FARE | Eat & Drink LEO’S BAR-B-Q Rich flavor and tender texture for commendable value – no wonder it’s a periennial favorite among Oklahoma connoisseurs. 3631 N Kelley, OKC 424.5367 $
JOHNNIE’S CHARCOAL BROILER Freshground burgers cooked over real charcoal; try the Cheese Theta or Caesar varieties. 4 metro locations, johnniesok.com $
TUCKER’S ONION BURGERS A small menu whose bravura execution makes the meal hard to forget. 3 metro locations, tuckersonionburgers.com $
RUDY’S Totally casual – plastic trays and utensils – with serious barbeque chops. 3450 Chautauqua, Norman, 307.0552; 3437 W Memorial, OKC, 254.4712 $$
LOUIE’S GRILL & BAR Casually cool and come-as-you-are bar-type hangouts excelling at burgers, sandwiches and pizzas. 12 metro locations, louiesgrillandbar.com $
URBAN JOHNNIE’S Gourmet burgers and more in a sleek bar atmosphere from the minds behind Johnnie’s Charcoal Broiler. 121 NE 2nd, OKC, 208.4477 $
BURGERS // SANDWICHES BISON WITCHES Monster sandwiches with standout flavors, best enjoyed with a bread bowl of fresh hot soup and a bag of pretzels. 211 E Main, Norman, 364.7555 $ CAFÉ PLAID Fresh sandwiches begging to be combined with sensational salads (veggie, tuna, pasta…) – an ideal lunch spot near OU. 333 W Boyd, Norman, 360.2233 $ CHARCOAL OVEN Serving premium charbroiled burgers since 1958 for the flavor of a backyard cookout via drive-in. 2701 NW Expressway, OKC $ COW CALF-HAY The selections are ample and the delicious never-frozen patties are mmmmmassive. 3409 Wynn, Edmond, 509.2333, 212 N Harvey, OKC, 601.6180 $ FLATIRE BURGERS Boasting innovations like sauerkraut, pineapple relish and habanero salsa.100 N University, Edmond, 974.4638 $ GARAGE BURGERS & BEER, THE The focus is on the many tempting flavor possibilities of huge, juicy burgers and fries. 5 metro locations, eatatthegarage.com $ HILLBILLY PO BOYS Unassuming name; mighty appealing flavor in tasty seafood sandwiches and the licit thrill of moonshine cocktails. 1 NW 9th, OKC, 702.9805 $ IRMA’S BURGER SHACK Simply great fries, rings and burgers; try the No Name Ranch beef. 1035 NW 63rd, OKC, 840.4762; 1120 Classen Dr, OKC, 235.4762 $
68 SLICE // JANUARY 2015
LOUIE’S ON THE LAKE An unbeatable view of Lake Hefner from the spacious patio adds ambiance to tasty entrees under $10. 9401 Lake Hefner Pkwy, OKC, 751.2298 $ MULE, THE Solid beer and beverage selection plus delectable gourmet grilled cheeses and melts (ingredients range from fontina to figs). 1630 N Blackwelder, OKC, 601.1400 $ ND FOODS Gigantic Boar’s Head deli sandwiches, homemade soups and freshly baked cookies, pies and other desserts. 2632 W Britton Rd, OKC, 840.9364 $ NIC’S GRILL It’s small, it’s crowded … and it’s incredible. Mounds of fresh fries and colossal burgers, easily among the metro’s best. 1202 N Penn, OKC, 524.0999 $ S&B’S BURGER JOINT Good news: these super-tasty burgers come as sliders too, the better to sample more selections. 5 metro locations, sandbburgers.com $ SERVICE STATION A former filling station with vintage décor, now serving up delicious half-pound burgers and fries. 502 S Webster, Norman, 364.2136 $ SOONER DAIRY LUNCH This modest little drive-in has been feeding its staunch fans delicious burgers, tots and shakes for over six decades. 1820 W Main, Norman, 321.8526 $ TEXADELPHIA The menu draws raves for burgers and wraps, but especially the monstrous made-to-order cheesesteaks. 200 S Oklahoma, OKC, 208.4000 $
COFFEEHOUSE // TEA ROOM ALL ABOUT CHA Universal standards and unusual concoctions (the sweet potato latte is a wonder) in bright, bustling atmosphere. 3272 S Broadway, Edmond, 340.9959; 7300 N Western, OKC, 840.7725 $ BEATNIX CAFÉ, THE Get a sandwich, cup of hearty soup or powerhouse latte in the lovely laid-back vibe that pervades this dawdling spot. 136 NW 13th, OKC, 604.0211 $ THE BLUE BEAN Smoothies, pastries and sweet treats, plus excellent small-batch roasted coffee – try the specialty flavor combos. 13316 S Western, OKC, 735.5115 $ CAFÉ EVOKE Outstanding coffee and other beverages from one of the area’s great caterers; plus soup, sandwiches, snacks or sweets. 103 S Broadway, Edmond, 285.1522 $ COFFEE SLINGERS Rocking a brisk, urban vibe on Automobile Alley, it’s a gathering place for genuine java enthusiasts. 1015 N Broadway, OKC, 606.2763 $ DISTRICT HOUSE Pop into the Plaza District for beans from Tulsa’s Topeca Coffee, deli sandwiches and the occasional live music event. 1755 NW 16th, OKC $ ELEMENTAL COFFEE Seriously spectacular coffee roasted in-house - passionate staff is always eager to share knowledge about the process. 815 N Hudson, OKC, 633.1703 $ MICHELANGELO’S Enjoy exceptional coffees and wines, a well-stocked pastry case and breakfast and lunch selections. 207 E Main, Norman, 579.3387 $
PARAMOUNT, THE A Film Row joint with a screening room attached, its all-day beverage menu delivers the stuff dreams are made of. 701 W Sheridan, OKC, 517.0787 $ RED CUP Comfortably ramshackle with great coffee, vegetarian-friendly specials and live music. Highly recommended! 3122 N Classen Blvd, OKC, 525.3430 $ T, AN URBAN TEAHOUSE This endearing retreat offers over 100 varieties and expert counsel to explore a world of possibili-teas. 7518 N May, OKC, 418.4333 $
CONTINENTAL BIN 73 Diners can fill up on filet mignon or simply top the evening off with tapas while enjoying the full bar and chic ambiance. 7312 N Western, OKC, 843.0073 $$ BLACKBIRD A gastropub with succulent creativity (pot roast nachos!) and a broad beer, wine and whiskey list. 575 S University, Norman, 928.5555 $$ CHEEVER’S Southwestern-influenced recipes and contemporary comfort food; truly one of the city’s finest restaurants. 2409 N Hudson, OKC, 525.7007 $$ COACH HOUSE, THE Definitely among the metro’s most elegant dining: specialties prepared with classical perfection. 6437 Avondale, OKC, 842.1000 $$$ KYLE’S 1025 For an evening of understated sophistication, Kyle’s magnificent steaks, prime seafood, tapas or even meatloaf are a must. 1025 NW 70th, OKC, 840.0115 $$ LOTTINVILLES Rotisserie chicken, woodgrilled salmon and a host of entrees, salads and panini; the Sunday brunch is epic. 801 Signal Ridge, Edmond, 341.2244 $$