Savor the flavor! More accolades for the Oklahoma City food scene

Oklahoma City has beef. And barbeque. And everything in between. Accolades continue to pour in for OKC cuisine. The latest rankings place us in the top ten for burgers, barbeque, and mom and pop restaurants. The praise comes just two months after Oklahoma City chef Andrew Black won the James Beard Award for best chef in the southwest. 

Burgers galore  

According to real estate education website , Oklahoma City is the fourth best city in the nation for hamburgers. This ranking was not handed out lightly; it was based on a comprehensive study that considered a variety of factors from multiple sources, including Yelp, Numbeo, Google Trends, the U.S. Census Bureau, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis and Homebay's own commissioned study. 

One standout feature was the number of burger restaurants per 100,000 residents. Oklahoma City boasts a remarkable 14 burger joints per 100,000 residents, a whopping 56.8% higher than the average city in Homebay's study. So, if you're craving a juicy burger, you're in luck – just don't forget to bring some napkins! 

The analysis also found that Oklahoma City excels in American cuisine options overall, with 12.7 American-style restaurants per 100,000 residents. That’s 45.7% more than the average. This makes OKC a fantastic destination for those who love not only burgers but all types of American cuisine. 

Homebay listed two hamburger havens in particular: Patty Wagon and New State Burgers and Spirits. 

Bring on the BBQ 

But Oklahoma City's culinary prowess doesn't end with burgers! We also secured a spot on the BBQ map, ranking No. 8 in Real Estate Witch's analysis of the best barbecue cities in the nation. 

One notable advantage of enjoying BBQ in OKC is the price, with a pound of BBQ meats costing around $5.29, slightly cheaper than the national average of $5.32. Moreover, Oklahoma City ranks second in the nation in online search volume for "smoked meat," surpassing even BBQ bastions like St. Louis and Kansas City. 

When it comes to options, OKC truly shines. With 3.1 BBQ restaurants per 100,000 people (35% more than the average) and 1.5 BBQ food trucks per 100,000 people (double the average), you'll find no shortage of mouthwatering barbecue options. Real Estate Witch named George's Happy Hog Bar-B-Q and Texlahoma BBQ as top spots for savoring the distinct flavors of Oklahoma City's BBQ scene. 

A Mom-and-Pop top spot  

Oklahoma City is also home to exceptional mom and pop restaurants. Anton's Craft Kitchen, ranked No. 6 on Yelp's list of the top 15 mom and pop restaurants in the United States, is a prime example. 

Yelp's ranking considered independently owned and operated businesses with no more than four locations, using a combination of volume and ratings of reviews. Anton's is a family-owned establishment that has quickly become a beloved addition to the Oklahoma City dining scene. You might even have the pleasure of meeting Anton himself, as he serves as both chef and host, ensuring patrons have the best experience possible. 

Guests praise Anton's for its laid-back atmosphere and homemade-style meals, featuring Mediterranean-inspired dishes like eggplant dip, shrimp maisa and homemade piano cake. Everything is prepared fresh to order. 

Food Mecca 

Whether it’s a meal prepared by a James Beard Award winning chef or a plate full of finger-licking barbecue, Oklahoma City has something for every palate. With its diverse offerings and affordability, it's no wonder OKC has risen through the ranks in the world of foodies.