For Asian food lovers Enid has the extraordinary Tokyo Sushi Hibachi Steak House. The dishes are just as beautiful as they are delicious. There is also sushi and Chinese cuisine at Jade Garden or the buffet style Chen Gardens. The Jade Garden can get busy and noisy and while it’s not upscale it’s worth a little noise and a short wait. Paired with a nice Japanese beer, lunch is served. All three of these establishments are on Owen K. Garriott (Highway 412), the main east-west thoroughfare through town.

A bit more unusual is the Mango Tree Restaurant. A crazy little get away with authentic Thai flavor. It rather resembles an overlooked antique store but the food is great! The green Curry or the Pho is wonderful!

Steaks!

If your taste runs more to American standard fare Enid has the Land Run Steak House on Owen K. Garriott. It’s a modern twist on the big city chophouse and the food was quite good when I was there. They seemed to be a bit understaffed but the Princeling Chicken was worth the wait and my table mates all said their steaks were wonderful.

There are several other steak houses in town. For example, if you need upscale dining with business associates I would recommend Costello’s Continental Cuisine. There is also a new Texas Roadhouse that I’ve heard everyone bragging about.

Hungry for good BBQ? I know for a fact the biggest baddest baked potato in town plus good meats is at Blazes BBQ. The baked potato is a meal on it’s own! We also have a Rib Crib and a Swadley’s.

Local Enid Pubs and Hangout!

Top of the list for me and a lot of locals is a place called Callahan’s. On a Friday or Saturday evening it’s a starting point for some and an ending place for others but there isn’t a soul in town who doesn’t know about Callahan’s. Their crunchy chicken wings and perfect brussels sprouts are just the tip of the iceberg. The steaks are great and the the beer is cold and making you will feel at home is their specialty. Also, if you’re looking for a nice big juicy burger this is the place.The doctors, lawyers, plumbers, musicians, and everyone in between call this “their bar”.

Things to do in Enid

Enid hosts a ‘First Friday‘ celebration around the downtown square between April and October. With live music everywhere and food trucks galore it’s a great time. Local artist display their goods on the sidewalks and there are street games for every age. Shops all over town are open late and everyone is genuinely glad to see you. Enid Axe draws quite a crowd (Yes, they throw axes) as does the Finger Pickin’ Good Guitar Store (who do not throw axes but certainly play them). Usually, there’s so much going on it’s hard to choose where to go.

There are three 18 hole golf courses of which two are open to the public. Additionally, there’s another public course about 20 miles from Enid in the little town of Hennessey. For tee times and info, check golfnow.com.

Enid is also home to the NJCAA Division II College World Series at the David Allen Memorial Ballpark. A beautiful field located on Grand Street right downtown. Check davidallenballpark.com for tournament times and dates.

If you travel with children please visit Leonardo’s Discovery Warehouse. It’s interactive, educational and just a whole lot of fun.

Night Life in Enid!

If you want to make a night of it Enid has two local Breweries. Both are welcoming and relaxed with live music most weekends and food trucks just outside their doors. Enid Brewing Company is a farm to table place and does have a nice blueberry beer and a malty amber ale that was good if you prefer something a little more solid. They also have a small wine collection if there is a non beer drinker in your crowd.

The newest brewery in town is Settlers Brewing Co. and they promote a charity tap every month chosen from one of their hand crafted beers. Both establishments have indoor and outdoor seating and an ever changing selection of their wares depending on the season.

The Chisholm Trail Expo Center or the Stride Bank Center are your sources for entertainment. Concerts, Comedy acts, rodeos, and tractor pulls, they’ve got it all. For concerts and upcoming sporting events for Enid, OKC or Tulsa go to ScoreBig.com. or click this link. https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1282061&u=3850259&m=76847&urllink=&afftrack=

Notable Aviators

Enid was once home to Clyde Cessna before he started Cessna Aircraft Corporation in Wichita KS. It is rumored that he couldn’t get a loan from Enid banks. So, in order to finance his new business venture he moved to Wichita and, as they say, the rest is history.

Enid was also home to Owen K. Garriott, NASA Skylab astronaut. As mentioned above, if you’re in Enid with youngsters one of the coolest places in town is Leonardo’s Discovery Warehouse. It was started by Dr. Owen K Garriott and Helen Garriott and consists of a hands on arts and sciences warehouse and a science playground. Leonardo’s castle and the playground was designed by Tom Rockwell (grandson of Norman Rockwell) and built by 12,000 volunteers, including my son and I, mostly from Enid and the surrounding areas. It’s a totally interactive adventure! You will accrue major brownie points with the kids if you go, so don’t miss it!

Safe travels and smooth landings,

Jo@Jettreks