Stockyards and Steak: Two Oklahoma City Traditions

Although oil made Oklahoma City, Oklahoma boom, local stockyards were another vital force that made this town Oklahoma's largest city and the state capitol. Stockyards remain one of the city's major industries - Oklahoma - or "Oak City" City's yards still rank among the nation's top eight. Cattlemen from across the Sooner State and from deep in the heart of nearby Texas head for the Oklahoma City stockyards to buy, sell, trade - and enjoy a great steak.

Cattlemen's Steak House is located within the historic boundaries of what locals call "stockyard city". Cattlemen's has been serving up fresh, tender steaks since 1910. Steaks served here are fresh - fresh from the hoof and as fresh as diners could enjoy anywhere. Generations of local families have been cutting their teeth on the steaks here and the restaurant is a local landmark. Steaks are cooked to order and served with a smile. Cattlemen's opens at 6am and is open until midnight on both Friday and Saturday.

Another favorite of local steak fans is Harrigan's Chop House Grill. Harrigan's speciality of the house is the traditional steak but the menu offers a variety of other items for those who prefer chicken, seafood, or ribs. Harrigan's also offers cocktails. The atmosphere is casual and cozy with a nostaglic flair for the past.

A Southwest style decor and an expanded menu is what diners will find at JW's Steakhouse. The Marriott Hotel location is an indication that more than steak is served. Diners who like fine cuisine will delight in the two specialties of the house at JW's. These are prime rib or garlic filet mignon. JW's menu also features fresh seafood, pork, and other beef entrees in addition to steak. Meals are succulent with hearty portions. This is the most elegant of the city's top four steakhouse locations and diners will want to dress up.

Cimarron Steak House on Meridan Avenue is the fourth of the city's favorite steakhouses. Old West style decor offers an old-fasioned atmosphere that is perfect for sharing a steak dinner. One difference here is that steaks are cut in house from aged beef. Steaks are thick and very delicious thanks in part to a mesquite broil method of cooking. Those who don't care for steak will find large pork chops, ribs, and some seafood selections on the menu but steak is the main entree here.

Oklahoma City is a fascinating city with all the modern comforts of the 21st century but with a rich frontier history. Steaks are the city's best selling main dish and any of these four steakhouses would provide a memorable steak dinner.