Oklahoma City is a better food city than most visitors expect. The cattle trade built a steak tradition, a large Vietnamese community built a famous noodle district, and a new generation of chefs has filled Midtown, the Plaza District and Bricktown with inventive kitchens. This guide explains what to eat, where to find it and how to sample several neighborhoods without losing a day.
Start with a steak
Beef is the soul of the local table, and Stockyards City is the place to eat it. Historic steakhouses in the district have served ranchers, politicians and travelers for generations, and a thick cut with a baked potato is a classic Oklahoma meal. Combine lunch with a visit to the cattle auctions on a Monday or Tuesday and a stroll through the western shops. Reservations help on busy days.
Barbecue and burgers
Oklahoma has its own barbecue traditions, with smoked brisket, ribs and sausage on the menu, and plenty of casual spots across the city. The state is also famous for the onion burger, a thin patty pressed with shaved onions on the grill, which began in nearby small towns and is served by several restaurants in the metro area. Ask your hotel for current favorites, since local pitmasters and burger joints change over time.
Chicken-fried steak and comfort food
A plate of chicken-fried steak with cream gravy is a state staple, as are fried okra, biscuits and pie. Diners and family restaurants across the city serve generous portions at modest prices. Breakfast is a good time to try these dishes, with eggs, hash browns and gravy.
The Asian District
Along Classen Boulevard northwest of downtown, Vietnamese families built a district that now includes Chinese, Korean, Thai and other restaurants and markets. Look for bowls of pho, banh mi sandwiches, grilled meats with rice, spring rolls and bubble tea. The Asian District Food Tour is the easiest way to get a guided introduction, with a guide to help you order and explain the dishes.
The Plaza District and Midtown
These neighborhoods are where chefs experiment. Expect farm-to-table menus, craft cocktails, coffee roasters and restaurants in restored buildings. The Plaza District Food Tour covers a walkable area with murals and independent shops, and Midtown has a dense collection of restaurants within a few blocks. Both are good for a long dinner.
Bricktown
Bricktown is the place for a patio dinner by the canal, with options from barbecue and burgers to Italian and seafood. It is lively before games and concerts, so reserve early. The Streetcar Trolley Food Tour often touches this part of the line, and the canal boat ride is a pleasant way to digest.
Food tours
If you only have a few days, a food tour is an efficient way to taste the city. The Streetcar Trolley Food Tour links stops by streetcar, the Plaza District tour covers one creative neighborhood on foot, and the Asian District tour explores the Vietnamese and pan-Asian heart of the city. Book early in your trip, tell the operator about dietary needs and arrive hungry.
Coffee, craft beer and cocktails
The city has a strong coffee culture, with roasters and cafes in Midtown, Automobile Alley and the Plaza District. Craft breweries have grown in number, and a Bikes and Brews tour combines a ride with tastings. Cocktail bars in restored buildings offer inventive drinks. Laws on alcohol sales in Oklahoma have loosened, but hours and rules for purchases can differ, so ask your server or hotel if you are unsure.
Sweet treats
Look for pie, cinnamon rolls, ice cream shops near the canal, and Vietnamese sweets and bubble tea in the Asian District. Many bakeries sell out early, so go in the morning. A box of pastries makes a good road snack for a zoo day.
Dietary needs
Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are easier to find in Midtown, the Plaza District and the Asian District than in traditional steakhouses. Food tours can often accommodate restrictions with notice. When in doubt, call ahead or check the menu online.
A sample eating plan
Breakfast at a diner with chicken-fried steak or biscuits, lunch at a Stockyards City steakhouse, an afternoon coffee in Midtown, a canal-side dinner in Bricktown, and a final day with pho in the Asian District. That covers the city's range, from prairie comfort to modern inventiveness, and leaves room for a favorite you discover along the way.