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Posts tagged ‘Burgers in Oklahoma’

Food Friday: Interurban Restaurant

In the Oklahoma City metro there are some restaurants that are locally owned and have been part of the scene for many years. Interurban is a perfect example, they have been here since 1976 and still serve up good food.

I have had the opportunity to visit a couple of locations recently and both times the food has been excellent. Both visits I had the chicken fried steak. A nice size steak, breaded with cream gravy poured over it. The steak itself is fork tender and the breading was fried to a crisp brown. The mashed potatoes had a slight hint of garlic, which was different and the okra was also fried to a golden perfection. We started with the cracker-breaded mozzarella sticks, which were deep fried perfectly- crisp on the outside and melty inside. Big K had the flamethrower burger which he said was flavorful but not overly spicy.

I have had many other menu items over the past 40+ years that I have been going to Interurban. My first burger from there was not long after it opened at their original location in downtown Norman. I was maybe 5 or 6 and my grandfather picked up some burgers for dinner. I had only really eaten McDonald’s burgers or homemade ones to that point and can honestly say that burger was the best thing my young mouth had ever eaten. I think that I have spent the rest of my life trying to recreate that experience when I eat out. Now they are called Interurban because they got their start in the building that had been an interurban station built in 1917 for the trolley lines that went from Oklahoma City to Norman. After 1947 when the interurban lines shut down it was converted to a bus station. The restaurant was opened in 1976 and later moved to a location closer to I-35 in the 1990’s.

I give them 5 strips of bacon because they have been able to have good food for over 40 years.

Locations: 1150 Ed Noble Dr., Norman; 11316 W Reno, Yukon; 1301 E Danforth Rd., Edmond; 300 E Grand Ave., Chickasha; 322 Holiday Dr., Ardmore; 717 S. Houston Ave., Tulsa.

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Food, Oklahoma, Oklahoma food

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Food Friday: Enid Brewing Company

We took a trip to Enid a few weekends ago, found several places that looked interesting for dinner but since I promised Big K a beer we stopped here to try them out. I was interested because it was located in an old building in downtown Enid, of course he was interested because it had locally brewed beer.

When you go in, you order at the bar, then choose a seat. We decided to start with a pioneer pretzel, a huge warm pretzel served with a side of beer cheese. This was good, it was just a standard big pretzel and the beer cheese was good but didn’t have a tanginess I’ve come to enjoy with other beer cheeses. I only had a water to drink (since I was driving) but Big K had a pilsner. He really liked it, said it had a rich flavor with notes of chocolate. On their website they claim that they track the beer from grain to glass. I believe the grain is grown locally around Enid. They do have a limited menu with only a few burgers, a few salads, and a couple of sandwiches. I tried the queso patty melt. The bread was buttery and toasted, lots of beer cheese smothered over the top but the meat was too salty. I felt that the flavor of the meat was being covered by the salt. It was really disappointing since the meat was locally sourced, should let the flavor of the meat shine through not cover it with salt and spices. No choice on sides, you only get chips (like Ruffles or Lays), which was also disappointing. Big K got the bacon jam burger, he liked it, it does have a bit of a kick to it with the jalapenos. I had a bite, it was ok but still the problem with the salty meat.

Service was spotty at best. No one came to refill my water, which was an issue since the hamburger meat was so salty. We also had to ask for menus when we walked in, we had never been there so didn’t know their menu. The building looked interesting, possibly had been a Masonic Lodge built around 1900. From their website I believe you can rent rooms on the second floor, like a bed and breakfast. Overall, I’m giving them 2 strips of bacon. I understand they’re a bar but the food could have been better.

Address: 126 S Independence Ave., Enid.

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Enid OK, Food, Oklahoma, Oklahoma Brewing, Oklahoma food

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Food Friday: Eskimo Joe’s

There are a lot of places I’ve gone that are tourist traps, many fall flat and don’t live up to the hype. Being the good Sooner, I always felt that way about Eskimo Joe’s. Just a place for OSU fans to go, and it can’t be that good or it wouldn’t be in Stillwater. I started to change my mind about it in 2018, when Mae’s band stopped there for lunch before contest. Since we were both nervous, we just got Little Joe burgers with no sides. No, we didn’t try the cheese fries or anything else but we did come home with a couple cups to remind us of the trip. For the years since that trip I think about making a real visit but never had the chance. Last weekend I had research to do in Stillwater, so lunch at Eskimo Joe’s became a priority.

I’m lucky we decided to go earlier than noon, at 11:22a that place was already packed with a 40-minute wait time. This is probably why they have a store next door, so you can shop while waiting for a table. So while we wandered through the colorful shirts, we patiently waited for a text telling me they were ready. After a little over 30 minutes, I got the text and upstairs to our table we went. This time I was getting the world-famous cheese fries, topped with sweet peppered bacon of course. I now understand why this is one of their most popular items, they were so good. The fries were perfect, covered with a generous amount of cheese, topped with a mound of bacon. This is a must order if you go. I might try them other ways on a next visit but even if you get just the plain, it’s worth it.

Next up were our burgers, I chose to order the sweet peppered bacon and cheddar while my husband got a fire burger. This burger was one of the best I’ve eaten in many years. Juicy, well flavored meat, soft bun, and that bacon. If you are a bacon connoisseur like me, I highly recommend the sweet peppered bacon. It is the true definition of meat candy. Cooked perfectly, not too crisp or limp, covered in brown sugar with just a touch of pepper. This was true culinary heaven. My husband loved his fire burger, said it had good heat to it without being overpowered. He did add the sweet peppered bacon to his burger as well and totally agreed that this was the best bacon. We were too stuffed for dessert, so back down to the store to actually buy some shirts (once again being the good Sooner I couldn’t have one that said Stillwater or OSU, so I got one with the dog).

Eskimo Joe’s really lived up to the hype and then some. Even though it’s in Stillwater (and I could see the campus for little brother), I’m ready to go again. Full warning, give yourself plenty of time since there will be a wait. The service was excellent, even with me in my finest crimson and cream, everyone was nice and friendly. Didn’t wait long for any of the food to come out, so that’s a big plus. Overall I will definitely give them 5 strips of bacon, especially if its the sweet peppered bacon. Their food is worth the drive and wait, trust me.

A bit of the history, Eskimo Joe’s opened in 1975 as a bar. That’s the old stone building at the east end of the complex. They added food to the menu in 1984 when the drinking age was raised in Oklahoma, including the famous cheese fries, which got an endorsement from President George Bush, Sr. The building has been added onto and remodeled several times, adding a huge store to the west end.

Address: 507 W. Elm St., Stillwater.

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Food, Oklahoma, Oklahoma food, Oklahoma history, Stillwater OK

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Food Friday: Burger Station

Since last Saturday was a good day for a drive, I took off to the northwest corner of Oklahoma to do some exploring and I found a good burger joint in the middle of Okeene.

Right in between two old service stations is a small building that is the home of the Burger Station. Painted a bright blue to catch your attention, it sits on State Highway 51 a block east of the intersection with State Highway 8. Being that was 12:30p, the place was packed but I was lucky to get a parking spot right out front. The dining room was small but not too crowded and we walked right up to the counter to order. For such a small restaurant, they had a big menu that included lots of burgers, sandwiches, and even pizza. I got a bacon cheeseburger with a side of chili cheese tots. It didn’t take long for our food to arrive, everything looked great. The burger was excellent, 1/3rd pound of fresh beef with bacon and American cheese on top. The bun was fresh and soft, didn’t take away from the taste of the meat. This was just a straight up no frills burger, the way it should be. The chili cheese tots were good as well, tots were fried to a crisp perfection and the chili wasn’t out of a can, no it was homemade with the same meat as used in the burgers.

Even though the restaurant is small and in an old building, it was clean and the staff was really great. I loved the old sign decor, lots from not only petroliana but from local places as well. There were even pics of Okeene from the past on the wall. I give the Burger Station 5 strips of bacon, definitely worth the drive to Okeene.

Address- 118 E Oklahoma, Okeene.

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Food, Okeene OK, Oklahoma, Oklahoma food

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Food Friday: Johnnie’s Charcoal Broiler

Johnnies

Johnnie’s Charcoal Broiler, a straight up burger place that has been in business for almost 50 years. It is my favorite backup for when no one can decide what to eat for dinner. I’ve been going to Johnnie’s for well over 25 years now, been to many of the different locations. What I like most is the consistency in the food, you know that bacon cheeseburger will be the same when and where ever you are in the metro.

My go to location is on NW Expressway, of course. Originally built in the early 1980’s as a Mexican restaurant, Johnnie’s moved into that location in 1992. It was closed in 2018 for a complete rebuild. It was a tough few months for me to not have it so close, but they reopened last year with a brand new place but with the same great food.

My favorite burger is the bacon cheeseburger. You can tell the difference when hamburger is cooked over a flame, just gives off a taste that you can’t get from a skillet. So the flame brings out the flavors of the meat, so you have a juicy and smoky taste that excites your taste buds. They cook the bacon to perfection, not too crisp or limp. The burger is then set off with shredded cheddar cheese, that you can also have melted onto the burger if you choose. A touch of real mayo and the burger is one of the best in town. We always order a plate of large onion rings and a large plate of cheese fries for everyone at the table to share. The onion rings are hand breaded with a light batter that is crispy. Just a touch of salt and these are the best in town. The cheese fries are just regular fresh cut French fries smothered in melted American cheese. They are just wonderful with all of that cheesy goodness.

They do serve more than burgers, there are frankfurters, salads, sandwiches, and platters with chicken fried steak or chicken fried chicken. But to be honest the burgers are so good, I never try the other items. There are also homemade pies as well, I’m always too stuffed to try them. The service is always good and the food served quick. I will give them 5 strips of bacon.

Locations: 6629 NW Expressway, Oklahoma City; 2652 W. Britton Rd., Oklahoma City; 33 E 33rd St., Edmond; 2305 S Telephone Rd., Moore; 1700 Shedeck Parkway, Yukon; 721 W. I-240 Service Rd., Oklahoma City.

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Edmond Oklahoma, Food, Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma food

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Food Friday: Patty Wagon

patty wagon 3

I’ve said it before, there are lots of burger places in the Oklahoma City metro.  Almost too many, most are just ok but a few are my favorites.  Patty Wagon is tied for first place in my burger world along with Tucker’s Onion burger.

I was first turned on to this place by a friend who had been coming here since it opened.  So one night we tried it and I fell in love.  Located on May Ave just south of NW 36th Street in what was an old Whataburger, this is just a straight up no-frills burger joint.  A good sized menu with burgers featuring different toppings and weekly specials that are always original but my go to burger is the Jailhouse Blues- big beef patty, lettuce, tomato, sauce, big chunks of blue cheese, and a couple of slices of thick cut bacon.

Service is always quick- wrapped in foil, my burger is just peeking out of the spaces just waiting for me to devour it.  Bun is of a sweet bread variety, toasted so it has that buttery goodness that mixes well with the big chunks blue cheese.  The sauce has just enough kick to it but it only accentuates the taste of the burger.  The think cut Applewood bacon is also a delicacy when placed on the burger, really brings the flavors together.  My only real complaint is sometimes the veggies can be a bit overwhelming but I can remove them if I think it’s too much.  Since I’m burned out on fries, I get onion rings.  These are more of a tempura based coating than the typical Sonic type onion rings.  Always a big pile of them to sit aside my burger.

My husband has tried many of the other burgers and even some of the specials.  He always likes them.  Now Mae has to order a kids corn dog every time, just don’t get it- take the kid to a burger place and she wants fair food but at least she’s eating.  So I highly recommend a stop giving it 5 strips of bacon.

 

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Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma food

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Food Friday: The Garage

the-garageAs you’ve probably noticed by now, there are a lot of burger places in Oklahoma City.  And if you’ve been reading my work, you know that I’ve been to about half of them.  So today I’m going to tell you about The Garage, a local burger chain that popped up a few years ago.

The Garage is an automotive themed restaurant with a dozen locations not only around Oklahoma City but now in two other states as well.  I personally love the theme- with a grandfather who owned a service station, I love old automotive signs and the neon that sometimes surrounds them.  What I don’t like about The Garage are the tall tables that seem to be popular recently.  I’m short and feel like I need a step-ladder just to get into my seat.

As for the food- it’s ok.  They do have a varied menu with different types of burgers.  But the menu isn’t much different from some of the other burger places around town.  On my last visit I tried the Mushroom Swiss.  Not bad, meat was fresh and the taste was good but I just found myself expecting more.  The fries are just ok as well, not great.  My daughter loves the fact that the kid’s meal comes with a bomb pop but then she is easily entertained.

So after a great build up with the décor, I’m just disappointed that the food doesn’t live up to my expectations.  And with that I’m giving The Garage 4 strips of bacon, only because I really do like the service station theme.

UPDATE:  I decided to give them another try.  I’ve heard so many good reviews that after 8 years, we checked them out.  I will admit they’ve gotten much better.  We started with thunder fries.  I loved them, seasoned fries with blue cheese, and bacon crumbles topped with a sriacha aioli.  The flavors blended so nicely, they were addictive.  Our burgers came out quickly afterwards, for this trip we both tried the Sweet Oklahoma burger- with cream cheese, bacon, grilled jalapenos along with a jalapeno relish.  This was the best burger I’ve had this year.  The meat was perfectly cooked and those toppings came together for a sweet burger with very little heat from the jalapenos.  I was really impressed with this burger.  I also got a side of onion rings, enjoyed them as well.

I will be upgrading The Garage from a 4 strip to a full 5 strips of bacon.  The service was great and everyone there incredibly friendly.  I’m happy I tried them again.  So give them a visit again if you haven’t in a while.

 

Address: Oklahoma City- 1024 W. I-240 Service Rd.; 209 Outlet Shoppes Dr.; 1117 N. Robinson; 6900 NW 122nd St. 101; 2900 W Britton Rd.; Del City- 5301 Main St.; Edmond- 601 S. Bryant; Edmond- 1316 W Covell Rd.; Moore- 2060 S. I-35 Service Rd.; Norman- 307 E. Main St.; Shawnee- 190 Shawnee Mall Dr.; Stillwater- 520 W. Elm Ave.; Broken Arrow- 801 E Hillside Dr.; Owasso- 13303 E 96th St. N.; Tulsa Sheridan- 7104 S Sheridan Rd.; Fayetteville, AR- 100 E. Joyce Blvd.; Rogers, AR- 4200 S. 48th St.; Omaha, NE- 7610 Dodge St.; Kansas City, MO- 8811 State Line.

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Food, Oklahoma, Oklahoma food

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