Cattlemen's Steakhouse

Cattlemen's Steakhouse is a steakhouse located in Oklahoma City.[1] It is located in historic Stockyards City which has a western atmosphere.[1] It is the oldest running restaurant in Oklahoma.[2]

Cattlemen's Steakhouse
Exterior view
Map
Restaurant information
Established1910; 114 years ago (1910)
Owner(s)Dick Stubbs
Previous owner(s)Gene Wade
Food typeSteak
Dress codeCasual
Street address1309 S Agnew Ave
CityOklahoma City
StateOK
Postal/ZIP Code73108
Coordinates35°27′09″N 97°33′17″W / 35.4523839°N 97.5548525°W / 35.4523839; -97.5548525
Websitecattlemensrestaurant.com

A different restaurant of a similar name, Cattlemen's Steak House, is located in Fort Worth, Texas.[3]

History

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The restaurant was established as Cattlemen's Cafe in 1910.[1][4][5] At that time, it fed cowboys and ranchers in the Stockyards City area.[4][5] Stockyards City was a major meat processing area and that location exported meat to the Eastern United States.[4] In 1926, H.V. “Homer” Paul took ownership of the restaurant.[4][6] During Prohibition, it served home-brewed "liquid delights".[4][6] In 1929, Henry “Hank” Frey took ownership.[4] His family also worked at the restaurant, his wife Gertrade as a waitress and his brother and brother-in-law as waiters.[4] During Christmas Eve of 1945 at the Biltmore Hotel, Hank Frey lost it in a craps game to Gene Wade.[1][4][5] Wade and his father renovated the restaurant and made it open 24 hours.[1] Since then, it has returned to regular hours.[1] In the early to mid 1950s, it became Cattleman's Drive-In, but by 1957, it became Cattlemen's Steakhouse.[4] In 1990, Dick Stubbs bought the restaurant from the Wade family.[1][7]

Building

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The original building appears like a diner and has two counters and red vinyl booths.[8] There is a steakhouse side with two dining rooms called The Hereford and The Angus.[8] The interior maintains a similar appearance since 1945.[1] The interior is decorated with cowboy art.[5] Some believe that the building is haunted.[5]

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The steaks are naturally-aged and charcoal-broiled and from Midwest-raised, corn-fed cattle.[1] The grade is either USDA Prime or Choice Grades.[1]

For breakfast, the restaurant serves steak and eggs and offers calf brain and eggs.[9]

The restaurant is also known for its lamb fries which are made from fried lamb testicles and is one of its best-selling appetizers.[4][9] In modern times, the restaurant purchases 25,000 to 30,000 pounds per year.[4]

The restaurant also serves steak soup featuring bull penis and pie.[2]

Recognition

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Cattlemen's Steakhouse has won numerous awards.[10] It also was inducted in the United States Steakhouse Hall of Fame.[10]

Bon Appétit, Gourmet, and Southern Living have mentioned Cattlemen's Steakhouse as one of the best steakhouses in the country.[1] The Food Network listed it as one of the top 50 steakhouses categorized by best in each state.[8][11]

Cattlemen's Steakhouse has been featured in Man v. Food and Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.[12]

Multiple celebrities such as John Wayne, Reba McEntire, Toby Keith, and Ronald Reagan have visited the restaurant.[5] Other celebrities like Sylvester Stallone, Shaquille O'Neal, and Charles Barkley also have dined at the restaurant.[10] George H. W. Bush also ate at the restaurant.[13]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k American Cowboy. Active Interest Media, Inc. p. 89. ISSN 1079-3690. Retrieved 2023-11-09.
  2. ^ a b Johnstonbaugh, K. (2013). Food Lovers' Guide to® Oklahoma: The Best Restaurants, Markets & Local Culinary Offerings. Food Lovers' Series. Globe Pequot. p. 115. ISBN 978-0-7627-9090-6. Retrieved 2023-11-09.
  3. ^ National Geographic; National Geographic Society (U.S.) (2016). Great American Eating Experiences: Local Specialties, Favorite Restaurants, Food Festivals, Diners, Roadside Stands, and More. National Geographic Society. p. 179. ISBN 978-1-4262-1639-8. Retrieved 2023-11-09.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Monahan, S. (2023). Signature Dishes of America: Recipes and Culinary Treasures from Historic Hotels and Restaurants. Globe Pequot. p. 51. ISBN 978-1-4930-7265-1. Retrieved 2023-11-09.
  5. ^ a b c d e f Provine, J.; McCoy, T. (2016). Haunted Oklahoma City. Haunted America. Arcadia Publishing. p. 66. ISBN 978-1-4396-5762-1. Retrieved 2023-11-09.
  6. ^ a b Browne, R. (2013). A Century of Restaurants: Stories and Recipes from 100 of America's Most Historic and Successful Restaurants. Andrews McMeel Publishing. p. 285. ISBN 978-1-4494-2599-9. Retrieved 2023-11-09.
  7. ^ Cathey, D. (2016). Classic Restaurants of Oklahoma City. American Palate. Arcadia Publishing Incorporated. p. 151. ISBN 978-1-62585-668-5. Retrieved 2023-11-09.
  8. ^ a b c Khoury-Hanold, Layla (2019-01-21). "50 States of Steakhouses". Food Com. Retrieved 2023-11-09.
  9. ^ a b Stern, J.; Stern, M. (2017). Roadfood, 10th Edition: An Eater's Guide to More Than 1,000 of the Best Local Hot Spots and Hidden Gems Across America. Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed. p. 358. ISBN 978-0-451-49620-1. Retrieved 2023-11-09.
  10. ^ a b c Griffin, David (2023-05-03). "Cattlemen's Restaurant In National Steakhouse Hall Of Fame". Breaking News in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Retrieved 2023-11-09.
  11. ^ Adams, Saundra (2019-02-05). "An Oklahoma steakhouse named one of best in country by Food Network". KOKH. Retrieved 2023-11-09.
  12. ^ Rhea, Dave (2010-08-04). "Man vs. Food featuring Cattlemen's airs Aug. 4th". The Journal Record. Retrieved 2023-11-09.
  13. ^ "Historic Cattlemen's Steakhouse in Oklahoma". ROUTE Magazine. Retrieved 2023-11-09.
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