When traveling and hungry, I like to try local diners instead of chain restaurants. I'm rarely disappointed with my choices. There are some really great Oklahoma landmark dining experiences to be had. If you are a native, you've at least heard of them, and shame on you if you haven't made the trip. If you're a transplant to the state, I highly recommend you get on the road and head to these unique Okie eateries. The following list runs roughly north to south—don't even ask me to pick a favorite!

Murphy's Steak House
Bartlesville houses the destination cafe I grew up with. Murphy's was a Sunday night after church tradition with my youth group. I still demand to go every time I visit Mom and Dad. A Murphy's Hot Hamburger is the closest thing to heaven on a plate—it starts with a slice of bread topped with a huge hamburger patty made out of real meat, covered with a stack of real French fries, and then smothered with spicy, brown gravy many have tried (and failed) to duplicate. Murphy's also has fabulous steaks, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and a selection of salads. All of this great food is served in a setting out of a Norman Rockwell painting by waitresses who will talk to you like you're local. Go early or be prepared to wait, because Murphy's doesn't take reservations. Everyone sits in the entry way politely waiting their turn and catching up on the local gossip. Take the scenic drive up I-35 to Highway 60. Go east on 60 through Ponca City and Pawhuska then through the Osage Hills to Bartlesville. Murphy's will be on your right as you enter town. Closed Mondays and some major holidays. 918-336-9341.

Other Fun Oklahoma Restaurants:

Eischen's
Think Wild West bar, think local diner. Put the two together and you have Eischen's, the oldest bar in Oklahoma. The decor alone is enough to warrant a trip. The restaurant is decorated with Okarche memorabilia and genuine Wild West ambiance. Then there's the fried chicken. Eischen's menu consists of fried chicken, nachos, B-B-Q beef sandwiches, and fried okra, but once you've tasted Eischen's fried chicken you will crave it. Served in a basket, the chicken is crispy on the outside, without a lot of breading, and juicy on the inside. Eischen's is usually filled with lots of friendly people who made the drive just to have dinner. Tables are arranged in rows, picnic style, so you can strike up a conversation with people from all over the state. Eischen's is located in Okarche at 108 South Second, a block east of highway 81. Open 10am-10pm, Monday-Saturday. 263-9939.

Eskimo Joe's Jumpin' Little Juke Joint
Who hasn't seen Eskimo Joe's commercials or worn the T-shirt? But even with all the hype, Joe's still retains its college town atmosphere and serves some of the best burgers in the state. Out of what started as a college hangout and bar, the restaurant/enterprise/entertainment venue has something for everyone. Joe's menu has all the things you ate as a college student, and may still pine for today”a variety of burgers, cheese fries, and fried food items (fries, onion rings, zucchini, and mushrooms). There are also chicken dishes called the Fowl Things which I believe are addictive. For those of you who can't eat like you used to, Joe's has a great selection of salads. No calories count at a destination like Joe's. If you're taking the whole family, you'll either need money for Joe's souvenirs or blindfolds for the kids who are sure to want them. Eskimo Joe's is located in Stillwater at 501 W Elm. Open 11am-10pm, Monday through Saturday; 11am-9pm on Sunday. Browse the menu, get directions, or shop for clothes at their web site. 800-256-JOES.

Old Germany Restaurant
Located in Choctaw just three miles north and one mile east of 1-40 on Choctaw Road, this restaurant is worth the trouble to find. You'll feel like you have stepped into a local German pub. If you love German food, this restaurant is the best; if you've never had German food, the staff will be happy to give you an introduction and describe their combination plates. I highly recommend any of the combination Old Germany Mixed Plates because you get breaded pork schnitzel and medallions of beef tenderloin in three different sauces (mushrooms in cream sauce, buttered mushrooms, and hunter sauce). Come hungry because the portions are large! Be sure to try the hot German potato salad and the red cabbage side dishes both will redefine the way you think about these dishes. Old Germany takes reservations (except on some holidays), closed Sundays and Mondays. Visit their web site for a complete menu and driving directions. 390-8647.

The Meers Store
I hate to admit it, but I was almost an adult before I visited The Meers Store in Meers, Oklahoma. I've heard about it from my grandparents and parents, but no one got around to taking me. Meers isn't fancy, but it is memorable. The old, multi-level, wooden structure houses the only seismograph in Oklahoma. But we're hooked on Meers because of their plate-sized hamburgers, large helpings of fries and onion rings, and, of course, the unbelievable a la mode cobblers. My kids love the burgers which are served on old metal pie plates. Half of one burger is enough for two adults if you're going to indulge in the fries and cobbler and you should. Remember the no calorie rule! This destination could be the perfect ending to your Wild Life Refuge visit. Getting there is a little complicated so I suggest downloading the directions from their web site. 580-429-8051.

Pam Washington is the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Central Oklahoma. She and her husband Mike have been married for six years and have traveled Oklahoma with their blended family of five children.