November FOOD CRUSH - Mary’s Grill
Story & Photos By Amy Dewitt Geurin | Contributing Writer
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Cue the cozy vibes and stretchy pants—it’s November. Festivals and ice-skating rinks (check out the Veteran’s Plaza in downtown Ponca City!) and hunting season and casseroles galore. For many, it is a time for coming together, and no gathering feels complete without food, and holiday food means pies—homemade, delicious pies for all.
Mary’s Grill in Tonkawa has been serving all-American comfort food since 1955. Carol Sawyer bought Mary’s in 2016, and she has kept the classic favorites that customers love, but she has also added dishes to keep things interesting. Homemade pies are a staple at this homey neighborhood spot, and every variety is made from scratch. Everyday options include apple, cherry, chocolate meringue, chocolate cream, chocolate peanut butter, coconut cream and strawberry. Whole pies are available to order FOR THE HOLIDAYS.
More than just fabulous pie, Mary’s has a great selection of classic diner food. The club sandwich is piled high with everything expected—turkey, ham, bacon, lettuce, tomato, cheese and more. It is a hearty, layered, satisfying, two-handed meal. Try one of the creative and fun baked potatoes. The Maverick Spud is a perfectly baked potato smothered in shredded cheese, bacon, chives and a creamy layer of homemade mac and cheese.
Carol ensures that Mary’s supports the community. Intentional decisions, such as only serving Blue & Gold sausage purchased from local FFA chapters, and using local farm fresh eggs not only boosts local business, it helps keep the dollars in the community. Local spending, local impact.
Restaurants like Mary’s are a cornerstone of American food culture, serving familiar and comforting food, while maintaining the charm and warmth that draws both regulars and newcomers in consistently. Visit Mary’s and back the businesses that back your community. And while there, have some tasty pie. Happy Eating!!
Top 3 For Me:
Mary’s has e-gift cards available. Super easy to buy online and super fun to give.
Daily specials. When that Blueberry Cream Cheese Pancake craving hits, check the website to see when it’s available!
Pro tip: Order the College Fries, fries slathered with cream gravy, but ask for the sausage cream gravy instead. Perfection.
Mary’s Grill
114 E. Grand, Tonkawa.
580.823.1027
Hours:
Monday through Saturday
7:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
Closed Sunday
If You Find Yourself In ...
Oklahoma City … and need a forkful of pie love, go to the Plaza District on NW 16th Street and visit one of my favorite neighborhoods in Oklahoma City. Named one of the top three pie shops in the United States by USA Today, Pie Junkie specializes in one thing ... pie, and they know exactly what they’re doing. The Bird Dog Buttermilk pie is one of the most perfect and sweet bites you can eat. Made with a splash of Bird Dog Blackberry whiskey, it is like a chess pie, but with a subtle berry flavor. The Apple Crumble with Salted Bourbon Caramel sauce is top tier, and my favorite. I mean my most favorite apple pie on the planet. Gimme a straw for that caramel sauce. However, Pie Junkie’s most popular flavor is the Drunken Turtle. This very, very, very chocolatey pie is not for me (refer to the May 2024 article for more on why I do not want chocolate. Ever.), but it’s a crowd pleaser. Graham cracker crust, pecans and that addictive salted bourbon caramel all mixed up with a fudgy filling. I get it. People love it. And I really love that … for them.
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