It’s a common assumption that you can’t get a respectable meal in Catoosa, Oklahoma, but take a drive down historic Route 66 to the gem of Port City, and you’ll find Molly’s Landing. Nestled on the banks of the Verdigris River, this quaint log cabin is home to some of the best steak and seafood in the country, according to Southwest Airlines' in-flight magazine. Molly’s Landing can definitely hold its own against the big boys, such as Morton’s and The Chart House, and for a fraction of the cost.
Founded by a couple from Arizona, the main log cabin was completed in 1984. However, one moment in this kitsch lover’s paradise, and one can be certain this would have been a Route 66 roadside attraction if only it had opened a few decades earlier.
If not for the history on the first page of the menu, the restaurant could convincingly qualify as an old Dillinger hideout. The next several pages are devoted to affectionately introducing the patrons to Molly’s loyal staff, most of whom have been there for years, despite having other full-time careers.
As I enjoyed the smell of grilled meat and nostalgia (in the form of a pleasant mustiness), my waiter, Matthew, introduced himself. I learned from his bio that he had been at the restaurant for seven years. He proudly acknowledged that Molly’s famous filet mignon had paid his way through law school. Although he had a full-time job at a law firm during the week, his loyalty brought him back to Molly’s on the weekends.
Matthew was adamant that I try their famous filet, so I ordered the petite filet with a side of creamed spinach and grilled veggies. Initially, I hesitated to go with the "featured item"; so often it's a disappointment. It's as if the chef has made that item so many times that he's now just going through the motions, and it shows. However, when my filet came out it was apparent that the chef at Molly's was no less proud of my steak than he was of the first one he'd served years before. The filet was so succulent and tender it might as well have been a piece of red velvet wedding cake. I cut the steak with a fork.
Article comments
1 - Malcolm
Shhhhhh....dang it....that's one of my wife and I's favorite restaraunts and now you go and tell the whole world! :) You are correct though. And you ordered just what I would have except I have the chef add a jalapeno to my filet. It is perfect everytime! I Love Molly's.
2 - Jamie Richert
Oh that sounds great! I'm going to do that next time. Thanks for the suggestion!
3 - Malcolm
They "cook" the jalapeno somehow where it comes to your plate warm, juicy and setting atop the filet. You betcha!