Red Piano Lounge
1 Park Ave.
702-8555
www.redpianolounge.com

Skip the 5 o'clock traffic and head over to the Skirvin's Red Piano Lounge instead. It's the perfect place to unwind with friends over appetizers, cocktails and live jazz. My favorites? The Monte Cristo sandwich and
the signature Red Piano Cosmo.

Michael's Grill
2824 W Country Club Drive
810-9000
www.michaelsgrillokc.com

Is it OK to lick your plate clean? Because that's exactly what you'll want to do when you taste the clams with sun-dried tomato pesto. And the Caesar salad made fresh at your table will make you want to whip out a pen and take notes. But those are just a couple of things that make you go "mmm" at Michael's. There's also the hummus tahini, king crab legs, K.C. strip and coconut-crusted halibut.

Sooner Dairy Lunch
1820 W Main, Norman
321-8526

There's culinary brilliance in pairing a thick vanilla milkshake with a juicy, grilled-on-the-spot cheeseburger. And this place has the best of both, which is no surprise, since it's been around since the 1950s. So if you're looking for a true Soonerland experience, stop in next time you're in town. Just be sure to bring cash or check.