Clanton’s Café in Vinita, Oklahoma, has been serving up hearty hometown favorites and warm hospitality since 1927. Known for its comfort food and welcoming atmosphere, it’s a must-stop spot for breakfast, lunch, or dinner along the Mother Road.
The story began in 1927 when local farmer Grant “Sweet Tator” Clanton opened a small eatery called the Busy Bee Café. By 1930, the restaurant had been renamed Clanton’s Café and opened its first official location at the corner of Canadian and Vann. In 1947, the café moved to its current location, where it has remained ever since. Over the decades, Clanton’s passed through generations of family hands, with Dennis Patrick and Melissa Clanton-Patrick taking the reins in 1997.
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As the oldest family-owned restaurant in Oklahoma (and on Route 66), Clanton’s Café has fed generations of travelers and locals alike. Some of the most popular menu items include the famous chicken-fried steak (still made from the original recipe), chicken and dressing, calf fries (also known as Rocky Mountain Oysters), juicy burgers, and house-made pies from scratch.
Clanton’s even earned a spot on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives, where host Guy Fieri gave the food his seal of approval.
But after nearly a century of family ownership, a new chapter is on the horizon. In 2025, Clanton’s Café was put up for sale for the first time in its nearly 100 year history. While the future is uncertain, there’s hope that the next owner will carry on the rich tradition and spirit that has made Clanton’s a Route 66 icon.
Keep an eye out for the giant red “EAT” sign that crowns the building and bring your appetite, because you will want to EAT everything on the menu.
Photos of Clanton’s Cafe in Vinita, Oklahoma
