favorites and delivered with engaging and gracious service. Plus, naturally, there’s Guinness on tap. 7523 N May, OKC, 755.2622 $$
-operated barbecue restaurant (open since 1935 in Shawnee), it does well with the basics and really rocks at ribs. 320 N Porter, Norman, 364.0600 $
SOONER LEGENDS Sandwiches and salads, outstanding barbecue, steaks, even Mexican and Italian specialties made to order in a loudly, proudly crimson and cream atmosphere. Great hangout for OU fans. 1200 24th Ave SW, Norman, 701.8100 $
BURGERS // SANDWICHES
TAPWERKS ALE HOUSE & CAFÉ The staff will gladly serve burgers, wraps, pizzas and other entrees, but most of the crowd – and it gets crowded – is here to sample from the 212 (yes, really) beers on tap. 121 E Sheridan, OKC, 310.9599 $$ URBAN WINEWORKS If its delicious made-in-Oklahoma wine isn’t draw enough (and it should be), the haute culinary creations featuring rabbit, duck, pork belly and more should certainly entice diners to the Plaza. 1749 NW 16th, OKC, 525.9463 $$ VZD’S RESTAURANT & CLUB Live music is a staple on weekends, but the unusually broad, tasty bar menu draws a substantial lunch crowd as well. Try the turkey burger, the chili or both. 4200 N Western, OKC, 524.4203 $
ABRAHAM’S WESTERN CAFÉ Follow your nose – the onion burgers coming off Abraham’s grill draw lunch crowds with effortless ease. 4716 N Western, OKC, 528.5152 $ BISON WITCHES BAR & DELI The monster sandwiches are loaded with standout flavors, but the best way to enjoy them is in halves, accompanied by a bread bowl of fresh hot soup and a bag of pretzels. 211 E Main, Norman, 364.7555 $ BROWN BAG DELI Quick-as-awink sandwiches, desserts and killer chili. Limited seating; takeout recommended. 7600 N Western, OKC, 842.1444 $
BARBECUE
BUNNY’S OLD FASHIONED ONION BURGERS Small space; big taste. The namesake creations are fresh, lean beef grilled to perfection and served in “big” and “bigger” versions. 5020 N Meridian, OKC, 949.2889; 1023 S Meridian, OKC, 949.2949 $
BILLY SIMS BBQ Even Cowboy or Longhorn fans will find serious taste to enjoy, but the memorabilia isn’t exactly in short supply in these tailgate-style chowhouses owned by the namesake Sooner star. 7 metro locations, billysimsbbq.com $
CAFÉ PLAID & BAKERY Fresh sandwiches begging to be combined with a sensational selection of salads (veggie, tuna, pasta…) make it an ideal spot for lunch when you’re near OU. 333 W Boyd, Norman, 360.2233 $
EARL’S RIB PALACE Beloved by locals in a setting far from starved for competition, the award-winning barbecue chain pounds out hit ribs, pulled pork and smoked turkey as well as a top-tier burger. 6 metro locations, earlsribpalace.com $ IRON STARR URBAN BARBEQUE Named for notorious outlaw Belle Starr, Iron Starr specializes in “a unique and tasty spin on comfort food.” The entrees are excellent, but the sides are equal players here as well. 3700 N Shartel, OKC, 524.5925 $$ LEO’S BAR-B-Q Dense, rich flavor and tender texture through and through, delivered in genuine unpolished style for commendable value – no wonder it’s a recurring favorite among OK connoisseurs. 3631 N Kelley, OKC 424.5367; 7 Harrison, OKC 236.5367 $ RUDY’S COUNTRY STORE & BAR-B-Q It’s hard to get more casual than a set of picnic benches, where food comes on cafeteria trays with plastic utensils and paper towels... but as the lines attest, the brisket and other barbecue staples speak for themselves. 3450 Chautauqua, Norman, 307.0552; 3437 W Memorial, OKC, 254.4712 $$ STEVE’S RIB A longtime Edmond favorite, its flavorful brisket, fried okra and more are the same but diners can choose their milieu: a seated restaurant in Edmond or a stand-up counter in NW OKC. 1801 W Edmond Rd, Edmond, 340.7427; 7202 W Hefner, OKC, 728.9555 $ VAN’S PIG STAND A scion of Oklahoma’s oldest family-owned and
NICHOLS HILLS PLAZA 63RD & N. WESTERN | 405.842.1478 www.ruthmeyers.com
CHARCOAL OVEN The smoke-filled flavor of a backyard cookout without having to fire up your own grill – get ’em while they’re hot! 2701 NW Expressway, OKC, 842.8911 $ CITY BITES Get in, get a full-flavored hot or cold sub on your choice of fresh bread, or soup and a baked potato, get some cookies for the road, get on with your day. The plethora of metro locations means you’re never far from a tastier day. 18 metro locations, citybites.com $ CLASSIC ’50S DRIVE-IN A locally owned drive-in that just gets the concept right. Burgers and shakes, fried pickles and slushes, breakfast items… the waves of students during peak hours are proof that familiarity breeds devotion. 1521 W Lindsey, Norman, 321.2271 $ FIRST EDITION, THE A café inside the Downtown Library would be worth it merely for the convenience, so it’s a welcome bonus that the sandwiches, pizza and panini practically warrant a trip all on their own. 300 Park, OKC, 605.8347 $ FLATIRE BURGERS Beloved by (and generally crowded with) UCO students, this bravura burger joint excels at innovative additions to the classic patty and bun, like sauerkraut, carrots, pineapple relish and habanero salsa. 100 N University Dr (at UCO), Edmond, 974.4638; 6315 NW 39th Expressway, Bethany, 603.2822 $ GARAGE BURGERS & BEER, THE It gets noisy in the low-lit sports bar atmosphere, but even if your focus
MAY 2013 // SLICE 99