Eischen's Bar

It might not look like much, but this unassuming bar is the oldest in Oklahoma. First opened by Peter Eischen in 1896, Eischen's is still run by Peter's descendants. Perhaps the bar's longevity can be attributed to its sticking to the basics:  The menu is literally eight items. They know what they do and do it well, especially their popular fried chicken.

Their signature menu item was developed in the 1960s by George “Boog” Eischen, who also worked as a butcher at the IGA grocery store that once stood next door. Originally, the chicken was the prize for the winner of a weekly shuffleboard tournament, but eventually it took a permanent spot on the bar's menu.  

Eischen's has undergone some serious renovations and updates in its long history. In 1993, a grease fire destroyed much of the space. Today, a charred piece of the original, 19th-century bar stands as a relic of its earlier days. But even after these setbacks, Eischen's managed not just to survive, but to expand as well: When the neighboring IGA closed in 2004, the bar absorbed the space as a separate dining room, complete with the grocery-store floor, aisle markers, and other memorabilia from the market.

While the chicken is delicious, the best part about eating at Eischen's is being transported to another time. Conversations and good times are shared by friends and family as they anxiously await the arrival of the best fried chicken in Oklahoma.