There was a restaurant in what would be the same parking lot as Outback on NW exp. It would have been just south and slightly east of the current Outback. I ate there a few times, but cannot remember the name. This would have been late 70s or early 80s. I think it was the same building as My Pi(Pie) pizza. It was a decent restaurant had lots of plants and posters and interesting things on the walls.

Butterfield's Overland Express.

Had a very lively nightlife as well.

looks like you posted this pic in 2006, pete...

http://mysite.verizon.net/res17zef/butterfields1.jpg

I was a fan of Woodstock The Bar and Grill on N May in the early 90's. The food wasn't to die for, but it was adequate. Atmosphere and music were wonderful. Even the restrooms were spacious and user friendly. This coming October they will have been closed for 20 years.

This may have been mentioned before but I couldn't find it. How many remember Cajun's Wharf on South Meridian where the current Cowboys OKC club is?

Cajun Wharf Owners Plan New Restaurants | News OK (http://newsok.com/cajun-wharf-owners-plan-new-restaurants/article/2097780)

I went there many times and enjoyed it. It was usually very packed when I went.

RM,
Sure I remember it. We didn't go there often, but we did enjoy it.
C. T.
This may have been mentioned before but I couldn't find it. How many remember Cajun's Wharf on South Meridian where the current Cowboys OKC club is?

Cajun Wharf Owners Plan New Restaurants | News OK (http://newsok.com/cajun-wharf-owners-plan-new-restaurants/article/2097780)

I went there many times and enjoyed it. It was usually very packed when I went.

RM,
Sure I remember it. We didn't go there often, but we did enjoy it.
C. T.

Despite what you may think, I--The Radical Moderate--and Ljbab728 are not one in the same. =)
(that being said, we both like Leslie Gore =)

How about Chequer's and Pelican's? (not technically, OKC . . . yet OKCish)
Other than Don's Alley, there were no other "upscale" eatin' places to be found out East, back in the day . . .

Chequer's was noted for The BIG Block OF Cheddar Cheese adjacent to the salad bar.
They also made a passable version of Long Island Iced Tea.
It was the sort of place at which, when a frumpish woman who apparently got tired of waiting, in the entryway for a seat, your pal could say, in regard to her frowny countenance and irritated, haughty wannabee, vibe:

"What's her problem? She looks like her vibrator shorted out in the bathtub."

And everyone--except for the frowny person in question--had a hearty laugh.

RM,
Pelican's was OKC. The Sushi place (Shiki Japanese) on May, North of Memorial, West side of the street was originally Pelican's. I have eaten at both, the original one in Midwest City and the one in OKC. I have never eaten at Chequer's or Don's Alley although I'm going to try to go to Don's Alley today for a late lunch. Since we're talking about the Mid/Del area, do you remember Lefty's? Really good pizza.
C. T.
How about Chequer's and Pelican's? (not technically, OKC . . . yet OKCish)
Other than Don's Alley, there were no other "upscale" eatin' places to be found out East, back in the day . . .

Chequer's was noted for The BIG Block OF Cheddar Cheese adjacent to the salad bar.
They also made a passable version of Long Island Iced Tea.

This may have been mentioned before but I couldn't find it. How many remember Cajun's Wharf on South Meridian where the current Cowboys OKC club is?

Cajun Wharf Owners Plan New Restaurants | News OK (http://newsok.com/cajun-wharf-owners-plan-new-restaurants/article/2097780)

I went there many times and enjoyed it. It was usually very packed when I went.

I went there a number of times, I still have a few of the tall glasses with a profile of a woman on them . That was also the location of several other clubs, just can't recall their names.

RM,
Pelican's was OKC. The Sushi place (Shiki Japanese) on May, North of Memorial, West side of the street was originally Pelican's. I have eaten at both, the original one in Midwest City and the one in OKC. I have never eaten at Chequer's or Don's Alley although I'm going to try to go to Don's Alley today for a late lunch. Since we're talking about the Mid/Del area, do you remember Lefty's? Really good pizza.
C. T.

Now that you mention it . . . I actually knew that the current location of Shiki (formerly known, and designed to be a Pelican's location). When we (that is, my wife and I) first moved out on this side of town, we gave this Bill Atkinson backed eatery location a try. It wasn't bad, but it was at best mediocre mostly because they treated the "Rice Pilaf" as an afterthought rather than a primary player on the plate.

The other day, a small family gathering was gathered at The Original Pelican's (next to the deserted Hub of Commerce formerly known as Heritage Park Mall) in MWC. The "Coconut Shrimp' was just OK. Way bigger shrimp but wrapped with too much batter. Not perfectly crisp as they used to be. I ordered the Blackened Catfish. It wasn't bad. The salad bar was as good as its always been. And the ambience is second to none.

My guess is that someday Vast (or the most recent reincarnation of the Spinning Restaurant on top of Founders Tower) will reach that point of perfection first pioneered by Jim D. at Pelicans in MWC (not officially OKC).

The TakeAway: No Statue Was Ever Erected to a Food Critic. Nor To A Hobby Cook Neither. =)

Oh!: And the rice on the side at the MWC location also indicated a lack of attention to detail. =0

The most amazing thing to me is that . . . even after maybe a five year hiatus? . . . after the next to the last visit, the Owner said, "John?" and I said "Yup". It was almost like a Facebook Moment. =)

Just for the Fun of IT? . . . this should probably be on the jukebox at the last surviving Pelican's location . . .
[Video Down/Uplink Disabled by Service Provider]
(It involved knowing some lines from Steve Martin--in his starring role as "The Jerk").

Youre not referring to Crystal's Pizza are you?

Just for the Fun of IT? . . . this should probably be on the jukebox at the last surviving Pelican's location . . .
[Video Down/Uplink Disabled by Service Provider]
(It involved knowing some lines from Steve Martin--in his starring role as "The Jerk").
There are no pelicans in Oklahoma.

Are there?

There are no pelicans in Oklahoma.

Are there?

Yes, there are.

Up at Grove (Grand Lake area) they even have a Pelican Festival in October.
Plus there is that restaurant over there next to the shell of what used to be Heritage Park Mall in MWC.
I think it has something to do with migration patterns.

(welcome back)

There used to be a Pelican's restaurant at grand, but the festival you are thinking is the egret festival

There used to be a Pelican's restaurant at grand, but the festival you are thinking is the egret festival

Apparently you have never visited Grove, Oklahoma, on the scenic shores of Grand Lake.
In October, when they have the Pelican Festival. =)

In all honesty, I can't think of a notable restaurant in Grove . . . not since the Seafood Place where they used to park The Cherokee Queen Lake Tour Steamboat shut down . . . except for the "German Restaurant" that is never actually open. =)

Last time we were up there we dined at an authentic, local, place that had a lot of old Sinatra music on the dusty ol' jukebox. One of the patrons plugged in a quarter and played that old time Sinatra Hit, with the hook line, "'Egrets . . . I've had a few, but then again, too few to mention." The egret served on the plate was perfectly done (with a side of home fries) and probably helped protect the migrant pelican population. I understand that pelicans are a bit tough and gamey.

Does anyone remember what restaurant was in the building on N. Western before The Metro opened? We think it might have been called Cappuccino's...It was in the mid- to late '80's because I remember watching Olympic skater Debi Thomas on the TV at the bar...strange thing, this memory of mine...

Does anyone remember what restaurant was in the building on N. Western before
The Metro opened? We think it might have been called Cappuccino's...
You're correct, it was Cappuccino's and was in that location for a long time.

Does anybody remember Domino's on N. Western? Pump's?

Definitely remember Pumps, which later became the original TapWerks.

Used to frequent both Pump's and Tap Werks a lot, nice cigar and beer times at Tap Werks.

Does anybody remember Domino's on N. Western? Pump's?

I remember Domino's that was at approx. at the 7300 blk of N Western. Before that back in the day there was a Sammys Pizza just south of there a block or 2 that was pretty darn good. I also remember a Grocery Store as well as a drug store around that same area in the 70s.....cant recall the names though.

I remember Domino's that was at approx. at the 7300 blk of N Western. Before
that back in the day there was a Sammys Pizza just south of there a block or 2
that was pretty darn good. I also remember a Grocery Store as well as a drug
store around that same area in the 70s... cant recall the names though.
Flip's Wine Bar took over Domino's location. I don't remember Dominoes being
north of NW 63rd, not that it wasn't at one time.

Remember the Broncho Drive-In? Gridiron? Dairy Boy? The Red Sack Burgers? All were between NW 63rd and Wilshire on N Western. Also Art's Drug Store and Maddox' Grocery. I know this departs from the subject of the thread, but all were in that same mile.

Let's go back over 50 years to the NW corner of 23rd and N/ Western sat a Carnation's Ice Cream Parlor. After it closed Beef and Bun occupied that spot but I believe it was a newer building. East of there about 2 blocks was Billie Lee Pie's.

Let's go back over 50 years to the NW corner of 23rd and N/ Western sat a
Carnation's Ice Cream Parlor. After it closed Beef and Bun occupied that spot but
I believe it was a newer building. East of there about 2 blocks was Billie Lee Pie's.
I remember both. I believe it became Beef & Bun @ 1970. I know it was or became
another restaurant either just before or after B&B. The signage was green with
a white background.

Across the street on Western was Nick's Deli. That place was fabulous.

Across the street on Western was Nick's Deli. That place was fabulous.Fabulous is an understatement. I first discovered the muffleta there, and nobody since has come even close!

Fabulous is an understatement. I first discovered the muffleta there, and nobody
since has come even close!
No kidding. The menu said, "a meal for 4 or a feast for 2!" I was crazy about
the pastrami and provolone. = a pause for remembrance =

I would cash my check on Friday and head over for lunch.

Do you know why it closed? Retirement? Certainly not for a lack of business. The
place was packed and sometimes with a line out of the door. Were there 8 tables?

Does anybody remember the Internet Cafe that used to be on Western back in the late 1990s? It was a coffee shop primarily but they also served basic pastries. They had several beige computers running Windows 98 with CRT monitors for Internet access (ISDN-speed) which was lightning fast for the day. As long as you bought coffee or a pastry you could freely use the computers. It was also one of the first places I ever heard of that had Wi-Fi, back before most people even had laptops.

Does anybody remember the Internet Cafe that used to be on Western back in the late 1990s?
Not me. Was it where the Ground Floor was located in Nichol's Hills Plaza?

Has anyone ate at the Boulevard Cafeteria lately? It's been a long time for me.

Any reports of it's cuisine would be appreciated.

Has anyone ate at the Boulevard Cafeteria lately? It's been a long time for me.

Any reports of it's cuisine would be appreciated.
Last time I was there a couple years ago they were still putting out the finest comfort food in the state. It is a hidden jewel.

Last time I was there a couple years ago they were still putting out the finest
comfort food in the state. It is a hidden jewel.
That does it. I'm going to go ASAP.

The Boulevard Cafeteria (http://boulevardcafeteria.com/)

I remember they moved from Classen to the current location in the late 60's.

Fridays are mac and cheese day. Also fried chicken and chicken pot pie are among the entrees on Friday. Also, pie.

I have never experienced Boulevard and have considered it when passing that I should check it out some time.. I really need to do so.

I saw this in the Denver paper today, the founder of Casa Bonita, Taco Bueno and Crystal's passed away on Tuesday.

Denver Post - Casa Bonita founder Bill Waugh dies at the age of 79 (http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_27374367/casa-bonita-founder-had-artistic-business-flair)

I saw this in the Denver paper today, the founder of Casa Bonita, Taco Bueno and Crystal's passed away on Tuesday.

Denver Post - Casa Bonita founder Bill Waugh dies at the age of 79 (http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_27374367/casa-bonita-founder-had-artistic-business-flair)
So sorry to hear.

I love Taco Bueno, liked Crystals and couldn't stand Casa Bonita.

I was never a casa bonita fan here in OKC. however the one in Denver while the food may have still been just average.. the spectacle that is the enviroment at that one is pretty amazing.

I was never a casa bonita fan here in OKC...
I agree.It's the only so-called Mexican restaurant that didn't have onions.
At least the one on NW 39th Expressway and Portland didn't have onions.

What's Mexican food without onions?

Does anyone remember these restaurants.

1. Shipman's Cafe

2. Garland's Smorgasbord?

Those are 2 restaurants I remember from the 60's.

Does anyone remember these restaurants.

1. Shipman's Cafe

2. Garland's Smorgasbord?

Those are 2 restaurants I remember from the 60's.

Had a buddy that worked their (Garlands) in circa. 63 and the buffet was 76 cents for all you could eat. Red paid him .50 an hour to bus, .65 an hour to wash dishes and .75 to work in kitchen. Don't dare drop a glass or you would pay for it. Before my time though.

Does anyone remember these restaurants.

1. Shipman's Cafe

2. Garland's Smorgasbord?

Those are 2 restaurants I remember from the 60's.

PP,
Which Shipman's? Actually I grew up going to the one on Robinson near the viaduct and as a huge butter/margarine fan, I loved the tray of butter they placed at every table/booth. They opened another one on Reno (I think) not far East of Western. I was an adult then and it was a little nice dump than the dump on Robinson. Great rolls (they called them biscuits), lots of honey and as I said, butter. My favorite meal was a hot beef sandwich. Open faced with roast beef over bread, and lots of gravy. I vaguely remember Garland's, where was it located.
C. T.

PP,
Which Shipman's? Actually I grew up going to the one on Robinson near the viaduct and as a huge butter/margarine fan, I loved the tray of butter they placed at every table/booth. They opened another one on Reno (I think) not far East of Western. I was an adult then and it was a little nice dump than the dump on Robinson. Great rolls (they called them biscuits), lots of honey and as I said, butter. My favorite meal was a hot beef sandwich. Open faced with roast beef over bread, and lots of gravy. I vaguely remember Garland's, where was it located.
C. T.

He said Garland's was where Browns Coin shop is. No upstairs then, was added later.

He said Garland's was where Browns Coin shop is. No upstairs then, was added later.

Stickman,
Brown's Coin shop was there when I was a child and I'm 71, so maybe near Brown's? I still don't have strong memories about it.
C. T.

Was Garlands the one with the (very cool) art deco spire like thing?

Stickman,
Brown's Coin shop was there when I was a child and I'm 71, so maybe near Brown's? I still don't have strong memories about it.
C. T.

Sorry, I will find out tomorrow when I see him. I think he said around the 500 block on 29th

Had a buddy that worked their (Garlands) in circa. 63 and the buffet was 76 cents
for all you could eat. Red paid him .50 an hour to bus, .65 an hour to wash dishes
and .75 to work in kitchen. Don't dare drop a glass or you would pay for it. Before
my time though.
Too cool for school!

I remember Garland's having cottage cheese with pineapple. I'd eat $5 of that in
a sitting. I'm thinking the buffet was on a carousel that went into the kitchen so they
could refresh whatever was missing. I thought it was the greatest restaurant on Earth.

On Garlands, he seems to remember in that area where Browns is, but that was a few brain cells ago. They had a sword fish hanging on the wall and always had pineapple and cottage cheese.
He doesn't remember when Vern closed it.
BTW: used to eat at Shipman's on Central around 15th.

As I recall it, Andy Anderson moved Hardy's to that location after the original downtown location burned, but it didn't survive for very long. That would have been about 45 years ago, more or less... I remember the swordfish.

Andy, a bowling buddy and no relation to the hardware magnate of the same name, bought the rights to Hardy's at an auction and so far as I know it was his only venture into food service.

On Garlands, he seems to remember in that area where Browns is, but that was a few brain cells ago. They had a sword fish hanging on the wall and always had pineapple and cottage cheese.
He doesn't remember when Vern closed it.
BTW: used to eat at Shipman's on Central around 15th.

Stickman,
Ok, you got me, when was Shipman's ever on Central? I think (I hope, for my memory's sake) that you are confusing it with the one on Robinson. The one on Robinson was the original (I believe) and it wasn't till in the 60's that he opened a second one on Reno/Main (pretty sure it was Reno). I don't know of a third one. Maybe Jim remembers another Shipman's. As for Brown's, they were there in the 40's and are still there. Garlands certainly could have been in the general vicinity. And, amazing as it might seem, my (normally pretty good) memory may be failing me. I suppose Brown's could have moved a building or two to the East or West sometime in the past. But, I have been in Brown's recently (for old guys, recently can mean several years and that's what I mean this time) and it didn't look like a place that could have been a restaurant. It doesn't look big enough inside.
C. T.

As I recall it, Andy Anderson moved Hardy's to that location after the original downtown location burned, but it didn't survive for very long. That would have been about 45 years ago, more or less... I remember the swordfish.

Andy, a bowling buddy and no relation to the hardware magnate of the same name, bought the rights to Hardy's at an auction and so far as I know it was his only venture into food service.

Jim,
I remember the fire, but I don't remember them re-opening. I do remember the Hardy's sold ham sandwiches at the State Fair for quite a few years after the fire. My wife loved those sandwiches.
C. T.

Stickman,
Ok, you got me, when was Shipman's ever on Central? I think (I hope, for my memory's sake) that you are confusing it with the one on Robinson. The one on Robinson was the original (I believe) and it wasn't till in the 60's that he opened a second one on Reno/Main (pretty sure it was Reno). I don't know of a third one. Maybe Jim remembers another Shipman's. As for Brown's, they were there in the 40's and are still there. Garlands certainly could have been in the general vicinity. And, amazing as it might seem, my (normally pretty good) memory may be failing me. I suppose Brown's could have moved a building or two to the East or West sometime in the past. But, I have been in Brown's recently (for old guys, recently can mean several years and that's what I mean this time) and it didn't look like a place that could have been a restaurant. It doesn't look big enough inside.
C. T.

3rd Shipmans, across from Munzy's (spelling ?) garage by Teddy Joes. Second on Reno was E. of WW steel.

On Garlands, he seems to remember in that area where Browns is...
Brown's? Not sure what you mean. Brown's Bakery?


but that was a few brain cells ago. They had a sword fish hanging on the wall
and always had pineapple and cottage cheese.
He doesn't remember when Vern closed it.
I remember the swordfish.


... BTW: used to eat at Shipman's on Central around 15th.
That would have been around SW 15th and S. Robinson. That was
the last time I ate at Shipman's. But I ate at Shipman's on Reno many
times.

The biscuits were amazing. At least that's what I remember more than
anything. All you could eat and they even had real honey. NOT honey
sauce.

Brown's? Not sure what you mean. Brown's Bakery?

I remember the swordfish.

That would have been around SW 15th and S. Robinson. That was
the last time I ate at Shipman's. But I ate at Shipman's on Reno many
times.

The biscuits were amazing. At least that's what I remember more than
anything. All you could eat and they even had real honey. NOT honey
sauce.

PP,
No, he means 15th and Central, the one on Robinson was at about Southwest 4th and Robinson almost on top of the viaduct. It blew my mind, I had no idea there was a third Shipman's. And Browns was a coin and stamp store that's still there today. Biscuits? I hate biscuits, they served rolls and called them biscuits. I mentioned before that I love butter or margarine and they always set a tray of butter at your table, so that plus the honey was pretty darned good.
C. T.

PP,
No, he means 15th and Central, the one on Robinson was at about Southwest 4th
and Robinson almost on top of the viaduct.

It blew my mind, I had no idea there was a third Shipman's. And Browns was a coin
and stamp store that's still there today. Biscuits? I hate biscuits, they served rolls
and called them biscuits. I mentioned before that I love butter or margarine and they
always set a tray of butter at your table, so that plus the honey was pretty darned good.
C. T.
Dang, CT, I don't remember 15th and Central.

A coin and stamp store? No doubt about it... you're OLD!

I always thought that the "biscuits" were different. A friend of mine gave me a
recipe. I'm not sure it's accurate but it seems to be close.

Yes, maybe yeast biscuits with a tray of butter (margarine) and a bottle of honey.

I liked Shipman's. I only remember the one on Reno and the one on about
SW 15th and S. Robinson. I drove past the place 2 weeks ago. You said 15th
and Central. I don't remember that one,

At any rate, you're old. I'm only kinda old. Come to think of it, compared to
to you, I'm quite young. I mean, very, very young! LOL!

You've forgotten more than I remember.

Later,
PP

Dang, CT, I don't remember 15th and Central.

A coin and stamp store? No doubt about it... you're OLD!

I always thought that the "biscuits" were different. A friend of mine gave me a
recipe. I'm not sure it's accurate but it seems to be close.

Yes, maybe yeast biscuits with a tray of butter (margarine) and a bottle of honey.

I liked Shipman's. I only remember the one on Reno and the one on about
SW 15th and S. Robinson. I drove past the place 2 weeks ago. You said 15th
and Central. I don't remember that one,

At any rate, you're old. I'm only kinda old. Come to think of it, compared to
to you, I'm quite young. I mean, very, very young! LOL!

You've forgotten more than I remember.

Later,
PP

PP,
You have me confused, Stickman brought up the Shipman's on 15th and Central. And you are confused, the original wasn't on 15th and Robinson, it was closer to 5th and Robinson. I will drive over there this week and get the exact address because I'm not totally sure, but I am sure it was North of 15th. And since you are just a child, give me a little respect!
C. T.

This ad is from the Oklahoman in the 50's. It's for a waitress at Shipman's at 1022 S. Robinson.
10164

This ad is from the Oklahoman in the 50's. It's for a waitress at Shipman's at 1022 S. Robinson.
10164

Ljbab,
You got it! I was going to do a search this morning, now I don't need to. Looks like PP and I split the difference. I was certain that the viaduct was further North than 10th and Shipman's was right at the South entrance to the viaduct. Well, I think I will to try and locate information about Shipman's number 3 at 15th and Central, and maybe try and find a Garland's ad.
C. T.

Well, I shouldn't go hungry for a while, I have a lot of crow to munch on. Sometime between 1946 and now, Brown's Coin and Stamp moved from 529 S. W. 29th to 537 S. W. 29th, and Garland's was originally in that building. I didn't get any crow credit for Shipman's number 3 because I just didn't know about it and wasn't questioning it's existence. I hope the attachments are readable.
C. T.

Well, I shouldn't go hungry for a while, I have a lot of crow to munch on. Sometime between 1946 and now, Brown's Coin and Stamp moved from 529 S. W. 29th to 537 S. W. 29th, and Garland's was originally in that building. I didn't get any crow credit for Shipman's number 3 because I just didn't know about it and wasn't questioning it's existence. I hope the attachments are readable.
C. T.

Good job, I will have to show my buddy. He did say there was a doughnut shop across the street from Garland's. Maybe called "Dennis Doughnuts" /

Good job, I will have to show my buddy. He did say there was a doughnut shop across the street from Garland's. Maybe called "Dennis Doughnuts" /

Stickman,
The big swing is to Dennis Doughnuts! That was one of their ads. My absolute favorite doughnuts, but I went to the one in the 1200 block of S. W. 29th, it was the main one and was closer to my house. I don't remember one that far East, but that doesn't mean anything. When I was throwing papers I would pick up a half dozen hot doughnuts. Dennis expanded too quickly and ran into financial problems, so he just shut them down. He also had a car dealership in Chandler and I bought my first nearly new car there in 1965. It really bugs me that I can barely remember that a Garland's existed and I have no other memory of them. That was my "stomping grounds", it's where I grew up.
C. T.