You walk into the Bricktown district and you can basically hear the echo of a guitar solo before you even see the sign. It’s impossible to miss. That massive, 15,000-square-foot space sitting right on Johnny Bench Drive has been a fixture of the city since 2005. Honestly, if you grew up in Oklahoma, Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill isn't just a place to grab a burger. It’s a landmark.
But things changed in 2024. When the Big Dog Daddy passed away, a lot of folks assumed the restaurants would just quietly fade out or shutter their doors like so many of the failed franchises across the country. You might remember the headlines from a few years back—lawsuits, mob ties involving the original developers (Boomtown Entertainment), and dozens of closures in cities like Las Vegas and Cincinnati. It was a mess.
Yet, the Toby Keith restaurant Oklahoma City OK location didn't just survive; it kind of became a sanctuary. While the national franchise collapsed under the weight of some pretty shady business dealings by third parties, the Oklahoma locations—specifically Bricktown and Moore—stayed upright because they were under different, more stable management.
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The Truth About Who Actually Runs the Place
Most people think Toby was back there flipping burgers or that his estate is micromanaging the kitchen. Not really. While Toby’s DNA is all over the concept, the heavy lifting is done by the Hal Smith Restaurant Group. These are the same people behind local staples like Charleston’s and Redrock Canyon Grill.
Because it’s locally managed, the OKC spot avoided the "celebrity trap" where the food is an afterthought. It’s easy to be cynical about a theme restaurant. You’ve seen them before: overpriced frozen fries and a gift shop. But here, the vibe is different. It’s loud, it’s unapologetically redneck, and the fried bologna sandwich is actually legit.
What to Eat (and What to Skip)
If you’re heading down to Bricktown for a Thunder game or just a night out, you’ve gotta know what you’re getting into. This isn't fine dining. It’s Southern comfort food served in portions that assume you’re about to go bale hay for twelve hours.
- The Fried Bologna Sandwich: This is the legendary "Toby Favorite." It’s thick-cut, charred just right, and served on a bun that struggles to hold it together. It’s the kind of thing you’d eat at a backyard BBQ, but somehow it tastes better when you’re sitting on a "redneck loveseat" (which is basically just the back of a Chevy truck turned into a bench).
- Chicken Fried Steak: It’s huge. Honestly, it’s the size of a hubcap. The gravy is thick, the breading is peppered, and it’s the ultimate "I'm going to need a nap after this" meal.
- The Drinks: They serve beer in Mason jars. Naturally. If you’re feeling adventurous, you go for the Wild Shot Mezcal, Toby’s own brand. Just be ready for the worm.
One thing people get wrong? They think it’s just for tourists. On a Friday night, you’ll see plenty of locals. The live music is usually local or regional country acts, and there’s never a cover charge. That’s a big deal in a tourist-heavy area like Bricktown where everyone else is trying to nickel-and-dime you at the door.
The Design Quirk Nobody Notices
Next time you’re at the bar, look at the shape. No, seriously—look at the footprint of the bar itself. Every bar in the restaurant is shaped like a guitar. That was a specific request from Toby. He wanted the architecture to scream "music" even if the band hadn't started playing yet.
The walls are covered in memorabilia that isn't just random stuff bought at an auction. Much of it came from Toby’s personal collection. You’ve got gold records, tour jackets, and photos of him with people like Roger Clemens and Sammy Hagar. It feels less like a museum and more like a guy’s very expensive man cave.
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Why This Specific Location Stayed Open
You might be wondering why the Toby Keith restaurant Oklahoma City OK is still kicking while the others folded. It comes down to two things: ownership and location.
The locations that failed were mostly owned by Boomtown Entertainment. They ran into massive legal trouble, including allegations of defrauding developers. It was a whole "ex-mobster" saga that sounded more like a movie script than a business plan. But the Oklahoma restaurants were insulated from that drama because the Hal Smith Group took over operations and ensured the quality stayed high.
Plus, Bricktown is the heart of OKC’s entertainment scene. You have the Paycom Center right there. When the Thunder play, this place is a sea of blue and orange. It’s the unofficial pre-game headquarters. That foot traffic is something a suburban mall location in Ohio just couldn't replicate.
Is It Still Worth a Visit?
Since Toby’s passing in early 2024, the restaurant has taken on a bit of a memorial vibe. It’s not sad, though. It’s more of a celebration. You’ll see fans wearing "Should've Been a Cowboy" shirts, raising a Mason jar to the big screen when a music video comes on.
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If you hate country music and you're on a keto diet, you’re gonna have a bad time. The music is loud, the floor is probably a little sticky from a spilled beer, and everything is breaded and fried. But if you want a slice of Oklahoma culture that doesn't feel manufactured by a corporate board in New York, this is it.
Practical Insider Tips
- Parking: Don't even try to park right in front of the door on Johnny Bench Drive. It’s a nightmare. Use the Bricktown parking garages or the lots over by the canal and just walk. It’s a five-minute stroll and will save you thirty minutes of circling the block.
- Timing: If there’s a Thunder game, get there at least two hours early. If you show up 45 minutes before tip-off, you won't get a table, and you'll be standing at the guitar bar elbow-to-elbow with a guy named Dale who really wants to tell you about his fantasy football team.
- The Shop: There’s a retail area. It’s fun for a souvenir, but the real "experience" is the back room where the live music happens.
If you're planning a trip, keep an eye on their local events calendar. They often host charity events and "Nashville Star" style auditions that bring in some surprisingly good talent. It’s one of the few places in the city where the "Old Oklahoma" grit meets the "New Oklahoma" growth.
To make the most of your visit, aim for a Friday night around 8:00 PM. That’s when the transition from "dinner crowd" to "nightlife crowd" happens, and the energy in the room really shifts. You can grab a late dinner, keep your table, and enjoy the band without having to fight for a spot later. Check the current menu prices online before you go, as they’ve shifted a bit recently to keep up with the local economy, but the fried bologna remains the best value on the list.