Surf and Turf
Junior’s
Countless business deals have been sealed with a handshake over a business lunch or dinner at Junior’s. The food and service has kept diners coming back to Junior’s for more than four decades, and the red upholstery and dark wood add a romantic ambience. Junior’s surf and turf is a classic updated: A four-ounce filet is served with 16 ounces of Alaskan king crab. 2601 NW Expressway, Oklahoma City. www.juniorsokc.com
Baked Chocolate Pudding
Dragonmoon Tea Company
It’s a sweet treat at a Tulsa teahouse, and it’s one of the best desserts around. Chocolate pudding is baked and served hot, with whipped cream. It’s creamy, warm and the perfect amount of sweet. Served with a cup of tea, this dessert is the height of elegance. 1927 S. Harvard Ave., Tulsa. 918.742.8322
Four-meat Combo
Van’s Pig Stand
This barbecue stand, with the original location in Shawnee, is famous around the state for its straightforward, no-nonsense barbecue. Go for the four-meat combo to make the most of this barbecue experience. Tender brisket, hot links, pork, smoked turkey or chicken – the combinations are endless and impossible to screw up. Locations in Shawnee, Norman and Moore. www.pigstands.com
Cheese Fries
Eskimo Joe’s
Stillwater’s jumpin’ little juke joint needs no introduction. Though most of us have probably sported an Eskimo Joe’s t-shirt or drunk from the plastic tumblers, how many have ordered the mountainous cheese fries? A lot! A mound of fries are covered in melted cheese. Add chili, bacon, chicken or steak and bleu cheese – it just makes them better. 507 W. Elm St., Stillwater. www.eskimojoes.com
Lasagna
Pete’s Place
The green doors and red lamps outside scream, “We serve Italian!” And, boy, do they ever. Since 1925, this authentic market and eatery has brought Oklahomans flocking to tiny Krebs for bites of Italy. The lasagna is a classic served family style with layers of pasta, meat sauce and cheeses. Enjoy the meal with a frosty Choc beer, brewed nearby. 120 SW Eighth St., Krebs. www.petes.org
Happy Plate
Burn Co. BBQ
Its rise to the top of Oklahoma’s barbecue kingdom is startling. And in the past year, Burn Co. moved to larger digs along Boston Avenue to better serve its growing clientele. Everything at Burn Co. is worthy of tasting, and that’s why the Happy Plate is perfect: It provides a sampler of each meat that the joint prepares, along with sides. It’s large, but it will feed many. 1738 S. Boston Ave., Tulsa. www.burnbbq.com
Southern Style Shrimp & Organic Texas Grits
Kd’s Southern Cuisine
When a restaurant boasts an NBA MVP as its namesake, the food had better be worthy of that title. Luckily, Kd’s, located in Bricktown, has an MVP-quality menu, and one of the highlights is the shrimp and grits. Seared, juicy shrimp are served on a bed of creamy, cheesy grits and garnished with peppers, greens, tomatos and fried okra. The decadent dish is exactly what a southern staple should be. 224 Johnny Bench Drive, Oklahoma City. www.kdsbricktown.com
Chili
Ike’s Chili
This famous Tulsa chili eatery recently relocated to 11th Street, a location that provides convenience and more room for hungry diners. When eating at Ike’s, the order is always chili – it’s just a matter of how you want your chili served. In a bowl with a side of crackers? Three way, with beans and spaghetti? As chili cheese fries? There’s no wrong answer, as long as Ike’s legendary chili is involved. 1503 E. 11th St., Tulsa. www.ikeschilius.com
Oklahoma Fried
Our favorite food preparation, five ways.
Chicken Fried Steak
Cheever’s Café
A hunk of beef fried and served with jalapeno cream gravy and garlic mashed potatoes – why not? 2409 N. Hudson Ave., Oklahoma City.www.cheeverscafe.com
Fried Chicken
Eischen’s Bar
Perhaps the state’s most famous meal, crispy fried chicken is served with white bread and pickles at the oldest bar in Oklahoma. Cash only. 109 S. Second St., Okarche. www.eischensbar.com
Fried Catfish
Evelyn’s Soul Food
Delicate catfish fillets are battered in cornmeal and crispy-fried to perfection. 3014 N. 74th E. Ave., Tulsa. www.evelynssoulfood.com
Fried Okra
Iron Starr Urban Barbeque
Fried and served whole, not chopped. An elegant presentation of a popular component of Oklahoma’s state meal. 3700 N. Shartel Ave., Oklahoma City. www.ironstarrbbq.com
Lamb Fries
Cattlemen’s Steakhouse
The, ahem, most delicate part of the animal is battered and fried. Tender and succulent, you’d never know what you’re biting into. 1309 S. Agnew, Oklahoma City. www.cattlemensrestaurant.com
