Best view in town with consistent food and service. Never been disappointed. Multiple seating options allow for big groups

My dad loves Hal Smith restaurants but each one has a semi-limited menu. That's not a criticism since it allows them to be as consistent as possible, which is the main strength of Hal Smith restaurants. My point being that with quite a few in close proximity, there's always a no-hassle, high quality last minute option available among the Hal Smith ecosystem. Hefner Grill is not usually the first choice for us since it's mainly seafood-based and not everyone in our party may feel like seafood at any given time. However, it's definitely become one of our "mix things up" choice when we are undecided on other options. Over the years, we've tried at least 50% of the total menu and everything is at least solid. There are certain dishes that run a bit bland/reserved like the Asian and Mediterranean influenced ones, but the pure American dishes typically nuke you with flavor (which I like). As with all Hal Smith restaurants, portion size is great. Prices are a bit high, but it's appropriate for the quality/service level. All in all, you can't go wrong here. It's never going to explode your brain, but it will also likely never let you down. read more

See all

Love the view and the live music on occasion , but the last time we went the catfish was really really bad. And was all because who ever cleaned it didn't do it right, and I got sick and had to take some activated charcoal so I didn't have to go to the ER. And the time before that they messed up our order and we waited for over an hour for drinks and waiting for our guests to get food, so we could eat! No I don't recommend Hefner grill. read more

Excellent food, service and atmosphere!!! We had a wonderful experience at Hefner Grill and highly recommend this place!!!!

The staff was very attentive, food was great and the drinks even better! Can't beat the view of the lake at sunset.

Hefner grill has the best views of the lake and amazing sunsets .I sat at the bar and had wine and the bar was very busy .The bartenders did a great job of keeping up with the customers pouring in. Tip your wait staff and bartenders they work hard for their money and do alot behind the scenes. I tried the cevechi is was very limey and only had shrimp as far as seafood goes I would give it a low review. But I also ordered the poke bowl it was amazing the tuna was fresh it had edamme and ton of flavor and crunch .the jazz music was an added bonus I cant wait to go back. read more

Hefner Grill - Poke bowl - Seafood Near Me - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Everything was Great and our waitress Lorien was AWSOME. Peach Bellinis was a cold treat for a hot day. Crab dip, Paul's pasta, crabs cakes and code with asparagus was the bomb. Always sun dried tomato Mac and cheese was fire. Ok hands down great. read more

Hefner Grill - Seafood Near Me - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

See all

Had an excellent brunch here a few months ago. So, decided to invite friends for a New Years Eve meal. It was very busy, but our server was extremely slow. I was making excuses for her until my friend said he saw her periodically chatting up a nearby table. We had requested and were seated next to the windows overseeing the lake (recommend if making reservations). The restaurant is nice, but not upscale. Our Calamari app was good and a generous portion. However, my Vera Cruz was delicious. Very flavorful and rich. Was expecting more of a Mexican profile as the name implies, but leaned Mediterranean, in a good way. read more

Hefner Grill - Vera Cruz - Seafood Near Me - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

See all

Nice setting on the lake. Nice Mother's day lunch. Highly recommend. Only forty five minutes wait when the neighboring restaurant was a three to four hour wait. read more

We were here for our anniversary. The wife wanted the crab cakes and coconut shrimp. Both were excellent very good! She got the red beans and rice , and coleslaw which were excellent choices with the shrimp. I had the Grouper Veracruz , highly recommended this dish. Plenty of fresh vegetables artichoke, peppers, capers, tomato ect.... The fish was as fresh as you can get read more

Hefner Grill - Grouper Vera Cruz - Seafood Near Me - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

See all

Back for round 2! Hefner Grill has the ambience and service that scream upscale restaurant. The food is catching up to that standard. I had the Coconut Shrimp (10/10) with the squash rockafeller and those delicious shoestring fries and my boyfriend enjoyed his catfish as well! Overall delicious dinner and great views read more

See all

Always a great place to hang out good food consistent.. good weights to have.. great view

Eating looking out on the water i Is calming..always good service..... great menu .... Always delicious.... have eaten there hundreds of times over the years and never had a bad experience read more

Hefner Grill is my love at first sight since setting foot in it 6 years ago and this is a very tardy review! I have been here several times since and my last visit was about a month ago when I had a girls' night out for sunset cocktails during social hour. We made a reservation through Open Table and got our table by the window as requested. Service was lovely as ever, friendly staff that were happy to show up to work. We were asking for appetiser and drinks recommendations and our server was more than pleased to oblige. We'd planned to have oysters and a couple of nibbles as we had dinner plans eleswhere but we left feeling as though we've had our full dinner because the appetiser portions were enormous! Most importantly, though, the oysters were fresh. We were there mid-week so it was quite a surprise to see the restaurant looking packed as we left arpund 7pm-ish that night. A true testament, however, that they know how to run a good business. read more

See all

The service was AMAZING. She gave me her name and I have forgotten it but she was amazing as was the little girl That checked us in at the front. Our server was Stephen and he was the best. I wanted to sit on the patio and he got us an umbrella. It was a bit too hot so I asked if we could get a table inside. He was extremely efficient and took really great care of us. He came and checked on us several times and brought me my delicious Old Fashioned with Woodford Bourbon. It was great! Houston came to check on us as well and he was so nice and we chatted for a minute! This place was wonderful start to finish. The food was amazing! Location was beautiful! Thanks so much for the awesome experience!! Definitely recommend!!! read more

Hefner Grill - Me on the patio - Seafood Near Me - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

See all

Our server got our order wrong and didn't do anything to rectify the error. Plus we were charged extra because of it. We had a reservation, but still waited quite a while for our table. Usually our dining experience is better here, so considering this a one-off. read more

We love the view in sunny days. It's a special occasion for two families have brunch together. Starting with calamari and artichoke dip. Many and different fresh fish entrees and kid's menu make a great family lunch. The food was good, very well prepared : Teriyaki Mahi was my choice!!! Great service and ambiance. read more

Hefner Grill - Saturday Family Brunch - Seafood Near Me - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

The food is beyond my expectations. We sat facing the water and although the sun had set it was still a great view. The waiter was very nice and we will definitely be back read more

Really it's one of my favorite places in Oklahoma. I haven't been that many times but every time I go it's great. The atmosphere is beautiful the service is always friendly and prompt and the food is delicious. It's right on Lake Hefner So It's fun to watch the waves crash on the rocks, and see various boats out at different times. They have a little Yacht Club close by. And there's a view of a small Lighthouse, (more symbolic than anything.) The inside of the restaurant the atmosphere is lovely. (Elegance but also you can feel very comfortable Cloth napkins and all of that AND friendly service.) I had the Lobster Benedict it was delicious, the coffee was delicious too I don't eat potatoes and I was able to substitute fruit easily. The servers all work in cooperation with each other and that's nice. On the weekends there is music and this time it was jazz. Very enjoyable. I sat pretty close to the band and I'm a singer and flute player so I couldn't help softly singing along on many tuses I just decided at the last minute to go because it was Easter and I wanted to do something a bit special, and they accommodated me very nicely! Everything was really perfect! I will always recommend this place read more

Hefner Grill - Lobster Benedict, with Fruit. Delicious choice for Brunch - Seafood Near Me - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

See all

Amazing Calamari. I enjoy almost any of their seafood dishes. The service is always outstanding.

We got seated in one of the booths overlooking the lake which felt private! Allison was friendly and read the mood of our table so well. She was very attentive and polite. Both melas were amazing! Definitely recommend. read more

Good food & friendly staff Nice view of lake Hefner and the boats. Beautiful at sun set read more

We had a quiet table with a Great Lake view and a card signed by all the wait staff was waiting, thanking us for our patronage--nice touch! Our server Ivan was warm, funny, and attentive and the food was great. We had dietary concerns in our party and Ivan discussed options to make sure everyone was taken care of. Started with salt and pepper shrimp, and fried calamari--both tender and flavorful. Entrees were the cedar plank salmon, fish tacos, and fried shrimp--the only criticism is the slaw and salsa took the crisp out of the fish on the tacos but they were still good. We didn't leave room for dessert but did take home a slice of key lime pie because this is a Hal Smith restaurant and you do not sleep on the pie! read more

Hefner Grill - Sunset over Lake Hefner from out table - Seafood Near Me - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

See all

Food and service were outstanding! We ordered the fish and chips and the grouper vera cruz. We also started with the spinach artichoke dip. The food was delicious. Our table faced the water, but it was night. I'd like to visit at sunset next time. read more

Hefner Grill - Grouper Vera Cruz - Seafood Near Me - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

See all

We started off with the Spinach Artichoke dip and chips. The chips weren't crisp and I have had better dip from chain steakhouses. Then we had the Teriyaki mahi. It was nothing to rave about...just ok. There was no type of rolls or bread provided. Wouldn't return. read more

Great management & will be back. Management comped all of our food after we had some hiccups due to the kitchen. Live music is great here. Our waitress is absolutely lovely. Thank you Hefner Grill. They failed to time with sides and appetizers being that we never received our side salads. When we received our entrees they were not the way we originally had ordered, which was fish on the side. So unfortunately, the fish was soggy on the bottom. The positive side of the experience here was that when we explained our issue that arose, it was promptly fixed. Their food is amazing, just minor things that were fixed immediately. This is a great restaurant with even better staff & management. read more

Hefner Grill - Calamari & espresso martini - Seafood Near Me - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Whether you're looking for a yummy brunch spot with your girlies or for a delicious date night dinner, this is the spot for you! Parking is free and by the restaurant. A jazz band plays instrumental music during some evenings, and it adds a level of ambiance and sophistication to the dinner. The view (see picture) is one of the best in OKC, and even if you don't eat on the patio, you can still venture outside to take pictures! I took my teens here and they loved it!! My 13-year-old said the mashed potatoes were the best she's ever had. The carrots and broccoli were so fresh and flavorful! The steak is top tier. I also love the brunch menu...the pancakes will leave you drooling. The staff is also friendly and helpful! Highly recommend. read more

See all

we went ther on may the 9th 2026 for my parents anniverssary and someone there used my credit card number at louies next door later that night.soooooo dissappointed.will never recommend this place read more

A planned early dinner (5:30 pm) with friends at Heffner Grill. We had reserved a patio table, and the weather cooperated with mid-70's, a slight breeze, and scattered clouds. We love alfresco dining, especially when it is enhanced with a water view. I broke away from my routine dirty martinis and ordered perfect margaritas for us. Jan and I started with a half dozen oysters. The other couple does not do oysters. They were very enjoyable, and at three each, just right for a starter. I then ordered a house salad and rigatoni bollenase for my main. Jan and the other couple went with fish and chips. My salad was very good. The lettuce and other greens were cold and crisp with just the right amount of ranch dressing. The rigatoni was also very good, hardy and roubust. The sauce was was creamy with the right blend of herbs and spices. The recipe could have used a little more chorizo. It was served with two large slices of toasted cheese bread. The fish and chips looked good and was reported as good, but I did not taste it. We finished by sharing the key lime pie that was very enjoyable. Loved the atmosphere and the lakeside sitting. The service was good. The prices moderate. Heffner Grill deserves to be on our restaurant rotation. read more

See all

We went here for a small group meeting. They gave us a semi private area and didn't sit anyone else with us so it was nice and quiet to talk. The waiter amazing. He was very friendly and we enjoyed talking to him. The restaurant is really nice. We ordered 2 appetizers. Calamari and Chips and Queso. The queso was a little spicy for me but I can't handle much spice. Everyone else liked it. I generally don't care for calamari. It's always been tough and chewy, I decided to try it. It was tender and really good. There was a dip that went with it but it was also a little spicy for me. I ordered the Club sandwich. It was beautifully presented. It was delicious. Loaded with several kinds of meat. Since I had eaten appetizers, I could eat it all and took the rest to my husband. He liked it too. The French fries were string cut. I loved them. Perfectly cooked and seasoned. Very nice restaurant with a beautiful view of Hefner Lake. We got to watch the sunset. read more

See all

The sea bass was very fishy tasting and slimy. I love ordering sea bass anywhere I go if it's on the menu but this was not good at all. I ate 2 bites and was done. My dish came out incorrect, the asparagus was supposed to be on the side and dish was without onions. The waitress tried to correct me stating those weren't onions. The restaurant was not busy at all but did have live music. Just wasn't impressed & wouldn't return. They did take the $42 Seabass off of our ticket. My husband got a chicken pasta with red sauce that tasted like teriyaki. read more

Love this place. We eat there for special occasions and are always pleased with our food and the atmosphere is so nice.

Came on a Saturday around 5pm with a party of 8 that first showed up. We did get seated really quickly with a reservation already made. It did take about 20-30 minutes for us to get water just due to low staff but once we got water and drinks everything was up to speed. I got a strawberry lemon drop super yummy with the cedar plank salmon w mash potatoes and broccoli with a side of red beans and rice was super yummy oh my goodness. Did try some spinach dip which was yummy too. The red beans and rice did have a bit of spice kick to them but I did enjoy overall the staff was nice and we were in a private room so no noise. This was also my second time here. read more

See all

This is my third time here. My future daughter in-law and I had the Sea Bass. I eat a lot of fish and had my share of great fish as well as meh fish. This was excellent. Perfectly prepared, It came out piping hot, but not a bit overcooked. Although I'll admit Sea Bass is one of the more forgiving fishes to cook. I also had a Caesar Salad which was good as expected. We finished with Key Lime pie, good as well. This might be one of my favorite places in OKC to eat. Great food, great service, nice environment, lake view, live music. IMO, the Hal Smith restaurants I've been to (Red Rock, Charlestons) offer the maximum quality in the price range. read more

Good and service was great. The shrimp and grits were cooked perfectly and the shrimp and basmati rice dish was very good. The key lime was the best that we have ever had. Drinks were also really good, great spot for brunch, even the piano band was awesome! read more

See all

The view is incredible. Such a fun spot. But it's hard to say anything nice about the food. It took over an hour to get our food, which sadly wasn't the worst part. The worst was finding an expiration sticker in the spinach artichoke dip. You would think that's a good sign that they're using fresh food, but the date was from 2 days prior. So not only was there a sticker in our food, it was evident we were being served expired spinach or artichokes. We noted it to the waitress who just laughed. No apology or acknowledgement. Surprisingly disappointing for a Hal Smith restaurant. Despite the wonderful view, we won't be returning until the restaurant flips into something new. read more

Our food and service were wonderful. We went Friday night and enjoyed the jazz band. This is our go to place for oysters on the half shell. Highly recommend. The atmosphere is casual elegance. read more

The food nor the service was that great. Given the prices on the menu, you truly expect more.

Excellent from start to finish. Making a reservation was easy, and it saved us a lot of time judging by the people waiting who did not have a reservation. We were seated immediately upon arrival, and had an excellent view of Lake Hefner. We tried many different dishes, and all were excellent! I absolutely loved my Vera Cruz Grouper- so much that I went back and ordered it again a week later. The toffee cake is a shareable size, and a great finale to a special meal. The live music is an added bonus, just a great atmosphere. I can't believe we had never been to Hefner Grill before, but we will definitely be back! read more

See all

Great food but service lacks! We have experienced this twice. We were compensated our appetizer but wait was too long to get food for a 3:00 reservation. read more