Sam’s Southern Eatery2366 NW 23rd St. samssoutherneatery-okc.com 405-605-5252 What works:The oysters and shrimp are seafood stars — they’re fresh and have plenty of flavor. What needs work:The gumbo was extra greasy and lukewarm. Tip:The fish is advertised as catfish, but it is Swai. When in doubt, follow the crowd of customers. I’ve driven past the […]
oklahoma city restaurant review
Posted inFood & Drink
Valentine’s Day: Neighborhood date
Paseo Grill2909 Paseo Ave. paseogrill.com 405-228-8386 What works:The seafood is well-executed, and there are tasty vegetarian options to complement steaks and duck. What needs work:The cucumber salad is heavy on pepper. Tip: It is usually booked on Valentine’s Day by mid-January. As a kid watching reruns of I Dream of Jeannie, I always wondered what […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Classen curved
Cafe 5015825 NW Grand Blvd. hrgok.com/cafe-501-classen-curve 405-844-1501 What works:Anything from the bakery, especially sandwiches with housemade foccacia. What needs work:The marinade on the poke bowl missed the mark. Tip:Check out its seasonal wine dinners, like Feb. 7th’s Language of Love. Cafe 501 is one of Edmond’s most venerable restaurants as it closes in on 25 […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Uptown misstep
Alley Café447 NW 23rd St. 405-225-1058 What works:What’s billed as an Italian beef sandwich actually works as a pot roast sandwich. What needs work:The menu doesn’t always deliver what is advertised, like the sushi, which are actually spring rolls. Tip:Ring the bell for service. 7/17/19 Update: Alley Cafe has changed its concept under the direction […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Isle of brew
Belle Isle Restaurant & Brewery1900 Northwest Expressway, Suite 44 belleislerestaurant.com 405-840-1991 What works:The Burgundy mushrooms on the burger are a standout. What needs work:Lingering cigarette smoke dampens taste buds. Tip:Brick oven pizzas average $10 and are big enough to serve multiple people. Long before the sleek streetcar was motoring around Midtown and downtown, Oklahoma City […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Gourmet diner
Polk’s House2319 N. Lottie Ave. polkshouse.net 405-887-0539 Free What works:The price point and comfort classics like neck bones, greens and yams are great. What needs work:The meatloaf needed more moisture. Tip:Follow the restaurant on Facebook for specials like Cornish game hen and prime rib. The white building at the corner of 23rd Street and Lottie […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Shiny Scratch
Scratch Kitchen and Cocktails Paseo605 NW 28th St. eatatscratch.com 405-602-2302 What works:The craft cocktail selection and the vibe of the restaurant are perfect during dinner service. What needs work:Some of the brunch dishes need improvement. Tip:Ask for bartender Austin’s Spanish Coffee. For me, there are two schools of thought: old Paseo and new Paseo. Old […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Live tradition
Jamil’s Steakhouse4910 N. Lincoln Blvd. jamilssteakhouse.com 405-525-8352 What works:The Lebanese starters are flavorful, and the steaks are the best kind of time machine. What needs work:The music selection. Tip:Stop in for lunch for a unique sandwich or burger. A drive north on Lincoln Boulevard away from the capitol is one that features relics of the […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Nostalgia-proof
Tokyo Japanese Restaurant7516 N. Western Ave. 405-848-6733 What works:The sable nigiri is a standout, and the udon broth is equal parts sweet and savory. What needs work:The broth in ochazuke didn’t add much flavor. Tip:Try the sukiyaki, a traditional Japanese winter soup served November through March. The tinge of nostalgia can taint memories for better […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Sweet brunch
syrup. 1501 NW 23rd St. syrupbreakfast.com 405-601-1354 What works: The coffee is top-notch, and the sweet breakfast options are well-executed. What needs work: The side options were neglected. Tip: Use the mobile app Nowait to get on the waiting list during busy weekend brunch. More than just a place for good coffee and a sweet […]