2024 Best of OKL winners

By Brooklyn Learned January 2024

We asked and our readers answered! Oklahoma Living magazine is proud to reveal this year's best of the best in Oklahoma.

Best MIO Product
Head Country Bar-B-Q Sauce

In the heartland where barbecue is not just a meal to folks but a cherished tradition, Head Country Bar-B-Q Sauce is not just a sauce – it is the Best of OKL Best Made in Oklahoma Product.

Cookson Hills Electric Cooperative member Jake Brake says Head Country Bar-B-Q sauce is the brand of choice for his family. “The flavor is second to none on the shelves of the grocery store,” Brake says. “Head Country is the king of good flavor!”

Head Country has been crafting a taste that resonates with Oklahomans since 1947 and according to their website, “so long as people enjoy it, we’ll proudly keep doing what we do best – bring families and friends together for great times and great Bar-B-Q.”

For more information about Head Country Bar-B-Q Sauce visit
headcountry.com.

Best Petting Zoo
Snider Family Exotics

Just a hop and a jump east of Sterling, Oklahoma, Snider Family Exotics is a petting zoo extravaganza that’s not just good – it’s the best.

Owner Christina Snider, a member of Cotton Electric Cooperative, says it all started when her husband bought her a monkey. Motivated to provide a hands-on experience in the area, they aimed to educate others about exotic animals.

Celebrating four thriving years in 2023, the zoo operates from spring to late fall, inviting the public on weekends to interact with over 40 exotic animals.

Oklahoma Electric Cooperative member Ruth Ann Crawley praises the zoo’s interactive experience. “It’s great to just move at your own pace and see and interact with the animals,” she says.

“I held a skunk, baby kangaroo and got to be in the pen with the spider monkey named Sammy who is absolutely adorable,” Crawley says. “Sammy was very rambunctious for the couple in front of us, but when we sat down, he just came over and hugged both my mom and I.”

Voter Kendra Dickinson echoes the sentiment, emphasizing the joy brought by Sammy the spider monkey. “ I had never played with a monkey before,” Dickinson says.

For Sterling and beyond, Snider Family Exotics is more than a petting zoo; it’s a cherished community experience.

To learn more about Snider Family Exotics visit sniderfamilyexotics.com.

Best Bakery
Mollycoddled Hash Slinger

“Mollycoddled Hash Slinger is an accident,” owner Mellissa Wedman says as she reminisces on their start.

She never meant to start a candy company, but after losing her dad in 2011, she wanted to make a sweet treat in his memory for her friends and family. The struggle to create something as extraordinary as her dad led to the revelation — caramel.

“Dad loved all things caramel,” Wedman says. But with her dad’s eclectic cooking style and using the methods he taught her, they never measured ingredients, resulting in mass failure. “As it turns out, there is a lot of science behind real caramel,” Wedman says, recalling the challenging yet ultimately triumphant journey to perfecting their signature Salted Whiskey Caramel.

After gifting the caramels to friends and family for the holidays, the demand for Valentine’s Day caramels grew and out-of-town friends and family began requesting the caramels as well. Wedman then repurposed her blog into a simple e-commerce site to manage those orders, becoming flooded with online orders from all over the nation.

“With the encouragement of my husband, we commercially launched Mollycoddled Hash Slinger in 2016 with a single product, Salted Whiskey Caramel,” Wedman says.

Wedman opened her first brick-and-mortar store in northwest Oklahoma City in 2021, which now showcases a collection of over 100 Made in Oklahoma Products. Today, whether it be Caramel, a Marshmolly, Candy Floss, The Gooey Goober candy bar, or any of their other candy creations, Molly’s has an unwavering commitment to tantalizing diverse palates.

“At the end of the day, most people have never tasted real candy,” Wedman says.

For more information visit www.mollycoddledhashslinger.net.

Best Agricultural Education Instructor
Noah McGinnis

The fields stretch wide and the connection to agriculture runs deep here in Oklahoma. Noah McGinnis, a proud member of Indian Electric Cooperative (IEC), rises as the epitome of excellence in agricultural education. He isn’t just an educator; he’s a cultivator of young minds, passionately nurturing a harvest of success.

McGinnis’ passion for teaching was ignited in his high school years, under the guidance of his agriculture teacher, Jeremiah Adams. It was Adams who showcased the transformative power of an agriculture teacher’s role, planting the seed that would later grow into McGinnis’ career choice. “He showed me what an agriculture teacher can really do for their students,” McGinnis says.

McGinnis earned his agricultural education degree from Oklahoma State University and completed student teaching at Beggs Public School under Derrick Markes. Choosing Olive Public Schools as his teaching ground, McGinnis swiftly became an integral part of the community. IEC member Crystal Jackson says McGinnis is a teacher who treats students with great kindness and respect.

“The best part about being an agriculture teacher is the opportunity to make a positive difference in the students’ lives,” McGinnis says.

This accolade is not just a personal triumph; it’s a testament to the support system surrounding McGinnis, especially his wife Jenna. Her patience and unwavering support play a crucial role in his journey. “I’m so proud of the passion he has for his career,” Jenna McGinnis says.

McGinnis exemplifies the profound impact dedicated educators can have, making a lasting imprint on the lives of their students.

Best Barber Shop
Wimps Barber Shop

In Poteau, Oklahoma, Wimps Barber Shop stands as a local treasure. Established in 1969 by Winford “Wimp” Webb, this quaint shop has become a community staple.

Wimps offers a diverse range of services from classic cuts to straight razor neck shaves, and the shop’s commitment to customer convenience is evident in its early opening at 6 a.m., Tuesday through Saturday, and a dedication to staying open until at least 5 p.m. and sometimes until 9 p.m.

“Wimps boasts over 100 years of combined experience among its skilled team,” crew member Haley Gibson proudly says.

However, Wimps is not just a place for a haircut; it’s a community hub. Wimp Webb’s support for Poteau Pirate football, involvement in the local government and recognition by the Oklahoma House of Representatives as the “Barber of the Day” during the 50th anniversary celebration highlights the shop’s integral role in the community, Ariel Webb says.

“There’s an old-time feel in the shop. A little slower pace even if they’re packed out the door busy,” Webb says. “Wimps and his crew do everything they can to make you feel at home and welcome.”

For over 54 years, Wimps Barber Shop has been more than a place for a trim; it’s a cherished institution where community, tradition and exceptional service come together.

For more information, call Wimps at 918-647-4594 or stop by at 2212 1/2 N Broadway Street in Poteau, Oklahoma.

Best Town Name
Hooker, Oklahoma

Hooker, Oklahoma, proves that even on the edge of the plains, they know how to stand out. Beyond the quirky charm of its name, though, Hooker is a vibrant community with a spirit as wide as the Panhandle skies.

Situated in Texas County with a population of 1,802 according to the 2020 census, Hooker may be small in size, but its impact and character resonate beyond its borders, making it a noteworthy part of the Oklahoma landscape.

“Everyone is very welcoming, supportive and kind,” TCEC member Jacqueline Fernandez says, detailing heartwarming community initiatives from a meal delivery program for seniors to Christmas presents for struggling families organized by the Hooker Medical Clinic.

The town’s commitment to its residents extends to education and sports, with praise for the flourishing school and sports programs.

“My favorite thing is watching the community come together as one for the children, whether that be sports, FFA or academics,” Fernandez says. “Hooker is a wonderful town to raise a family in.”

For more information visit www.hookeroklahoma.net.

Best Mexican Restaurant
Casa Martinez

Picture the sizzling melody of a plate loaded with fajitas making its way to your table. As you gaze upon what’s left of the vibrant colors of freshly crafted salsa accompanied by warm, house-made tortilla chips you ponder, “should I save room for dessert?”

“Mejor,” the Spanish word for best, perfectly encapsulates the essence of Casa Martinez Mexican restaurant in Poteau, Oklahoma — a culinary haven known for its commitment to authenticity and community spirit.

Casa Martinez takes pride in using fresh, quality ingredients to create dishes that bring a taste of true Mexican cuisine to the heartland. Whether you’re a fan of classic favorites or looking to explore new flavors, the menu at Casa Martinez is designed to offer a diverse and satisfying culinary experience for patrons.

Under the welcoming roof of Casa Martinez, patrons don’t just enjoy delicious meals; they become part of a community.

Located at 2103 North Broadway Street in Poteau, Oklahoma, Casa Martinez is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Best Bridal Shop
Allure Bridal and Prom

Tami Bradford, owner of Allure Bridal and Prom in Lawton, Oklahoma, was filled with gratitude when she found out her shop was voted Best Bridal Shop by OKL readers.

“I’m honored! It came as a shock because we have so many lovely shops in Oklahoma,” Bradford says.

Bradford started the business in 2000 after her own disheartening bridal gown shopping experience.

“I was treated as if I was a dollar sign,” Bradford says. “This experience should be what every little girl dreams of — magical.”

For Bradford, the heart of Allure is in the people, their stories and the unforgettable memories created.

“I love meeting people and hearing the stories of love. We love to create amazing memories with our brides,” Bradford says.

Allure Bridal and Prom stands not just as a shop, but as a cherished part of countless love stories in Oklahoma.

For more information visit www.allurebridalok.com.