Oklahoma is home to many fine group-friendly eateries, where the menus include everything from barbecue to a popular Coca-Cola cake.
Having just celebrated its 50-year anniversary in 2012, Freddie’s Bar-B-Que and Steak House is a Tulsa standby serving delicious barbecue, steak and seafood fare.
The restaurant and its adjacent Catering Center, a multi-capability banquet and meeting facility, accommodate everything from small groups up to larger 250-person gatherings.
For big groups at the center, says Kathleen Borgne, senior sales manager at Tulsa CVB, Freddie’s generally offers preset menus featuring specialty items like smoked filet that are very well received.
In Oklahoma City, Nonna’s Euro-American Ristorante & Bar is available for group dining and also offers off-site catering, according to Avis Scaramucci, the venue’s owner and operator.
“Nonna’s has grown from a small bakery to a full-blown restaurant operation,” she says. “We still bake our own bread and desserts and continue growing our own produce.”
Located in the Bricktown Entertainment District, Nonna’s offers many options for group gatherings, including a private third-floor area separate from the rest of the facility with two patios and a second-floor private suite that is set up much like a family room.
“There have been occasions when we have made our entire restaurant available, however, more parties request to have the Purple Bar and patio area,” Scaramucci says, explaining that there is 10,000 square feet of space devoted to private dining and group events.
A “Pick 3” appetizer option is available for smaller groups to share, Scaramucci adds, citing popular appetizers including hot artichoke dip and mozzarella sticks.
When meeting in Norman, planners might look to Legend’s Restaurant, an award-winning eatery with a banquet room that seats up to 40 diners and an adjacent 80-seat building that accommodates larger parties.
According to the Norman CVB, the 40-seat option allows diners to order from three or four personal menus that are price fixable, and a full bar is available. Within the 80-seat location, Legend’s Times Two, a custom buffet or served meals are options, and cocktail receptions are a specialty.
Menu items include seared duck breast, fish tacos, four different cuts of steak and an extensive dessert selection, including Coca-Cola cake, cobblers, bread puddings and the regionally famous lemon-cream layer cake.
