamilton wedge, why the quail not, and hatch corn on the cob. After you’re done with your meal, there’s a handful of desserts to choose from, including cookies and milk, mini lime pie, and the fan-favorite cheesecake.
Summary
Whether you’re new in town or a lifelong resident, this list of the best restaurants in Oklahoma City will greatly aid you in your food journey. Try one or try them all. If you find a great restaurant or two, be sure to share it with your friends and family.
