Blind and low vision diners offer their favorite Oklahoma restaurants for service, food

In the state of Oklahoma, it's estimated that more than 130,000 people are legally blind, according to the American Foundation for the Blind.

Those who struggle with low vision and blindness do not have the same experiences when attempting to visit restaurants and bars that those with full vision do. Certain things a restaurant does can improve the experience and some restaurants in Oklahoma City have exceeded expectations for clients and employees at NewView Oklahoma, a a private, nonprofit that works with the blind and low vision.

Here are five recommendations from NewView staff and clients, including why they recommended the restaurant.

1. Abel’s Mexican Restaurant, 5822 NW 50 in Warr Acres

The restaurant, recently made our reader and staff-curated list of 36 taco places to try in Oklahoma City, but it also serves up a number of other traditional and modern Mexican favorites.

Note from blind patron: "Although they do not have a braille menu as of yet (I am working on that), I went there by myself, and found them to be incredibly helpful and delightful people.

"A nice lady met me as I walked in and asked me if I had a preference regarding where I sat because of light. I told her that I was totally blind and that light wasn’t a factor for me, but I would like to sit somewhere that offered a straight, unobstructed path to the restroom because Mexican beer has that effect on me. She seated me, and told me that the restroom was a straight shot if I stood up and turned directly to the right. She was spot on.

"The server came and asked if I would like something to drink. She recited the entire list of Mexican beers to me, and I chose one. She brought the beverage, and said 'Here honey,' touched my hand with the beer, and I was happily served. The food server came next and cheerfully read the sections of the menu that I inquired about. Asked how I was doing today, and my food came in a timely fashion, and it was delicious.

"The person serving water always let me know when she was refilling, and always put my glass in the same place. When I got my check, my food server used my card as a signature guide, and said 'Here you go, sign right here where your card is.' They helped me to the door to catch my Uber, and even came out to check on me in about 10 minutes when Uber was slow arriving. I love Abel’s! They definitely deserve to be on a list of blind/low vision friendly eating establishments."

More: Diners get a taste of what it's like to eat with no, low vision ahead of Blackout Banquet

2. Beverly’s Pancake House, 3315 Northwest Expressway

The 24-hour comfort-food restaurant is known for its signature "Chicken in the Rough" and of course pancakes.

Note from blind patron: "Beverly’s Pancake House is very accessible and inviting in my experience. They have great lighting that was beneficial in regards to my vision, and the staff was extremely helpful and understanding of my visual condition."

3. Hibachi Supreme Buffet, 1012 W I-240 Service Road

This buffet offers a wide selection of Asian-inspired favorites, including sushi, noodle and rice dishes, plus desserts and other fare.

Note from blind patron: "The reason I am suggesting this restaurant is because when I first moved here, I was looking for a Chinese Buffet to go to but I did not know anyone here yet so I did not have anyone to go with, which means I would need someone at the restaurant to walk me around. I called several restaurants and several said they did not think that would work to have a staff member walk me around and one in particular said 'no' quite rudely. Then I came across this restaurant, and when I arrived the man not only was extremely nice but he pulled one of the girls in his staff and explained how I cannot see and asked her to walk me around and even said let him know everything we have.

"She walked me around and even checked up on me periodically to ask me if I wanted anything. They were exceptionally nice and when I was done, they said please come back. And since after meeting quite a few visually impaired people out here, I have gone back multiple times and they are always extremely nice and excited to walk us around and help us in any way they can."

4. King’s Custom Smoked Meats Restaurant, 2410 N Portland Ave.

Opened in 2017, this spot features classic barbecue favorites like brisket and ribs and options like "potbelly" baked potatoes stuffed with smoked meats, fried catfish and daily specials.

Note from blind patron: "I am a fan of the King's Custom Bar-B-Q restaurant. They have great specials and their staff has always been willing to help me with everything from finding a comfortable seat to reading the entire menu. They have even helped me carry my order out to our vehicle so that I could properly utilize my cane."

5. Olive Garden, 2321 W I-240 Service Road

The national Italian chain has pasta favorites like alfredo, lasagna and more, plus soups, salads and breadsticks served in casual digs.

Note from visually impaired patron: "It’s light inside, and the people have been super nice. I’ve had the waiter tell me he put my water on the table, and he’s also told me when he was getting ready to put the food on the table. Most places are so dark I can’t read the menu, or they have the menu posted way up on the wall and I can’t see the menu from where I’m standing."

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Five OKC restaurants that are blind-friendly, from NewView clients