FollowOver the past few years, Oklahoma City has emerged as a destination for steak lovers as it houses some of the region’s top steakhouses. While the restaurant choices may have increased for Oklahoma City steak lovers, Mickey Mantle’s Steakhouse in Bricktown continues to be one of the city’s standout choices thanks to its strong commitment to quality in both food and service.
According to Brittany Leemaster, director of events and marketing for Mickey Mantle’s, the one thing that sets the steakhouse apart from all others is consistency. Whether out for a romantic evening or attending a business meeting, Leemaster said customers are impressed with Mickey Mantle’s consistency to outstanding service and freshness of the products used in crafting their steaks and signature dishes.
“Our mission is to offer the highest caliber service and cuisine that has become synonymous with Mickey Mantle’s Steakhouse,” she explained. “From the moment you walk through our doors, we are dedicated to making sure every guest is greeted and treated with the utmost respect and attention.”
While Mickey Mantle’s has developed an impeccable reputation for its prime selections of steak, General Manager Brad Jackson said Chef Juan Torres has expanded the menu to include cuts from around the world. This enables guests to try different aging and grading techniques of beef producers.
By expanding its selection of steak to include international options, Jackson said Mickey Mantle’s has fully embraced Japanese Wagyu beef, which is considered the best beef in the world. Consequently, Mickey Mantle’s boasts the most extensive Wagyu selection of any local prime steakhouse.
“We offer two different cuts of imported Japanese beef, as well as offer domestic Wagyu,” explained Jackson. “We also have a few options that include all different types of beef on one plate. These options are a mainstay on Chef’s daily feature items.”
Not only have guests enjoyed consistency in the quality of Mickey Mantle’s food for nearly 15 years, but they have also become accustomed to that same consistency in service. This commitment to service begins in their training process. Jackson said Mickey Mantle’s requires their staff to undergo a training that is far more detailed than most other restaurants.
“Our staff’s education is continued in all facets of food, beer, spirits and wine,” he said. “The number one focus of our management team is perfecting overall service and maintaining the highest standard in the industry.
Mickey Mantle’s is one of the restaurants that served as a catalyst in kicking off Oklahoma City’s steak trend. The restaurant opened in the fall 2000, marking one of the first upscale restaurants to open in the Bricktown entertainment district. Over the past 15 years, Mickey Mantle’s has grown to such a point that it now serves as an anchor for Bricktown’s diverse offering of restaurants.
“Our owners are great friends with the Mantle family and had decided to pay tribute to the legend with a steakhouse right after his passing in 1995,” said Leemaster, “They were led to an emerging Bricktown district to a vacant building on Mickey Mantle Dr. across the street from his statue at the Bricktown ballpark. Nothing could have been more perfect.”
As the restaurant approaches its 15-year anniversary celebration this fall, Mickey Mantle’s is showing no signs of resting on its laurels. In April, the restaurant is promoting “Bacon Bliss,” which features an assortment of bacon-infused dishes from appetizers to desserts, and even a cocktail or two. Other upcoming events include Bourbon Month, the annual LifeShare Wine Dinner and the Seafood Tower Giveaway.
Leemaster said Mickey Mantle’s is working to expand its reputation for quality food and service beyond Oklahoma City. The restaurant recently announced that it will open its first Tulsa location sometime in 2016. The new restaurant will be part of the River Spirit Casino’s new resort expansion and will mark Mickey Mantle’s first restaurant outside of Oklahoma City.
Written by Darren Currin | Photography by Emily Brashier
