The New Route 66: Oklahoma Edition

Welcome to Oklahoma! You have traversed the New Route 66, Interstate Highway 44, through Missouri. Soon after you pass through Joplin you will be greeted by a welcome to Oklahoma sign. You should also note that you are on a toll road. 

Most of the New Route 66 through Oklahoma are limited access toll roads with high speed limits. The Will Rogers Turnpike will take you from the Missouri/Oklahoma state line to the East side of Tulsa which is about 100 miles. After you get to the West side of Tulsa the Turner Turnpike will take you into Oklahoma City, also a little over 100 miles.  The good news is you can cover the first 200 miles in a little over 3 hours. 

The last 160 miles from the end of the Turner Turnpike to the Texas state line are free. However the travel time is about 2 and a half hours. The first 200 miles will cost $10 cash. They do not take credit cards at the toll booths.  Oklahoma has plate pay arrangements with some states. I will try and get some specifics at a later date in time.

Both Tulsa and OKC offer a turnpike option to bypass I-44 through either city. I will cover those in detail later. These are by the way the two largest cities in Oklahoma, what I would call fairly large metropolitan areas with extensive suburban populations.

If you are into casinos you are in for a treat. There is literally a casino at every other exit when you drive through Oklahoma. I may be exaggerating a little, but not too much.  I have nothing against casinos, I actually prefer staying at casino hotels, I have always surmised that if you are sleeping on top of somebody else’s large pile of cash you are pretty safe from petty crimes and shenanigans of any sort.

One last note on the overview of Oklahoma for the remaining sinners who don’t gamble. Oklahoma does not have any Sunday blue laws or dry counties on the trek through the state.

You will have to go to a liquor store if you want spirits: i.e. vodka,gin, or whiskey.

Oklahoma used to be famous for our 3.2% beer. In the last 10 years strong beer and wine is available at all grocery and convenience stores as well as the liquor stores. I would stock up on cigarettes in Joplin as they have much lower taxes than Oklahoma, and the other states as you go westward.

Now that you have a pretty good idea of what you're up against in traversing the state let’s go back to the state line and start driving through Oklahoma.

After you pass the Oklahoma welcome sign you will have an exit on your right for an Oklahoma Welcome center. The bathrooms are acceptable and you can probably score a free cup of coffee and an Oklahoma map.

Exit 313 Miami, OK 

Miami is a town that was on the original configuration of Route 66.  There are two casinos in Miami. 

There is a Walmart in Miami, but it is almost 5 miles off the exit. If you are like me and don’t want to spend a lot of time winding through a small town I would wait. 

There is a Phillips 66 convenience store just off the exit with decent bathrooms.

Exit 302 Afton OK

You will not actually go into Afton on this exit with a short drive. There is a convenience store, Woodshed at Buffalo Ranch, that is about a mile off the turnpike. Just stay right after the toll booth onto US 60/US 69 and it will be on your left.

The Woodshed is a very well run convenience store. The bathrooms are nice and they sell a ton of fried chicken in different forms. They bread and cook all of their tenders on site. They operate all around the Grand Lake area. I am a big fan of the Woodshed convenience stores.  The amount of chicken they sell is almost unfathomable, which speaks to the saying that they must be doing something right. There is also a Subway inside if chicken is not to your liking today.

Retrace your steps and get back on the New Route 66.

Exit 289 Vinita OK

Vinita is an original Route 66 town and actually a good place to hop on the old route 66 route into Claremore and actually put you back onto I-44 just outside of the east side of Tulsa in Catoosa. This route will take you by the Blue Whale in Catoosa, if you are looking for iconic sites.

The Walmart in Vinita is about a mile off the exit if you are in need of general provisions for the road.

Clanton’s Restaurant in Vinita is a great choice. They have been featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dive’s. Chicken fried steak with cream gravy is classic Oklahoma fare. We put gravy on everything, lol.

There is also a Woodshed Convenience store almost across from Clanton’s if you are just wanting a bathroom and a snack.

Turn right just past Clanton’s turn left and head to Claremore if you want a taste of the old Route 66, otherwise go back and get on Eastbound I-44 the way you came in.

Will Rogers Archway  Vinita OK

Just after the Vinita Exit is what used to be hailed as the world’s largest McDonalds. The eastbound side has a gas and convenience store.

Will Rogers Toll Plaza

I am not sure that Will would have been ok with putting his name on a toll plaza as he was fairly skeptical of government spending, but here we are. You can bypass the toll plaza if you have a Pikepass or your state has an agreement with Oklahoma. Most Oklahoma toll locations have gone to plate pay. This means at a later day if you are so inclined you can look up your plate on the Turnpike Authority website and pay them for the tolls you have incurred.

Exit 283 Big Cabin OK

BIg Cabin is a truck stop, but it is a hidden gem on the trek through Oklahoma. This is one of the highest volume restaurant stops in Oklahoma.  The food is very good, but it is an old style cafe type setting. This is as old Route 66 fare as you can get. If you are up for breakfast, lunch, or dinner this is a good choice. They also have a Subway on site if you just want fast food.

Everything else at the Big Cabin Restaurant is cooked to order.

Exit 269 Adair/Chelsea

The only reason to exit here is to get on the original Route 66 by going west to Chelsea. Either direction requires a substantial drive to get to any services

Exit 255 Claremore

Claremore is an original Route 66 town famous for the Will Rogers Memorial. Don’t be fooled, Claremore is not the birthplace of Will Rogers. That would be Oologah about 10 miles north of Claremore. It is also my hometown.

If you are looking for a quick restroom break and refreshments this is a great choice. There is a Quiktrip just off the turnpike.

The Hammet House has been a favorite in Claremore for decades and it is practically next door to the Will Rogers Memorial if you're looking to sit down for lunch.

There is a Walmart in Claremore, but it is not really convenient to get to and is honestly usually a madhouse. The Walmart in Catoosa a little further down the road is a better option.

Exit 248 Verdigris

There is a Quiktrip in Verdigris that is great for a fast stop for a bathroom break, gas, and refreshments. Getting off and back on the interstate is pretty quick. If the Blue Whale is on your list of things to see just stay on the old Route 66 West towards Catoosa and you will go right by it.  You can’t miss it, after all it is a big blue whale. 

Exit 35 Pine Street/Catoosa

This exit has very little value as your only viable option is to take a right and go into Catoosa. You would come out on the old Route 66 in Catoosa, but would have to back track to see the Blue Whale.

FYI – the exit numbers changed because you technically got off the Turner Turnpike and are now on the Creek Turnpike.

Exit 34 I-44

Stay in the right lane if you want to take the New Route 66 through Tulsa on I-44. If you want to bypass Tulsa and go straight to OKC stay on Hwy 364 which is the Creek Turnpike. It will take you around the South side of Tulsa. It is a toll road, but there is no toll plaza. It is Oklahoma Pikepass or plate pay.

If you choose to take this route there are still options to exit for food and gas. It is faster if you have no plans to stay in Tulsa. It is far from desolate and actually takes you through the newer part of Tulsa. There is also the River Spirit Casino just off the Riverside exit. It, in my opinion, is the nicest casino in the Tulsa area. 

Exit Route 66 East Catoosa

Stay in the left two lanes for I-44 at the un-numbered exit that would take you on old Route 66 east into Catoosa and back by the Big Blue Whale. I promise this is the last word on the blue whale matter.

Exit 240 Catoosa

Just North of the interstate at the Catoosa exit is the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino that is owned by the Cherokee Nation. The hotel is nice and as I stated before I like the security of staying at a casino run hotel. Check ahead if your heart is set on staying there as they can sell out if a popular concert or event is going on.

There is also a Walmart that is easily accessible at this exit.

Exit 238 165th E Ave

This is possibly one of the quickest gas, bathroom, and snack exits in Oklahoma. It is a Quiktrip truckstop and you can get right back on the Interstate without waiting at a traffic light. 

I will never mention a stop unless I know the bathrooms are clean and the area is safe. Now that we are in Tulsa I will say that Quiktrip = clean bathroom. It is a hallmark of the Quiktrip convenience store chain. It is, by the way, a Tulsa based company. The very first store was in Tulsa and the Headquarters are still here in Tulsa.

Exit 236B I-244 Downtown Tulsa

Here you can exit to go to downtown Tulsa, otherwise you stay on I-44. 

Here is my advice on staying in Tulsa. If you are wanting to venture out of your room at night and have dinner and maybe a few drinks I would definitely stay in downtown Tulsa. There are tons of restaurants and bars in downtown Tulsa that are safe to walk to without having to hail a rideshare.

The food scene in Tulsa, again in my opinion, is the best in the state. Food is a big deal in Tulsa, there are literally five restaurants at every intersection. If a restaurant can make it for more than a couple of years the food is probably pretty good. The competition is fierce in Tulsa.  

Specifically I would stay at Hotel Indigo at 1st and Elgin. You are within a short walking distance of numerous bars and restaurants. They have a balcony bar that is very popular. 

Albert G’s Barbeque has been a Tulsa staple for over 25 years, McNellie’s restaurant is a Tulsa favorite as well just around the corner.

If you just want to stay on I-44, but stay in Tulsa I will offer advice at future exits.

Exit 236 129th E Ave

Unless you have an insatiable urge for McDonald’s keep driving.

Exit 235 E. 11th St

I would only exit here if you want to drive on a section of original Route 66 which is 11th st into the southside of downtown Tulsa. You can get right back on I-244 to Oklahoma City downtown.

I really try to stick to the don’t say anything unless you have something nice to say. The Quiktrip at this location always features an armed guard which is reserved for select locations. It has a Motel 6 behind it which is frequently visited by the Tulsa Police Department. It has been featured on the show 48 hours on a couple of occasions. So without stating the obvious this is not the best place to stop.

I will say there is no part of Tulsa that I would not drive during the day, but some parts are better than others.

Exit 234 Hwy 169 Broken Arrow/Owasso

Exit for going to North Tulsa or South Tulsa on Highway 169. Highway 169 North would take you to Kansas City. Highway 169 South would take you to south Tulsa and turn into the Creek Turnpike to OKC.

Exit 233B E. 21st St

There are no services directly off of this exit.

Exit 232 Memorial Drive/E. 31st St.

I would recommend the Embassy Suites just north of this exit. There are a couple of hotels that are pretty nice north of 31st Street. I will be honest anywhere off of I-44 where there are cheap hotels can be pretty sketchy at night. That is why I recommend downtown if you want to get out at night.

Exit 231 Highway 52/64 Sand Springs/ Broken Arrow

This is known in Tulsa as the Broken Arrow Expressway. 51 East will take you into downtown if you changed your mind on staying downtown.

Exit 230 E 41st Street

This exit is more of a food exit. Not a good option for gas, but there are a couple of excellent options for food.

Fat Guys is a burger joint that is famous for all of its dipping sauces for fries and the burgers are awesome. Tulsa is a coney town and this exit is the easiest to get to a Coney I Lander which has been in Tulsa for at least 50 years. Both of these options are in a shopping center north of 41st street when you exit.

Exit 229 Yale Ave

There is a Quiktrip just South on Yale Ave from this exit. It is not really convenient and not the best neighborhood behind it, making it a little bit sketchy. There are more convenient options over the next couple of exits.

The Doubletree at Warren place is one and a half miles South on Yale Ave. It has quite a few nice restaurant options that are quite close.

Pub W and Neighborhood Jam are Oklahoma based restaurants that are a short walk from the Doubletree.

Almost a mile east on 61st is Goldie’s which has been in Tulsa over 40 years. They have great hamburgers. I have been eating there for at least 3 decades when I am in Tulsa.

Exit 228 Harvard Ave

If you are wanting Mexican food Casa Tequila is on the Northeast corner of this exit. It is almost always busy which is a good sign. I have eaten here on many occasions when in Tulsa.

Across the parking lot to the North is NY Pizza. I love this place, pizza by the slice, with your choice of toppings. They toss it back in the oven and then serve it up hot. It has been there for decades.

There is a Quiktrip across the street by the onramp back on I-44 making this a 5-star exit.

Exit 227 Lewis Ave

There is a Quiktrip at this exit, but it is much more convenient to Eastbound traffic. Hold on another mile and you will have a better westbound option.

.

Exit 226B Peoria Ave

This is your last easy on and off quick access for fuel going through Tulsa. You guessed it, a Quiktrip right next to the I-44 West onramp.

If you are up for wandering off the highway then go a little over a mile North and you will be in the heart of Brookside as Tulsans call it. Lots of restaurants and bars.

The Brook is a local restaurant with a great menu.  They have been there at least 25 years. 

In The Raw is a longtime favorite sushi restaurant in Tulsa.

You also have a second chance at Coney-I-Lander at 41st and Peoria.

Exit 226A Riverside Drive

If you turn right and go North you will find The Gathering Place, which is a huge park that draws thousands of people weekly. If you have kids this is a must on the trip through Oklahoma. It draws people nationally.

Riverside drive runs alongside the east side of the Arkansas River. Going North will take you directly into downtown Tulsa.

If you go South 5 miles you will be at Riverspirit Casino that I talked about in the Southern bypass of Tulsa.

Exit 225 Elwood Ave

This is an industrial exit. No immediate services available.

Exit 224 Highway 75 Bartlesville/Okmulgee

Going North towards Bartlesville will take you into downtown Tulsa.

A couple of miles north on Highway 75 at 71st st is Tulsa Hills. There are several nice hotel options and a lot of shopping and restaurant options. 

Albert G’s has a location here for which I would recommend for BBQ

Exit 223C 33rd W Ave

CLOSED DUE TO CONSTRUCTION

This exit is the trail to the best burger joint in Oklahoma in my opinion. Go North to Southwest Blvd which is the old Route 66. Turn right and just on your right a block or so is Arnold's Old Fashioned Hamburgers.

This is the best value for a meal that you will find and the burgers are excellent. Frank, the owner, told me that most months he sells over 100,000 burgers. If you can sell 100,000 burgers in a month you have a pretty good burger.

They have a drive thru if you don’t want to go in.

Exit 223B OK334 Gilcrease Expy

This will take you North to Highway 412 to Stillwater. No services directly off this exit

223A I-244 East

CLOSED DUE TO CONSTRUCTION

This would take you back to downtown Tulsa

Exit 222C 56th Street

No fuel or food here.

Exit 222A 49th W Ave

There is a Quiktrip truck stop on the east side of the highway along with several fast food options.  Probably the most options until you reach OKC.

Exit 221B OK-66 W/Bristow/Sapulpa

If you are wanting to drive Tulsa to OKC via the old Route 66 this is a great place to start. Follow the signs once you get into Sapulpa.

Once you pass this exit you are on the Turner Turnpike. Keep in mind that if there is an accident and the westbound lanes are closed you will be diverted off onto the old Route 66.

While it is faster to stay on the turnpike when everything is running smoothly, in the last couple of years the traffic has become substantially more congested. When I get tired of waiting on slow trucks to pass slower trucks I just get on old 66 and make my way to Edmond. It may take 20 minutes longer, but is just less aggravating and somewhat enjoyable to drive the old highway.

Exit 215 OK97 Sapulpa/Sand Spring

This has a Quiktrip for fuel and food. It is fairly easy to get off and get back on to I-44.

You can also pick up the old Route 66 on the west side of Sapulpa,which you can drive all the way to OKC.

Finding a restaurant will be a fairly substantial time commitment going into Sapulpa.

Exit 211 OK33 Kellyville/Drumright/ OK66

There are any services directly off this exit.

Take a left at the exit to get on old Route 66

Exit 196 Bristow

Same as with all the exits on the Turner Turnpike you can pick up the old Route 66. Just turn left or South into Bristow and you can pick up the signs directing you to OKC

There is a Walmart right off the exit if you need to stock up with provisions at an everyday low price.

Turner Toll Plaza

CLOSED- Plate Pay Only

Exit 179 Drumright/Stroud

This is not a bad stop for fuel, but the biggest attraction is…..

The Rock Cafe on Main Street. The owner was the inspiration for “Sally” in the movie “Cars" that was based on Route 66

Midway Service Plaza

An easy stop for fuel. McDonalds is the only restaurant. The convenience store offers some pre prepared sandwiches. This is the only free exit on the turnpike.

Exit 166 Chandler/Cushing

Chandler is a little south of the exit. There is a Walmart, but it is a bit off the path.

Ken’s Pizza has a lunch buffet that is pretty good. It is a Tulsa tradition that was the predecessor to the Mazzio's pizza chain that is headquartered in Tulsa.

Exit 158 Wellston

Wellston is an easy stop for fuel and a restroom break, and get right back on the Interstate.

If you are a BBQ fan this is the mecca on the new and old Route 66.

Butcher BBQ is world renowned. Keep in mind it is only open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

It is open until they are sold out. Which means that as time goes by some menu items won’t be available. The good news is that it is all good.

Exit 149 Kickapoo Turnpike South

The Kickapoo Turnpike will take you directly South to I-40. It is a longer detour so I would advise against it.

Exit 146 Luther/Jones

There are no services immediately off of this exit. You can get to the old route 66 and come out in Edmond on 2nd Street. You will also pass through Arcadia which has some famous landmarks.

The first is the Arcadia Round Barn which was built in 1898. It has a museum and gift shop

The second is Pop’s 66 which is a landmark diner and convenience store with hundreds of soda flavors available.

The third is a sign commemorating the spot that a local encountered Paul McCartney when he was passing through old Route 66. If it was good enough entertainment for one of the Beatles then it should be good enough for almost anyone. Don’t second guess yourself.

If you want to go to the old Route 66 it takes a bit of maneuvering

Turn right onto Hogback Road going North.

Take the next left onto 164th st going west.

Then take the next right onto Triple X Road then keep going North until you hit Route 66.

Yes, XXX road is right, don’t ask me why. You can’t make this stuff up.

Oklahoma City

You have been within Oklahoma City Limits for some time now. I want to take the time, before you start making decisions, to advise on which way to go ahead before you exit the Turner Turnpike.

Almost like Tulsa I would advise staying downtown in OKC at Bricktown if you want to get out and have dinner and drinks. There are a lot of great restaurants and bars within walking distance of a lot of nice hotel options.

If you just want to stay in a nice safe part of town, stay in Edmond just a couple of miles north. It is the nicest suburb of OKC and does have some very good hotel options and great restaurant options. If your out drinking Uber is readily available in Edmond, walking is not much of an option.

If you are wanting to stay just off the New Route 66 I will make some suggestions as we go along. Much like I-44 in Tulsa the cheaper hotels off the highway can be a little sketchy, I would save the cheap hotel night for a smaller town.

Slow down when you approach this intersection of highways as law enforcement frequently is sitting by the I-35 S offramp.

Exit I-35 N

Stay in the far right lane for I-35 towards Wichita.

A couple of miles north exit 15th Street in Edmond for easy access to a Walmart and quite a few restaurants.

This is a very nice part of the OKC metro.

Exit Kilpatrick Turnpike

Stay in the middle lanes if you want to bypass OKC as quickly as possible. It is a toll road with no toll booths. It will take you out to the west side of Oklahoma City near Yukon on I-40.

Exit I 35 S/I 44 W

Stay in the left hand lane to get on I 35/ I 44W. You have two options on going westward at this point. You will reach a Y on the road in about 4 miles, you will need to be in the far right lane to take I 44 West through midtown OKC. Stay in the left 2 lanes for I-35 S. I-35 S will turn into I-40 with the option to exit onto I-35 S going to Dallas. Just remember you are headed for Amarillo on I-40. This is the best way to go if you wish to stay in downtown OKC.

The road on I-35 S is much smoother and you avoid the construction on I-44. The time difference is less than a minute, I have checked multiple times on GPS going to the airport.

Exit 137 122nd St 

There are 2 truck stops at this exit. The easiest place to get gas and back on the interstate is the Love’s. The bathrooms are good and they have some food options that are not bad. Love’s is an Oklahoma City based company and the bathrooms are always pretty good. The only problem you can run into is they are very high volume and can be crowded at times.

There is a Cracker Barrell just north of the Love’s across 122nd St through the light and to the right. 

There is an Oklahoma Welcome Center across from Love’s. You can pick up an Oklahoma map and a free cup of coffee. They offer a selection of Oklahoma related gifts.The bathrooms will be good as well.

Exit 136 Hefner Rd

There are no services off of this exit. If you are going to Frontier City you can exit and go north on the I-35 service road on the west side.

There is a Quiktrip in the works.I will update when this reaches fruition.

Exit 135 Britton Rd

No Services at this exit. 

Exit 134 Wilshire Blvd

No quick service off of this exit. If you go over to the east side service road you can go south and find a Braum’s which is located at the Braum’s Corporate headquarters. The only fuel option is a pretty sketchy place.

Exit 133 I44 W Amarillo

Right now when you exit to I 44 W you will go through concrete barriers that 

Exit 129 MLK Ave

This exit is not marked because of construction currently. There is no immediate access to fuel or restrooms.

The OKC Zoo is the 4th largest zoo in the country. It is well worth spending a day visiting if you like zoos.

Remington Park Casino is the most convenient casino in Oklahoma City proper. They do feature horse racing when it is in season.

You can go straight off the exit on 63rd St to the Cowboy Hall of Fame, but the lights at this exit are very long. I would suggest the Kelley exit if you are going to the museum.

Exit 128B Kelley Ave

There are no immediate services off this exit. If you are going to the Cowboy Hall of Fame go north to 63rd St. and turn right at the light.

Sign for OKC National Memorial 

Exit 128A Lincoln Blvd/State Capitol

No fuel or restrooms directly off the exit.

If you want to sit down and eat a great option is Jamil’s Steakhouse (jamilssteakhouse.com) at 

4910 N Lincoln. It is not far off the interstate. I 

Exit 127B US77 N/I235

This goes north into Edmond

Exit 127A I-235 S Oklahoma City Downtown

This exit will take you into downtown Oklahoma City.

I will not cover all the exits into downtown since it is really not New Route 66.

I will advise you to take the Exit 2 N 23rd St/Broadway Ave/State Capitol

Go straight at the light into downtown, the reason this works out well is because you avoid the possibility of getting cut off by the train. It is a major problem in downtown OKC. 

This section is mainly to cover the restaurants downtown should you decide to stay there.

Let’s start with the skyline of OKC, the tallest building downtown is the Devon Tower. What if I told you there was a restaurant on top? Vast (Vastokc.com) is on the 49th and 50th floors with breathtaking views.

It is a 4 diamond restaurant. Check out the menu online, it is not as pricey as you would think.

Nearby the Devon Tower on Robinson is The National Hotel, it is a favorite of business travelers visiting OKC. The restaurant inside is Stock & Bond Steakhouse (stockandbond.com) it is a very popular destination among locals and travelers located at 138 Park Ave. 

If you want steak, with a more budget friendly menu don’t fret you are in luck. Cattlemen’s Steakhouse (cattlemensrestaurant.com)  is located at 1309 South Agnew. Just outside of downtown in the old OKC Stockyards. This steakhouse has been there for over 100 years which speaks for itself. This is one of my favorite restaurants in the metro.

Another favorite restaurant in downtown OKC is Crabtown (pearlsokc.com) located in Bricktown at 303 E Sheridan. Being landlocked Oklahoma is not known as a mecca for seafood, but this cajun style menu is one of the most popular restaurants in the city.

In case you're looking for mexican food Iguana’s Mexican Grill (iguanamexicangrill.com) is located at 

9 NW 9th St. It is the Mexican place that is talked about most in downtown OKC.

Downtown Detour is over back to the New Route 66

Exit 126 Western Ave

This is not a quick fuel or restroom stop. There are a couple of food options.

You will turn left at the stop sign off the exit to get to Western. There is a Sonic straight in front of you at the light. If you turn right and go north on Western you will run into Flip’s Italian restaurant, a Whole Foods a little further north, and a Whole Foods if you are a fan.

The Ellis Hotel is a business traveler's favorite across from the Devon Energy Campus.  

Exit 125B Classen Blvd 

This is a Left Lane Exit

Unless you know your way around OKC avoid this exit. You can get to the major attractions at this exit more readily at the next exit.

Exit 125 C OK-3A/ NW Expressway

This is a Left Lane Exit

If you are wanting to shop at Penn Square mall or cruise for a place to eat this is a great exit. You will go right and be on NW Expressway which has miles of restaurants and convenience stores to the Northwest as the name implies.

The first light you come to is Belle Isle. Turn right then left for a Walmart. Go straight and your first right will be Penn Square Mall.

Exit 125A N Penn Ave

There is a fuel and food option at this exit. I would only take it if I missed Penn Square or Northwest Expressway which can be rectified by turning right and going north to Penn Square and NW Expressway.

This underpass is a huge homeless encampment at most times and you have a pretty good chance of being asked for money while you are fueling at the convenience store that is just south of the interstate.

Exit 124 May Ave

This is not a good exit if time is of the essence. There is no immediate onramp back onto the interstate. You will have to go south to 36th street, turn right and get onto I-44.

There are some good food options off of May Avenue, but I would keep on trucking.

Exit 123B I44 West

Stay straight and the overpass will loop south on I-44. Be aware the left hand lane ends, but many drivers will act like they have right away. It can be a little dangerous here at times.

Exit 122 NW 23rd St

There is an Arby’s on the other side of the interstate, otherwise it is a bust.

Exit 121B NW 10th St West

I would advise a pass on this exit unless traffic is at a complete standstill. You can go west to Meridian Ave then left and get on I-40 about a mile South. At rush hour this is a viable strategy.

Exit 121A NW 10th St East

I would recommend a pass on this exit unless you are going to the State Fair Grounds.

Exit I40 West Amarillo

You are now on the third leg of what is the New Route 66. I-40 will take you all the way to Barstow,California before you take I-15 to I-10 to finish the journey to Santa Monica.

Exit 145 Meridian Avenue

There are a lot of nice hotels on Meridian South of I40. They would be considered the airport hotels. It is not an area I would walk around at night. There is a lot of transient and homeless traffic on the street. At night this area can look like an episode of Cops.

Honestly, I wouldn't walk around during the day either.

If it is not obvious going South on Meridian will take you straight to the Will Rogers International Airport Terminal

Exit 144 MacArthur Blvd

Skip this exit and thank me later. It is congested and you immediately have to take a left to access all of the businesses.

It often backs up and you may have to sit through several light cycles to get through. In fact you may sit on I-40 hoping an 18-wheeler doesn’t come through your rear window. The other day it was backed up for a mile on I-40. This is a horrible exit, probably the worst in Oklahoma.

There are a lot of restaurants and shopping options at this exit, but it is much easier to take the next exit. Plus you can see everything it has to offer and work your way back.

Exit 143 Rockwell Ave

After you have seen everything offered you can work your way back to what you choose.

Turn right off Rockwell and turn right at the first light which is 3rd Street. 

There is a Walmart, but definitely not the crown jewel of Walmarts. It would be a last resort for me.

The on ramp to I 40 westbound is not marked well. Turn left of 3rd Street onto Rockwell. Then left at the first light, opposite the way you came off of Rockwell.

Exit 142 Council Rd

This is not a good fuel option as you have to make an unprotected left turn on a busy four lane street. I did a U turn to correct the situation.

The OKC outlet mall is just off this exit along with a few food options you can see before you exit.

Exit 140 Morgan Rd

Four small truck stops and a couple of fast food places. Unless your really hungry or low on fuel keep going

Exit 139 Kilpatrick Turnpike

If you took the Northern bypass of OKC this is where you will come out on I-40.

Exit 138 OK-4 Mustang/Yukon

Hotels

IHop

Exit 137 Cornwell Dr/Czech Hall Rd

This exit is a time killer to access food. 

Fuel is really easy on and off the interstate at the OnCue.

Exit 136 OK-92 Yukon/Mustang

Garth Brooks Blvd

Walmart

Johnnie’s Charcoal Broiler

Hideaway Pizza

Exit 134 Frisco Rd

Unless your shopping for a tractor keep going

Exit 132 Cimarron Rd

Nothing of note at this exit. 

244 miles to Amarillo 

Exit 130 Banner Rd

Unless you want to get on old Route 66 or shop for an RV keep going.

Exit 127 Radio Rd

There is a  Love's Truck stop South of the interstate.  It is actually a good fuel and bathroom stop. It appears to be fairly new and there is not a lot of traffic. It has a Carl’s Jr. drive thru

Exit 125 US-81 El Reno

This exit has heavy construction at this time and looks like a bomb went off. Unless you are desperate, keep on going. El Reno is just one of those towns that I-44 passed by. It is quite far off the interstate for the town itself. You could potentially get fuel and get back on with the convenience store just to the right of the exit. Anything further is just a disaster. The intersection is confusing and somewhat dangerous at the light north of the exit.

Exit 123 Country Club Rd

There is a Walmart just off this exit and fueling option.

Exit 119 El Reno

There is nothing available immediately off this exit.

Exit 115 US 270

There are no services at this exit.

Exit 108 US-281 Geary/Watonga

Cherokee Trading Post is a nice convenience store and gift shop. 

Exit 104 Methodist Rd

No services

Exit 101 US-281 Hinton/Anadarko

There is a Love’s travel top and fast food on site.

Exit 95 Bethel Rd

Nothing is available immediately on this exit. 

Exit 88 OK-58 Hydro

There is nothing directly off the road. Hydro has a bit of history as an original Route 66 town. It is unfortunately quite a ways off the interstate.

Exit 84 Airport Rd

New fuel station 

Stafford 

Exit 82 E Main St

This is a pretty good stop for food and fuel. 

Exit 80 OK-54 Thomas

No immediate services 

Exit 71 Custer City Rd

There is a Love’s at this exit, but it is very small and overcrowded.

Exit 69 I40 Loop Clinton

No services immediately available

Exit 66 Cordell

Not an easy off and on

Exit 65A Neptune Dr

Nice hotels

Exit 65 I40 Loop

Long stop

Exit 62 Parkersburg Rd

Nothing immediate 

Exit 61 Haggard Rd

Nothing 

Exit 57 Stafford Rd

Nothing 

Exit 53 Foss/Altus

No services immediately available 

Spaceport 

Exit 50 Clinton Lake Rd

No immediate services 

KOA Campground with a small convenience store.

Exit 47 Canute

No services available immediately off this exit

Exit 41 I40 Bus

Rt 66 museum 

Love's 

Exit 40 Elk City

Available not quickly 

Walmart just off exit

Exit 38 OK-6 Elk City

Easy on and off for fuel and restrooms.

There are a couple of fast food options 

Exit 34 Merritt Rd

There are no immediate services at this exit. 

Exit 32 OK-34

There are no immediate services at this exit.

Exit 26 Cemetery Rd

There are a couple of truck stops off this exit, you are running out of options until you get to Amarillo.

Exit 25 N 4th St 

Convenience store half mile north 

Exit 23 OK-152

Keep going unless you just want to meditate in the middle of nowhere. 

Exit 20 US-283 S 4th St

Very convenient on and off to a Flying J with a Denny’s inside.

Washita Battlefield Historic Site off this exit.

Exit 14 Hext Road

No services at this exit.

Exit 11 Erick

No services immediately available.

You can get on the old Route 66 

Exit 7 Erick/Sweetwater

There is a Love's on the South side of the interstate. There is not a lot between here and Amarillo so make sure you are not low on fuel.

Exit 5 Honeyfarm Rd

No services at this stop, but you can pick up the original Route 66 from this exit. 

Route 66 

Exit 1 Texola

Nothing here to see. The Texas welcome sign comes pretty quick. There is a turn out in front of it if you want to take a picture. You have to be ready because it comes pretty quick.

Welcome to Texas Sign

There is a small turn out in front of the sign if you want to stop and take a picture. Be Cautious it is small and comes up quickly.

Exit 169

Nothing here