If you’re obsessed with food and all things good like I am, here are ten reasons that Stillwater, Oklahoma, should be your next stop on any food tour.
1. Thai Café and Coconut Crusted Chicken
Home of coconut crusted chicken and fusion salad dressing. A little pricier for a college student, but completely worth the food and portion size. Seriously—they give you so much food. And it’s so so good. Although I have never been disappointed in a dish, the Stillwater favorite is the coconut crusted chicken.
And I’ll let you in on a little secret that locals don’t always know: when they ask you for a salad dressing, say, “All three.” Trust me on this one.
2. Aspen and Coffee
Stillwater’s coffee plug. Aspen has four locations in Stillwater infamously known as fratspen, fastpen, momspen, and hipspen. I enjoy iced mochas and their different morning pastries, but it’s all good and offers a nice, cool atmosphere to study or just hang out.
3. Curty Shack and the Dirty Curty
Home of the Dirty Curty and 2 am food excursions. Located strategically on the strip, this is the go-to destination for college students’ late night cravings, and until it closes, you’ll see a constant line of customers wanting a big, cheesy, ridiculously good hot dog or pizza.
4. Eskimo Joes and Cheese Fries
I know, I know. If you've ever met an OSU fan, you probably think Joes is overrated. And while the burgers and entrees don't stand out compared to other local or commercial joints, Joes is still a place to visit. Why? Four words. Cheese fries and ranch. If you like cheating—actually devastating—any diet or healthy eating fad you’re on as much as I do, go to Joes and get any one of their cheese fries with lots and LOTS of ranch.
5. Rancher’s Club and BREAD PUDDING
Rancher’s is the place that you can find first-year students burning off the rest of their meal plan. And let me tell you, dining in is worth it. Located right on Oklahoma State’s campus, a nice steakhouse with excellent Caesar, great appetizers, and sizzling entrees, Ranchers is a big hit for students, parents, alumni, and Atherton hotel guests. Although all the food can speak well for itself, the MUST-have item at Rancher’s is their bread pudding. And before you turn up your nose, do yourself a favor, get it, and never look back.
6. Curly’s and Burgers
If you’re looking for an old fashioned onion burger and some good ole’ greasy fries, Curly’s is the place to go. Another OSU favorite, this little joint found on 6th street is a great hit for fast service, great food, and reasonable prices.
7. Blue Spruce and Gelato
The Lord’s Gelato. Having never been exposed to gelato before Stillwater, I was blessed and will always be thankful that Blue Spruce was my first experience. From their cold brew to the birthday cake flavor, there is no room for disappointment in this cool, hipster little shop.
8. Thai Loco and tacos
If you like street tacos, you’ll love Thai Loco. Everything from the meat, tortillas, salsa—you name it—is packed with delicious flavors. They also came out with a must-try, Instagram-worthy sushi burrito. 10/10 recommend.
9. Just Wafflin’ and SAUCE
If enjoy pralines when you visit grandmas then you’ll fall in love with this joint’s waffle sauce. Although I enjoy their waffle chicken taco (really really recommend), I also make sure to order a plain waffle to share for the sole purpose of smothering it in their sauce. Oh, it’s good.
10. Granny’s and Breakfast
Home of greasy, extremely caloric, BOMB breakfast food. Portion sizes are huge and every plate lacks no luster. Granny’s is full of big biscuits, gravy, eggs, and FAT. Craving some good ole comfort food? Hit Granny’s up.