The Cattlemen's Cafe in Oklahoma City

I am absolutely ecstatic that my very first blog is about the grand-daddy of them all, the king of steakhouses, the one and only Cattlemen's in historic Stockyard City! Known as Cattlemen's Cafe, Cattlemen's Steakhouse (or as Dad and I know it, just "The Cattlemen's," in the gruffest voice we can muster) Cattlemen's offers the best in fine steakhouse dining with an atmosphere that is both nostalgic and authentic. From the very first time I pulled out on the split 50/50 metal bull's head that makes the handles on those heavy glass doors, while country music is faintly pumping out the overhead speakers under the awning on the bustling sidewalk, I knew I was in for a treat!

The hostess politely greets my group with a smile, quickly jots down the number of guests, and escorts us toward the back of the building. As I take in the restaurant, penciled drawings of famous western stars and country musicians line the walls 360 degrees, dim lighting reflects off the dark wood paneling, hungry patrons chatter lively as they await their meals, friendly waiters quickly shuffle to the side as we pass through and I know I'm almost to my favorite section of this historic landmark. The Hereford Room. Now, up until a few years back, the Hereford Room was just another section of the restaurant, not much different in appearance, except for the giant picture of Hereford cattle that extends the whole north side of the wall. When new laws required that restaurants sectioned off smoking patrons from non-smokers, with separate walls and ventilation systems, the Cattlemen's happily obliged by turning the Hereford Room into, well, a room. We take our seats in the large leather booth seats as our waitress promptly greets us, pouring our water as she takes our drink orders. A classic kind of guy, I order a Coca-Cola, while my girlfriend requests the Cactus Kicker, a fruity alcoholic beverage that refreshes and comes in a collectible, boot shaped glass that you get to keep. I look at the menu, though I am not contemplating my options, I am merely waiting for the rest of my group to decide their order. I already know what I am having.

The waitress returns with our drinks, and we are ready to order. I let her go around the table, and when she comes to me, I specify my request as follows- "I'll have the Lamb Fries appetizer, for the main course, I would like the Presidential Choice T-bone steak, medium, house dressing on the salad, and a baked potato with house dressing as well." Now comes the hard part, waiting. When the Lamb Fries arrive, I offer a bite to anyone who would like one, while secretly (and greedily) hoping no one is interested. The Lamb Fries are battered, deep fried, and presented with cocktail sauce and a lemon slice, which I eagerly squeeze over my appetizer, before dunking them in the cocktail sauce and devouring them as if I had not eaten in a week! Next, is the salad, with the Cattlemen's famous house dressing that makes me forget why I loved regular old ranch dressing so much. When our server arrives with our orders, I am asked to cut into my steak to make sure it is cooked right. It is. It always is. It could have been dropped in the floor and stepped on, and it still would be perfect. The steak is thick, with perfect diamond shaped marks, right off the grill. It is so delicious that I do not even bother to request A-1 steak sauce, unlike my home cooked versions which usually require half a bottles worth. The Presidential Choice is so named, as it was the steak President George Bush Sr. preferred while dining at Cattlemen's.

If steak is not your thing, the Cattlemen's also serves delicious fried catfish, chicken, soups, they even offer a vegetarian plate for those with a more delicate palette. The Cattlemen's also offers a full breakfast menu, with a buffet and some of the best coffee I've ever had. There is truly something for everyone at Oklahoma's most famous restaurant, whether your looking for atmosphere, history or of course, a great meal!

The check comes, and I quickly scoop it up. I never mind paying the tab at The Cattlemen's, the price, in my opinion, is always worth the pleasure!

The Cattlemen's Steakhouse is located in Historic Stockyard City, 1309 S. Agnew, Oklahoma City, OK. 405-236-0416