These are the oldest Oklahoma City-area restaurants where you can still grab a bite
From sizzling steaks to mouthwatering burgers and flavorful Italian cuisine, these establishments have been serving hungry patrons for decades, with some tracing their roots back over a century.
As the culinary scene in Oklahoma City continues to evolve, here are a handful of restaurants that have stood the test of time.
Eischen's Bar
Established in 1896
Established in 1896, Eischen's Bar holds the crown as the oldest restaurant in Oklahoma City. This iconic establishment has been a local favorite for over 125 years, renowned for its crispy fried chicken and rustic atmosphere.
With a history dating back to 1896, Eischen's Bar is an iconic establishment in Okarche. Considered the oldest bar in the state, Eischen's delights visitors with its rustic charm and friendly, down-to-earth atmosphere. Famous for its world-class fried chicken, Eischen's serves crispy, golden pieces of chicken with homemade gravy and fresh bread.
Location: 109 N 2nd Street, Okarche
Hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday
Contact: 405-263-9939, eischensbar.com
Cattlemen's Steakhouse
Established in 1910
Established in 1910 as "Cattlemen's Cafe", Cattlemen's Steakhouse is a legendary restaurant that has been serving high-quality steaks for over a century. Located in Oklahoma City, this rustic and charming steakhouse has a rich history and is known for its warm hospitality, cowboy décor, and old-school ambiance. The menu features a variety of steak cuts, grilled seafood, and classic sides, .
Location: 1309 S Agnew Ave, Oklahoma City
Hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday; 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Contact: 405-236-0416, cattlemensrestaurant.com
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Irma's Burger Shack
Established in 1930
Irma's Burger Shack has been flipping burgers since 1930, offering patrons a taste of classic Americana. Nestled in the heart of the city, this quaint establishment offers a cozy and intimate space to enjoy mouthwatering burgers and comforting sides. Irma's serves made-to-order burgers from classic cheeseburgers to specialty creations.
Location: 1035 NW 63rd St, Nichols Hills
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Sunday
Contact: (405) 840-4762; Irma's Burger Shack
Interurban Restaurant
Established in 1976
Established in 1976, Interurban Restaurant has become a beloved dining destination in Oklahoma. With multiple locations throughout the area, Interurban offers a unique blend of American comfort food and contemporary dishes. The restaurant prides itself on its welcoming atmosphere, friendly service, and a menu consisting of handcrafted burgers, salads, sandwiches, and desserts.
Location: 110 N Mercedes, Norman, with locations in Edmond, Yukon, Tulsa, Chickasha, and Ardmore
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily for most locations
Contact: 405-321-7150; interurban.us
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The Drum Room
Established in 1953
Opened in 1953, The Drum Room is a historic restaurant and lounge located in Oklahoma City. A well-known spot for live jazz music and classic American cuisine, The Drum Room has retained its mid-century charm while embracing modern tastes. The restaurant's retro ambiance, complete with vintage décor and cozy booths, sets the stage for an extensive menu featuring steaks, seafood, and cocktails.
Location: 4309 N Western Ave, Oklahoma City
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday to Sunday
Contact: 405-604-0990; drumroomokc.com
Johnnie's Charcoal Broiler
Established in 1971
Since 1971, Johnnie's Charcoal Broiler has been a hotspot for juicy charcoal-grilled burgers, solidifying its place in the city's culinary legacy.
With a commitment to flame-broiling their patties over charcoal, Johnnie's delivers a unique smoky flavor that sets them apart. The restaurant's casual and family-friendly atmosphere, coupled with quick service and affordable prices, make it a local favorite at several locations.
Location: four locations in OKC, Moore and Edmond, and two Johnnie's Express locations in the metro area
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Sunday at most locations
Contact: johnniesburgers.com
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Leo's Bar-B-Q
Established in 1974
Established in 1974 with a passion for hearty, smoky flavors, Leo's Bar-B-Q is famous for its mouthwatering barbecue dishes and the cult-classic smoked bologna. From tender and juicy ribs to succulent pulled pork and flavorful brisket, their menu showcases a variety of smoked meats, complemented by delicious homemade barbecue sauces.
Location: Inside Homeland, 625 NE 36th St, Oklahoma City
Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Saturday
Contact: 405-424-5367; facebook.com/LeosBarbecue
Tucker's Onion Burgers
Established in 2010, inspired by a restaurant from the 1920s
Tucker's Onion Burgers pays homage to the 1920s, serving up flavorful onion-topped patties since 2010.
Since then, Tucker's Onion Burgers has become a beloved Oklahoma City institution. This fast-casual joint specializes in onion burgers, a state specialty that combines fresh ground beef with perfectly caramelized onions.
Location: four locations in OKC, one in Norman
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
Contact: tuckersonionburgers.com
Rococo Restaurant and Fine Wine
Established in 2004
Rococo Restaurant and Fine Wine, established in 2004, offers an exquisite dining experience with a modern twist. The restaurant's chic and sophisticated ambiance features an ever-evolving menu that showcases fresh seafood, prime cuts of meat, and a carefully curated wine list.
Location: 4308 N. Western Ave., Oklahoma City
Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Contact: 405-400-7495; loverococo.com
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Cheever's Cafe
Established in 2000 in a historic building from 1927
Cheever's Cafe combines Southern comfort food with a touch of elegance. Located in Oklahoma City's Uptown District, Cheever's opened in 2000 and is housed in a beautifully restored 1927 home. The menu features a variety of dishes made from high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. From its famous chicken fried steak to flavorful seafood options, Cheever's aims to delight diners with its sophisticated yet approachable fare.
Location: 2409 N. Hudson, Oklahoma City
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday
Contact: 405-525-7007; cheeverscafe.com
Nic's Grill
Established in 2004
Opened in 2004, Nic's Grill swiftly gained a reputation as one of Oklahoma City's best burger joints. A small and unassuming diner, Nic's is a hidden gem, and the restaurant's limited seating and long lines during peak hours are a testament to the exceptional quality of their food. Featuring a concise menu with classic burger options, Nic's Grill keeps it simple but exceeds expectations with their generous portions, fresh ingredients, and friendly service.
Location: 1201 N Pennsylvania Ave, Oklahoma City
Hours: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday to Saturday
Contact: 405-524-0999, facebook.com/Nics-Grill
The Wedge Pizzeria
Established in 2006
The Wedge Pizzeria, serving up artisanal pizzas since 2006, has become a go-to spot for pie lovers across the city. With a cozy and casual atmosphere, each location of the neighborhood pizzeria offers a wide selection of artisanal pizzas made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. In addition to their pizza offerings, they also serve a range of salads, appetizers, and craft beers.
Location: 4709 N Western Ave, Oklahoma City; 230 NE 1st Street, Oklahoma City; 2320 S Air Depot Blvd, Midwest City
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Contact: [phone number]; thewedgepizzeria.com
Did we miss one of your favorites? Email us at newstips@oklahoman.com and we'll add them to the list.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OKC dining: Oldest restaurants you can still grab a bite to eat
