National organizations and publications from the James Beard Foundation to the Saturday Evening Post have praised the work and creativity of hospitality veterans like Florence Jones and Chef Andrew Black. We’ve compiled a selection of Black-owned restaurants in OKC that demonstrate the highest levels of culinary and hospitality excellence.
Grey Sweater
Chef Andrew Black just received his second consecutive James Beard Award nomination (Best Chef Southwest) for his fine dining concept Grey Sweater. While it’s certainly the pinnacle of OKC fine dining, his other concept, Black Walnut, features one of the city’s most eclectic menus from branzino to charred ponzu steak, as well as excellent cocktail and wine lists.
Eastside Pizza House
When OKC’s most famous rapper Jabee (Jonathan Blake Williams, Jr.) opened his northeast-side pizza place, very few locals knew what to expect. The black crust was an aesthetic surprise, and the quality won the city over. The Deep Deuce is the perfect meat-lovers pizza, but Jabee’s personal favorite has his name and features roasted corn, jalapenos, and chipotle aioli for a smoky, spicy kick.
Florence’s Restaurant
The press has been appropriately effusive in their praise for Florence Jones, the Boley, Oklahoma-native and child of sharecroppers who founded her eponymous restaurant in 1952. The James Beard Foundation awarded Jones an American Classics award last year, 70 years into the life of her northeast OKC soul and Southern food restaurant. Regulars love the yam fried chicken, turkey neck bones, greens, cornbread, catfish and the daily specials. Last year, Jones also opened a full bar and patio, expanding the excellent options at the restaurant.
Gilded Acorn
Another Chef Black concept – this one in The National – Gilded Acorn features Champagne, oysters, pastries, salads and the city’s best egg salad sandwich. It’s as much a day-drinking spot as it is downtown lunch destination and girls’ night out gathering place.
Off the Hook
This Southern and seafood concept started as a truck, but now they have a brick-and-mortar spot just off Broadway Extension. The restaurant offers seafood baskets, frog legs, delicious mac ‘n’ cheese and Cajun specialties.
Polk House
For the truly adventurous, this Eastside Southern eatery has Soul Food Sunday that features some of the best dishes you’ll find in the city, including pork neck bones, salmon patties, wings, pork chops and desserts that are an absolute must.
Find more black-owned restaurants in OKC here.
