Backporch Drafthouse in Oklahoma City: Craft Beer and Thick Burgers in Midtown

Backporch Drafthouse is a casual burger restaurant and bar in Oklahoma City's Midtown neighborhood that builds its menu around beef patties cooked to order and a rotating tap list of regional and national craft beers. The kitchen works with thick-cut, hand-formed patties rather than thin smash burgers, setting it apart from the city's growing fast-casual burger scene.

What Backporch Drafthouse actually is

Backporch Drafthouse operates as a sit-down restaurant with a full bar, oriented toward groups and date-night crowds rather than quick counter service. The space reflects its name: wood finishes, draft beer signage, and a layout that encourages lingering over both food and drinks. Hours vary seasonally, so confirming directly before visiting is advisable. The restaurant accepts both walk-ins and reservations, though peak hours on weekends can mean a wait.

Burger builds and pricing

Backporch's burgers arrive as single or double patties, each roughly a half-pound before cooking. The signature build includes American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and house sauce on a brioche bun, priced between $12 and $16 depending on patty count and any add-ons. Bacon, fried egg, sautéed mushrooms, and grilled jalapeños are available for an additional $1 to $2 each. The thick patty format means these burgers are cooked to temperature order (medium-rare through well-done) rather than pre-formed ahead of service, which extends kitchen time during busy periods but yields a noticeably different texture than thin-smashed versions.

Sides include hand-cut fries, sweet potato fries, onion rings, and coleslaw, each priced around $4 to $5. Combo pricing reduces total cost when burger and side are ordered together.

How Backporch compares to other OKC burger options

Oklahoma City's burger landscape splits between smash-burger specialists like The Red Cup (which uses thin, crispy-edged patties on diner-style buns) and more traditional thick-patty restaurants. Backporch aligns with the latter approach, similar in philosophy to Ted's Cafe Escondido's beef offerings, though Backporch is burger-focused rather than Mexican. The Red Cup emphasizes speed and simplicity; Backporch prioritizes beer selection and atmosphere, with a draft list that rotates weekly and typically features 20 to 30 taps. Choose Backporch for a sit-down meal with craft beer pairing; choose The Red Cup if you want to eat faster and spend less. For those seeking a hybrid (craft beer plus burgers), Backporch remains one of the few Midtown options combining both competently.

Who this place suits

Backporch works well for groups of four or more, dates, and people prioritizing beer selection alongside food. The noise level during peak hours makes it less ideal for quiet conversation. Diners who prefer lean meat should note that thick-cut burgers retain more fat content than smashed versions, creating a richer mouthfeel. It does not serve vegetarian burger alternatives.

What to expect on your first visit

Arrive before 6 p.m. on weekdays to secure a table without waiting. The server will present the beer menu first; the draft list changes regularly, so asking for recommendations on seasonal or house-favorite selections is standard practice. Burger ordering involves choosing patty count, cheese type (American is default; cheddar and pepper jack are common alternates), and any additions. Fries arrive alongside the burger and are cooked to order, so expect 12 to 15 minutes total from order to plate during normal service. The bar occupies a central section of the space; sitting there allows easier access to beer samples if you want to try before committing to a full pour.

Hours, parking, and logistics

Backporch Drafthouse is located in Midtown Oklahoma City at a street address within the district's main commercial corridor. Street parking is available directly outside, though weekends fill quickly; a public lot one block north offers overflow. The restaurant is closed Mondays; Tuesday through Thursday hours are typically 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Verify current hours by phone or website, as these shift seasonally and with staffing. The space is wheelchair accessible, and the bar can accommodate groups of 6 or more with advance notice.

Backporch fills a specific niche in Midtown's dining scene: substantial burgers paired with serious beer curation, neither of which dominates the other. For diners tired of thin-smashed patties or burger-only restaurants without a beverage program, this place justifies a trip.