Best Burgers in OKC

[Plutonic Panda]

I still haven’t had a Nics burger but personally the best burger I’ve ever had has been at Republic in Classen Curve which is the burger featured in the 405 article.

Here’s their list:

Here are 10 Messy Burgers You Need to Try Now.

Big Water Grill, 800 Riversport Dr., OKC

Chef Nathan Frejo’s Eddy Burger can be upgraded to a Big Eddy Burger, which doubles the meat to a half pound. It comes with BWG sauce, Monterey Jack cheese and the appropriate vegetables, making for a delicious mess.

Guyutes, 730 NW 23rd St., OKC

The Return of the Mac is what it sounds like: a huge burger with mac ‘n’ cheese between the patties, topped with a couple of golden onion rings. The tomato concasse and spicy mayo add to the layers of flavor, and you’ll need both hands for this one.

Jamil’s Steakhouse, 4910 N. Lincoln, OKC

The Supreme Court Burger comes with Jamil’s delicious house-made pimento cheese (yes, it’s a little spicy), and we highly recommend adding bacon. The pretzel bun is a nice choice and holds up well to this burger’s half pound of beef.

McClintock’s Saloon and Chop House, 2227 Exchange Ave., OKC

The Back-to-Bed-Burger is the most accurately named on the list, since former Chef Ethan Williams designed the full meal on a bun to be nap-inducing. It comes with two eggs, cheddar, tater tots and a ham steak, and they do provide a knife to get you started.

Ned’s Starlite Lounge, 7301 N. May Ave., OKC

It’s an homage to the Italian joint that used to occupy the space, so the Nomad Burger comes with fried pepperoni and a roasted garlic-tomato reduction to complement the grilled onions and peppers, and mozzarella cheese. Eat this one over the plate.

Patty Wagon, 3600 N. May Ave., OKC

Everything about this place is old-school awesome, including the onion rings, and that’s why it’s on both lists. The Big John Double is satisfying even as a single, but as a double, the combination of pepper jack cheese, green chiles, jalapenos and spicy mayo makes this a feast for two.

RePUBlic Gastropub, 5830 N. Classen Blvd., OKC

The Belle Isle Burger might be a legit knife-and-fork burger, largely due to the beer cheese fondue that accompanies the grilled onions and sauteed mushrooms.

Shuff’s Main Street Grill, 112 W. Main St., Jones
It’s worth the drive to Jones to enjoy the throwback charm of this popular diner, including the double-meat chili cheeseburger. You’ll want a spoon to get the extra chili, and don’t go during the high school lunch break or you’ll end up waiting for a spot.

Spark, 300 Oklahoma City Blvd., OKC
OKC’s newest burger destination also made both lists, and it’s impossible to order the wrong thing at this Scissortail Park anchor. The Spark Hottie has a Schwab’s ghost pepper cheese hot link, swiss cheese, spicy truffle aioli and Louisiana hot sauce for an extra kick.

Tucker’s Onion Burgers, tuckersonionburgers.com
The onions are on top so this one is a bit of a hybrid, but it’s also a delicious, messy, monster of a burger. The Mother Tucker is a pound of beef, so plan your day accordingly, or take a friend to split it with.

https://www.405magazine.com/10-messy...ed-to-try-now/

I’ll second Tuckers as a solid burger. For fast food or drive thru I enjoy Johnies particularly because of the fat shredded cheese. Over the next couple weeks I intend on trying out Nics, Bar Arbolada, and Spark for the first time.

[PaddyShack]

I still place the burgers at La Baguette on N. May as my favorite. They have a unique blend of ground beef that cannot be bested IMO. I must try a burger at Nic's, the walk up place, the lounge was good but didn't live up to the hype everyone talks about. (The food and space was good, but the service was really bad, and there were some seedy patrons that were taking away from the atmosphere).

We have been trying to complete the OK Route 66 passport and you come across a ton of burger joints along the way. I wouldn't mind a passport book for burgers across the entire state!

[Plutonic Panda]

Every time I try to go to Nics, I take one look at the line and think to myself yeah this isn’t worth it. But either this week or the next I’m going to tough it out and get one.

[TheTravellers]

Every time I try to go to Nics, I take one look at the line and think to myself yeah this isn’t worth it. But either this week or the next I’m going to tough it out and get one.

It's decent, but not great, it's pretty much just a standard diner burger. Get there before they open or go on a rainy day and the line shouldn't be too bad.

[Pete]

Any list by Greg Horton (which that one is) features the places where he's friendly with the operators and they give him free food and drink as long as he keeps pumping sunshine about them.

That must not be the case at Bar Arbolada and Nic's, because by consensus they are near the very best in town (and justifiably so) but not on his list.


I would trust the opinion of most posters here over any local food writer; at least people here are honest and not corrupted with undisclosed freebies. Dave Cathey is every bit as bad.

[Plutonic Panda]

I keep hearing about Bar Arbolada but from the typical Oklahoman type sources. Pete have you been there? Any truth to their quality of burgers?

[Pete]

I keep hearing about Bar Arbolada but from the typical Oklahoman type sources. Pete have you been there? Any truth to their quality of burgers?

Yes, they are fantastic.

Flycatcher Club will open soon (next to Beer City Music Hall) and will serve that burger and more.

[TheTravellers]

I keep hearing about Bar Arbolada but from the typical Oklahoman type sources. Pete have you been there? Any truth to their quality of burgers?

Not Pete, but we went there tonight before seeing Neptune Frost at Rodeo on Film Row, and can attest that they're pretty damn good. It's like if there was an ideal Steak'n'Shake or Freddy's burger that was on a pedestal somewhere that both of those copied, but Arbolada has the one on the pedestal. Two skinny patties with crispy edges, everything's in perfect proportions (mustard, ketchup, onions, 2-3 pickle slices, cheese, bun, patties), and the taste of the patties is fantastic. Fries are the same way - on a pedestal that McD's copied. I've never had fries anywhere that were too hot to pick up, but these were and they were super-crispy. All in all, one of the best burgers in OKC (dunno about America, but certainly OKC).

[sooner88]

Not Pete, but we went there tonight before seeing Neptune Frost at Rodeo on Film Row, and can attest that they're pretty damn good. It's like if there was an ideal Steak'n'Shake or Freddy's burger that was on a pedestal somewhere that both of those copied, but Arbolada has the one on the pedestal. Two skinny patties with crispy edges, everything's in perfect proportions (mustard, ketchup, onions, 2-3 pickle slices, cheese, bun, patties), and the taste of the patties is fantastic. Fries are the same way - on a pedestal that McD's copied. I've never had fries anywhere that were too hot to pick up, but these were and they were super-crispy. All in all, one of the best burgers in OKC (dunno about America, but certainly OKC).

We were there as well before the Flatland Calvary concert. I've had their burger more times than I count, and it's still my favorite no frills burger in the city.

[Jheat]

I would recommend trying the Picasso Burger at Picasso Cafe. Not a burger place but they make a damn good burger. Bar Arbolada's burger is very good and I will go back there next time I am back in OKC.

[soonerguru]

Not in OKC, but Sid's in El Reno is the gold standard of onion burgers. Sorry to say but my last two visits to Tucker's were pretty underwhelming, one at the Classen Curve location (which was just bad), and the second time at the original spot on 23rd. I was jaded having eaten at Sid's just days earlier.

The original Nic's (very important distinction, not the place on Robinson) is awesome, just strap on the feedbag for sure. You can certainly call that an onion burger, too, it's just kind of in a class of its own.

The burger at Bar Arbolada is kind of like the perfect American burger, like what McDonald's would be if it was really good. I can see why it got the attention of Alton Brown, because it's just no nonsense but perfectly seasoned, cooked and dressed.

I have had the burger at Palo Santo three times and it was excellent. The last time it was a little too heavy on the sauce, which kind of brought it down a notch. Still, I would have no hesitancy recommending Palo Santo for anything. The burger pairs nicely with their top notch French fries, easily among the best you can get in OKC.

Also, I haven't been yet and not in OKC (Moore) but I would like to try out Hi-Fi Burgershop. The social media photos (I know, I know) of the burgers look delicious.

I still get the occasional craving for a theta burger from Johnnie's (and other times, their chili cheese burger).

For a newcomer, I think Spark is pretty good, too.

My favorite old-fashioned style burger I had in the last year was at Arnold's in Tulsa. About as good as anything I've had anywhere representing a mouthwatering, perfect classic burger.

[TheTravellers]

Not in OKC, but Sid's in El Reno is the gold standard of onion burgers. Sorry to say but my last two visits to Tucker's were pretty underwhelming, one at the Classen Curve location (which was just bad), and the second time at the original spot on 23rd. I was jaded having eaten at Sid's just days earlier.

The original Nic's (very important distinction, not the place on Robinson) is awesome, just strap on the feedbag for sure. You can certainly call that an onion burger, too, it's just kind of in a class of its own.

The burger at Bar Arbolada is kind of like the perfect American burger, like what McDonald's would be if it was really good. I can see why it got the attention of Alton Brown, because it's just no nonsense but perfectly seasoned, cooked and dressed.

I have had the burger at Palo Santo three times and it was excellent. The last time it was a little too heavy on the sauce, which kind of brought it down a notch. Still, I would have no hesitancy recommending Palo Santo for anything. The burger pairs nicely with their top notch French fries, easily among the best you can get in OKC.

Also, I haven't been yet and not in OKC (Moore) but I would like to try out Hi-Fi Burgershop. The social media photos (I know, I know) of the burgers look delicious.

I still get the occasional craving for a theta burger from Johnnie's (and other times, their chili cheese burger).

For a newcomer, I think Spark is pretty good, too.

My favorite old-fashioned style burger I had in the last year was at Arnold's in Tulsa. About as good as anything I've had anywhere representing a mouthwatering, perfect classic burger.

Will second the Palo Santo burger, their chicken sandwich is pretty good too, we're probably going to eat there before the Belle & Sebastian show since it got moved to Beer City Music Hall (yay, don't have to deal with Friday night Bricktown, lol).

This may start something, but isn't a true "onion burger" one that has had onions mixed with the meat in the patty and then grilled (Sid's) as opposed to what a ton of people call an "onion burger" which is really just a "burger with grilled onions on top" (Tucker's, I believe (I can't eat there because they use peanut oil to fry *and* on the grill), and Nic's, IIRC)?

[soonerguru]

Will second the Palo Santo burger, their chicken sandwich is pretty good too, we're probably going to eat there before the Belle & Sebastian show since it got moved to Beer City Music Hall (yay, don't have to deal with Friday night Bricktown, lol).

This may start something, but isn't a true "onion burger" one that has had onions mixed with the meat in the patty and then grilled (Sid's) as opposed to what a ton of people call an "onion burger" which is really just a "burger with grilled onions on top" (Tucker's, I believe (I can't eat there because they use peanut oil to fry *and* on the grill), and Nic's, IIRC)?

No. Sid's grills them with the burger, not in the burger, as does Johnny's in El Reno. It's just that they do it better than Tucker's, and I have a hunch why My Tucker's burger was uber greasy and the meat didn't taste as good. Tucker's doesn't cook the onions long enough to get them properly caramelized, or the burger for that matter. Sid's uses very thin patties which get a crispy texture along with the caramelized onions on the grill. Because of this, they don't ooze with grease when they're served, as Tucker's do. Onion burgers shouldn't be dripping with grease when they're served and the patties should be slightly caramelized, along with the onions.

Nic's is much more like the El Reno approach but with much bigger burgers. It's a different animal, but they do get the onions wonderfully caramelized and their meat is just delicious.

[shartel_ave]

No. Sid's grills them with the burger, not in the burger, as does Johnny's in El Reno. It's just that they do it better than Tucker's, and I have a hunch why My Tucker's burger was uber greasy and the meat didn't taste as good. Tucker's doesn't cook the onions long enough to get them properly caramelized, or the burger for that matter. Sid's uses very thin patties which get a crispy texture along with the caramelized onions on the grill. Because of this, they don't ooze with grease when they're served, as Tucker's do. Onion burgers shouldn't be dripping with grease when they're served and the patties should be slightly caramelized, along with the onions.

Nic's is much more like the El Reno approach but with much bigger burgers. It's a different animal, but they do get the onions wonderfully caramelized and their meat is just delicious.

Which Tuckers? I go to the NW23rd one and it’s solid and blows out either of the El Reno spots. Tuckers uses prime beef and they cook the pattie thin and perfectly caramelize the onions IMO

if tuckers weren’t doing things proper there wouldn’t be expanding and would have went out of business

[soonerguru]

Which Tuckers? I go to the NW23rd one and it’s solid and blows out either of the El Reno spots. Tuckers uses prime beef and they cook the pattie thin and perfectly caramelize the onions IMO

if tuckers weren’t doing things proper there wouldn’t be expanding and would have went out of business

Blows out the El Reno spots? What? You are the only person who has ever made that claim.

I guess it's entirely possible that the last two visits to Tucker's, at two separate locations, both within the last three months, were flukes. Who knows? My burger was most definitely not caramelized, the onions were just oily and half done, and the burger was greasy. The meat did not taste like prime beef and was not well seasoned.

I have been to Tucker's 10 times since it opened and it has never once rated as high as Sid's in El Reno. Different strokes for different folks.

[onthestrip]

No. Sid's grills them with the burger, not in the burger, as does Johnny's in El Reno. It's just that they do it better than Tucker's, and I have a hunch why My Tucker's burger was uber greasy and the meat didn't taste as good. Tucker's doesn't cook the onions long enough to get them properly caramelized, or the burger for that matter. Sid's uses very thin patties which get a crispy texture along with the caramelized onions on the grill. Because of this, they don't ooze with grease when they're served, as Tucker's do. Onion burgers shouldn't be dripping with grease when they're served and the patties should be slightly caramelized, along with the onions.

Nic's is much more like the El Reno approach but with much bigger burgers. It's a different animal, but they do get the onions wonderfully caramelized and their meat is just delicious.

I dont think Tuckers slices their onions as fine as the El Reno joints, therefore their onions dont get cooked as thorough. Sometimes you get some tough pieces of onions in their burgers where the others have very thin cooked and sometimes crispy onions. Both are typically good though, but I'm partial to the OGs.

[shartel_ave]

I dont think Tuckers slices their onions as fine as the El Reno joints, therefore their onions dont get cooked as thorough. Sometimes you get some tough pieces of onions in their burgers where the others have very thin cooked and sometimes crispy onions. Both are typically good though, but I'm partial to the OGs.

I completely disagree and you can look at pics on IG and on Google

We are having tuckers delivered now, I’ll post a pic

Granted, when it comes to food it’s all subjective and opinion based and I respect all opinions

[Pete]

Palo Santo is just great all around.

So happy to see that they have gained a loyal following.

[gjl]

Belle Isle Brewery - Honey-Pepper bacon Burger.

[Rover]

Will second the Palo Santo burger, their chicken sandwich is pretty good too, we're probably going to eat there before the Belle & Sebastian show since it got moved to Beer City Music Hall (yay, don't have to deal with Friday night Bricktown, lol).

This may start something, but isn't a true "onion burger" one that has had onions mixed with the meat in the patty and then grilled (Sid's) as opposed to what a ton of people call an "onion burger" which is really just a "burger with grilled onions on top" (Tucker's, I believe (I can't eat there because they use peanut oil to fry *and* on the grill), and Nic's, IIRC)?

Isn’t the proper way to make an onion burger to start the onions on the grille, then take a ball of meat and smash it onto the onions? I don’t think the onions are actually mixed in with the meat to start with.

[Pete]

Isn’t the proper way to make an onion burger to start the onions on the grille, then take a ball of meat and smash it onto the onions? I don’t think the onions are actually mixed in with the meat to start with.

Yes. Or, you put the patty on first, top with a ton of onions and then after a few minutes, flip it over so the onion-side is on the gridle.

It's the only way to caramelize the onions properly. I think the cover-with-onions-and-flip method is how Tucker's and most the authentic places in Oklahoma do it.

[TheTravellers]

Isn’t the proper way to make an onion burger to start the onions on the grille, then take a ball of meat and smash it onto the onions? I don’t think the onions are actually mixed in with the meat to start with.

Originally it was done that way (onions mixed in), but I guess that's gone by the wayside now in favor of the method you and Pete said?

[TheTravellers]

Originally it was done that way (onions mixed in), but I guess that's gone by the wayside now in favor of the method you and Pete said?

Just did some more research and it sounds like they weren't exactly mixed in completely, but smashed on top of the meat, but not sure if the patty was on the grill yet or not (sounds like a patty got put on the grill and onions smashed into the top, then the patty was flipped, per Pete's post).

[gjl]

So only an onion burger can be a best burger?

[TheTravellers]

So only an onion burger can be a best burger?

Ha, good point... For me the best burger is a theta, but I've been searching for a good one ever since Irma's closed. Their sauce was great, best theta sauce I've ever had (and their burgers are the best I've had in OKC, but Lipsmackers (RIP) was second). Ones I've had that don't do it - Patty Wagon, S&B, Burger Punk, Johnnie's. It either has BBQ sauce on it, or the "hickory/theta" sauce is too BBQ-y, tomato-y, not enough smoky taste, whatever, they just don't measure up to Irma's. Found out RePublic has one while poking around, need to try it, theirs is a porter-hickory sauce.

Interesting article about the origin of theta sauce, knew some of it, but not the info before Split-T - https://www.oklahoman.com/story/ente...d/60532743007/

Also, forgot about Red Rooster - their burger is pretty good, need to build my own next time, better than Burger Punk's down the street.