ENID, Okla. – When you ask folks about iconic restaurants in Enid, Oklahoma, it’s practically impossible to find someone that doesn’t name The Wagon Wheel. That’s usually followed by, “They had the best chicken fried steak.”
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The Wagon Wheel was a staple on the northeast corner of Van Buren and Maine for decades. Below is a 1988 photo that shows the diner as it was prior to closing and eventually being torn down. The sign on top of the building is the newer sign, as a kid I remember a bigger chuck wagon sign. I am currently hunting for photos of that now.
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The Wagon Wheel was opened in 1959 by W.E. “Ernie” Mankin and stayed open 24 hours a day. The restaurant was run by Ernie, his son Sam and his family until 1988. Ernie’s sister, Mary Worthen, owned the Alamo Cafe located on south Van Buren.
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Floyd Harrington and his daughter Pam Jantz took over in 1988 and ran it until 1991 when it was closed for good. His special was his home made chicken noodles.
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In its earlier life, the building had been a drive-in selling ice, drinks and groceries. Mankin turned the cafe into a popular spot for his world famous chicken fried steak and specialty called Ernie’s Manifold Meatloaf. It was also a perfect location for late night travelers that could pop in for breakfast and coffee at the counter. It had the old fashioned spinning stools and was decorated with many prized fish that the family had snagged over the years. Fishing was a big part of the Mankin family.
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Ernie and Sam served anyone that entered their door and everyone felt like family. President Richard M. Nixon even slipped into the Wagon Wheel for a bite to eat while on his 1973 stop at Vance, AFB.
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Sam later opened Door Step Diner while his son Rob stayed in the restaurant business in Enid for many years.
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Enid’s Wagon Wheel restaurant in 1988.
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This photo was most likely from the 80s.
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Rob Mankin and some of the crew. Gotta love the fish.
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An old Wagon Wheel menu.
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About Curtis Tucker

Livin' the BuzzLife! Life's an adventure and I'm exploring it everyday! Follow the exploits of a Cartoonist, Photographer, Writer, Artist, Speaker, Designer, Entrepreneur, Apple Geek, Radio Host, Blogger, Social Media Guru, Goonie, Actor, Hubby & Dad. Always remember, there's never a bad day to wear sneakers and shorts.

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