Best Bites Around Oklahoma City: Where to Find Delicious Local Foods Under $5

Oklahoma City is "mighty pretty" when it comes to scoring delectable food bargains. My most recent visit to Oklahoma City (where I was born), included four must-eat establishments: Braum's, Grandy's, City Bites, and Daylight Donuts. All of them are quick and affordable spots where a person can opt to dine in or get food to go.

Fast Flavors of OKC: Four of the Best

1. Braum's
Usually folks stop in at Braum's to get their ice cream fix, but I found the fresh market produce a welcome, affordable alternative to sweets or overpriced convenience store fresh fruit. I came with three hungry kids and left with three fresh apples that cost less than what I would pay at my regular supermarket. I highly recommend Braum's as a quick stop to pick up fruits and vegetables when people are on a road trip or just running around town. Braum's has many locations visible from interstate exits, as well as multiple locations inside the city. Three of the "best bites" restaurants, including Braum's can be found along the old Route 66, which connects to Interstate 44 via what is now called Northwest 39th Street.

Braum's Ice Cream and Dairy Store
4101 NW 39th Street, Oklahoma City (47 other locations in the area)
Healthy? Fresh market produce, yes. Fast food and ice cream, no.
Cost: Comparable to other fast food places; competitive grocery and produce prices (bananas for $0.59/pound).

2. Grandy's
Grandy's Sinnamon rolls are amazing--they are better than cinnamon rolls I've made at home. The moist rolls contain pecans and raisins, and are drizzled with the perfect amount of white frosting. Yet they are inexpensive and have 350 fewer calories than more costly Cinnabon rolls. And I appreciate that I can get the cinnamon rolls inside the restaurant or via the drive-thru, which is quite convenient--and tempting.

Grandy's
5900 NW 39th Street, Okahoma City (4 other locations)
Healthy? Mmm...no.
Cost: $1.39 plus tax

3. City Bites
Grandy's on 39th Street and MacArthur Boulevard is conveniently near a City Bites restaurant. My City Bites California Club sandwich is still as good as I remember it--fresh, flavorful, and satisfying, thanks to the quality ingredients. Subway sandwiches simply cannot hold a candle to City Bites. I also like that the City Bites' decor is quirky--innovative for its time, and definitely not "standard issue."

City Bites Sub Sandwiches
3939 N MacArthur Blvd, Warr Acres (19 other locations)
Healthy? Sandwiches, yes; giant cookies, no.
Cost: Under $5 for half; Around $9 for whole sandwiches.

4. Daylight Donuts
Heading west along 39th into Bethany, then south on N. Rockwell, and west again on 23rd Street, is one way to find Daylight Donuts, which is nested in the Apple Glade Shopping Center. We wanted to get our donuts early for best selection, since they are known to sell out. It is easy to taste why.

Daylight Donuts
7429 NW 23rd Street, Bethany (20 other locations)
Healthy? No. But they do have some whole wheat glazed items.
Cost: $0.75-$1.15 per item

Sources:

"Greater Oklahoma City Restaurants." Urbanspoon.

Grandy's Menu (downloadable .pdf file) Grandy's.

Calories in Cinnabon Classic Cinnabon - Nutrition Facts and Healthy Alternatives. The Daily Plate Calorie Counter.