You walk into a building in Bricktown and the first thing you see is a guitar-shaped bar long enough to host a small army. It’s loud. It’s unashamedly country. There are neon beer bottles glowing against the ceiling and enough patriotic memorabilia to make a history teacher weep. This is Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill OKC, a place that’s basically a rite of passage if you’re spending more than twelve hours in Oklahoma City.
But honestly? A lot of people walk in with the wrong idea.
They think it’s just a tourist trap or a hollow celebrity monument. Since Toby’s passing in early 2024, there’s been this weird vibe that the place might just be a museum now. It isn't. It’s a functioning, high-energy restaurant that has survived the total collapse of the original franchise—a mess of lawsuits and "ex-mobster" drama that took down almost every other location except this one.
The Bricktown Survivor
Most of the "I Love This Bar & Grill" locations across the country folded years ago. You might remember them popping up in places like Las Vegas or Cincinnati before vanishing amidst headlines about unpaid taxes and shady developers.
The OKC spot is different. It’s the flagship.
Opened in 2005 at 310 Johnny Bench Drive, it sits right on the Bricktown Canal. While the national franchise was largely handled by Boomtown Entertainment (which went through some serious legal fire), the Oklahoma City location has the backing of the Hal Smith Restaurant Group. That’s a big deal. It means the management is local and the standards actually stay high.
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It’s one of only two remaining locations in the world. Think about that. Out of a massive national expansion, the home-turf spot is the one still standing.
What You’re Actually Eating (Hint: It’s Not Diet Food)
If you’re looking for a kale salad, just turn around. Seriously. You’re in the wrong zip code.
The menu here is a direct reflection of what Toby liked to eat. We’re talking about "Should’ve Been a Cowboy" portions. The Fried Bologna Sandwich is the one everyone talks about because it sounds kinda gross until you actually try it. It’s a thick slab of bologna on Texas toast with Jack and Cheddar, smeared with Toby’s BBQ sauce. It’s simple. It’s heavy. It’s delicious.
Then there’s the Calf Fries.
Look, if you aren't from around here, "calf fries" are a polite way of saying bull testicles. It’s a cowboy classic. They serve them with a spicy horseradish cocktail sauce and gravy. If you want the "real" Oklahoma experience, that’s your dare for the night.
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Menu Heavy Hitters
- The T.K. Burger: Half a pound of beef topped with "Tumbleweed" onions and sautéed mushrooms.
- Chicken Fried Steak: Hand-breaded sirloin with a puddle of country gravy.
- The Prime Rib: It’s slow-smoked and usually melts the second it hits your tongue. They serve it with jalapeño cornbread that they bake fresh daily.
The Vibe and the "Redneck" Aesthetic
The decor is... a lot.
There are massive photos of Toby everywhere, often with his signature patriotic guitar. The "Redneck Locker Room" vibe is intentional. It’s meant to feel like a high-end honky-tonk. You’ll see plenty of people in suits who just got off work downtown sitting right next to guys in dusty work boots who just finished a shift on a rig.
That’s the magic of the place. It’s one of the few spots in the city where the social classes don't just "mix"—they genuinely don't care who is who.
If you visit on a Friday or Saturday night, expect a crowd. It’s a massive 15,000-square-foot space, but it fills up fast, especially when there’s a Thunder game at the Paycom Center (about a 10-minute walk away).
Live Music: Beyond the Jukebox
They don’t just play Toby Keith’s greatest hits on repeat.
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The stage has hosted everyone from local up-and-comers to legends like ZZ Top and Sammy Hagar. Even now, the calendar stays booked. For example, local favorites like Cali Sickler have dates lined up well into 2026.
The "no cover charge" policy for most local acts makes it a low-risk way to see some actual Oklahoma talent. The sound system is surprisingly good for a place that doubles as a dining room. It’s loud enough that you can’t really have a deep conversation during a set, so plan your "catch-up" dinner for earlier in the afternoon.
Why People Still Show Up
The passing of Toby Keith in 2024 definitely changed the atmosphere. It feels a bit more like a tribute now. You’ll see fans spending extra time looking at the memorabilia or taking photos by the guitar-shaped bar.
But it’s not a funeral parlor.
It remains a cornerstone of Bricktown because it delivers exactly what it promises: cold beer, huge portions, and loud music. It’s one of the best places in OKC to grab a drink before a baseball game at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, which is basically right next door.
Practical Advice for Your Visit
- The Parking Situation: Bricktown parking is a nightmare. Don't even try to find a free spot on the street during the weekend. Just pay for a garage or a lot. It’ll save you thirty minutes of circling the block.
- The "Big House" Salad: If you must eat something green, the T.K. Big House is actually decent. It has cornbread croutons. That’s the most Oklahoma thing ever.
- Private Events: They have a couple of private rooms—the Canal Room and the Upstairs Loft. If you’re trying to host a bachelor party or a corporate "we’re in town for a convention" dinner, these are actually solid options. They can hold about 35 to 65 people depending on which one you grab.
- Check the Calendar: Before you go, check their website or social media. Sometimes they have ticketed events for bigger names, and you don’t want to show up expecting a $15 burger only to find out there’s a $40 entry fee for a specific show.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're planning a trip to Toby Keith’s Bar and Grill OKC, here is how to do it right:
- Timing is Everything: Aim for a late lunch (around 2:00 PM) if you want to actually see the memorabilia and eat in peace. If you want the party, don't show up before 8:00 PM on a Saturday.
- The Order: If it’s your first time, get the Fried Bologna Sandwich or the Ribs. Skip the standard salads.
- The Walk: After you eat, walk the Bricktown Canal. The restaurant is perfectly positioned so you can head straight from the patio to the canal-side walkway for a stroll to settle that heavy Southern meal.
- Stay Updated: Check the official Bricktown location page for the most current live music schedule, as they update it monthly.
The place is a slice of modern Oklahoma history. It survived a franchise meltdown, a global pandemic, and the loss of its namesake. It’s still here because it knows exactly what it is: a place to raise a glass, eat too much gravy, and forget about the outside world for a while.