The Drum Room in Oklahoma City: Halal Middle Eastern Food with Full Bar Service
The Drum Room is a full-service halal restaurant and bar in Oklahoma City that serves grilled meats, rice dishes, and traditional Middle Eastern plates alongside beer, wine, and cocktails—a format uncommon among halal establishments in the city, where most competitors operate either as casual carryout shops or alcohol-free sit-down venues.
What The Drum Room Actually Is
Located in Midtown, The Drum Room combines a dining room and bar under one roof, with halal-certified proteins prepared on a charcoal grill visible from the dining area. The restaurant seats roughly 80 people and draws a mixed crowd of diners seeking halal meat prepared to order, families, and after-work drinkers. Unlike carryout-focused halal spots such as Sheesh Mahal or smaller neighborhood shops, The Drum Room positions itself as a sit-down destination with wait staff and a curated beverage program.
Menu and Pricing
Entrees center on grilled lamb, chicken, and beef, typically served with rice, a vegetable, and flatbread. A single protein plate runs $16–$24 depending on the meat and portion. Combination plates—pairing two proteins—cost $28–$35. Appetizers including hummus, baba ganoush, and grilled kebab skewers range from $6 to $12. The bar stocks domestic and imported beer ($5–$7 per bottle), wine by the glass ($7–$11), and cocktails ($10–$14). The kitchen sources halal-certified beef and lamb; confirm current pricing by calling ahead, as meat costs affect menu pricing seasonally.
How It Compares to Other Halal Options in Oklahoma City
The Drum Room's alcohol license and full-service dining model distinguish it sharply from Sheesh Mahal (Pakistani halal, no alcohol, carryout and limited dine-in, entrees $10–$14) and from smaller halal shops concentrated near NW 23rd Street that operate primarily as lunch counters. If you want halal meat with a beer or wine pairing and tableside service, The Drum Room is the only established choice in Oklahoma City. If you prioritize lowest price and faster service, carryout shops deliver the same proteins at $2–$4 less per entree. If you seek Pakistani or South Asian halal cuisine specifically, Sheesh Mahal remains the more developed option.
Who It Suits and Who It Does Not
The Drum Room works well for diners who want halal-prepared meat in a casual-to-upscale dining environment, mixed groups that include both drinkers and non-drinkers, and people willing to spend more for table service and ambiance. It is less suited to those seeking the lowest halal prices, those who prefer carryout speed, or diners looking for regional cuisines (Pakistani, Turkish, Levantine) beyond the core grilled-meat format.
What the First Visit Involves
Arrive without a reservation; seating is first-come, first-served. A host seats you and provides menus. The kitchen is visible, so you can watch meat preparation while deciding. Appetizers arrive quickly; entrees typically follow in 12–18 minutes. The bar can fill simple orders during peak hours without notable wait, though cocktails may take longer. Expect a full meal to last 45 minutes to an hour.
Hours, Parking, and Logistics
The Drum Room operates Tuesday through Thursday 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., and Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; closed Mondays. Verify these hours before visiting, as restaurant hours sometimes shift seasonally. Street parking is available on surrounding Midtown blocks; a small lot adjacent to the building provides additional spaces. The restaurant is accessible by car; public transit options near Midtown are limited.
The Drum Room fills a genuine gap in Oklahoma City's halal dining landscape: it is the only full-service restaurant combining halal meat, table service, and a liquor license, making it the logical choice for mixed-group meals or occasions where alcohol is part of the plan.
