I love Charcoal Oven but it has been years since I went. Need to stop by, next month.

Have to agree with the Braums burger as one of the better fast food burgers around. I like the pepper they put on it, and agree the fries aren't worth the calories. But they are dominated by Charcoal Oven in the burger category, it trumping Johnnie's onion rings as well. I've been disappointed in Johnnie's lately too. Either my taste buds have changed, or they've changed some ingredient in the Johnnie's sauce.

Agree with you Charcoal Oven has the better O rings. Less breading means more onion flavor. Johnnie's have become too dominated by the taste of the breading. The burgers at C.O. are better too, as you have observed. Can't beat that good old honest to goodness charcoal taste. AND they are nice to you! Johnnies has adopted the "we're doing you a favor just by being here" attitude. I hate that. Johnnie himself was a great guy who got fed up being pushed around at the Split T, went out on his own, took over the old "Mr. Mac's" drive in on Britton Road and University and made history. Where is the Split T now?????? Wish his offspring were as nice as he was.

I think Stumpy's in Bricktown is delicious.

Prunette and I love Bunny's Onion Fried Burgers just south of N.W. 50th and
N. Meridian. They're as good as Johnnie's in El Reno or Geary.

Agree with you Charcoal Oven has the better O rings. Less breading means
more onion flavor. Johnnie's have become too dominated by the taste of
the breading. The burgers at C.O. are better too, as you have observed.
Can't beat that good old honest to goodness charcoal taste. AND they are
nice to you!

The Charcoal Oven makes one great burger. I've eaten there since the
60's and every time I say to myself, "why don't I eat here more often?"
Yeah, the Charcoal Oven is expensive but you can't expect the best burger
at McDonald prices.



Johnnies has adopted the "we're doing you a favor just by being here"
attitude. I hate that. Johnnie himself was a great guy who got fed up being
pushed around at the Split T, went out on his own, took over the old "Mr.
Mac's" drive in on Britton Road and University and made history. Where is
the Split T now? Wish his offspring were as nice as he was.
Johnnie's has a good Caesar Burger. You're right about the breading on the
onion rings. I really like them but less breading would be better. I've not
noticed the "we're doing you a favor" attitude at Johnnies. We've been
eating at the one on the southside.

Man, the Split-T was incredible. Everything was perfect. The Theta
burger! Oh yeah! Fries! Man, to have some Split-T fries.

Does anyone remember Mr. Eccle's "The Patio" on Classen Circle? They had
the best burgers and rings in town. You could put them against any place in
the USA, or the world. Absolutely incredible.

Thank you Mr. Eccle's!

Does anyone remember Mr. Eccle's "The Patio" on Classen Circle? They had
the best burgers and rings in town. You could put them against any place in
the USA, or the world. Absolutely incredible.

Thank you Mr. Eccle's!

Oh yeah, Prune! You really hit a nerve there. Verne Eccles Patio was awesome! I loved many of their creations, including their burgers, "schnitzel", waffles and omelets. I really do miss them.

Oh yeah, Prune! You really hit a nerve there. Verne Eccles Patio was
awesome! I loved many of their creations, including their burgers, "schnitzel",
waffles and omelets. I really do miss them.
I swear the Caesar burger was created at the Patio. Do you remember the
sign behind the cashier that listed the employees and how long they'd been
employed? I'm trying to remember the names of the employees. Dolores for
30+ years? Barbara about as long?

I swear the Caesar burger was created at the Patio. Do you remember the
sign behind the cashier that listed the employees and how long they'd been
employed? I'm trying to remember the names of the employees. Dolores for
30+ years? Barbara about as long?

Yep, it's a crying shame it is gone. If I remember correctly they had a roster of about a dozen people on that board and most had a lot of years service. I thought the main cook had the most years. Johnny? Anyway, that schnitzel with the charcoaled hamburger patty, chili, beans, cheese, fried egg and more cheese was my all-time favorite.

I posted a previous reply regarding Electro Lounge burgers and since then I have been back there several times since and I have to say they are delicious. Not only are there onion burgers some of the best I have ever had, they also have a full slider menu with different variations such as a burger with green chiles and cheddar, a great theta with their own sauce, and mini philly steak sandwiches, plus several others. I have to admit, I'm addicted. They now have my vote for the best burger in OKC, if not the entire state or country for that matter.

Beyond Electro, I forgot to mention Nichols Hills Drug Store, they have served up great burgers for as long as I can remember.

I have been to Sid's, Johnnies, Charcoal Oven and every other place that has been mentioned in this thread but Electro is (to me) the most addicting. I highly recommend it.

Shorty Small's, Coach's, Red robin

I used to love the chili burger after church at Jim's Restaurant there off Route 66 and Council. Growing up that is where we would always go after church, and it was so hard to decide between that and breakfast.

My sister when little used to like the burger at Chuck House

As someone who has gone and come back to OKC, I feel the food and rings at Johnnies are about the same. What has changed for the worse is the service. Their front counter people at the NW Hi way location were just downright rude and got the order wrong twice straight. The location on 240 south is simply run down and needs remodeling. Hope the Hanes brothers hear some of this. They've got a wonderful business that seems to be on the decline!

A must try is the Diner on Main Street in Norman, the burgers are excellant. If your stomach can handle it, try the chil burger, some of the best homemade chili in Oklahoma.

My favorite at the Patio was the Patio K Plate, made as a tribute to Elinor Kamber.What awesome food that was and how very much they are still missed.

My favorite was Cheeseburger in Paradise but they are no longer opened. So now it's Sid's in Yukon and El Reno followed by Johnies #9 theta burger.

I used to love the chili burger after church at Jim's Restaurant there off Route 66 and Council. Growing up that is where we would always go after church, and it was so hard to decide between that and breakfast.

My sister when little used to like the burger at Chuck House

Hey, I forgot about Jim's! They do make a great burger.

My favorite at the Patio was the Patio K Plate, made as a tribute to Elinor Kamber.What awesome food that was and how very much they are still missed.

Mrs. Kamber was quite a lady. Her shop was always a great place to find unusual gift items. My sister was a classmate of her daughter (Janet?).

The Patio had a great many menu items named for customers, didn't they?

My favorite was Cheeseburger in Paradise but they are no longer opened. So now it's Sid's in Yukon and El Reno followed by Johnies #9 theta burger.

CIP was horrible.. I hated paying 10 bucks for a tasteless burger! Glad they went out of buisness!

CIP was horrible.. I hated paying 10 bucks for a tasteless burger! Glad they went out of buisness!

I agree, the food was bad, but you must admit, they had some cool t-shirts

I agree, the food was bad, but you must admit, they had some cool t-shirts

They must have gone down hill at the end. I loved their burgers. They had an awesome Cuban sandwich, too.

Also, there is a little restaurant simply known as The Cafe at the Duchess Creek marina there on Lake Eufaula. Years ago it had a really really great burger. We used to have a place on the lake and we ate there quite often. That was some time ago, and haven't eaten there in 7 or 8 years. But they were thick and tender. Great after a morning on the lake.

A long time ago..Split T was good

A long time ago..Split T was good

Yep, that's because a long time ago, Johnnie Haynes was the cook! Now we've come full circle!

Yep, that's because a long time ago, Johnnie Haynes was the cook! Now
we've come full circle!
I'm not sure what's going on. Is Johnnie Hanyes the owner of Johnnies?
I don't notice the resemblance in the food.

The Split-T's Theta Burger should be listed as one of the best burgers in
history.

"Dave's Giant Burger", in Fairfield, CA, ranks as one of the 'Best Burger
Joints' in the world! Burgers, chips and pie. That's all.

I hope I haven't stolen this thread.

Okay, there's the usual cavalcade of hot sauces on the counter. At least a
dozen.

Also, no pickles. Why? Because Dave didn't like pickles on his burger.

No! You can't have pickles on your burger because Dave doesn't have any
pickles in the joint.

Is this Slpit-T's not around anymore? I've never heard of it before

In order:

Shorty Smalls
Irma's
O'Connel's
Flat Tire burger
Pops
Red Robin
Johnnie's
Boomerang
Fat Sandwhich

Is this Split-T's not around anymore? I've never heard of it before
It's been gone for years. It was a great place for burgers.

Shorty Smalls

The last time Prunette and I ate there, last month, the burgers were very
bad. The meat was dry and the patties were broken. I emailed the manager
and he sent us a coupon to try it again. We're hoping it was a one time
incident because Shorty has made some great burgers in the past.

In order:

Shorty Smalls
Irma's
O'Connel's
Flat Tire burger
Pops
Red Robin
Johnnie's
Boomerang
Fat Sandwhich

Fat Sandwich has good burgers? I'll have to try one...

As far as another unconventional thought, Earl's Rib Palace has an awesome burger as well. Huge patty, great quality of meat, grated cheddar cheese.

[QUOTE=Prunepicker;282849]I'm not sure what's going on. Is Johnnie Hanyes the owner of Johnnies?
I don't notice the resemblance in the food.

The Split-T's Theta Burger should be listed as one of the best burgers in
history.

Prune:
Theta - has that smoke sauce on it. That sauce is Johnnie Haynes' creation. And it was that smoke sauce that caused the falling out between Johnnie and the owner of Split T. Which led to the creation of Johnnie's.

Is this Slpit-T's not around anymore? I've never heard of it before
It was at Western & Grand where Sonic is/was located. I think it closed up in the mid to late 90's. Is the Sonic still there? We drove around the Chesapeake area when we were up for Thanksgiving but I don't recall seeing Sonic. Maybe I just don't see them anymore because they are everywhere.

Yeah, the Sonic is still there. But it's not the same as Split T during its prime.

Yeah, the Sonic is still there. But it's not the same as Split T during its prime.
Nowhere close...even compared to when it was more bar than restaurant and the burgers nowhere near what they used to be.

Yeah, the Sonic is still there. But it's not the same as Split T during its prime.

There is a Split T sign there at the Sonic where the Split T parking was.

The Sonic is really in the place where you parked to order your burgers on
a speaker. They'd buzz you when your order was ready and you'd drive
across the street to the pick up window.

The Split-T was on the N.W. corner of N.W 56th & N. Western and the
Sonic is on the S.W. corner.

[quote=Prunepicker;282849]
Theta - has that smoke sauce on it. That sauce is Johnnie Haynes' creation.
And it was that smoke sauce that caused the falling out between Johnnie and
the owner of Split T. Which led to the creation of Johnnie's.
I never knew that. I'll have one the next time we're at Johnnie's.
When did the falling out occur? Do you know who the owner of the Split-T
was?

While I still occasionally eat at Johnnie's, in my opinion, it's no where near the quality it use to be. I think their expansion has had something to do with maintaining quality.

While I still occasionally eat at Johnnie's, in my opinion, it's no where near the quality it use to be. I think their expansion has had something to do with maintaining quality.

One thing I hate about Johnnie's is they put so much cheese on the burger that it doesn't melt and makes the burger patty cold!..

Not only that the last two times I ordered out from them the burger patties looked like they had been sitting on the grill for a week and were about the size of a hockey puck but not as thick!..

[quote=RealJimbo;283110]
I never knew that. I'll have one the next time we're at Johnnie's.
When did the falling out occur? Do you know who the owner of the Split-T
was?

I once knew who owned it but can't recall now. It was definitely a hang-out for a lot of us. Dark and a little dingey inside, a weird ordering system - mentioned above - stop at the ordering speaker, drive around behind the building, park and wait for someone to come out with your food and try to find you. Crazy.

While I still occasionally eat at Johnnie's, in my opinion, it's no where near the quality it use to be. I think their expansion has had something to do with maintaining quality.

Agreed, but the snotty attitude is more of a problem for me. They seem to think they have a power over their customers that will keep them coming back no matter how they treat them.

The last time Prunette and I ate there, last month, the burgers were very
bad. The meat was dry and the patties were broken. I emailed the manager
and he sent us a coupon to try it again. We're hoping it was a one time
incident because Shorty has made some great burgers in the past.

Where is there a Shorty Smalls still in business?


a weird ordering system - mentioned above - stop at the ordering speaker, drive around behind the building, park and wait for someone to come out with your food and try to find you. Crazy.

Isn't that kind of like Charcoal Oven?

In order:

Shorty Smalls
Irma's
O'Connel's
Flat Tire burger
Pops
Red Robin
Johnnie's
Boomerang
Fat Sandwhich

Ive heard mixed reviews on Flat Tire.. I've been meaning to try it..

Where is there a Shorty Smalls still in business?

There's one at Reno & Meridian.
According to a friend, they have a wonderful roach salad special on Mother's Day.:omg:

Where is there a Shorty Smalls still in business?
On the S.W. corner of S. Meridian and W. Reno.

Isn't that kind of like Charcoal Oven?
No. It's a sit down restaurant.

WOW.. Im eating a Freddy's Burger right now and it is AMAZING!! Best fast food hamburger imo!

[quote=RealJimbo;283110]
I never knew that. I'll have one the next time we're at Johnnie's.
When did the falling out occur? Do you know who the owner of the Split-T
was?

I don’t know the history on all of this, but he Split T of the 90s wasn’t the original Split T…….. I’m wondering if the original is where all of this hamburger dispute might have started?

The Split T from the 90s was operated by my sister’s boyfriend at the time. She was Miss Oklahoma while they were together – around ’94. I forget his name. Chad I think? His step dad bought it for him. I know his step dad was in construction and lived over on Lake Overholser. He may still own that property where the Sonic is. I would assume so because it’s called the Split T Sonic.

I was personally never that impressed with those Split T burgers…..I may have only had it once, but it seemed rather small to me at the time.

I tried Ron’s yesterday…….sausage/cheeseburger with chili. Wow! I wonder how many calories that was? LOL It was pretty tasty. Not cheap, but tasty. It’s right up from my house in Mayfair West. Probably the best little place to grab a bite to eat near me. I’ll probably be back there.

[QUOTE=Prunepicker;283315]

I don’t know the history on all of this, but he Split T of the 90s wasn’t the original Split T…….. I’m wondering if the original is where all of this hamburger dispute might have started?

The Split T from the 90s was operated by my sister’s boyfriend at the time. She was Miss Oklahoma while they were together – around ’94. I forget his name. Chad I think? His step dad bought it for him. I know his step dad was in construction and lived over on Lake Overholser. He may still own that property where the Sonic is. I would assume so because it’s called the Split T Sonic.

I was personally never that impressed with those Split T burgers…..I may have only had it once, but it seemed rather small to me at the time.

I tried Ron’s yesterday…….sausage/cheeseburger with chili. Wow! I wonder how many calories that was? LOL It was pretty tasty. Not cheap, but tasty. It’s right up from my house in Mayfair West. Probably the best little place to grab a bite to eat near me. I’ll probably be back there.Your sisters boyfriend bought the Split-T/ T-Bar from 3 guys, who bought the original Split-T/ T-Bar, from the original Split-T owner.

Yeah, I recall him telling me something about the original owner…..he was maybe a former OU football player? Got caught up in a drug scandal or something maybe? I don’t remember for sure.

Burgers and drugs?

Yeah, I recall him telling me something about the original owner…..he was maybe a former OU football player? Got caught up in a drug scandal or something maybe? I don’t remember for sure.
The 3 Guys group had former OSU QB Rusty Hilger as a partner, they sold it in 1994, I think the original owner was out of the picture by the time they sold it to 3 Guys.

I vaguely remember something about the owner or manager after them having some issues with the law/drugs after they morphed it from a full time restaurant to a part time restaurant/club. It closed pretty soon after.

Yeah, I don’t know. I know my sister ended up breaking up with him for whatever reasons. I do know I went up there while it was a club with them one night and Chad was a real prick toward me. Drunk and put his hand on my cap and pulled it off my head just being a dick. He was about twice my size at the time.

My sister still talks to him though. I guess he was supportive of her during her divorce which I suppose was nice of him.

I went to Charcoal Burger yesterday for lunch……pretty tasty. Not cheap tho for sure. This thread has me out hitting hamburger joints all over town.

Who owned the Split T in '89, the year the Gang of 12 used it as their crib before going out and thumping a prominent politico of the day?

Ive heard mixed reviews on Flat Tire.. I've been meaning to try it..

It's ranked the best restaurant in the metro area on Urban Spoon, but I went and was underwhelmed. Earl's has a much better burger, as does Irma's.

I haven't been to Shorty Smalls since the restaurant left Edmond, so I'm going on prior experience here, but they had the best mushroom swiss burger I've ever had. They also had some ribs that would make you believe in God. I miss that place.

(Flat Tire's) ranked the best restaurant in the metro area on Urban Spoon, but I went and was underwhelmed. Earl's has a much better burger, as does Irma's.

Finally, back to some recent burger discussion. The last few posts were venturing dangerously-close to "Nostalgia & Memories" territory.

It's ranked the best restaurant in the metro area on Urban Spoon, but I went and was underwhelmed. Earl's has a much better burger, as does Irma's.

Ya I love Irma's Burgers as well! Their Firestarter Burger is amazing!

Also, people might be surprised to hear that Anne's Chicken Fry House has an OUTSTANDING burger! People usually go there for the Chicken Fried Steak and overlook the burgers.. They are amazing!

Whataburger gets my vote for fast-burger.

Ya I love Irma's Burgers as well! Their Firestarter Burger is amazing!

Also, people might be surprised to hear that Anne's Chicken Fry House has an OUTSTANDING burger! People usually go there for the Chicken Fried Steak and overlook the burgers.. They are amazing!



very interesting...i would never think to get a burger at anne's.

I ate at Fudrukkers in Shreveport a couple weeks ago. Great burger, man I wish they where still here....