This Oklahoma Burger Stand’s Double Cheeseburger Outsells Everything Else (And It’s Worth Every Bite)
I’ll admit, I’m a sucker for a great burger story.
When I first heard about Bar Arbolada’s double cheeseburger in Oklahoma City, I thought it was just another local legend—until I learned that Alton Brown himself called it one of America’s best. That’s when I knew this wasn’t just hype; this was something real, something worth exploring bite by delicious bite.
The layers of perfectly seasoned beef, gooey melted cheese, and a soft, toasted bun come together like a symphony of flavor. It’s a burger that doesn’t just fill you up—it leaves you thinking about it long after you’ve taken your last bite.
A Burger With a Buzz
When Alton Brown declared that he’d found “America’s best double cheeseburger” at Bar Arbolada in Oklahoma City, the spotlight shone instantly. His endorsement wasn’t just casual praise; it was a full-throttle celebration of what makes a burger truly exceptional.
According to the story, the burger features two thin patties crisped on the flat-top, topped with American cheese, pickles, diced onion, ketchup and mustard. Brown captured the hearts of burger lovers everywhere by highlighting its simplicity and execution.
That kind of endorsement put the burger—and the bar—on the map for burger lovers far beyond OKC. Suddenly, this unassuming spot became a pilgrimage site for anyone serious about their burgers.
The Setting: Bar Meets Burger
Bar Arbolada isn’t a conventional burger joint—it’s a cocktail-bar-turned-burger-destination in downtown Oklahoma City at 637 W Main St. Owner Riley Marshall originally added burgers as a Saturday late-night boost, only to watch them take off beyond his wildest expectations.
The interior combines old-school bar vibes with white marble, brass fixtures, and natural light via boxy windows. Meanwhile, the kitchen turns out one standout burger that’s become the star of the show.
This venue delivers something for both bar-goers and serious burger fans, which helps explain its widespread appeal. You can sip a cocktail and savor one of the city’s most talked-about burgers all in one spot.
Why It Stands Out
What makes this double cheeseburger special? Several factors come together like a perfectly choreographed dance. Thin patties cooked until crisp at the edges yet still juicy inside create that magical texture contrast everyone craves.
Classic toppings executed simply and very well—cheese, pickles, onions, ketchup, mustard—prove that no over-the-top gimmicks are needed. Sometimes the best approach is the most straightforward one, and this burger nails it.
Plus, the setting where the burger didn’t feel secondary matters more than you’d think. Even if the bar ambiance came first, the food earned its own reputation, creating a burger that nostalgically hits the mark while standing up in a modern food scene.
Menu & Ordering Tips
Your go-to order is obvious: the double cheeseburger mentioned above. Reports say it only cost around nine dollars at one point, which is an absolute steal for this level of quality and fame.
Because it’s a bar with burger service, check operating hours for both kitchen and bar before you go. If you want something lighter, ask if a single-patty version is available, as it was mentioned in earlier write-ups.
Best to pair the burger with a drink since you’re in a bar environment anyway. Local craft beer, a cocktail, or just a soda will do nicely. The experience is about enjoying good food in a relaxed, social atmosphere.
Current Status & Things to Note
Here’s where things get a bit tricky, and I want to be straight with you. While many sources from early 2025 declared the burger and bar “still open and serving,” more recent reports say the venue is closing or has closed.
Specifically, The Flycatcher Club—a successor location planned by Riley Marshall to serve the same burger—announced it would close. For Bar Arbolada itself, up-to-date publicly detailed closure notices are less clear, but the more definite notification is about The Flycatcher.
Bottom line: Before you plan a trip specifically for this burger, I recommend calling Bar Arbolada or checking their social channels to confirm they are still serving it. The older write-ups are now a few months old.
Why It Matters in the Local Food Scene
In a city with plenty of restaurants, bar-kitchens, and burger joints, this burger stands out because it crossed the line from local favorite to wider recognition. That reflects something important about Oklahoma City’s evolving food culture.
Locals embraced it first—few burger places become “known for one burger” so quickly. A bar setting with serious food cred shows how food culture in OKC isn’t just about fine dining or chains; it’s about strong single-dish identities that capture imagination.
When a well-known food personality like Alton Brown spotlights a local burger, it can shift tourism and food-tour interest into an otherwise under-the-radar market. You’re not just enjoying a burger—you’re tapping into OKC’s contemporary food narrative.
What to Know Before You Go
Check hours first—bars vary kitchen hours, and special events may change availability. Ask about the burger when you call to confirm they are still offering the double cheeseburger with the classic toppings you’ve been dreaming about.
Go early or off-peak if possible. If the burger is in demand, slower times give you more chance to enjoy without a wait. Bring a bit of flexibility because even though price was reasonable in earlier reports, menus change over time.
The location is 637 W Main St., Oklahoma City—centrally located downtown and easy to find. Casual dress is perfectly fine since it’s a bar-burger place, so you won’t need formal attire. Go for comfort and appetite instead.