Oklahoma Is Arguing About Ice and Honestly, It Tracks

If there was ever an indicator of when the holiday daze was over, it's the conversations that take place over lunch when the January lull really creeps in. Somehow, I ended up playing witness to a heated and passionate debate over who has the best ice in Oklahoma.

Confused? #MeToo

While I can concede that some places have better ice than others, and that I do have a preferred ice that I only get to enjoy occasionally, I decided to stay silent just to see how far this discussion would go.

The obvious pick that I would surmise most people would point out as a favorite is that traditional Sonic nugget ice. It's pure nostalgia we've grown up with and it has not and will not change anytime soon... provided the non-Oklahoma company that owns the drive-in chain doesn't do something stupid like changing it.

Fans are loud and proud about Sonic ice, to the point they order their drinks with extra ice... I still don't understand that.

Aside from Sonic, and in the same general area, is Braum's. Some locations have nugget ice, but it's different. Larger nuggets than Sonic, yet softer. This was the other ice-Titan of opinion at the lunch table, even though it's the standard ice at more than a few gas station chains.

Hard, clear ice was another type on display. The kind that sort of square, crystal clear with that sort of divot in the short end, that's also hard as glass.

It's All Cold, What's The Difference?

I thought that too, but then I started reminiscing about the ice we got at the diner in our parents' hometown those few times each year we'd visit the grandparents.

It's sort of like Sonic and Braum's, but instead of pellets, it was like layers of soft, flaky ice. When you bite down on it, it doesn't crunch and shatter, it compresses. I don't know how to explain it.

Someone told me that kind of ice can be found at a local drive-in - that isn't a Sonic - here in Lawton, but I've never been a "Stop for a soda" type of traveler.

Regardless of opinions, I think we can all agree that the ice that's made in your fridge is likely pulling up in last place. Why hasn't the fridge industry put some effort into that? Also, I'd bet we'd all agree that shaved ice is way better than chipped ice when it comes to snocones. While I may not stop for a drink, I will pull over to get a cup of plain shaved ice on a hot day after mowing grass.

Where is your favorite ice in Oklahoma?