Bar Arbolada

Bar Arbolada is a small, intimate venue in a historic 1920s building on Main Street, just a couple blocks from Film Row and the Civic Center. The bartenders were friendly and on point. The drinks and food were excellent - don't forget to try their pimento cheese!! I saved some from my appetizer and put it on my burger. *Chef's kiss* We went around 6pm on a Saturday evening and easily found seats at the bar (booths were full) but it quickly filled up to standing room only. Even the tables outside were full. Be sure to walk down the front of the building along Main Street to see the old tile work and original building sign.

The cheeseburger is really really good little simplistic but phenomenal. Fry baskets, cool but they were cold but I still gave a five on the food. Honestly I came in for the food and it was great atmosphere is cool but it’s loud inside if you don’t mind a bar atmosphere. One star for service I had to wait at the table not knowing I had to go up to the front to order bartender was busy making drinks. I stood there 10 minutes before I could order bartender this was not friendly at all Long hair beard too bad because my business promotes lots of businesses in the area. I even have a foodie list I get for my customers I might tell him for a burger, but don’t expect good service. As a matter of fact when I saw the two bartenders and the guy from the back all wearing croc sandals open in the back nonslip persistent doing shots together I just thought wow the world has changed total different level of perfectionism and then I would expect

Came here based on the recommendation from the great Alton Brown. Ordered the double cheeseburger and pimento cheese fries. Both were fantastic. Wait staff were attentive and friendly, and I enjoyed my meal in this neat little bar.

The food here was great. I really loved that burger. But the experience with the front staff ruined it for me. When I walked in, I saw the woman at the counter yelling for people to come get their cards. After a couple half-hearted tries, she gave up and said, "Well, I tried," which didn’t feel very true. I ordered two burgers, both with simple substitutions. She repeated both orders back to me wrong, so I had to walk her through each one again. The whole time, she seemed annoyed. No thank you, no eye contact, just attitude. After placing my order, they swiped my card, but I was never given a receipt or any confirmation. There was no clear indication that I had actually paid. It’s not obvious how their payment system works, and nothing was explained. I didn’t feel comfortable going back to ask, given how rude the staff was. Right now, I only see a $1 charge on my card, so I still don’t even know if I was fully charged. When the food was ready, the woman who handed it to us didn’t say a word. I said thank you, nothing. I asked for a cup of water, and she looked visibly annoyed, like I was bothering her just by asking. It doesn’t make sense to have such an unfriendly front-of-house when the food is that good. The place clearly has potential great food, nice atmosphere, probably good drinks too, but the way the staff acted completely killed it for me. I won’t be coming back. I felt like a burden to everyone I interacted with. It’s a shame. If the front staff were better trained, more respectful, or at least made the process clearer and friendlier, I’d absolutely give this place another shot. But if you can’t handle basic customer service, you shouldn’t be the one dealing with customers.

Burger was delicious. Easily top 5 I've ever had. Would reduce the amount of mustard because it was too much took away from the burger taste. The patty was perfectly smashed. I mean it, perfect. Towards the end of the double cheeseburger, the seasoning and fat of the burger started to feel a bit strong, but I don't regret it. Fries were great. Crisp, had light salt, but it was coarse, which gave it excellent flavor and texture. Also it was balanced with a light amount of pepper perfectly. Probably the best lightly-seasoned fries I've ever had. Usually I prefer heavy seasoning, but the balance was so perfect so I didn't care. Asked for no pickles, but got pickles. Also the music was far too loud for normal conversation. This is a bar, and it shouldn't have music that makes you have to yell to talk like a club. Great value for what we got.

You want amazing burgers or pimento cheese fries for WHAT PRICE? Drinks are consistent, creative and plenty boozy. Bar Arbolada has always been a place to come for a good time and meet great people. The place is always full of energy and delivers every time. Exactly what I expect at a cool downtown bar if I want a bite to eat too.

Good drinks, fantastic burgers. But it’s a bar and you order food at the bar. When there’s a crowd expect to wait a bit. The burger was worth the wait - simple but delicious, reminds me of a fresh version of a McDs cheeseburger. Burger on the small side so go for the double burger or like me - order two singles. Fries are acceptable, nothing to write home about.

The burgers were incredible, expect a bar atmosphere. We came because Alton Brown had said it was one of the best burgers he had ever had. We had a ton of fun here, even though they looked super busy they were able to get some burgers out quicker than a lot of sit down restaurants would have gotten us a seat.

Updated Nov. 2024 Service has improved so much since our first visit! Highly recommend the Espresso Martini when Patrick is behind the bar. GLUTEN FREE NIRVANA: GF Burgers & Fries GF Grilled Cheese Special Needs/Family friendly when we choose a slower time of day. Crazy popular/busy local haunt. Does get extremely loud... if that's an issue for you or yours fyi

Berger was very not good. Vibes and drink selection were great A group of friends and I made a point to stop by and try the very hyped up burger Mine came out first, plain and dry and no seasoning on the patties at all. Thought that was very strange considering all the excitement around this place. The cook was very embarrassed when I mentioned this and said they had a new guy in the kitchen. About 10 other friends got burgers after mine, all had no seasoning and were very bland. Can't understand how anyone would think this is one of the best burgers in America let alone OKC. I want to believe this was just because they had a new guy in the kitchen on his first day, but maybe do a few trial runs with a new employee when you really only serve one meal. I plan on coming by when I'm in town again in a few weeks, hopefully it's up to par with expectations.

Alton Brown was right -- Bar Arbolada has the best burger in OKC. The gold rush whiskey cocktail is a great match to an amazing burger.

Beer and a shot! I know you can get it at any bar, but I think it's cool that Bar Arbolada actually has it on the menu. You get a can of their Beerbolada and a shot of whatever well booze you want. I enjoyed it immensely. The hamburger I had was good with a nice char. No frills but very tasty and the price is right. They were out of pimento so I didn't get to try the pimento fries, but the regular ones weren't bad. The vibe for me wasn't exactly comfy. It was loud even though it wasn't busy or crowded. The bartenders were competent but not very friendly. It feels like the routine of order at the bar, get your drinks, get your number probably gets easier after you have done it a few times. For me as a first-timer though, I would have been lost without my daughter there to guide me. She's a regular and she loves it but I felt a little out of place. Come with friend and/or a group and you'll be fine.

Great atmosphere, fun 'tenders, delicious simple food. Burger comes with a lot so if you're not into that, just let them know.

Just fyi...This was one of the loudest places I've been. There were a lot of people there before an event, so it was crowded - doesn't necessarily bother me, I was just surprised. I have to eat gluten-free and the person taking the order told me they could not guarantee that it's gluten-free because it's a small kitchen. I tried a couple of bites of my tasty burger and a few fries. I started having a reaction pretty quick and stopped. My gluten loving husband said his burger and fries were good. He ate his and mine. I would go back to hang out before an event and I know my husband would eat there again.

Finally sipped the coolaid and stopped here. Well y'all, the hyped, is, real. First the location is prime. The inside it's really cute and the outside seating is even better. Order at the bar and pick a spot. I got the cheeseburger and the espresso martini (it was like 11pm...don't judge) and hot damn, delish!! The burger is simple and amazing. None of this hyped artisanal charging you $25 for a burger shit. Just everything that a burger should be. The drink was amazing!!! Between the food, atmosphere and sweet staff this is. Total win win.

One of my favorite OKC bars to grab drinks with friends. The burgers are simple and exactly what you need paired with their cocktails. It's a fun, noisy setting with moody lighting and fun decor.

We came here for a nightcap after a dinner. After gazing at the menu and seeing the cheap prices and hearing about the high quality food. We decided to push through and order a second dinner. We tried their smash burger and grilled cheese and it was worth the discomfort we settled into. Might be the best cheeseburger I've ever had. It was smashed thin and loaded with flavor. The ambiance was moody and chill and not overwhelming. I am eager to get back to okc to try more things off this menu-like the fries! If I still lived in okc I'd frequent this place often.

Very tasty drinks! Cheap food it's a must stop! The service was excellent. The inside is so cool love the sleek look!

This place DOES serve the best cheeseburgers in the world. The thin beef patty has crunchy edges in a soft almost Hawaiian bread roll with mustard, ketchup, onions, pickles, and melted cheese for only $7. Fries cooked to perfection are crunchy and salted to suit everyone's taste. Their $5 dollar House Daiquiri is a refreshing a steal deal. Counter service only, so be prepared to check the menu, order and pay at the bar, then they will deliver your order to your table. They also have a pretty good spirits and brews list. We were not disappointed and if we weren't just visiting , we'd be regulars like my son and his family.

5 INCREDIBLE burgers. You'd never expect it but they are. They are smashed burgers, so a single won't do it. Wish I had known that and would have gotten the double. Order at the counter, take a number, and they bring it to you. 1 Downside - it is SO loud. Like can't think straight. It's a tiny place and also a bar so everyone is there to mingle so everyone is talking. Nothing to absorb the sound. The guy could barely hear me to take my order. There was outside seating, thankfully. I would not have been able to eat inside. Over stimulation to the max. 1Also, cans of soda only, no fountain 3 I'll pay good money for an amazing burger. But the fries were nothing special and for the small amount, $8 is way too much.

Drink service was a bit slow but they were crowded. Once food was ordered it came out pretty quick. Hamburger and fries hit the spot! Definitely going back for more. The place is very loud and hard to hear anyone even sitting directly across from you because all the sounds bounce off the hard surfaces.

This place is known to have the Best Burgers in OKC!! I brought a few childhood friends visiting from out of town to try their burgers. Days later they were asking me for the name of the place as they were telling their wife's good the burgers were lol. The place is usually pretty Dim and can get pretty busy. The drinks are good, nothing note worth tho. Staff are friendly even when they are busy! Hang out with friends Vibe! Good meet up spot for a date too!

I wanted to try this place as it suppose to have the best burger. The bar is behind a police station with some street parking. You order at the bar and they bring the food to you. There is limited menu but the ingredients are fresh. The burger meat definitely is fresh with real ingredients. Maybe not the best burger but it is good burger. The chocolate pot pudding is chocolate with coffee flavors.

Ummmm I seriously didn't know I could love a bar burger more . But this little foil wrapped burger with these fries and a drunk...or sober lover dream! The espresso martini is pretty great too. It has Lees coffee in it #iykyk

If Alton Brown calls it the best cheeseburger in America, who am I to argue? And he might be right. Came in on a slow Wednesday night while in town for work and had an exceptional dinner, and great service from the bar - when I asked about non alcoholic options the bartender enthusiastically offered to make a mocktail, which was watermelon based and delicious. Amazing price for the quality, and as a sober person who still likes the cocktail bar vibe, feeling welcome with great N.A. options is a major plus. Highly recommend.

Hands down one of my favorite places in OKC! The food is so good! Drinks and service is always great! Great spot to grab a dinner and drinks before heading to a concert or to a show at the civic center!

First off, the food is AMAZING! Probably the best burgers in Oklahoma. You also can't beat the prices. The cocktails are always perfect every time. Service when we first started going was pretty clicky. It looked like if you weren't a regular there you didn't really matter. BUT, the last two times we have been they have been really attentive to everyone. Good vibes, good food, great prices

What do a good burger and a good man have in common? They're both things I'm always on the hunt for. The parking situation isn't ideal but it's downtown, so that's a given. Great corner location and really cute vintage-inspired aesthetic once you get inside. As a first-timer, I had zero clue what to do when I walked in. Now I know what you're thinking - it's a restaurant, how hard can it be to figure it out? It's obvious that it's a seat yourself situation, but beyond that I was stumped. The bar was about half full and all the booths and tables were either full (more on that later) or hadn't been bussed. It was a Saturday night around 7pm when we got there, so not surprised that it had been busy but it wasn't packed. Finally scored a clean-ish table as a family was leaving, and after a bit figured out that you not only order at the bar, you have to go ask them for a menu. A sign or a heads up from one of the bartenders who saw us standing there looking lost would have been nice, but it wasn't a big deal. I got a single cheeseburger, a basket of fries to share, and headed to the bar for a drink. Waited in line a bit and ordered a Bee's Knees (a classic gin cocktail that I would recommend to any other old soul trapped in a 20-something body) but the bartender walked away before I could order the second drink. When she came back with my drink she didn't even look at me, just set the drink down a bit aways on the counter, and asked the person behind me what they wanted. I figured they were busy, maybe she's having a bad night, I'll try again in a few minutes with another bartender. He wasn't much better but at least he didn't walk away in the middle of my sentence so I'm calling it a win. There was a group taking up three booths (keep in mind there's only four) and they were super loud and (seemingly) super drunk. I thought it was a bachelorette party at first but there were quite a few men, and several of them were wearing swimsuits, so I have no clue what kind of party it was, just that every time one of them screeched or laughed obnoxiously it felt like an ice pick in my brain. The burger was really good, not quite great, certainly not "the greatest cheeseburger in America" like Alton Brown thinks, but for $7 it's a great deal! The fries were great, I could have eaten those for days! tldr; So to summarize - cute vibe, solid burger and tasty fries, borderline rude barbacks, and sound amplification strong enough to make your ears ring. I certainly won't go out of my way to eat here again, but if I ever find myself downtown craving a burger and service that makes me feel like an inconvenience, I know where to go.

Service is always quick and food is great. This is the spot for a quick bite and one of my favorite old fashioneds.

The hamburger was great. Music is loud which makes it hard to visit but it might just be my age!

One of the wildest dining experiences I have ever been apart of. They don't sell very many food items, but what they do serve is solid. Classic smash burgers with no wild add ons or versions or twists, just a plain good ol' burger. Drink selection is unique and tasty. I HIGHLY recommend their pimento and saltines. I have never been to a restaurant where the music is played at such a high and obnoxious volume, yet it works and meshes perfectly with the crowd and the place as a whole. Would return!

I came here because Alton Brown said it was the best cheese burger. It was good. However not the best I've ever had. I'm gluten free (celiac) and they had GF buns and fries in a fry-only fryer. So I was able to eat here safely. Overall, the place was busy for a Wednesday night and very loud. There was a line out the door and every table was full. We sat at the counter and had a couple cocktails while we ordered. Espresso martini was great!

Everything is great and the food is surprisingly inexpensive. It was especially a great place to hangout while my gf and her friend went to the nutcracker at the music hall. Ballet? No thanks! Awesome drinks and cheap food? Absolutely! Saved my night!

Took the staff from Eden Rose there for a company party and was true cocktails awesome munchies and some of the coolest people you can meet I don't understand how this gets any less than five stars anywhere anyway

I mean, I will admit this isn't really my scene. We came upon the recommendation of a famous food network star who stated it was one of the best burgers he had ever tried. Now granted, I think most people come here for the drinks and not the burger, so my experience was different from most. But I will say that the burger was mid. To me there was nothing that made it stand out. The fries were pretty good, but again, I don't think people frequent Bar Arbolada for the fries. If you are going for the drinks, my review is of no use to you. If you are going for a burger, there are lots of other places to get a superior burger.

Make sure to get the burger and fries! It's the best cheeseburger I've had in a long time. My friend tells me their grilled cheese is also bomb so try that too. The price is super reasonable and they are very casual. Yes, you can order a cheeseburger and fries at a nice bar. Go to Bar Arbolada and check out for yourself. You won't be disappointed!

Great light bites and drinks. Relaxed spot to grab a drink before a show. Sandwiches are great. Little understaffed at times but service friendly

Love love love. The atmosphere! The burgers! The pimento fries! The espresso martini! Happy hour is a great time to go -- not super busy at all and the $5 daiquiris are the best. The beer selection is really solid and affordable. The bartenders are cool, fast, and helpful.

So so yummy and great atmosphere!! Great prices, food, and drinks! Awesome location too, right in the heart of the city

The customers and workers here reminded us of Walmart customers and workers. Lol. Place was dirty. Not sure when they last cleaned the bathroom, but it was gross. After seeing the bathroom, I lost my appetite. Service was non-existent. Didnt even get water to go with our food. Food isn't anything special. Not sure where all the raving reviews came from. I guess if you always eat at mcds, this would be a step above that...

First time here and first drink definitely hits the spot. A good amount of sweet and sour. Enough to where you can still feel the mezcal in the after taste.

Nice establishment. Short beer list. Decent cocktails. Snacks are the only bad part. Affordable but.... The food truck plates don't go with the vibe of the bar. Bar tender is a nice guy. People there are nice in general. I would presume they are dog friendly as there was a cute, rather large, German Shepard next to use (did not have service dog vest). I enjoyed the vibe and the decor, but I prefer R&Js. Also, I wish they would have honored the happy hour listed on the menu w/o even having to ask. (Did not ask as I did not want to trouble the bartender Ofer $3)

Lovely, little cocktail bar with a warm, old-school charm. It's unique for OKC -- distinctly urban, boutique, cozy, social, yet more a spot to chill with friends and not a singles bar. It almost transports you to another time and place. I especially love the details here -- the brass barback, marble table and bar tops, dimly lit retro lamps, long channel-back booths, the distinct tile floor. The quiet street corner location with sidewalk tables out front adds to its charm. Front windows let in a lot of light during the day. At night it gets busy and louder with groups of people nearly yelling over the wonderful mix of 80's post punk and new wave hits. Sadly, their $6 classic cocktails are no more. Classics now $9, with also $11 crafty cocktails, which are average prices these days. They also serve wine by the glass. I saw no beer taps, and no beers on menu, but I didn't ask. Stop in at happy hour from open until 7 pm for $5 Old Fashioneds and Daquiris. Then there's the burger. It's a double cheeseburger with smashed flat, heavily griddled patties -- simple, but with some swagger. Turns out it's a favorite of our very own mayor, the venerable (*snickers*) David Holt. And it has some national acclaim thanks to a tweet from chef Alton Brown, who recently called it the best burger in the nation. So is it?? Naah..but it is mighty fine. What's garnering its praise is that Maillard reaction on perfectly seared patties, formed extra wide and hanging over edges of the bun. The result is juicy, very beefy, slightly bitter from the blackened edges along with the pickles, onions, and mustard (I recomend asking easy on the mustard or even on the side). My only real complaint is that onions are raw and diced, barely there flavorwise, and with no option of grilling them (I asked), which is a shame considering where we are. For $8, it is priced right. You can add fries for $2, which are like a crispier version of McD's -- thin, golden and very very salty. The menu here is tiny, whittled down to only three items. Not what it used to be pre-pandemic. But when you look around at all of the unwrapped burgers dotting each and every table, it's obvious that no one really minds. Just be sure to remember to order at the bar (the sign is literally on the wall). You'll be given a number, then food brought to you. No one greets or seats you. A few unfair reviews online are upset at this hands off concept. But it is mainly a bar after all, (though all ages welcome) and runs with just a few staff. Burger -- 4/5 Atmosphere -- 5/5

Best margarita I've ever had. It was a few months ago and I still remember it. Service was okay. You have to place your order at the counter. Very loud, but I think the quality of the drink made up for it. I'd go again.

The rumors I overheard from co-workers saying about how great the burgers are at Bar Arbolada were proven true! One of the best burgers I've ever had, and can't wait to go back. Place is loud, so reason for 4 versus 5 stars.

Good double cheese burgers. French fries were just okay. Skinny fries. Don't waste getting the pimento cheese fries. Small inside and limited seating.

This was such a neat spot! I'm not sure about the building's history but I enjoyed just sitting and looking around the room. Our food and service was excellent, we will definitely be back!

We had never been here before, we asked if we seat ourselves or be seated. Bartender completely dismissed us. Asked again and they said to find a seat ourselves, if we couldn't find one they said to sit outside in the cold "if you want". Not mad about the seating, mad about how unprofessional the staff is

The veggie and regular burgers are both good...but the fries are incredible!!! If you like a McDonald's style fries you will love these!!!

Best burger in the country? If not, it's definitely up there. This is how smashed burgers should be. Thin, crisp and great beef flavor. Burger came out super hot and fresh. Fries were good, McDonald's style with ketchup. Also had a rose wine with my burger, crisp, cold and at $9, I liked it. Was being fat and order a single vegetarian burger as well....ya know, for science. Liked that too, great liquid smoke flavor. All in all, I'd come back. Great service and easy going. All types of folks from date night to people working on their laptop.

Brought an out of town guest here for drinks and a quick meal, but it was just too loud. It appeared they had tried to mount some things on the ceiling but they did not stay up. I really wanted to have a legendary cheeseburger, but we could barely hear each other. I hope they can address the volume at some point. Our drinks ( Paloma's and a Mule) were really good! The place was packed on a Tuesday at 6:00. We will try again when they are not so busy.

Our bartender was Eddie, he was great! The drinks were made perfectly and the food was delicious. We enjoyed the experience and will come back in the future. It was pretty loud, but the environment was up beat and joyful. I would say this was one of the best burgers I have had in okc, and it is definitely worth a try!

Such a pretty spot. Their concept is amazing - mostly drinks but also amazing burgers!! Their veggie burger was actually soo delicious and their cocktails were very good as well.

What rocks about Arbo is the simplicity. There are no frills here, everything is just objectively good. I don't know how anyone could come to this place and not have a good time. Even better: the staff are all super friendly and remember you when you come back in! Get the Pimento Cheese Fries!

We heard very good things about Bar Arbolada and decided to check it out. The location isn't great but it's not awful either. The inside is not brand new, not bright and shiny, but comfortable and welcoming. It is definitely a burger & fries place, but wait, there is a full bar as well! Small menu, burger, fries, shakes, grill cheese, that's about it. The food? If you like smash burgers you will LOVE the burgers! Fresh, hot, crunchy edges, VERY good! (If you prefer a fat juicy burger this isn't the place for you) The fries were very tasty, they came out hot, crisp, with very light seasoning. A basket was more than enough for two people! The staff was friendly and service was good. An absolute YES for a good burger!

This is our most frequented spot in OKc. Both my husband and I meet here at least once a week. Fan favorites are the old fashioned, Manhattan and Ramos. And of course the double burger. Always perfection. We love Arbolada!

The burger is amazing my 2nd favorite burger and my favorite French fries the pimento cheese is amazing as well the food was so fresh and delicious the service was fast and the employees are kind