A longtime fixture on the Oklahoma City bar scene, home to beloved specialty cocktails and a neighborhood bar where residents and visitors gather with friends and family, Edna’s is one of 27 bars included on this list. 2024 USA TODAY Bar of the Year List .
The list was compiled by food writers from the USA Today Network across the country and includes everything from humble dive bars to upscale cocktail bars.
“It’s so crazy and such an honor,” said Tammy Lucas, owner of Edna’s and daughter of the bar’s founder and namesake, Edna Scott. “My mother just built such a great tradition there. The place has a life of its own. It’s bigger than us. She was always there and helped with everything, and we’re just so blessed.”
What makes Edna’s stand out?
Edna’s has been serving lunchboxes and love to the community since Scott first opened it 35 years ago, and is now owned by Lucas, whose children are also involved in the day-to-day running and management of the bar.
“This store will always be family-run,” says Kate Kespers, Lucas’ daughter-in-law and manager. “You don’t see that a lot these days. A lot of things are corporate, but I love that this store is still family-run and carrying on the traditions that Edna established.”
Edna’s may be best known for their Lunchboxes, which were actually created by accident when Edna mixed amaretto with Coors Light and orange juice. This mishap became a menu staple and has grown into a list of different variations served at the bar, including some secret options.
“We’ve developed a whole bunch of different lunchbox varieties now. … You have to try the original first because it’s been around for 30 years. It’s the classic and everything else is based on it,” Kespers said. “If you meet the right person at the right time, you might get the secret flavor. We have a lunchbox bible behind the counter with all the flavors in it.”
Other than the lunchbox, here’s what you need to know about Edna
Edna’s also offers delicious bar snacks like wings, chicken fingers, loaded fries and fried green beans to satisfy those common bar-going cravings.
The most well-known visual feature at this point in time at Edna’s are the hundreds, maybe thousands, of dollar bills that are lined up on the walls, ceilings and even epoxy-coated tables throughout the bar.
There’s an unspoken understanding among patrons that the dollar bills should stay on the wall and not be moved, and anyone who comes to the bar can decorate their own bills and stick them on the wall. The newly expanded and renovated bar area, which was added to during the COVID-19 pandemic, has some areas that are less cluttered but still in need of decoration.
The expansion also revamped the patio, providing more space for seating and games. During the bar’s regular hours, patrons can play cornhole or giant rounds of Connect Four on the patio. Don’t be surprised, though, that seating may be limited on nights and weekends when Edna’s gets and stays busy.
“We’re just blessed.”
Kespers said not to be surprised if a regular customer offers to buy her her first lunchbox on her first visit — it’s a common occurrence at Edna’s and she’s seen it countless times.
“I think the lunchboxes play a big role but I think there’s a good community here and I think anyone who comes in feels immediately welcomed by the staff and other people in the bar,” Kespers said.
With 35 years of history, dedicated family ownership, strong community support and open hours from noon to 2 a.m. daily, Edna’s doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon.
“All I wanted, and all my family wanted, was fame. [my mom] I want to know what she’s accomplished and brought to Oklahoma City and how she wants people to treat her,” Lucas said. “We’ve had our ups and downs, but we’re working hard and we’re just blessed.”
Edna’s in Oklahoma City
detail: 5137 N Classen Circle, Oklahoma City, OK; 405-840-3339, ednasokc.com .
