8014 N. Western
842-6200

This used to be the site of the former North Side Diner. At Good Gravy, it’s the chicken-fried steak and the hot beef sandwiches that are flying out the door. Only open four weeks, it serves eggs and even oatmeal for breakfast, plus omelets. For lunch, check out the bacon and bleu burger, the half-deli sandwich, grilled chicken, chicken strips and the grilled onion burger.

$$ Diner


201 S. Sooner Road, Del City 702-4786

Looking for New York-style pizza? It’s here, as the menu reflects the owner’s New Jersey background. Venezia — pronounced “ven-NEET-seeah” like the Italian name for Venice — is selling a special pizza with the works and another meat lover’s pizza. Also on the menu are veal, shrimp and sandwiches. There are lots of cake, cannoli and New York cheesecake in several variations.

$$ Italian

2703 S. Western 778-8924

translates to “outside grill.” On weekends, the chefs have menudo (for those nasty hangovers) and posole soup. Regular menu items include seafood, soup, a nice filet, shrimp and tamales that are house-made and are available year-round. For the sweet stuff, dig into a sopaipilla, cheesecake and flan, all made at El Asadero.

$$ Latin American


4621 N. May 917-9995

This is the third location for Italia Express, a family-run, locally owned concept. It has 10 different pastas on the menu, plus pizza, stromboli and calzones. Chef-owner Juan Solorzano brings his 20 years of experience from Dallas to OKC. Family-style meals with lasagna may just end up being a family tradition. And, they serve it up with very fair prices.

$$ Italian


307 E. Main, Norman 701-7035 Just opened for a few weeks in Norman, The Garage is offering fish tacos, dinner salads, regular tacos and classic burgers, plus sweet potato fries. Hey, they even have a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for the youngsters. But no matter your age, anyone can enjoy ice cream floats, Bomb Pops (a version of Popsicles) and ice cream sandwiches. There is seating for 75.

$$ Burgers and beer


815 N. Hudson 633-1703

This coffee roasting business recently moved and has been roasting beans for two-and-a-half years. Elemental opened its new location in early May, offering a coffee-focused bar with espresso and brewed coffee by-the-cup. Top off that cup of java with sweet or savory pastries, like a killer onion and bacon savory “cake” and a delicious double chocolate brownie.

$$ Coffee bar with pastries


13325 N. MacArthur Blvd. 470-0648 Everything at this noodle house is homemade from scratch. A customer may start with freshly fried egg rolls as an appetizer, move on to an entrée of your choice, like the highly recommended vermicelli platter combo, and finish with a dessert, such as green tea ice cream served with whipped cream, fried banana chips and drizzled in chocolate syrup.

$$ Noodle house

—Carol Smaglinski, photos by Mark Hancock and Shannon Cornman

$$: Up to $15 $$$: $15-$30 $$$$: Above $30

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