Juniors
2601 Northwest Expressway
848-5597
Have you wondered what a 1980s cruise ship might be like? Forget time travel, just go to Juniors. This underground (literally) lounge exudes retro decadence from floor to ceiling. If you sit in the lounge, youll get a show with singers and sometimes a guest saxophonist on jazz nights.
Known for its exceptional steaks and talkabout-town Caesar salad, it all goes down a little better with a brandy ice.
Reds Southern Diner
840 W. Danforth, Edmond
509-2635
Its hard to go wrong with Southern food. And by hard, I mean its impossible. Dont play around with appetizers.
Just hop right into the main event with fried chicken, chicken-fried steak or pot pie or, if intense hunger prevails, all three. Paired with fried okra or creamed corn, the feast is a good ol Southern splurge. Follow Reds on Twitter at @ Reds_Diner for an occasional reminder and special offers.
Castle Falls
820 N. Macarthur
613-1398
Its not called a castle for nothin. This spot is perfect for a special occasion. In fact, theres even a package if youre planning to propose or celebrate an anniversary, both starting at $250 for two people. The menu features items like German beer cheese soup and Bavarian pretzel with sauces. For the main course, try Prince Josephs pork loin or Ladies of the Castles Jaegar chicken, which is marinated then topped with mushrooms and served on a bed of cilantro rice.
Coriander Cafe
323 White, Norman
801-3958
This Vietnamese
restaurant is based on authentic recipes passed down through the
generations of proprietor Christopher Lê. He and his business partner,
chef Jeremiah Caldwell, have crafted an easy-to-navigate menu thats
reminiscent of traditional dishes, but flavored with contemporary dining
tastes. Start with a banh mi sandwich, rice bowl, noodle salad or
lettuce wrap and add on protein and veggies. The banh mi is made with
daily fresh-baked French baguettes and the house-made chicken pâté.
Kamps 1910 Cafe
10 N.E. 10th
230-1910
Just east of the train
tracks, the classic sign politely invites everyone in to dine. Dont
fight the urge to indulge for breakfast, lunch or tapas. The Boxcar
Burrito is full of scrambled eggs, roasted potatoes, sautéed green
peppers and onions and cheese. For something lighter, grab the fruit
salad or yogurt. For lunch try one of the sandwiches like The Broadway
with grilled portobellos or the Midtown Wrap, a tortilla stuffed with
spinach, tomatoes and red onions. Dont pass up the tapas or beer and
wine menu.
The Library Food & Spirits
119 N. Robinson
235-8880
Tucked away in the
basement of the Robinson Renaissance Building, this gem is decorated
like an old library and great for dining or grabbing a drink. Comfort
food abounds, which makes sense in this cozy locale. Start with potato
skins topped with chili and cheese, or try the house salad. Also worth
checking out: The Literati Club with ham, turkey and bacon; or the
Cinderellas Choice, a salad with marinated chicken breast topped with
sautéed peppers and onions and grilled pineapple.
Signature Grill
1317 E. Danforth, Edmond
330-4548
Dont
forget to make reservations, because this Edmond nook is always full
for dinner. With appetizers like puff pastry baked with duck confit and
mushrooms and sautéed jumbo shrimp with saffron, curry and white wine
butter sauce, its popularity isnt surprising. For
dinner have the Chilean sea bass or pan-seared scallops with grilled
oyster mushrooms. Dont neglect the sides: scalloped potatoes and
grilled asparagus with heart of palm are excellent choices to round out
your meal.
Photos by Shannon Cornman, Mark Hancock and Jordan Ensminger