Jamil’s Steakhouse in Oklahoma City marks its 60th year

Jamil’s Steakhouse in Oklahoma City, located on Route 66 just north of the Oklahoma Capitol, is marking its 60th year this year.

Jamil’s is one of the last few surviving Lebanese steakhouses in Oklahoma. Many Lebanese immigrated to the Sooner State during its oil boom days of the 1920s and brought their cuisine with them.

KFOR-TV explains what makes Jamil’s unusual:

Jamil’s OKC tale began on the historic grounds of 4910 N. Lincoln Blvd, evolving from a private residence built in the early 1930s on old Route 66 to a popular dance hall and speakeasy to the esteemed Lebanese steakhouse known today. Throughout the years, each dish served is a nod to their roots – from the flavorful Lebanese mezze, cabbage rolls, hummus and tabouli to the tender steaks that have become synonymous with their name. The restaurant’s ambiance, adorned with relics from its eclectic past, invites diners to dine amidst history – from the Tiffany fixtures gifted by Gawey’s uncle to the storied piano that has witnessed decades of revelry.

Jamil’s in OKC reaching 60 years is a big enough milestone. But it’s not even the oldest Jamil’s Steakhouse in the Sooner State.

That would be the original Jamil’s Steakhouse, which began in 1945 in Bristow, Oklahoma, and then moved north to Tulsa in 1957, where it still operates. The original Jamil’s also had Route 66 roots and remains just a short drive off Interstate 44 in town.

One of the old-time Lebanese steakhouses, Freddie’s BBQ and Steakhouse in Sapulpa, closed in late 2022 after 60 years.

(Illustration of an old-time photo of Jamil’s Steakhouse in Oklahoma City via Facebook)