As your local Oklahoma City real estate experts, we love helping folks find their dream homes, but we also love exploring our state! With May blooming and summer just around the corner, now is the perfect time to plan a road trip. One spot you might not know about is Reba's Place in Atoka, Oklahoma.

About a two-hour drive southeast of OKC, this recent venture by Oklahoma native Reba McEntire is a multifaceted establishment—restaurant, bar, music venue, and retail store. It's housed in a century-old former Masonic Temple, giving it a unique historic charm. Reba partnered with the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and is proud of its role in revitalizing Atoka.

Inside, it's got a rustic charm influenced by Reba's western heritage. There's memorabilia from her archives and a restored antique bar that is over 100 years old. There are two levels overlooking a stage for live music from local artists. You can also find a gift shop with exclusive merchandise.

The menu blends regional favorites and dishes from cities important to Reba's career. They offer scratch-made versions of popular dishes. You'll find things like the “fancy" steak dinner, street tacos, and chicken fried steak. Reba's personal food recommendation is pinto beans and cornbread. For dessert, Reba's favorite is strawberry shortcake, and you might find banana pudding jars. On the unique side, there are quail poppers or a Memphis-style bologna sandwich, plus a notable $150 tomahawk chop. Ironically, Reba's beloved corn dogs are absent.

During our visit, there was a brief wait, which was fine because we explored the upper floors and gift shop. We started with the Choctaw beef brisket burnt ends with jalapeño cornbread, which were on point—tender with flavorful char.

For the main event, we tried several dishes, but the chicken fried steak was the undisputed star of the show. It was a huge portion, served "Oklahoma style" covered in gravy, with a perfect crispy, salty, and tender combo. We also sampled fried catfish, grilled salmon, and the rabbit stew—a unique & rustic addition with a distinct gamey flavor.

The bar was great, too. Talented mixologists craft signature cocktails. We tried several, including the Whoever's NE Mule, Pineapple Mojito (both served with a generous sprig of mint), Limestone Gap Old Fashioned, and Prairie Fire Grapefruit Paloma, and they all had balanced flavors, weren't too sweet or watered down, and had beautiful presentation.

Our only letdown was a to-go Bourbon Carrot Cake for the ride home—it seemed to be missing a great deal of sweetness, and overly bitter (perhaps that was the bourbon), so we had to discard it. TIP: Sample any take-out desserts before hitting the road!

Reba's Place doesn't take general reservations, so plan ahead—especially for dinner. It's open Monday-Sunday, typically from 11 AM to 9 PM.

Overall, it's a unique dining adventure, and wtih a bit of refinement, we'd score it a solid 8 out of 10. The drinks, burnt ends, and especially the chicken fried steak were big hits. It successfully blends different culinary styles with country charm and history.

If you're looking for a fun Oklahoma road trip destination this May or early summer, Reba's Place in Atoka is absolutely worth the drive. It's a distinctive dining spot and entertainment venue rolled into one!

Find out more about Reba's Place here...
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