Tasty Tidbits

The Crain

Known as a place where great food, friendly faces and a laid-back vibe come together, the Crain in OKC is a recently opened, no-fuss, tasty American cuisine joint where every diner will find something they like.

Start with a ‘sliced plate,’ replete with meats, cheeses and other snacks. You can also opt for wings, prime rib sliders or chips with guacamole and salsa.

Main plates, simply dubbed ‘The Stuff,’ range from burgers and slow smoked salmon to pork chops, the Reuben, and chicken two ways. Sides include house fries, green chili macaroni and cheese, fried green tomatoes, seasonal veggies and flash fried baby spinach.  

Signature cocktails include the S’mores Old Fashioned, with bourbon, graham cracker simple syrup, bitters and toasted marshmallows; as well as the Emily, with tequila, triple sec, pomegranate juice, house margarita mix and jalapeno. 

Happy hour – from 2 to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday – offers $6 well cocktails, $7 featured wines, $1.50 off all beer and $3 shareables. 

At long last, Tulsa’s El Patron has opened at 3837 E. 51st St. (You may remember us writing about the anticipated opening back in June 2024). 

Traditional (and delicious) Mexican fare is the name of the game at El Patron. You’ll find every delicacy you’re craving, from fajitas to grilled tacos, seafood, chimichangas, pozole, quesadillas, nachos and steaks.

Another major draw at El Patron is the margarita list. Dozens of flavors, either frozen or on the rocks, are yours for the taking. Highlights include the ‘Abeja Reina,’ with gin, honey, lemon juice, pomegranate juice and beet juice; as well as the ‘Vallarta,’ with tequila, Cointreau, grapefruit, pineapple juice and lime juice. Not yet sold? There’s also live music every weekend; you won’t want to miss it.

Looking for an aesthetically pleasing, scrumptious and local bakery to frequent in OKC? Search no further – Harvey Bakery and Kitchen is just the ticket.

Breakfast options, served until 11 a.m. daily, are sure to tempt. Try the Birch House, with pork sausage, scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese and honey Sriracha on an English muffin. Other goodies include the Sunrise B.L.T., biscuits and gravy, vegan breakfast sandwich and lighter options like granola and yogurt. 

Lunch goodies include chicken salad, club sandwiches, grilled cheese and salads including the Caesar, Cobb, spicy kale and Green Goddess. You can also opt for the two for $12 deal which includes half a sandwich plus a side like macaroni and cheese, soup or fruit.

Caffeine lovers can indulge in a variety of options, from cold brew to lattes, drip coffee and mochas. There’s also ample pastry selections, including croissants, cinnamon rolls, biscuits, muffins, cookies, blondies and scones. 

Sitting at 161 S. Riverfront Dr. in Jenks, Hatch is an early bird’s culinary dream. The restaurant, open at 6 a.m. seven days a week, offers breakfast and brunch goodies you won’t want to miss.

Starters include poutine with housemade gravy, fries, cheese curds and eggs, as well as orange glazed croissants, chicken fried eggs and beignets. 

The menu, divided by type of entree, has something for everyone: benedicts, pancakes, sandwiches, classic breakfast plates, omelets, and even soups and salads. Standouts include the steak and eggs benedict, with toasted sourdough, piquillo pepper, Texas goat cheese and seared tenderloin; as well as the funky monkey bread, with brown sugar, cinnamon, and pecan streusel drizzled with cream cheese anglaise. 

The restaurant also has a full bar with craft cocktails, coffee options, mocktails and beers.