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]

History

The restaurant was established as Cattlemen's Cafe in 1910.[1][3][4] At that time, it fed cowboys and ranchers in the Stockyards City area.[3][4] Stockyards City was a major meat processing area and that location exported meat to the Eastern United States.[3] In 1926, H.V. “Homer” Paul took ownership of the restaurant.[3][5] During Prohibition, it served home-brewed "liquid delights".[3][5] In 1929, Henry “Hank” Frey took ownership.[3] His family also worked at the restaurant, his wife Gertrade as a waitress and his brother and brother-in-law as waiters.[3] During Christmas Eve of 1945 at the Biltmore Hotel, Hank Frey lost it in a craps game to Gene Wade.[1][3][4] 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.[3] In 1990, Dick Stubbs bought the restaurant from the Wade family.[1][6]

Building

The original building appears like a diner and has two counters and red vinyl booths.[7] There is a steakhouse side with two dining rooms called The Hereford and The Angus.[7] The interior maintains a similar appearance since 1945.[1] The interior is decorated with cowboy art.[4] Some believe that the building is haunted.[4]

Menu

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.[8]

The restaurant is also known for its lamb fries which are made from fried lamb testicles and is one of its best-selling appetizers.[3][8] As of 2023, the restaurant purchases 25,000 to 30,000 pounds per year.[3]

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

Recognition

Cattlemen's Steakhouse has won numerous awards.[9] It also was inducted in the United States Steakhouse Hall of Fame.[9]

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.[7][10]

Cattlemen's Steakhouse has been featured in Man v. Food and Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.[11]

Multiple celebrities such as John Wayne, Reba McEntire, Toby Keith, and Ronald Reagan have visited the restaurant.[4] Other celebrities like Sylvester Stallone, Shaquille O'Neal, and Charles Barkley also have dined at the restaurant.[9] George H. W. Bush also ate at the restaurant.[12]

External links