Oklahoma’s Hidden Steakhouse Gem

Whether you've lived in Oklahoma your entire life, or you're a more recent transplant, I would wager there's a pretty standard list of restaurants at the top of the "Best Restaurants" lists.

Cattleman's is probably the most well-known. Ike's Chili in Tulsa. Kendall's in Noble. Sid's and Nic's onion burgers in the OKC metro. Burn Co barbecue for sure... but it appears at least one has slipped through all of our fingers.

The Hidden Gem in Amber

I'll admit, it's a relatively short drive for me, and I didn't even hear about Ken's Steaks & Ribs until the pandemic happened.

Why is this place the best-kept secret in Oklahoma?

Finding out about Ken's happened like most things do too. Never heard of it until I did, and then it seemed everyone was talking about it thereafter.

A small mom & pop steakhouse way out in the middle of nowhere... a one-horse town called Amber, Oklahoma. Open only a few days a week, and only open on those days until they're sold out. As they're in pretty high-demand, it's one of those "show up hungry and early" kind of places.

The Secret to Ken’s Success

You know how Texas Roadhouse is famous for giving everyone those delicious little rolls to munch on before the meal? Ken's gives ribs. It's carnivore heaven. It's also one of the few remaining eateries in America to still feature a legit salad bar.

Seriously, how is this place not more famous?

The answer might be, as Oklahomans, while we love to share and compare experiences in everyday conversation, we all tend to keep the best of the best to ourselves.

Other Hidden Gems Worth the Drive

In the interest that I don't carry on that legacy of secrecy, I'll share some of my Oklahoma standouts.

Bill's Fish House outside of Waurika is amazing.
Fred's Steakhouse in Altus has never disappointed... well, they may have served up boiled and seasoned shrimp and passed them off as "blackened" once or twice, but otherwise solid.
Enrique's Mexican Restaurant in Ponca City has never missed. Those puffy chips are amazing, and I'm convinced they put cocaine in their salsa... It's so addictive.

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Aaaaaaaand now that I'm hungry for puffy chips and salsa (which I need to mention does not contain cocaine in the event someone actually takes tongue-in-cheek literally). I'm not even sure how to work my way out of this post. I guess if there's a restaurant in your mind that stands above the rest, tell people about it.

Oklahoma Restaurants People Swear Are Worth The Drive

Eating out is entertainment. Sometimes it's you and your better half, other times you'll drag the family along with you. Either/or, if you've got time to kill and want to sample the best Oklahoma offers, here are the restaurants' everyone swears are worth every moment in the car to and from.

Gallery Credit: Kelso

Ten Iconic Oklahoma Restaurants You Have To Try

I think it's fair to say that each state probably has its own legends when it comes to restaurants. Pennsylvania has cheesesteaks, New York has wings and pizza, Texas has Franklin BBQ and Tex-Mex, etc...

Oklahoma is no different.

Birthed into statehood as a cattle state, there's no shortage of beef on any menu here, but there's a little room for chicken and fries too. Here are the absolute, hands down, best restaurants, in no particular order, everyone has to try in The Sooner State.

Gallery Credit: Kelso

9 Chain Restaurants Founded In Oklahoma

While some Oklahoma original restaurants are obvious and common knowledge, there are a few that will likely surprise you having a start in the Sooner State. At least, they were shockers to me. Whether you want burgers, BBQ, pizza, breakfast, or Tex-Mex, the tastes of Oklahoma stretch far beyond our border.

Gallery Credit: Kelso