This Take Me Out review is brought to you by Citizens Bank of Edmond.
If this pandemic (are we allowed to call it that yet?) has done anything, it’s made me realize how many amazing restaurants opened in the very recent past that I have yet to give the full write-up treatment.
Not that these Take Me Out reviews are going to do the job, but rest assured—I’m taking notes for when we’re all past this insanity.
But our local restaurants can’t wait for that, so they’re innovating, taking advantage of changes to the law, and figuring out how to keep going. One of those is New State Burgers & Spirits, makers of one of my favorite burgers in Oklahoma City...which also means it’s one of the best burgers on Earth.
The last time I interviewed Justin Nicholas (aka Nic of Nic’s Grill), I told him he should try it. Yes. That’s how much I like this burger, so you’ll understand how much I want New State to survive this period of instability.
(Just so we’re clear, I would like all of our local restaurants to survive this.)
You can get your usual takeout and delivery food from New State via DoorDash and Postmates, but if you check out their Instagram page (instagram.com/newstateburgers) you’ll see some special offers available only by phone. Last weekend, they did a few specials of note.
The Food
Look, you want one of these burgers. I don’t care if you’re getting it solo or as part of a deal, but The Cheeseburger ($9) is a legit classic.
In between the glossy, buttery bun, you get two burger patties cooked to a gorgeous medium, covered in melting cheese, topped with chopped pickled and diced red onion. And don’t forget that smear of dijonnaise inside to bring it all together.
This is the kind of burger that I should only have once in a while, but it’s so good, I want to eat them two at a time. It is filling, it is delicious, and—I’m happy to report—it travels well.
Let’s be honest: some foods are not right for takeout. The appearance almost always suffers, so I try not to judge too harshly, but sometimes flavors and textures begin to degrade. It’s difficult to work that out on the fly, as many of our local restaurants are doing, but I appreciate their efforts.
It’s not a problem with New State, at least not with what I ordered.
On Saturday and Sunday morning, they’re doing a deal with breakfast sandwiches, a bottle of Mr. Pink rosé, and a small bottle of orange juice for $24.99.
I attacked that breakfast sandwich like an animal, because that’s what I am. It’s the usual Martin’s bun they use for the burgers, topped with a fried egg, plenty of their house-cured bacon, cheese, and a bit of that dijonnaise to kick everything up a notch. I might have liked the bacon a taaaaad more done, but the flavor of everything was spot on.
Not that having a big take-home mimosa bar wasn’t helpful, too.
(If I’m being honest, I’m a Bloody Mary guy more than mimosas, but that’s not what the law allows at the moment.)
They are also selling bags of cinnamon biscuit donuts and a pair of 90 Shilling Ale beers for $9.99. I’m going to tell you, those donuts were perfect. A crispy crust, bathed in buttery cinnamon-sugar, and those lovely sweet dough-y biscuit interiors.
Lots of dishes are in the works for New State, but...you know...it’s tough to do in the midst of a crisis. These new additions, however, are awfully good. (Is there a fried chicken sandwich in the works? Hmmm.)
Your meal will almost certainly not be exactly like mine, but with the care the New State team is putting into the food, you can rest assured it’s still going to be delightful.
Thanks again to Citizens Bank of Edmond for sponsoring this review.
