Exploring local culinary gems served by OEC or OEC Fiber
by the OEC marketing and OEC Fiber sales and marketing teams
OEC and OEC Fiber are proud to provide electricity or high-speed internet services to all businesses featured in Tastes of the Territory.
Blanchard
KT’s Smokehouse
STOP BY: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday and Friday; 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday. 8329 N Council Ave in Blanchard. (405) 392-4170. ktssmokehouseok.com.
The smell hits you first. Smoky, savory and hard to ignore, it’s usually what pulls people into KT’s Smokehouse before they see the menu. This small-town, family-owned spot leans into what it does best: hearty, down-home cooking served with a side of friendly faces.
The menu is packed with comfort food favorites, from hickory-smoked barbecue to hand-cut steaks, but a few items rise straight to the top. The catfish is a standout—crispy, golden and packed with flavor in every bite. Pair it with the hot sausage links, and you’ve got a plate that delivers just the right amount of kick and smokiness.
Everything here is made with care, sticking to time-honored recipes that keep regulars coming back through the doors week after week. And that welcoming, family atmosphere isn’t just talk—it’s part of the experience from the moment you walk in.
“Come down to KT’s Smokehouse and ask for Brook,” said the manager’s daughter. “Order our famous ribs and catfish dinner at our fun, family-oriented restaurant.”
And whatever you do, save room for dessert. The coconut cream pie is cool and creamy with just the right sweetness, while the chocolate cream pie is rich, smooth and hard to put down after the first bite.
PSST: Save a little room for the homemade rolls and fried pies. They tend to disappear fast for a reason.
Purcell
Jo’s Famous Pizza
STOP BY: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. 1438 S Green Ave in Purcell. (405) 527-2379. josfamouspizzapurcell.com.
In Purcell, Jo’s Famous Pizza isn’t just a place to grab a slice—it’s a piece of local history that’s been feeding the community for decades. What started back in 1962 with one very questionable bell pepper assumption has grown into a hometown staple that still does things the same way: simple, generous and consistently good.
The atmosphere leans classic and comfortable, the kind of spot where families, regulars and first-timers all settle in without much fuss. And once the food hits the table, it’s easy to see why people keep coming back.
Start with the cheese bread. It’s everything you want it to be—gooey, cheesy and served in portions big enough to share (though you might not want to). Then there’s the pizza.
The Meat Lovers isn’t holding back. In fact, it might be more accurate to call it a “meat fanatics” pizza. Piled high with thick, shaved cuts of meat, it’s the kind of pie where the toppings don’t just complement the cheese—they practically take it over. Every bite is hearty, rich and loaded with flavor.
That commitment to quality has been part of Jo’s from the very beginning. Even as the business has grown and expanded beyond Purcell, the recipes and standards haven’t changed. It’s still about fresh ingredients, handmade touches and that same small-town pride that built it.
PSST: Swing by at lunch for a solid deal—a 6-inch one-topping pizza with salad and a drink makes for an easy midday win.
South OKC
Pho Nga 405
STOP BY: 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday through Wednesday. Closed Thursday. Inside World Fresh Market, 10700 S Pennsylvania Ave in Oklahoma City. (405) 548-1402. facebook.com/worldfreshfoodhall.
Inside World Fresh Market in South OKC, there’s a full food hall tucked next to the aisles—and that’s where you’ll find Pho Nga 405. It’s a spot you might miss if you’re not looking for it, but once you find it, it’s hard not to come back. This hidden gem serves up Vietnamese favorites that are big on flavor and variety.
The menu covers a little bit of everything. If you’re in the mood for something warm and comforting, the pho delivers with rich broth and all the classic fixings. Rice plates are another solid option, especially the combination with Korean beef rib, shredded pork skin and egg—a mix that’s hearty, and might have you ready for a nap after, but worth the extra Z’s.
There’s also a lineup of street food-style bites, from grilled squid to mussels, giving you plenty of ways to branch out if you’re feeling adventurous.
But the real standout? The bánh mì. The grilled pork version hits all the right notes—tender, flavorful meat layered with pork pâté, crisp vegetables and fresh bread that pulls it all together. It’s the kind of sandwich that doesn’t need much explanation after the first bite.
PSST: If you’re already there, it’s worth taking a lap around the food hall. Right next to Pho Nga, Mochi Bites adds a sweet finish to the experience with colorful, chewy treats that are just as hard to pass up.
Washington
Althea’s Vault
STOP BY: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. 218 N Main Ave in Washington. (405) 288-0150. altheasvault.com.
Althea’s Vault feels like the kind of place you settle into without realizing how long you’ve been there. With its cozy, western charm and handmade wooden tables crafted by a friend, every detail feels personal.
It’s a family operation through and through. Owned by Blythe and Casey, you might spot one of their five kids helping out behind the counter, adding to that welcoming, community-first atmosphere that makes this place more than just a café.
The coffee alone is worth the stop. The Caramel by Morning is a standout—smooth, rich espresso with just the right touch of sweetness. It’s the kind of drink that feels like it belongs on a quiet Oklahoma morning.
The menu covers breakfast, lunch and everything in between. The cinnamon rolls are a must—house-made, gooey and served warm in a way that feels instantly comforting. Another favorite is the “Breakfast Candy,” a mix of housemade granola, yogurt and fresh strawberries that hits that perfect balance of fresh and indulgent.
If you stick around for lunch, the hot ham and cheese is a solid pick. Melted cheddar, grilled ham and fresh toppings come together on sourdough with that perfect cheese pull. It’s served with your choice of sides, and the
housemade pasta salad is a standout on its own. And then there’s the bakery case. Everything is made in-house, and it shows.
PSST: Grab a sugar cookie before you go. They’re big enough to share, with soft icing that’s just sweet enough, but no one’s judging if you keep it to yourself.
Moore
Meddy’s
STOP BY: 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. 780 SW 19th St, Suite 300 in Moore. (405) 725-4450. meddys.com.
In the hustle and bustle of Moore’s 19th Street lies a Mediterranean masterpiece. Serving up regional favorites like falafel, tabbouleh and hummus, the tastes and vibe will keep you coming back for more.
Once seated, warm pita bread arrives that you can pair with the olive oil and spice blend, but it’s even better with the flavor-packed Heaped Hummus.
The Banging Beef Shawarma earns its name — warmly spiced, slow-roasted beef with layers of flavor that keep you going back for another bite. But a personal favorite? The garlicky potatoes that some might call life-changing. Crispy, pillowy, and aggressively garlicky in the best possible way, they exist on a plane slightly above the rest of us.
Save the baklava for a clean finish though; it deserves the spotlight on its own. Fast, fresh, and genuinely delicious. Meddy’s doesn’t miss.
PSST: Before you sit down, make a stop at the self-serve sauce station. The sriracha mayo, roasted red pepper sauce, and garlic sauce each bring something different to the table — heat, depth, brightness — and they pair beautifully with pretty much everything on the menu.
Tuttle
Lupita’s
STOP BY: 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday. 209 E Main St, Suite 4 in Tuttle. (405) 689-6019.
The salsa hits the table first and it sets the tone. Fresh, flavorful and just the right amount of kick, it keeps you reaching back for more without thinking twice.
From there, Lupita’s leans into a menu full of familiar favorites and solid grill options. One standout is the guiso de camarón. Tender shrimp cooked with onions, peppers and tomatoes in a house red salsa, it’s rich and packed with flavor.
The grill menu holds its own too, with plates like carne asada and fajita-style tacos bringing that just-off-the-grill flavor to the table. And with everything from classic comfort dishes to lighter options like keto tacos, there’s a little something for just about everyone at the table.
And when it’s time to wrap things up, the sopapillas are an easy yes warm, light and finished with a drizzle of honey that hits just right after a savory meal.
Between the generous portions and wideranging menu, Lupita’s makes it easy to find your go-to—and then try something new the next time.
PSST: Mexican for breakfast? You can do that here—and it’s a solid way to
start the day.