Meers Store & Restaurant

     

      This review is a long overdue pleasure.  In fact I can't believe I haven't done this already, having eaten here many times in the past.  Meers, OK is located "way the hell in the middle of nowhere" Southwestern Oklahoma near the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge.  If you're not familiar with Oklahoma this is an area of rugged, mountainous country with remote country of undiscovered historical value.  Many species of wildlife have called this area home for many years including buffalo, deer, wild longhorn cattle, and elk among others. 



      Meers is located about 2 miles north of the boundary of the refuge and if you aren't paying attention you may just think you have passed it by.  This is not your fancy restaurant or even your run of the mill dive eatery.  This is the real deal, live history of food culture from many years past.  Do not let the outward appearance fool you. http://www.meersstore.com/index.html  This is real American history, since 1901.  Once a bustling town of miners seeking gold in the Wichita Mountains, all that remains of the town of Meers now is their world renowned family restaurant of the same name. Meers population has dwindled from the gold rush peak of 500 down to the present residents: one family of six people, eight cats and a dog.
      As for the food.....it is on the register of National Historic Places, Food Network Top American Restaurants, Bon Apetite's Best, Travelocity Editor's Pick, and Tulsa World's Best Burgers in Oklahoma.  During peak seasonal times if you are not in line during feeding times you may not get fed.  It is that popular on a regular basis with not only the locals, but anyone within a 300 mile radius.  The Meers Store and Restaurant has became famous for our Meersburger, a 7" diameter burger made exclusively from prize winning Texas Longhorn beef raised on the family's own ranch.  The most famous burger is the ONE POUND MEERS SEISMICBURGER, which comes with EVERYTHING on it.  There is also the Meersburger with or without cheese.  There are also  BBQ ribs, brisket, sausage, chopped beef, and chicken.  There are steaks, hot wings, a variety of hot dogs, and a myriad of sides such as Deep Fried Corn on the Cob, Fried Okra, Fries, Stuffed Jalapenos, Fried Pickles, Fried Green Beans, Fried Green Tomatoes, Potato Salad, Beans, Coleslaw.....and the list goes on.  There is an assortment of drinks including their very own Meers Gold Beer.  There is nothing fancy or pretentious about this place; just incredibly good food. 





      There is ample parking in several lots as well as right along the road.  There are also outside dog kennels with plenty of water and shade because they don't want your pet suffering in a hot car in the summertime heat.  Of course when you return your pup will smother you with kisses as they have been smelling that beef while you were inside. 

 

      On this day we were in the Wichitas hiking and taking photos with our grandson so a visit to Meers was without question.  I have eaten the Meers Burger on many occasions and can only say it is one of my Top 5 Burgers of All Time.  Simple presentation on a tin plate with a delicious, savory hunk of handmade lean longhorn beef with real cheddar cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, onions, and pickles.  Nobody goes away from this burger hungry.  Even on a cold Sunday there was still a line to get in the door.  As you can see, the place is packed with ambience. 



      This time I planned to try something a bit different such as their famous BBQ or steaks, but as always once I was inside and smelled that burger I was done.  Brock and I corralled the Meers half pound Cheeseburger, his with fries and mine with fried Jalapeno Strips.  Barb went with the BBQ Polish Sausage with fries.

     

      This meal was every bit as delicious as I remember.  Brock polished off his burger and fries, grandma's fries, and a big bowl of ice cream as well.  Must be nice to be young.  I guess it takes a lot to fill a 14 year old's size 10 shoes!  Barb and I however took part of each our meals home in the traditional 'to go' box.  Even though the place was packed and very busy our service was incredibly good!  We didn't wait long for our food and our server came by several times to check on us.  And so another visit to the Wichita Mountains and Meers, OK comes to an end........but not without the tradition of a great meal.