Florence's Restaurant
Soul food restaurant · Oklahoma City ·
Southern comfort food classics served with a side of history
Southern comfort food classics served with a side of history
"A soul-food stalwart opened by Florence Kemp in 1952 and now run by her daughter with Florence, at age 94, still working there, this restaurant highlights chicken and ribs while also offering a “nice little salad,” and it has been honored as a James Beard America’s Classics Award winner." - Pat Tompkins
"A soul-food institution founded in the 1950s and still operating from the same building, run today by the founder’s daughter and celebrated for comfort classics like yam-fried chicken, fried pork ribs, and stewed collard greens; the founder was honored with a James Beard Award, underscoring the restaurant’s cultural and culinary significance." - Anne Roderique-Jones Anne Roderique-Jones Anne Roderique-Jones is the head of content for ShermansTravel Media, where she has worked for nearly a decade. She is a former Self.com columnist and a contributor to Architectural Digest. Her writing has appeared in Condé Nast Traveler, Vogue, Travel + Leisure, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"Florence’s has been an institution since 1952, when it opened serving hot dogs — on a “hot dog and a prayer,” founder Florence Jones Kemp once said — in the front room of a two-room apartment. In 2022, the James Beard Foundation gave the restaurant an America’s Classics award. Now in her 90s, Kemp partners with her daughter Victoria to push their legacy forward on a steady diet of fried chicken, candied yams, and braised oxtail. Be sure to save room for fresh-baked rolls and cornbread before supper, and pie for dessert." - Dave Cathey
"A long-running establishment that opened in 1952 and was honored last year with an America's Classic award, recognized for its longevity and place in the local culinary landscape." - BySam Stone
"A mother-and-daughter–run Oklahoma City staple known for beloved, homey comfort cooking — especially fried chicken and oxtails — along with classics like chicken and dumplings and honey meatloaf that have made it a community favorite." - Hillary Dixler Canavan