You’re driving through Oklahoma, or maybe just scrolling through your feed, and you see it: Reba’s bar and grill. Or at least, that’s what everyone calls it.
Honestly, if you go looking for a sign that says "Reba’s Bar and Grill," you might be driving for a while. The actual name of the superstar’s massive venue in Atoka is Reba’s Place. It’s a subtle difference, sure, but it matters because this isn’t just some dusty roadside tavern with a famous name slapped on the front. It’s a 15,000-square-foot powerhouse built into a century-old Masonic Temple.
It’s big. It’s loud. And it’s basically transformed a town of 3,000 people into a bucket-list destination.
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The Reality of Reba’s Bar and Grill (aka Reba’s Place)
Let's clear something up right away. People use the "bar and grill" tag because, well, there is a massive 100-year-old antique bar and they definitely grill a mean steak. But calling it just a bar is like calling a Cadillac just a golf cart.
The partnership here is actually a 50-50 split between Reba McEntire and the Choctaw Nation. That’s a huge deal. It’s not just a celebrity vanity project; it’s an economic engine for Atoka County. When they opened the doors in early 2023, the town wasn't exactly a tourist mecca. Now? You might wait four hours for a table on a Saturday. No joke.
Why the Location Matters
Reba grew up in Chockie, which is just about 15 minutes north of where the restaurant sits today. She’s an Oklahoma girl through and through. She didn't pick Nashville or Vegas for her flagship; she picked a town where the population is smaller than the crowd at one of her stadium shows.
The building itself is a character. It was a Masonic Temple built in 1915. They kept the bones, the history, and that "if these walls could talk" vibe, then filled it with three floors of Southern hospitality.
- Floor 1 & 2: Dining and the stage. Everything centers around the music.
- Floor 3: The retail space and "Jac’s Library."
That library is a real tear-jerker if you're a fan. It’s filled with books from the personal collection of Reba’s late mother, Jacqueline McEntire. You can actually sit there, grab a book, and just hang out. It’s the kind of personal touch you don't see in corporate-owned celebrity chains.
What’s Actually on the Menu?
If you're heading to Reba’s bar and grill, you’re probably expecting fried everything. You aren't wrong, but there’s nuance. The menu is a mix of her favorite childhood meals and stuff she fell in love with while touring.
Basically, it's comfort food with a budget.
The "Fancy" Steak is the headliner—a 12oz ribeye that’ll set you back about $50. But then you’ve got the pinto beans and cornbread. That’s Reba’s actual favorite. It’s simple, it’s cheap, and it’s exactly what she’d eat at home.
The Drinks are Legend-Level
The bar isn't just for show. They’ve got a cocktail called the "Who-Hit-Em!" which was apparently her mama’s favorite drink: Crown Royal and Sprite on the rocks. Simple. Effective.
Then there’s the "Red Head 'Rita" and the "Strange Juice," which was a creation born on the Today Show. If you aren't into the hard stuff, they’ve got Reba’s Red Ale on tap. The atmosphere at the bar is usually buzzing because the bartenders are working behind a restored antique backbar that looks like it belongs in a museum.
Wait Times and the "Reba Factor"
Here is the thing most people get wrong: they think they can just stroll in.
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You can’t. Well, you can, but you’ll be spending a lot of time in the gift shop. Since it’s become the "epicenter" of Atoka, the crowds are relentless. We’re talking over 500,000 visitors in the first couple of years.
Pro Tip: Use the online reservation system. Seriously. Don't be the person standing on the sidewalk in the Oklahoma heat for two hours because you thought "it’s just a small town."
Is it actually good?
Nuance is important here. Some critics say the food is "average Southern fare," but honestly, most people aren't going there for a Michelin-star experience. They’re going for the vibe. They’re going to see the "Queen of Country’s" costumes on display, to sit in the replica of The Voice chair, and to hear live music while eating a chicken fried steak that’s the size of a hubcap.
The service is famously "Choctaw hospitality"—attentive, friendly, and they treat you like you’re at a Sunday potluck.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you're planning a pilgrimage to Reba’s bar and grill, do it right:
- Book Ahead: Check their official site (rebasplace.com) for reservations at least a week out, especially for weekends.
- Explore Atoka: Don't just eat and leave. The town has leaned into the revitalization. There are cute shops and local history that survived the "sleepy town" years.
- Check the Music Calendar: They have live performers almost every night. If you want the full experience, time your dinner with a set.
- Hit the Third Floor First: Get your shopping done and see Jac's Library before you get "food coma" from the Beef Short Rib Pot Roast.
You’re going for the legacy as much as the lunch. Whether you call it Reba’s bar and grill or its official name, it’s a rare example of a celebrity business that actually gives back to the community it came from.
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Park the car, grab a "Who-Hit-Em," and just enjoy the music.