A Visit to Sipokni West - an unusual place

I won’t normally write about a visit to a restaurant other than in my restaurant reviews but last night was an experience unlike anything we’ve had when eating out – especially out in the middle of nowhere in southern Oklahoma.  We had recently heard about Sipokni West (www.sipokniwest.com) from some friends in the RV park, which is about 30 minutes from us.  In all our years of coming to this area we had never heard of this place and it’s been around since the early 1990’s.  So, last night we headed that way with another couple to check it out.

Upon arriving in Reagan, OK, which you won’t find on a map and I find that surprising as it does have a tiny bit of size to it, but it’s just west of the Tishomingo Fish Hatchery, we headed down a small side road a short distance to a sign for the place, turned left and followed a winding road through tall hay and rock and arrived at what appeared to be a wild west town.  This place is only opened Thursday – Saturday and tonight was Thursday and we had beaten the crowd.  Apparently on Friday and Saturday there are long waits to eat.  We parked on the outskirts and headed into town - just a few yards!  Oh my, what a surprise.  We were in the middle of the street of an entire wild west town with everything from a jail, saloon, general store to a school room, telegraph operator and cemetery.  These were not just store fronts but buildings you could walk into that were each museums in themselves.  Apparently, movies are shot here.  The owner build each of these buildings himself starting in 1991 and I have no idea how long it took him to find all the old things to place inside them.  The Sheriff’s office had two very real looking jail cells in them!  We felt like we had just experienced a time machine ride.

The restaurant is in the saloon, of course.  Initially, it seems that there is limited seating but we were told there was plenty more seating in other rooms.  In fact, they have enough space to host special events.  The owner informed us she was cooking Thanksgiving dinner for 65 family members this year!  There is no alcohol served but their tea was excellent and the glasses never emptied.  We tried the chicken fry steak and we were not disappointed.  You could actually find the meat in it!!  It came with 3 sides, as much gravy as you wanted and Reagan toast so half the meal when home with me.  I also tried their homemade coconut pie and again was not disappointed.  One of the best and unique I’ve had.  It had a graham cracker type of crust and instead of meringue it had real whipped cream on top.  It was yummy.  The menu wasn’t huge but they offered enchiladas as well as catfish, burgers and some lighter options.  The ladies that were taking care of everybody were wonderful.  They were funny, hospitable and tended to anything you requested.  They were also very funny - especially the owner's wife.  There was no way you could sit through a meal without a smile on your face.

We will definitely return to this place and encourage anybody interested in making a day of it to seek this place out and give it a try.  It will be worth the trip.  Also, take time to check out their website.