TAHLEQUAH — Whether they’re craving soup, beef, chicken, pizza, Asian or Mediterranean cuisine for the midday meal, Tahlequah boasts an array of restaurants, each with its own tasty options.

Last week, the Daily Press asked readers on its Facebook page to shared their favorite places to each lunch. Nearly 60 people responded, singling out several local restaurants for their personable service, unique dishes, or menu items that can be counted on to deliver every time the plate hits the table.

 KTK Angus Steakhouse was noted for its steak soup and reasonable prices.

“Love KTK lunch specials, and Ruby’s is oh-so-good. [I] like them equally,” said poll respondent Angie Bliss Fanning. “They have very different menus. [I] could not just pick one.”

Cynthia Sue McMillen Warden said KTK’s iced tea can’t be beat, and she’s a fan of the stew-like meal that has more chunks of steak in it than vegetables.

“KTK steak soup and raspberry tea [are] to die for,” she said.

KTK Angus Steakhouse owner Craig Landsaw said he wants customers to leave feeling satisfied that they’ve received great food at a price that won’t break the bank.

“We don’t want them trying to decide between paying an electric bill or going out to eat,” he said. “We’re just working people, and we just try to provide really good food at a decent price. We don’t want to take all of your money.”

Landsaw said lunch-hour patrons can enjoy as much of the steak soup or chili  as they can swallow.

“It’s all you can eat,” he said. “The steak soup is like a stew. It’s got a lot of vegetables in it, but it likely has more chunks of steak in it. Sometimes we run out, but we make it fresh every day. The hamburgers are all certified Angus beef. They’re not frozen and are made by hand.”

Customers also seem to like the catfish.

“The prime rib sandwich is probably the biggest thing I sell,” Landsaw said. “It’s the real thing. And we make all of our soups every day. The food’s just a little bit better.”

Charlie’s Chicken was noted for its namesake, but also its side items.

“Charlie’s Chicken has the best mashed potatoes and gravy around,” said Kay Tidwell-Aguilar.

Sheilah Reese Czarniak embraces the boneless style of cooked poultry.

“[I like the] chicken chunks at Charlie’s Chicken,” she said.

Charlie’s Chicken General Manager Junior Sierra said the local restaurant has a mission to satisfy customer craving.

“We love our customers just as much as they love us,” he said. “We always strive for excellence in our chicken, and achieving customer satisfaction is what we’re try to get. We want them to feel at home.”

The three-chunk dinner is the top seller during lunch, Sierra said.

“We have other daily specials that we offer Sunday through Friday,” he said. “Every day’s special is different from the other. We offer a meatloaf that a lot of people come in just to try. We make it from scratch.”

Other local restaurants noted in the poll – in addition to those mentioned in Thursday’s Press – include Akropolis, Sam & Ella’s Chicken Palace, Mazzio’s, El Zarape, Hungry House Cafe, Boomarang Diner, Fino’s Mexican Restaurant, Chilango’s, East Buffet, Kelly’s Tea Room, Southside Drive-In, Katfish Kitchen, Morgan’s Bakery, Asian Star, Out West Cafe, Los Ranchos, Jose’s and El Molcajete.

“Akropolis! It’s so yummy and different,” said Courtney Faye Cochran of the new Greek restaurant. “And the people there are the best.”

Samantha Sanders Benn-Duke noted her menu choice when visiting the new Greek restaurant.

“The Athenian at Arkropolis,” she said, speaking of a “gyro.”

Alisha Carter Rice said the employees and food at the Hungry House Cafe are “beyond belief.”

“Amazing home-cooked food, and the staff is incredible,” she said. “They always meet you with a smile and are the friendliest bunch of people you will meet.”

Jamie Boley said the biggest chili-covered meal in town can be enjoyed at the Out West Cafe.

 

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