Smokeys BBQ and Diner
2410 N. Portland Ave.
smokeysbbqokc.com
948-2001
To quote the 1980 horror flick Motel Hell, Meats
meat, and a mans gotta eat. Regarded as one of the best BBQ joints on
the northwest side of OKC, its meaty menu is filled with ribs, pulled
pork, brisket and hot links. Take in every bite possible with the
jam-packed BBQ sampler ($16.95), including four meats of your choice,
two sides (the mac and cheese and fried okra are ... whoa) and Texas toast.
Chens Buffet
4537 NW 23rd St.
946-0092
We
all love a good Chinese buffet. Take a clean plate and cover every inch
of it with crispy garlic chicken, spicy General Tso and smoky beef
broccoli. Then, in true American fashion, go back for seconds. Its a
national pastime. If gorging isnt your style, taste these flavors with
the $4.99-per-pound to-go special. Its moderation at its finest.
Gopuram Taste of India
4559 NW 23rd St.
gopuramtasteofindia.com
948-7373
Gopuram
has been an Oklahoma City favorite for 20 years. In those two decades,
it has gained a reputation for authentic Indian cuisine so strong that
the venues name has become synonymous with its cooking. As hard as it
is not to, dont fill up on the naan before youve had a chance to
sample the rich and flavorful lamb curry ($13.95) or the sheekh kebab
($10.95) featuring minced lamb skewered and baked in a tandoori oven.
La Salsa Grille
2329 N. Meridian Ave.
lsgokc.com
604-5419
With
the Windsor Districts drive to claim the title of Oklahoma Citys
premier international district, Latin America is well-represented. The
concise menu contains classic favorites like tacos and burritos, as well
as traditional fare like chuletas de puerco ($8.95) and pollo verde ($8.95).
However, its with the vegetarian selection that La Salsa Grille comes
into its own, including vegetable enchiladas ($8.25) and the vegetable
fajita ($9.95).
China House
2526 N. Meridian Ave.
948-3336
Sometimes
the intense desire to stay on the couch and laze about overtakes us,
and thats why God invented China House delivery. It brings top-notch
Asian specialties right to your door, fast and easy. The house special
egg foo young ($7.50) is a treat that seems better suited to a five-star
restaurant than your stained La-Z-Boy, as does the tangy eggplant with
garlic sauce ($6.95) and the chicken with black bean sauce ($8.35).
Mama Sinmis Chop House
2312 N. Macarthur Blvd.
mamasinmi.com
947-6262
Mama
Sinmis is one of the most unique dining experiences to come along on
the metro dining scene in a long time, and a trip there is better than
any safari. Step in slowly with lunch specials ($8.50) that feature a
great sampling of dinners to come, including grilled chicken with red
sauce or stewed beef, a side of savory jollof rice and a fried plantain
or bean cake to finish it off. Itll leave any culinary explorer
clamoring for more.
Neveria La Fuente de Michoacán
2316 N. MacArthur Blvd.
886-0306
Sweet
Lord, after that bacchanalian world tour of the best Mexican, Indian,
Chinese and West African food, wander out to find a delicious dessert.
Neveria La Fuente is the place to purposefully and plaintively enjoy the
palate-pleasing homemade ice cream flavors of coconut or cactus pear
fruit (each $3 a cup when in season). Of course, if theres room, try a
large pork skin in a cup ($4.75) and then probably more ice cream.
by Louis Fowler, photos by Mark Hancock and Shannon Cornman