There is nary a tradition as American as Super Bowl Sunday, when friends, families and neighbors get together to watch two football teams battle one another for a ring. Along with watching what has arguably become America’s favorite pastime (here’s looking at you Major League Baseball), a concurring tradition is to feast on America’s iconic dishes during the big game. Here are some places to find your Super Bowl spread.
405-604-6995 • 715 NW 23rd St.
Chick-N-Beer is a longtime Uptown 23rd gastropub specializing in traditional double-fried chicken wings as well as gluten-free and cauliflower varieties. Their flavor options are bold and authentically Korean-based, ranging from BBQ honey and red curry to a savory gochujang (a sweet and spicy fermented red chili paste). Along with a wide array of sauces, they also house a tap wall with an impressive variety of Oklahoma brews.
Bedlam BBQ
405-528-7427 • 610 NE 50th St.
Opening in 2003, Bedlam BBQ has become an Oklahoma staple. Preparing their meat in the traditional curing and dry-rub technique, Bedlam flawlessly delivers fall-off-the-bone ribs, juicy brisket and perfectly smoked chicken. Along with their smoked meats, they also offer your traditional barbecue sides like cowboy beans and nontraditional sides like sriracha honey eggs. Whatever your classic Super Bowl cookout looks like, Bedlam BBQ has what you need to fill in the gaps or provide the main course.
The Flycatcher Club
405-780-6578 • 1137 NW 2nd St.
One of OKC’s newer bars, The Flycatcher Club, has already made quite the name for itself. On the outside, you wouldn’t be able to guess that it’s the sister bar of downtown cult classic Bar Arbolada, but inside you’ll find the burger Alton Brown hailed as the best in the nation. Not only do they have a critically-acclaimed double cheeseburger, but they also offer a perfectly fried chicken sandwich, a savory pork belly sandwich, and a two-dollar beer.
NASHBIRD
405-600-9718 • 1 NW 9th St.
Another good place to find a great chicken sandwich is NASHBIRD. Tucked away on NW 9th Street in Automobile Alley is this Nashville hot chicken shop with a walk-up counter and bar. This casual dining spot has something for every chicken lover whether that’s wings and jumbo tenders. With seven heat levels ranging from “chirp” all the way to “reaper,” they also offer family packs that are perfect for the Sunday game. Make sure you save room for their velvety banana pudding.
Big Truck Tacos
405-525- 8226 • 530 NW 23rd St.
A staple of a good Super Bowl watch party is the classic chips and dips setup. Big Truck Tacos has long expanded from its original food truck but still has exactly what you crave. Their creamy queso, fresh roasted salsa and housemade guacamole will wow your party. Along with their regular cheesy fare, they also offer a more elite queso variant with chorizo, black beans, guacamole and pico de gallo that’s worth every penny.
Empire Slice House
405-557-1760 • 1804 NW 16th St.
Empire Slice House also needs little introduction, as they’ve been feeding local Oklahomans unique New York-style slices for years. Their full 20-inch pies range from different complex flavors such as the Figgy Stardust, a basil pesto-based pie with figs, ham, roasted chicken, and marinated mozzarella, to more subtle pies such as the Doug E. Fresh, their take on the classic margarita pizza.
405-609- 2333 • 324 NW 23rd St.
The onion burger has been a fan favorite for Okies since its humble conception, reportedly in an Ardmore cafe in the 1920s. Tucker’s is a joint where you can find caramelized onions to pair with their fresh, juicy patties and customize the rest to your liking. They have traditional shoestring fries that are perfectly salted every time and their creamy milkshakes will help soothe if your team loses the game.
This article appears in Come Hungry.