Some restaurants just feel professional. Maybe its the snappy menu design or the meticulously clean dining areas. A strong aesthetic style and a sharp employee uniform also go a long way to making a local spots ambience feel rooted and more established. Here are local restaurants that have also expanded out of Oklahoma or are so on-point you might think theyre big companies. Surprise! Theyre local, and theyre great.
By Greg Elwell. Photos Garett Fisbeck and Gazette / file
Jimmys Egg
Multiple metro locations
jimmysegg.comTheres a reason Jimmys Egg is regularly nominated for Best Breakfast in Oklahoma Gazettes Best of OKC annual readers poll. Customers love the omelets, biscuits and gravy, pancakes and down-home friendly attitude that permeates each Oklahoma-based restaurant chains location. Vietnamese refugee Loc Le purchased the original restaurant at 1616 N. May Ave. in 1980 and quickly expanded it into a regional breakfast powerhouse.
Pepperoni Grill
Multiple metro locations
pepperonigrill.netKobe beef comes from Japan, but it tastes good in Italian food, too. Edmond-based Pepperoni Grill has a classic trattoria feel, but the menu flows freely into other cuisines. Its Italian Classics menu offers classic spaghetti, Kobe beef lasagna and fettuccine Alfredo. The restaurant also offers pan-seared tilapia, Asian salmon and a fresh-and-filling kale and quinoa salad. Theres even a Gorgonzola-infused half-pound Kobe beef burger if youre so inclined.
Saturn Grill
6432 Avondale Drive
saturngrill.com405-843-7114
First-time guests at Saturn Grill ask themselves two things: How did I not know about this place? and When are we coming back? Though it has expanded and contracted since first opening in 2002, theres no denying Oklahoma City loves Saturn Grill. Owner Joseph Royers menu offers the perfect blend of delicious, fast and affordable. Try a sandwich on flatbread that is cooked fresh for each order.
Orange Leaf
Multiple metro locations
orangeleafyogurt.comThough born in San Francisco, Orange Leafs headquarters has been right here in Oklahoma City since 2010. In the years since, Orange Leaf sprouted and grew to include hundreds of locations across the globe, including Australia. What makes it such a success? Pull a lever and find out for yourself with a cup of brownie batter or blueberry banana frozen yogurt topped with nuts, candy and fresh fruit.
Taco Mayo
Multiple metro locations
tacomayo.comTaco Mayo fans recommend the Classic menus crispy beef tacos, chicken Super Burritos and nachos smothered in queso. Taco Mayo Fresh Mex lovers like its extremely customizable menu, including chef Kurt Fleischfressers achiote marinade that adds a big, bold flavor to chicken and steak. Whichever you choose, its nice to know youre enjoying quick Mexican taste and service that has delighted Oklahomans since the first store opened in Norman in 1978.
Charlestons Restaurant
Multiple metro locations
charlestons.comCharlestons Restaurant is kind of like Hogwarts Room of Requirement it can be whatever you need it to be. Those wanting a quick bite knows that Charlestons baked potato soup and a grilled chicken and avocado club sandwich will power them through the day. Families know it offers a relaxing place to bring the kids for an evening out. And if youre looking for a date spot, it can be as casual or fancy as you want with delicious prime rib and succulent oven-roasted chicken.
Hideaway Pizza
Multiple metro locations
hideawaypizza.comThough it recently expanded into Arkansas, Hideaway Pizza belongs to Oklahoma. Its spirit of hospitality is infectious, delivering giant grins to customers who order Just-A-Beginner salads, platters of fried mushrooms and enormous pizzas. The company invites staff and customers to create new flavor combinations, including The Big Bang with Canadian and smoked bacon, pineapple, onions, red bell peppers and a big swirl of Sriracha on top.
Print Headline: Surprise! Its local