As 2022 winds down, we’ve entered the final quarter of the year, or what restaurant pros refer to as O-N-D every year. There have been notable closings this year — R.I.P Paladar Cubano — that we’ll address in an end-of-year story/tribute. The holidays are hurtling toward us right now, and the list of restaurants recently opened or about to open shows no sign of slowing, even with all the issues owners still face from inflation to staffing.
Dado’s Pizza. Killer Squid Hospitality has been working all year to get their version of this Harlem-based NYC-style pizza joint open on North May. Based on partner Jimmy Mays’ estimates, we should be eating delicious cheese pizza (and more) in about two weeks. They went so far as to install a device on the water supply that mimics NYC water, so it’s as close as we’re going to get this far from Harlem.
Farmers Grain. Housed in an historic building just by downtown Edmond, Cy Mills’ new spot features a small, focused menu with venison, poultry, fish and vegetarian options. It’s experience-driven, so the booze list invites you to stay and dine in leisure.
Flycatcher Club. Riley Marshall’s honky-tonk-style beer bar is open in Ironworks District, adjacent to Beer City Music Hall. The menu always includes the Bar Arbolada burger, but the chicken sandwich and chicken tenders are among the best in the city.
Saucee Sicilian. It seems like forever ago that we heard rumors that one of the city’s most popular trucks would have a brick-and-mortar restaurant, but it’s finally here. The grand opening is this week, so you’ll finally get the pizza you love in a place where you can sit and stay awhile.
Stock & Bond. The new steakhouse on the north side of The National is slated for a Nov. 1 opening. Chef Jonas Favela is helming the kitchen, so locals can relax knowing that an uber-competent local chef is crafting a brilliant experience. The whiskey list will be one of the best in the city.
The Archive in The National. If you walk into the Library of Distilled Spirits and keep walking past the bar, you’ll notice the door opposite where you entered. That’s The Archive, a beautiful bar that boasts delicious tacos and crab tostadas to accompany the massive list of spirits, including what has to be the city’s best tequila list. It’s reservation only Thursday through Saturday, and the cocktails are definitely worth checking out, too.
The Standard. Community Through Beer (Social Capital, The Joinery, etc.) is moving into Norman late this month or early November when they open The Standard. The Main Street “gathering place” will feature fried chicken and a massive list of local brews.
