The Standard in Oklahoma City: Smash Burgers Built Fresh to Order
The Standard is a counter-service burger restaurant in Midtown Oklahoma City that builds each patty fresh rather than using pre-formed meat, a method that sets it apart from most local burger chains and fast-casual competitors in the city.
What The Standard Actually Is
Located on Northwest 23rd Street in the Midtown district, The Standard operates as a made-to-order burger counter without table service. The kitchen smashes thin patties on a hot griddle in front of you, then stacks them with your choice of toppings. The operation is deliberately minimal: no fryer, no extensive sides menu, no alcohol. The focus is on beef, bread, and construction quality rather than convenience or variety breadth.
Patty Style and Signature Builds
The Standard uses fresh, never-frozen beef ground in-house. Orders begin with a choice of single or double smash patties, cooked to medium by default. The signature Standard burger includes two smashed patties, American cheese, pickles, onions, and a house sauce on a toasted bun. Custom builds are encouraged: you can add bacon, lettuce, tomato, jalapeños, grilled onions, or mushrooms. Each additional topping costs between $0.50 and $1.50.
The smash method creates a thin, crispy-edged patty that contrasts with the softer interior, a texture most Oklahoma City burger spots do not replicate. Comparison: Cattlemen's Steakhouse in Stockyard City serves thicker, hand-formed patties in a more formal dining setting; Ted's Cafe Escondido offers smashed-style preparation but prioritizes Mexican-American fusion rather than burger purity. The Standard's approach mirrors regional smash-burger shops in Kansas City and Denver more than the steakhouse or fusion models dominating OKC's burger scene.
Pricing and Menu Scale
A single-patty burger costs approximately $7 to $8, depending on toppings. A double Standard runs $10 to $11. Fries are $3 to $4 for a standard order. The menu includes no chicken sandwiches, salads, or desserts. Drinks are fountain sodas and bottled water. Total spend for a solo visitor with a burger, fries, and a drink typically falls between $13 and $17 before tax. Prices may shift with beef costs; confirm current pricing by phone or in-person.
Who The Standard Suits and Who It Does Not
The Standard works best for diners who value burger construction technique and do not need a sit-down experience or side-dish variety. Lunch crowds and burger enthusiasts recognize the smash method as a serious approach. It suits solo visitors, quick business lunches, and people testing local burger competence.
It does not suit groups wanting table seating, diners with limited mobility who prefer not to eat standing up, or families expecting a kids' menu. It is not a substitute for a full-service restaurant.
What the First Visit Involves
You enter a small storefront, approach the counter, and order by size and toppings. Prep takes 5 to 8 minutes. You receive your burger wrapped in paper, take it to a small eating counter or eat outside if weather permits. The space is intentionally unadorned: no decor beyond the griddle and toppings station visible behind the counter. Expect a brief transaction and minimal amenities.
Hours, Location, and Logistics
The Standard operates in Midtown at Northwest 23rd Street between Robinson Avenue and Classen Avenue. Typical hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday (verify before visiting, as independent restaurants adjust seasonally). Street parking is available on 23rd or nearby side streets; no dedicated lot. The storefront is accessible by car or bike and sits within walking distance of other Midtown shops.
Why It Matters in Oklahoma City
The Standard fills a gap in OKC's burger landscape by treating the smash burger as a technique, not a gimmick, and by using fresh beef at a price tier between fast-casual and fine dining. In a city where burger options range from national chains to elaborate gastropub builds, The Standard represents focused, ingredient-forward execution.
