sized pizzas are available as well as your standard medium and

Eating and Drinking In Stillwater
For its size, Stillwater is blessed with an abundance of restaurants. In
addition to a myriad of fast food eateries, a prospective diner has an extensive
choice of low, medium, and high priced establishments. Five star restaurants are
in short supply (non-existent actually) but fairly good food is plentiful.
Menu offerings reflect the melting pot nature of Oklahoma; there is no strong
regional dish. Oklahomans' have claimed as their own chicken fried steak and
barbeque but neither are indigenous to the area. Native American dishes, such
as stir-fry bread, are more indigenous than the others but in short supply in
Stillwater.
Below is a list of restaurants compiled to help guide you during your stay
in Stillwater. The possibilities for dining extend beyond the list; be adventurous
and let us know how it works out!
Within Walking Distance of the Campus
THE HIDEAWAY
230 South Knoblock
II a.m. - 2 a.m.
Inexpensive to moderate
The Hideaway Is Stillwater's unofficial pizza and Rente hang-out. Individual
sized pizzas are available as well as your standard medium and large. Salads also
come in a variety of sizes including a large chef's salad (jalapeno peppers included,
for those with a desire to get the full south-west experience). Many types of sand
wiches are also available, from hamburgers to Reubens. If you ask for Rente with
your meal, don't expect it to be something to eat.
R J* S
209 S. Knoblock
11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Prices range fran $2.00 to $7.00
Health and fitness seem to be the latest trends. Mothers try to get their
children to eat foods that are good for them while kids are looking for what
tastes good. And for most people being good for you and tasting good are not
the same thing.
Pj's is a restaurant that blends the two ideas together by serving excellent
homemade meals that are both nutritious and delicious.
From the homemade whole wheat bread with six different kinds of omelets to
the five differend kinds of burgers to the nectar pie dessert made with honeyflavored ice cream between two granola bars covered with carob.
All are composed of natural ingredients containing no artificial preservatives
or sugar.
The atmosphere accents the natural food menu with its wood paneled walls
and abstract paintings by local artists. The fresh flowers and greenery are
another back to natural of Rj's.
The restaurant is broken into two parts, one division being the main dining
area and the other being a smaller room that gives a cozier feeling.
The smaller area as we found out, has a disadvantage. In the room the
diner can not be seen, therefore the waitress may not anticipate your needs as
well as you might hope.
If you are in a rush you may prefer to sit in the main dining area.
All things considered the service is courteous and the food is brought with
in a reasonable length of time.
The food at Pj'^s tastes good, feeds even the most hearty appetite and leaves
you feeling good about what you put into your body.
By Beth Rooney and Beth Roberts
SUPER NICK'S
319 South Washington
11 a.m. - midnight
Inexpensive to moderate
In the winter of 1978 a new kind of restaurant appeared on the Strip, Opened
by Nick a Stillwater High School graduate, veteran of the Vietnam War and a former
employee of Red's Delicatessen, the restaurant was Nick's.
The menu consisted of sandwiches and bagels. The sandwiches were a carry over
from Red's and the bagels were from the former owner of the restaurant in Nick's
1ocati on.
Nick's as we knew it before is no longer open. "The price was right, and I
knew if I wanted to expand, this was the chance," said the 33 year-old native
Oklahoman.
In March 1981, Nick Dreesen purchased Mario's and changed it to Nickie s On
August 21, 1981, Dreesen combined the two restaurants to make Super Nick's.
The menus were also combined to create the new cuisine of bagels, sandwiches
and Italian food.
The bagels are straight from the East Coast. They are served with butter,
cream cheese, swiss cheese and ham. These ingredients may be combined according
to the diner's preference.
There are various delicatessen sandwiches with your choice of white, rye,
wheat or submarine buns. These sandwiches range in price between $2 for a ham
sandwich
to
$2.60
for
a
club
sandwich.
.
The club sandwich is an excellent combination of ham, swiss, salami, turkey,
bacon and cheddar cheese on toast.
The pasta includes a small or large portion of lasagna or the house special,
which is curly rotini noodles, meat thick white buttery garlic sauce and cheese.
These dishes range anywhere from $2.75 and $4 and are well worth the money.
The pizza has a moderate selection of toppings and ranges from $4 to $9.80
in price. The quality of the pizza is good, but is similar to that anywhere else
in
town.
*
.
.
i.,.
The salad bar has a very fine selection of greens and toppings. All you can
eat from the salad bar is $2.60 or with any meal for $1.30.
The atmosphere is dimly lit and relaxed with a warm-colored decor. The music
is heavy rock and seems slightly loud for a dining atmosphere.
The service at lunch is like the old Nick's with an order counter and self
service pick up. At 5 p.m. the restaurant becomes full service, with waiters and
waitresses.
,
^
^
"This provides for a different kind of atmosphere during the day, Dreesen
said. The service is quick and friendly. Although the service is good, the
restaurant's cleanliness leaves a little to be desired.
By Beth Roberts and Beth Rooney
THE HUDDLE
219 South Washington
11 a.m. - midnight
Prices range from $2.00 to $6.00
The Huddle may best be described as falling in that gray area between fast
food establishments and "real" restaurants. Emphasis is on sandwiches with a
variety of other offerings ranging from barbeque to chicken fingers. Daily
specials sometimes provide a pleasant change from the standard fare. The atmos
phere is pleasant, open spaces, hanging plants, and lots of wood but the service
is
erratic.
BILL'S ITALIAN RESTAURANT
- 11 a . m . - 1 : 3 0 a . m .
Inexpensive to moderate
If you need a place to relax, where you can be unhurried and really talk
to someone, we suggest Bill's Italian Restaurant. The restaurant is located
on the corner of Washington and Fourth Streets.
The atmosphere is dark and very conducive to intimate conversation.
Most of the waiters and waitresses are college students. They serve the
diner in a very relaxed and unhurried and personal fashion and are always open
to conversation.
If you are in the mood for a lighter meal the chef salad might be the answer.
The chef salad seems to contain more meat and cheese than lettuce. Salami,
pepperoni, ham, two types of cheese, green pepper and two black olives are included
in each meal. The dressing is good and can be ordered on the side. The salad
comes in two sizes, $3.40 for a large and $1.95 for a small.
The pizza burgers are thick crust pizzas folded in half so that crust is
on both the top and bottom. Very generous amounts of mozzarella cheese and
whatever topping the diner desires fills the middle. These burgers are mouth
watering delicacies that cannot be found in any other restaurant in Stillwater.
They come in three sizes that range anywhere between $9.60 for a large deluxe
to $3.55 for a small pizza burger with a single topping.
Unlike the pizza burgers, the regular pizzas leave something to be desired.
The pasta is very good and is served in large portions. Dinners are ac
companied by two pieces of garlic bread and salad and cost up to $4.75.
There are better Italian restaurants, but not in the Stillwater area, we
think.
Good food, a cozy atmosphere and personal service make Bill's Italian
Restaurant an excellent choice for a relaxed evening of dining and conversation.
By Beth Rooney & Beth Roberts
MURPHY'S
109 N. Knoblock
11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Inexpensive
Murphy's Hot Hamburgers on Knoblock is an example to how appearances can be
deceiving. Driving by, one might not be.very tempted to stop.
The outside of the building is reminiscent of a run-down Spanish villa.
The inside gives a different impression.
The decor is dark with wood paneling and muted carpet. Twenties vintage
paintings cover the walls.
The building appears to have been a house at one time. This is evidenced
by the three different rooms in which the diner can eat.
The restaurant has poor insulation and a small heater. It would be ad
visable to wear a coat while eating.
The menu is simple, consisting of hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and the Murphy's
Hot. This entree is on Texas toast and is smothered in the restaurant's Special
gravy. This is served on top of an order of french fries.
The restaurant boasts of excellent homemade finench fries which can be ordered
to accompany any of the burgers.
During the lunch hour a baked potato with all the trimmings if offered.
The salad bar has an array of toppings and is of reasonable quality. The
croutons, however, are mushy and the crackers are bordering on stale.
The prices range from $1.65 for a hamburger with everything to $3.50 for the
Murphy's Hot.
The food is simple. If you are hungry and not in the mood for a gourmet
delight. Murphy's Hot Hamburgers may be the answer.
By Beth Roberts and Beth Rooney
HOUSE OF GREEK
11 2 8 H a l l o f F a m e
217 S. Washington
11 a.m.-raid night
Inexpensive to moderate
The chef bends over the skewer cutting the meat at a 45 degree angle. He
lookes like a musician bowing the violin, lightly and accurately.
This scene is typical at the House of Greek, located in the Cowboy Mall
and on the Strip.
Gyros are their speciality and preparing gyros is an art. It begins with
the preciseness of the meat cutting and continues with the preparation of the
sauce.
This is followed by the heating of the pita bread that accompanies this
unique blend of spices, 85 percent beef and 15 percent lamb.
The gyro meat is served two ways: emcompassed in pita bread as a sandwich
topped with onions, tomatoes and a creamy sauce, or platter which contains an
ample amount of meat, salad, french fries and pita bread. Both options are
reasonably priced.
Two desserts are offered Baklava, a type of cake, is excellent but very
rich.
The Diblo is made of dough and cinnamon and has a very bland taste.
Straight from Greece, a distinct kind of informal dining environment
is now available.
The atmosphere is created by red and white checkered table cloths and huge
picture windows covering one wall.
These combined give the diner the sensation of being in a sidewalk cafe.
The employees are friendly and go out of their way to make the customer
comfortable.
Free samples are given with a smile to those less brave souls who have
never experienced this excellent cuisine.
The service is speedy. This makes the restaurant a perfect choice for a
lunch on the run or a slow relaxed evening meal.
By Beth Roberts and Beth Rooney
On Campus
THE FOOD MART
1st Floor of the Student Union
7 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Standard cafeteria fare is featured along with "homogenized" Mexican and
Italian food. The soup of the day, at 65^ is one of the best buys. Several
types of salads and sandwiches are also available.
THE STATE ROOM
Student Union Hotel
7 a.m. - 2 p.m.
moderate
Buffet with an outstanding.salad bar. Rolls and coffee are brought to the
table. Open for breakfast, and lunch.
Folksy, Home Cooking
GRANNY'S KITCHEN
1002 South Main
5 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Inexpensive
One of the best places in town to mingle with the Stillwater natives; the
clientel ranges from lawyers to oil field roustabouts. Breakfast is served^
until 11 a.m. with prices ranging from $1.75 to $3.65. Lunch features a daily
special for $2.90 and the best pie in town. Go early for a good seat and ample
time to soak up the culture.
TINY'S CAFE
922 S. Main
5 a.m.-7 p.m.
Nothing on the menu priced over $4.50
When one walks into Tiny's Cafe it is like going back in time or being in
a
small
town
cafe.
.
^
The decor is tacky but quaint. Clocks, calendars and family trophies cover
the shelves. The paint on the walls is chipped and the printed curtains are
worn. There is no music in the background and the place is a little bit warm.
It is clean although it is not tidy. Tiny's has a comfortable, cluttered look.
Tiny's on South Main fits its name. The long narrow restaurant boasts only
one counter with stools. A single table is occupied by employees taking their
break. Only about 16 people can be seated in the small building. ^ .
The wall behind the counter is covered with words of wisdom and witty sayings
to keep the lone diner or one with a boring dinner companion interested and
laughing.
^
.
If the sayings do not interest one, there are plenty of newspapers to read.
Not too much time has to be spent reading the walls or newspapers because
the service is quite prompt. Within 10 minutes after ordering, food is in front
of
the
customer.
.
.
^
u
Home cooked meals, bottled pop, candy bars out of the refrigerator and fresh
pies make up the restaurant's cuisine. The food is moderately priced.
Not only is the service fast, it is different than what most people are used
to. When the diner sits down he is given a glass of water, a minute to decide
what he wants and complete courtesy. Constant attention is paid by the waitress.
Tiny's is not the type of place to go if one is looking for a romantic
atmosphere. It is not very conducive to intimate conversation. In fact, the
help can probably hear every word the diners say.
Good fast food that does not taste like fast-food and a different atmosphere
than one is likely to experience many places in Stillwater makes Tiny's an in
teresting dining place.
The restaurant has been in existence for 10 years and very few people know
about
it.
,
J
XJ
Those who do know must be very loyal and appreciative of Tiny s good food
or it would not be successful enough to have stayed open this long. Doesn't
that say something?
By Beth Rooney and Beth Roberts
others
THE ANCESTOR
1324 South Main
11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Moderate to expensive
Lunch specials range from $3.25 to $5.00, excluding beverage, and consist of
soup, salad and sandwiches. Dinners range from $8 to $17 and include steak, sea
food, and chicken. A major strength is the salad bar with the food, in general,
above average.
THE LATE SHOW
5 miles east of city on Hwy 51
6 p.m. - 10 p.m.
prices range from $10 to $22.
Top of the line for Stillwater. The menu offers a variety of steak and sea
food entrees, with an extensive salad bar. The quality is somewhat inconsistent
but the service and atmosphere are outstanding. Big Band music is featured in a
Casablanca setting.
EL SOL
2 3 1 3 W. 6 t h
7 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Moderate prices ranging from $3.00 to $7.00
If you are hungry for Mexican food and have not eaten for three days, Bobo's
Cantina, where the food is good and there is lots of it, is the restaurant for
you. Bobo's is located on Sixth and Western at the El Sol Motel.
The restaurant boasts a variety of foods that make it almost impossible for
t h e d i n e r t o d e c i d e w h a t t o o r d e r.
Many of the dishes are served with sour cream or guacamole sauce. This gives
the food an original taste with the average Mexican restaurant does not offer.
The entrees are accompanied by either red or green hot sauce. If you prefer
mild food, it would be advisable to ask for the sauce on the side.
Meals can be ordered with accompanying rice, refried beans and sopapillas,
or the main course can be ordered by itself.
One item, in itself, is enough to satisfy most people.
After being seated, the diner is served a heaping portion of tortilla chips
and sauce.
Service is friendly and courteous and the food is brought promptly. The
w a i t e r s a n d w a i t r e s s e s c o u l d b e a l i t t l e m o r e e f fi c i e n t , h o w e v e r.
The uniforms of the former are as tacky as the decor. Tables and chairs
in various colors and mosaic tiles on the center of some of the eating surfaces
fill the upstairs room. The restaurant's interior could be compared to a Mexican
Howard Johnsons.
The restaurant is clean, but there is room for improvement.
A beautiful view of a stop light out the front windows and the hotel's
parking lot seen from the side are not views to inspire the diner.
Otherwise the atmosphere is comfortable and the food is plentiful and
good. The El Sol Bobo's Cantina is a family restaurant. If you are looking
for a more romantic atmosphere, it may not be your best choice.
By Beth Roberts and Beth Rooney
'latigo's
1515 East Sixth
4 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Moderate prices
This restaurant specializes in barbecue and does it quite well. Enjoy your
dinner in a quiet atmosphere with pleasant, professional service. Lattigo's
offers a variety of entrees in addition to their barbecue.
REDWOOD WEST
5104 West Sixth
5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Prices range from $7 to $18
Menu is extensive by Stillwater's standards. The food is average but the
atmosphere is above par. Dinners include a trip to a "major league" salad bar.
Daily specials are offered; Thursday is surf and turf night and on Friday Alaskan
King Crab is featured
Liquor Laws
Liquor laws in Oklahoma qualify as some of the strangest in the nation.
Liquor by the drink, as such, can not be purchased legally in Oklahoma. Many
establishments circumvent the law by calling themselves private clubs and issuing
membership cards. Others adhere to law, requiring patrons to bring their own
bottles and selling only set-ups. Clubs of both types are found in Stillwater,
with policies often changing on a daily basis. Potential patrons are advised to
check with knowledgable sources before venturing into one of the local clubs.
Two types of beer are available in Stillwater, 312 and the "hard stuff".
3.2 beer, lower in alcholic content, is available in bars and groceries to anyone
18 or older. Those looking for a bit more of a kick from their ale will have
to venture to the local liquor store and purchase the "hard stuff" warm. Take
note, only "adults" (21 or older) are afforded this privilege.
The following is a list of "beer bars" (as they're known by the locals)
which serve only 3.2 beer. Any one will provide the patron with a slice of
"life in Stillwater", just be there before midnight. All are within walking
distance of the campus.
Eskimo Joe's (with outdoor beer garden)
Mason Jar
Grey Fox
Stonewall Tavern (with outdoor beer garden)
Question Mark (with outdoor beer garden)
Attic
Clubs, open only to those 21 and over, serve up mixed drinks and 3.2 beer
(within the confines previously mentioned) until midnight. Most have happy hour
specials and taped music. Some of the ones listed below are within walking
distance of the campus; others, noted with an asterisk, require a car.
McGuffv's
Fast Eddies
T h e Tu r n i n g P o i n t
Wild Willies
Hogg's Breath Inn
R e d w o o d We s t *
The Ancestor*
Bobo's Cantina*
The Sundowner*