Oklahoma City: Cattlemen's Cafe

1309 S Agnew Ave
Oklahoma City, OK 73108
(405) 236-0416
www.cattlemensrestaurant.com

One of the many things I want to do before I die is to see every state in our country. With this goal in mind, I made crossing off a new state a 2010 resolutions. Prior to this weekend, I hadn’t left Texas this year, and I didn’t feel like shelling out the cash for airline tickets right now. Which is why I decided to road trip it to Oklahoma this weekend! In fact, I’m currently sitting in a Hyatt right now in Oklahoma City after grabbing dinner at Cattlemen’s Cafe, also called Cattlemen’s Steak House. How did I find this place? Well, it’s the only thing listed in the book, 1000 Places to See Before You Die (I get a few pennies from Amazon if you use this link to buy) for Oklahoma.

We were unfortunately seated right next to the restroom which reeked of urine. I try to be very mindful of what negative things I say about restaurants but the thick and overwhelming smell was hanging over us. It made the wait for our food almost unbearable. I ordered the chicken fried steak ($9.95) and Cindy ordered the Top Steak ($18.50), an extra thick sirloin. Cindy’s order was tasty but a little tough despite being cooked medium rare. My chicken fried steak was bearable at best. I really hate to say it but it was lacking flavor, even with the gravy. I ended up showering my chicken fried steak with salt, which is something I rarely do. Disappointing food aside, the service was friendly and quick.

So the thick smell of urine coming from the restroom and the bland food kind of spoiled our experience. I do have to say the history is fascinating. Cattemen’s has been open since 1910. 100 years! There was an original old menu displayed in a glass case up front. Filet mignons were $1.00 back in the day!

All in all, as sorely disappointed by atmosphere and food as I was, I’m happy to pencil in a check mark on Cattlemen’s Cafe’s page in 1000 Places to See Before You Die.

Looks like I wasn’t the only one disappointed in the experience.