Old Restaurants

[Prunepicker]

The Rustic Inn, 39th & Portland, has been closed for over 20 years, I think.
Bummer when it closed.

You are correctomundo! It was one of the few 24 hour restaurants in town.
A place where any respectable drunk could sober up before driving home?

I remember it every time I drive by that location. Now it's a mail box place.

[biznesschic1959]

Remember it well. I Graduated from Bishop McGuinness HS. That was when you dressed up to eat out.

[MWCGuy]

Does anybody remember when many Sonic's changed over to for a short time to Star's?

[Prunepicker]

Does anybody remember when many Sonic's changed over to for a short
time to Star's?

This sounds familiar but I can't put a finger on it. I'm going to guess it was
in the 80's.

[RadicalModerate]

Does anybody remember when many Sonic's changed over to for a short time to Star's?

No . . . I don't. Yet I do recall when The All-American Diner, out in Jones, changed/morphed/evolved into a Sonic . . . =)

[RadicalModerate]

I KNEW there was once a Sussy's out there on NE 23rd . . . and now I feel validated. =)
(we used to drive by it, when I was a kid visiting down here, and I always noticed the portable sign parked out in front).

Does anyone remember a "Cajun" restaurant that I seem to recall was in some sort of small shopping mall?
I know that is awfully vague, but the food there was very good. It was the first place that I ever enjoyed "Blackened" fish.
This would have been back in the late 70's or early 80's.

Oh! And the place I'm thinking of didn't have a door to the outside of the shopping center.
It was an interior restaurant, inside of the shopping center.

[RadicalModerate]

So . . . Here's one that just popped into my mind, when thinking about Fine Old Restaurants: The Keller in the Kastle (over there, south of 10th and MacArthur). We ate there a few times and, although it was a bit "spendy", everything was invariably flawless. Where else could you get a smoked trout appetizer with a wonderful horseradish sauce to set the tone for what was to follow? And, in addition to being in a building/house that defined "unique", the entire grounds--or setting--of the place was nearly miraculous in its ambiance. Especially considering all that was just outside the perimeter of the establishment. (I was particularly fond of the Jaegerschnitzel. =)

[ctchandler]

RM,
We ate there once, but we were spoiled by Old Germany. The food was fine, just not my favorite German place. And of course, living in Northeast OKC, it was easier (not closer) to get to Old Germany.
C. T.

So . . . Here's one that just popped into my mind, when thinking about Fine Old Restaurants: The Keller in the Kastle (over there, south of 10th and MacArthur). We ate there a few times and, although it was a bit "spendy", everything was invariably flawless. Where else could you get a smoked trout appetizer with a wonderful horseradish sauce to set the tone for what was to follow? And, in addition to being in a building/house that defined "unique", the entire grounds--or setting--of the place was nearly miraculous in its ambiance. Especially considering all that was just outside the perimeter of the establishment. (I was particularly fond of the Jaegerschnitzel. =)

[ctchandler]

Another place worth mentioning is the Chandelle, the original rotating restaurant in Founder's Tower. I only ate there once and it was excellent. We were young and it was a little pricey while raising two boys and by the time we felt like we could afford it, it was gone.
C. T.

[Prunepicker]

Another place worth mentioning is the Chandelle, the original rotating
restaurant in Founder's Tower. I only ate there once and it was excellent.
We were young and it was a little pricey while raising two boys and by
the time we felt like we could afford it, it was gone.
C. T.

Dad would take us there for Sunday brunch at least 2 times per month.
I didn't care for it. When Dad would ask where we wanted to eat we'd
yell Herman's or Swyden's, it was on @ SW 40th and S May. I liked
the carousel but, for a kid, the buffet wasn't too appealing. I wanted
fried chicken or fish. Kids don't appreciate salads and roast beef like
adults do.

One cool thing was I got to take dates there and sign the check. Talk
about feeling like Mister Big. The ladies menu didn't have prices listed so
they could honestly order what they wanted without feeling guilty. In
the late 60's the average tab was about $30 for 2.

Bonjour monsieur Prunie et mademoiselle. Voulez-vous le carrousel?
Oui monsieur (the maitre 'd is taking us to our reserved table). The Chef
has prepared a special menu for you if you so desire (hey, I'm 16 years
old and this old dude is treating me like I'm important). In the meantime
mademoiselle your menu and monsieur Prunie, yours. Bon appetite.

Now it's, "hi guys! Waddya wanna drink? Want some queso and chips
with that?" Today's special is ... (spoken at the speed of light and
incomprehensible.)

Oy for civility to return to civilization.

[RadicalModerate]

RM,
We ate there once, but we were spoiled by Old Germany. The food was fine, just not my favorite German place. And of course, living in Northeast OKC, it was easier (not closer) to get to Old Germany.
C. T.

That place down on S. Sooner 'round Moore ain't no slouch . . .
But it ain't necessarily, nor actually, an "Old Restaurant" . . . =)

[Jeepnokc]

That place down on S. Sooner 'round Moore ain't no slouch . . .
But it ain't necessarily, nor actually, an "Old Restaurant" . . . =)

We swore off there. (royal Bavaria) Just too much nickel and diming on the tab. Last time we went, they charged a split plate fee because one of the moms with us shared her meal with her 3 y/o. (It isn't like a Mexican place where they bring free food out. I understand a plate charge when the person is eating chips salsa and queso and not ordering entree. Here you pay for everything) Their kids plate are way too expensive. I don't mind overpaying for our meals but don't stick it to me on a kids plate of prepackaged frozen food. If I remember the kids dinner was 7 bucks for frozen chicken fingers and fries or two hot dogs and fries. Did not include a drink either. The average kid's price at most places for this type of meal is 5 bucks including drink. On adult meals. they charge 2 bucks to substitute sides when you could order the side as an extra to the meal for about 2 bucks also. No one likes to feel like they are getting screwed. I sent the owner a letter afterwards including pointing out that the per person average of the six adults' meals, drinks, apps, and dessert was almost $50.00 a person after subtracting the kid's item and he never even took the time to respond to me. His prerogative but my prerogative to never go back. Considering that the menu entrees are 15-25 dollars, having 6 adults that have no problem with averaging $50 per person are customers that you want. Cut your nose off in spite of your face. We now go to Castle Falls, Ingrids, or Old Germany. Will not even go to Das Boot as the same guy owns it.

[bluedogok]

We ate at Keller once when we came into town for Christmas once year, it was pretty good but I do prefer Royal Bavaria on Sooner Road. My father is involved in the West Tenth Association and so are the owners of Keller so he knows the owners pretty well and has made some wood boxes for them.

[Prunepicker]

We ate at Keller once when we came into town for Christmas once year,
it was pretty good but I do prefer Royal Bavaria on Sooner Road. My
father is involved in the West Tenth Association and so are the owners of
Keller so he knows the owners pretty well and has made some wood boxes
for them.

The Keller was pretty good. Odd thing, I had to specifically order red
cabbage (rot kohl) for my meal. I've always considered it to be a staple
with the sauerkraut. So much for my western North Carolina/ German
roots in the culinary arts.

I've not had the opportunity to eat at the Royal Bavaria. German food
is so subjective. I believe much of our acceptance has to do with how
our mothers prepared food.

I can tell you that the only thing I like at the Old Germantown restaurant
in Choctaw is the sauerbraten. OGT had a creamy gravy that was to
die for and the roast beef was incredibly tender. The rest of their menu
wasn't very good. That goes for the wiener schnizel, meat balls, brats,
rot kohl and sauerkraut.

The Keller and Ingrid's is far, far better as far as my taste is concerned.

[Tritone]

I can remember Keller in the Kastle or what ever it is when Mr. Blecka lived there. Beautiful house inside and out. Haven't been there since it became a restaurant.

[Jeepnokc]

I can remember Keller in the Kastle or what ever it is when Mr. Blecka lived there. Beautiful house inside and out. Haven't been there since it became a restaurant.

It is interesting now as they have three or four different areas you can reserve in. One area doesn't allow kids under twelve, one is more romantic. They added a huge banquet facility next door and it is more casual than the house. Food, beer, and wine selection are excellent if you like German wines or German beer.

[Urbanized]

By the way, for those who haven't driven by lately, the old Sleepy Hollow location was razed about two weeks ago. It's now a dirt lot.

[Jeepnokc]

By the way, for those who haven't driven by lately, the old Sleepy Hollow location was razed about two weeks ago. It's now a dirt lot.

I saw that yesterday. Any clue what they are going to do with the lot?

[Urbanized]

I really don't. I just drive by it fairly often when checking on our zoo operation, and noticed the demo. I have no idea what condition the building was in, but seeing it demolished definitely made me nostalgic and more than a bit bummed out. Sortof like when a key member of one of your defunct favorite bands dies, and you know now that there will never be a reunion. It's not like I have a strong emotional connection to Sleepy Hollow, but I'll admit that I was always hoping for a reprise.

[Garin]

The menu at Crystals pizza.

[Computerguy]

Thank you for posting the menu, I haven't seen that in a while. Is that an Alka Seltzer costume?

[Urbanized]

I didn't remember it being so creepy.

[Garin]

I didn't remember it being so creepy.

That must have been early on , cause i didn't remember that either.

[RadicalModerate]

Does anyone remember a place over on the west side--maybe 16th or 23rd and MacArthur or Rockwell?--called "Little's"? It was on the south side of the street and had some of the best hamburgers ever. Nicely char-broiled. It was like driving to the other side of the galaxy for me, back in the day, but I liked to stop in there whenever I was on that side of town.

[OSUMom]

Does anyone remember a place over on the west side--maybe 16th or 23rd and MacArthur or Rockwell?--called "Little's"? It was on the south side of the street and had some of the best hamburgers ever. Nicely char-broiled. It was like driving to the other side of the galaxy for me, back in the day, but I liked to stop in there whenever I was on that side of town.

Was it Littles or Little Mike's? I used to eat at a Little Mikes.