A great way to get to know an area is to explore its dining choices. From the exotic zest of West African cuisine to the flavors of the bayou, let your hunger for new experiences guide you. by Devon Green, photos by Mark Hancock and Garett Fisbeck
Jazmoz Bourbon Street Cafe
100 E. California Ave.
bourbonstreetcafe.com232-6666
This Bricktown eatery serves up fine Cajun food with New Orleans flair. Take in the canal from the patio while you sip on a hurricane, the signature cocktail of the Big Easy. Try Sachmos Salmon, a blackened salmon filet with a rich beurre blanc sauce paired with garlic mashed potatoes and fresh asparagus.
Joeys Pizzeria
700 W. Sheridan Ave.
joeyspizzeriaokc.com525-8503
This family-owned venue was one of the first restaurants in the revitalized Film Row district. Its menu features fresh, green salads, mouthwatering pastas and its signature pizzas. Its newest pie is the Italian OSB. (Make sure you read those letters in the right order.) Its made with grilled onions, Italian sausage and basil with an olive oil glaze.
Mickey Mantles Steakhouse
7 S. Mickey Mantle Drive
mickeymantlesteakhouse.com272-0777
This quiet, upscale steakhouse offers choices suited to a variety of cravings. For lighter appetites, try lobster cargot as an appetizer or main dish. The caprese salad, with tart tomatoes and sweet balsamic reduction, is a vibrant complement to any dinner. As for the entree, try the gorgeous filet mignon topped with jumbo lump crab.
Medio Tiempo Sports Cantina & Grill
2035 S. Meridian Ave.
okcmediotiempo.com605-6250
Medio Tiempo is a casual and fun hangout where the tacos and beer are always on special. Order a couple of pork tacos to start with. Then get down to business with the La Mexicana burger with all the trimmings. For a change, skip the fries and pair it with rice and beans.
Mama Sinmis Chop House
2312 N. MacArthur Blvd.
mamasinmi.com947-6262
Based on the culinary traditions of West Africa, the menu is a tantalizing opportunity to sample exotic choices like ewa alagbado made with beans and sweet corn. And the goat pepper soup is sure to wake up your taste buds.
Cafe 7
120 N. Robinson Ave. Suite 175W
cafe7okc.com748-3354
Cafe 7 offers delicious, affordable food. Most items are as the name suggests less than seven dollars. Offerings include pizza, salad, sandwiches, a daily soup and plenty of ways to customize your order. But some items are perfect, like its signature salad with roasted chicken, cranberries, walnuts and bacon.
Kamps 1910 Café
10 NE 10th St.
kamps1910cafe.net230-1910
This cafe, named for the year shop founder Henry Kamp arrived in Oklahoma, offers an array of delectable bites for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Old Fashioned sandwich, with Kamps curry chicken salad on wheat berry bread, is an excellent choice for a leisurely lunch break.