Are you so hungry you could race a horse? Put on your fancy hat and pour a mint julep because the Kentucky Derby is this week. Much like the race, speed is a big part of the draw for many local restaurants. Here are a few thoroughbred eateries that are galloping to get your order out in a hurry.
Greg Elwell
Photos Garett Fisbeck and Gazette File
The Sandwich Club
3703 N. Western Ave.
405-525-0799
Groucho Marx once said he didnt want to belong to any club that would have him as a member. How nice, then, that he, Harpo, Chico, Zeppo and you can enjoy membership in The Sandwich Club until the day comes that a sandwich is named after you. And even if you sport an unfortunate moniker like Jessies Girl, Omega Mu or Cousin Eddie, you can still grab a sandwich to-go (with some Jolly Ranchers in the bag, to boot).
GoGo Sushi Express & Grill
1611 S. Service Road, Moore
405-794-3474
Its fun to imagine the person behind the register yelling, GO! GO! at customers as they try to decide which rolls to get off GoGo Sushis voluminous menu, but that would take far too long. A haven for fish, rice and seaweed, this speedy spot is a great place to get your nigiri in a hurry. But if rapidity isnt your main objective, youre welcome to lounge, toss back some maki and while away the day.
Gyros by Ali
3214 N. Classen Blvd.
405-606-4499
You wont get kicked out of Gyros by Ali for humming the classic song Prince Ali from the hit Disney film Aladdin, but it wont get you a sandwich any faster either. While the hookah lounge out back is perfect for taking it slow, the grill moves faster than Robin Williams improv skills and youll be gnawing on that perfectly seasoned gyro before you can even get to the chorus of A Whole New World.
Someplace Else A Deli & Bakery
2310 N. Western Ave.
405-524-0887
Do you have someplace else to be? Then the place to be is Someplace Else, where the staff move sandwiches out of the kitchen like their jobs depend on it. In fact, thats probably true, so you better go in there and help them practice. BLT! Pastrami! Hoagie! Avocado and cream cheese! Congratulations, Someplace Else; you just broke the landspeed record for sandwiches. How will you celebrate? Probably with one of its signature cookies.
Coolgreens
3700 W. Robinson St., Norman
405-701-5000
Whats cooler than being cool? According to Andre 3000, the answer is ice cold. But as any salad lover in Oklahoma City can attest, theres nothing cooler than Coolgreens. Zip in and watch these titans of tong-wielding flip, swirl and mix a pile of lettuce into a healthy, delicious salad in no time flat. And if, heaven forbid, youre not in the mood for a salad, you can still get a pretty great sandwich or flatbread pizza in a jiffy.
The Saucee Sicilian
Mobile food truck
405-412-0789
How hot is it inside The Saucee Sicilians oven? Science doesnt know, but some theorize that its nearly hot enough to burn the sun. Those people are idiots, of course, but its still mighty toasty, given how quickly Gannon and Nonna are pulling some of the best pizzas in Oklahoma City out for customers. In fact, if anyone should slow down, its you. Take a bite too fast and youll be intimately aware of how hot that oven is.
Taco Rico
3838 N. Lincoln Blvd.
405-521-1330
What is a chamaco? Clearly, anyone who has visited a Taco Bueno will recognize the menu (and building) at Taco Rico and enjoy the letter jumble that went into rearranging some of your fast food favorites into tasty anagrams. But the best stuff in this speedy Mexican restaurant are the items you wont find elsewhere. Check out those lovely tamales slathered in queso and order a few street tacos. Its all buen uh good.