Top 5 Best of Oklahoma Budget Restaurants

5. Earl's Rib Palace (OKC) - When it comes to BBQ you would have a hard time finding better in Oklahoma than Earl's Rib Palace. I think It's only fitting that this restaurant is titled "palace" instead of shack, or domain or any other typical word that follows after "rib" or "BBQ" for most restaurants. While Earl's does have five locations across the OKC area, it does not seem to have caused a decrease in quality, which we see in many once popular local restaurants. The food is deliciously smoked, the service is fast and the prices are reasonable for good BBQ -- about $10 per plate. There is really only one downside to Earl's, and that is the health factor. But, when you are going for BBQ this should not be a real concern.

4. Fat Guy's Burger Bar (Tulsa) - While the burgers at Fat Guy’s are on the pricey side, as burgers go, for a restaurant this good I find the prices to be just right. $5 - $8 is typical price ranges for Fat Guy’s but the quality and the service is well worth it. This restaurant not only provides arguable the best burgers in all of Oklahoma, but also some of the most unique anywhere. Famous for their peanut butter burger – which I personally tried Thai style (including Thai chili, and pineapple), they also leave room for creativity by allowing you to create your own experiment, and also choose from a variety of starter options.

3. Arbuckle Mountain Fried Pies (Interstate 35, near Davis, Oklahoma) – If you didn’t know heaven was located in a tiny gas station near Davis, Oklahoma then you haven’t been to Arbuckle Mountain Fried Pies. This tiny location doesn’t look like much, but upon entering you will find it to be the best aromatic experience of your life – and that’s before you taste the pies! These pies are made fresh daily, are reasonably priced, and are even cheaper when you order in bulk! The best part is their call in service – if you know you will coming by the station, you can call the store at 580-369-7830, and fresh pies will be made just for you when you arrive.

2. Sam & Ella’s Chicken Palace (Tahlequah, and Tulsa, OK) – The original Sam & Ella’s opened in Tahlequah and was a huge hit among locals, and eventually lured people from other cities to try their unbelievable subs and pizzas. Recently another location was added in Tulsa which encompassed all of the beauty of its mother restaurant. Heavy on the cheese, and heavy on the delicious, Sam & Ella’s is a treat not to be missed. The prices are also reasonable – but remember the Tulsa location is carry-out only.

1. Meers Store & Restaurant (Meers, Oklahoma) – One of the best hidden treasures of Oklahoma, Meers is a spot-in-the-road town that includes a single store and restaurant. But this is not just your normal burger joint; in Meers they take their food seriously. Established in 1901, this shack of a restaurant is not much to look at, and the long wait had me wondering why I was there in the first place. But upon tasting their locally bred 97% lean grass fed Longhorn beef Meersburger, I forgot about everything but the heaven that is the Meersburger itself. And if you find that a normal Meersburger isn’t enough, they even serve a 7” Giant Meersburger to satiate your hunger. With a side of freedom fries there is no other place in Oklahoma where you can get food like this.

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, Oklahoma City Budget Travel Examiner

Brittney Stewart is a student/freelance writer living in Healdton Oklahoma. She loves traveling around the state and sharing, through writing, the secrets of traveling on a budget. Brittney has published countless articles online to websites like The Right Punch. Email Brittney.

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