Protein is the centerpiece of most big meals. At Thanksgiving, it’s a turkey. Christmas often includes a ham. Some folks don’t consider breakfast, lunch or dinner a meal unless there’s meat on the table. How nice, then, that carnivores craving something meaty find themselves in Oklahoma City, where steaks, chops, burgers, wings, sausages and so much more are available morning, noon and night.

By Greg Elwell

Photos Garett Fisbeck

Gazedibles: Meat up
Garett Fisbeck
Meat case at at The Meat House in Edmond, Monday, Aug. 29, 2016.

The Meat House

2249 W. Danforth Road, Edmond

themeathouse.com

405-509-2900

In stark contrast to the work of The Brothers Grimm, The Butchers Grimm told stories with only one moral: Eat meat. In their stories, Ham-sel and Gretel found The Meat House. There was no witch inside. Instead, there was a glorious selection of fine steaks, pre-marinated cutlets, cheese, sausage and more. That tradition carries on today in Edmond, where discerning carnivores will find ready-to-grill favorites, marinades, rubs and more for a perfect protein party.

Gazedibles: Meat up
Garett Fisbeck
Beef jerky at the Beef Jerky Emporium, Monday, Aug. 29, 2016.

The Beef Jerky Emporium

9346 N. May Ave.

tbje.com

405-751-6275

Oklahoma City is so blessed to have The Beef Jerky Emporium. Not only does this gem carry different varieties of jerky — beef, venison, wild boar, turkey, salmon and many more — but the staff is a knowledgeable resource for dried meat newcomers to find just what they’re looking for. The Emporium also carries bacon candy in case the jerky isn’t enough.

Gazedibles: Meat up
Garett Fisbeck
Pork Rib Dinner at George's Happy Hog BBQ in Oklahoma City, Thursday, May 28, 2015.

George’s Happy Hog Bar-B-Q

712 Culbertson Drive

405-525-8111

Breasts get all the glory when it comes to chicken, but migrate a little farther south and find the real MVP: dark meat. George’s Happy Hog Bar-B-Q slow-smokes ribs, brisket and hot links, and those in the know will find tender, delectable chicken full of juicy, grilled flavor in the Dark Meat Delight. Whether taking home three legs and thighs to eat off the bone or grabbing a smoky, deeply seasoned rack of ribs, George’s has everything needed for a ridiculously satisfying meal with friends.

Gazedibles: Meat up
Garett Fisbeck
The "Big Country" at Hideaway Pizza in Oklahoma City, Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2014.

Hideaway Pizza

835 SW 19th St., Moore

hideawaypizza.com

405-604-0777

Servers at Hideaway Pizza should have to read this to diners who order The Capone: “Attention, hungry patrons. This pizza isn’t messing around. When you order The Capone, you are taking on the responsibility of eating a pie so famously delicious, we named it after the best-known gangster in history.” Stacked high with Italian sausage, pepperoni, bacon, salami, garlic, olives and red onions, The Capone is meant to be shared and cherished.

Gazedibles: Meat up
Garett Fisbeck
Salumi y formaggi and peach bellini at Bellini's Underground, Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2016.

Bellini’s Underground

6305 Waterford Blvd, Suite 100

bellinisokc.com

405-848-1065

The name couldn’t be simpler or more enticing: Salumi y formaggi — meat and cheese. Before digging into an irresistible plate of fettucine carbonara or a mix of shrimp and gnocchi, indulge in a plate of cured meats, fine cheeses and crispy, garlicky crostini. Bellini’s Underground serves a salumi y formaggi that is a perfect way to start a meal or just as a snack to nibble on while enjoying a glass of wine.

Gazedibles: Meat up
Garett Fisbeck
Geisha special at Musashi's, Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2016.

Musashi’s Restaurant

4315 N. Western Ave.

musashis.com

405-602-5623

The phrase “chop-chop” takes on new meaning after dining at Musashi’s, home of some of Oklahoma City’s best teppanyaki chefs. Sometimes confused with a hibachi, the teppanyaki is that long, flat brazier and grill on which talented chef-performers prepare plates of sizzling shrimp, succulent chicken and melt-in-the-mouth steaks with panache. There’s nothing quite like watching an expert on the griddle make a great meal into an indelible experience.

Gazedibles: Meat up
Shannon Cornman
The Egg-O-Nater with bacon and a side of garlic and parmesan french fries at The Garage.Photo/Shannon Cornman

The Garage

1117 N. Robinson Ave.

eatatthegarage.com

405-602-6880

When the engine is running rough and the fuel tank is nearing empty, the best spot to fill up is The Garage. This haven for bodacious burgers doesn’t shy away from topping patties with mountains of fixings that are bursting with flavor. If a bun filled with perfectly grilled ground beef doesn’t sound like enough, then try the Egg-o-nator with bacon, egg and American cheese.

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