Located in
Historic Stockyards City.
The History Behind Cattlemens Steakhouse
The History Behind Cattlemen's Steakhouse: Oklahoma's Oldest Restaurant
Cattlemen’s Steakhouse in Oklahoma City is proud to be one of the oldest restaurants in the great state of Oklahoma. Founded on our Western roots in the heart of the Stockyards District, you’ll feel bits of the Wild West every time you visit our restaurant. Over the decades, we’ve served everyone from hungry farmers to former US presidents and everyone in between. Our story is one of humble beginnings, high-stakes expansion, and an iconic reputation around our mouth-watering steak. Today, we’ll be exploring the historical roots of Cattlemen’s Steakhouse to see why we’re much more than just your everyday restaurant.
Cattlemen’s Origins & Stockyards Roots
Every story has a beginning, and ours started in 1910, in the heart of Oklahoma's expansion in the then-thriving Stockyards City. This place was the hub where herds of cattle were driven to meet the East's unsatiated demand for beef. Known as Cattlemen's Cafe, we opened our doors to all sorts of cowboys, ranchers, and cattle haulers. With more and more meat processors flocking to what became known as "Packing Town," Cattlemen's Cafe only grew in size and popularity. Under the new leadership of H.V. "Homer" Paul, Cattlemen's thrived during Prohibition, known for its secret and home-brewed "liquid delights."
High-Stakes Gambling & Expansion
Now, when we say that Cattlemen’s Steakhouse has a wild history, we mean it. In 1945, the restaurant was owned by Mr. Hank Frey, an avid gambler. At the iconic Biltmore Hotel in Oklahoma City, Frey was attending a dice game attended by a local rancher named Gene Wade. Running out of luck and money, Frey made a desperate attempt to recover his losses by putting his prized restaurant, Cattlemen’s, as the prize pot if Wade could roll a “hard six,” known as two 3’s, in return for Wade’s life savings. Against the odds, Gene Wade won over Cattlemen’s and was in the restaurant business. Within a few years, Gene expanded the physical size of Cattlemen’s by adding the South Dining Room and the upscale Hereford Room. To this day, the ‘33’ brand on the wall of the Hereford Room is an homage and symbol of good fortune to Wade’s iconic dice roll.
Iconic Status & Establishing Our Legacy
Over the years, our name has been associated with numerous celebrities, politicians, and other notable individuals. People like John Wayne, Ronald Reagan, and George Bush have all visited our establishment, looking to try our signature steak and cocktails. We’ve accumulated numerous awards and have been featured in publications such as Southern Living and Food Network. Most notably, Cattlemen’s Steakhouse has been inducted into the Steakhouse Hall of Fame, establishing itself as one of the premier steakhouses in the country. With award-winning food served for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, there is no shortage of reasons why you should take a visit to the iconic Cattlemen’s Steakhouse in Stockyard City.
Come Grab Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner at Cattlemen’s Steakhouse OKC!
If you’re craving a hearty, no-nonsense breakfast that’ll stick to your ribs, a juicy burger, and our signature mac-and-cheese, or a Hall of Fame Steak Cattlemen’s Steakhouse, OKC is the place to be.
From juicy steak and eggs to homemade biscuits and gravy, you won’t leave hungry, that’s a promise.
Cattlemen’s has been an Oklahoma City staple for over a century, and folks can’t stop raving about it. With 4.6 stars on Google from over 10,000 reviews, it’s clear that people love the food, the service, and the down-home atmosphere.
So why not see what all the fuss is about?
Address: 1309 S Agnew Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73108
Call us at: (405) 236-0416 (ps call ahead and save a seat, we’d hate for you to have to wait in the long line)
Breakfast Hours: Monday–Friday: 6:00 AM – 10:30 AM, Saturday & Sunday: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM
âââââ Rated 4.6 stars on Google – Over a century of great food and great service!
So what are you waiting for? Swing by Cattlemen’s for breakfast and taste a true Oklahoma tradition!
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