OKLAHOMA CITY — The basic rule in real estate is a simple one: location, location, location.
That same rule also applies in politics, too.
Especially when it comes to choosing a place to dine.
In Oklahoma, the guy who owns Jamil’s Steakhouse has a deep understanding of this rule.
Because the Oklahoma State Capitol Building straddles the farms of William F. Harn and John J. Culbertson on the south end of Lincoln Boulevard, the fact that Jamil’s occupies a spot at the opposite end of Lincoln isn’t lost on those who call the Capitol complex home.
Just a few minutes’ drive from the seat of state government, Jamil’s has hosted many politicians, lobbyists and those seeking to cut a deal.
It’s a history that Jamil’s embraces.
Originally founded in Tulsa in 1946 by Jamil “Jim” Elias, Jamil’s featured a Lebanese take on American food. By 1964, Elias was ready to expand. He purchased a former luxury home that Oklahoma Gazette described as a former night club and began cooking his best dishes in 1966.
Over the years, the Oklahoma City branch of Jamil’s grew popular.
Governors, judges, state Supreme Court Justices, legislators and many lobbyists all made their way there. By 1976, Jim Elias was ready to sell, so he passed the operation of Jamil’s to his nephew Greg Gawey.
Five decades later, Gawey is still there.
And so are the politicians.
Walking into Jamil’s is something akin to visiting a museum of political history. The passage from the parking lot to the dinner area is filled with photographs of former governors, political leaders and even a few singers and musicians.
In this hallway, Leon Russel and Woody Guthrie occupy as much wall space as Governors George Nigh and Frank Keating.
Then there’s the dining room.
The booths are high-backed and big enough to swallow an OU linebacker. The chairs are sturdy and comfortable and the walls are filled with small murals of famous Oklahomans – the Great State Seal adorns a door to the left. Call it history, politics and food all in one place.
The atmosphere is old school. Soft light, thick carpet and lots of places for drinks and conversation. The staff is professional, prompt, and seem to instinctively know when to be seen and just when to exit stage left.
Then there’s the food.
At first glance a visitor might call it the typical Oklahoma fare – ribs, steak, chicken fried steak, catfish, shrimp, and even lobster.
What gives Jamil’s that edge is the Lebanese take on those oh-so-American dishes. Appetizers include tabouli, hummus and cabbage rolls or smoked bologna.
There are even a few dishes that reference Jamil’s place in the political arena. The menu features a dish call the Governor’s Bacon Burger – without specifying which particular governor inspired it.
There’s also the Speaker’s Catch – a fried catfish fillet sandwich; the Lobbyist – a jalapeno pimento cheese sandwich with lettuce and tomato or the Senator Smoked Bologna sandwich – smoked bologna, barbecue sauce, onion, lettuce, bacon and pickle.
For those who want extended burger choices there’s the Supreme Court Burger, the Bolo Burger, the Chief Justice Burger, the Mickle Mantle or the Lord of the Rings Burger (yes, it comes with an onion ring).
The afternoon I dined at Jamil’s I started with a Ceasar salad and a side of pita bread. My drink, a perfectly made bourbon old fashioned, was finished just as the waiter brough my filet and fried shrimp dinner.
Honestly, I really didn’t want to leave.
Across the room, several state lawmakers and a couple of lobbyists were hashing out the details on what I assume will be a 2023 legislative proposal.
But Jamil’s is used to that.
“Every time I go to Jamil’s I believe I see someone well connected to the political process,” said Tim Allen, a former Deputy State Treasurer. “They all go there. The food and the service are great and it’s close to the Capitol.”
Again, that location thing.
Unlike other restaurants that feed the state’s political elite, Jamil’s has more of a down home, I’m-meeting-some-friends-for-lunch vibe.
It’s not a place that people go to be seen. Instead, it’s a place people to see others and to get the deal done.
Granted, there are some – those not involved in the political arena – that are also regulars at Jamil’s. You won’t find them huddled over a piece of paper, drinks in hand. Instead, they’re the ones sharing photos of grandkids, laughing, or talking about anything other than Sooner State politics.
Still, both groups are welcome. Because at the end of the day, the location might be the first reason those groups go to Jamil’s, but they keep going back for the food and the service.
Jamil’s is located at 4910 N. Lincoln Blvd. in Oklahoma City. The restaurant is closed Sunday and Monday.