From My Oklahoma City Postcard Collection…

Back in the day, Oklahoma City was famed for its plethora of cafeterias. However, the Lady Classen stood out among the rest. It opened its doors in 1954 and was located in a remote part of town – NW 70th and May Avenue.

Despite its distance from the city center, it quickly became a beloved landmark for locals and visitors alike. My grandfather, for one, would often bring our family there for a delicious meal.

Sadly, after four successful decades, the Lady Classen closed its doors in 1994 due to losing its lease. But its legacy lives on, a reminder of the city’s once-glorious past as the cafeteria capital of the world.

The History of the Lady Classen Cafeteria

The Geist family had a dream. They started with the Town Tavern and followed with the Classen Cafeteria at 23rd and Classen Blvd. They served up delicious homestyle dishes with a commitment to quality. As the years passed, they relocated the cafeteria to the bustling north edge of Oklahoma City, but their values remained the same. A young man named Bill Geist joined the family business, learning the ropes and the secret to their success: consistency. 

Over the next 35 years, the cafeteria became a staple in the community, known for its famous dishes like lamb, chicken fried steak, beef tips, and Austrian ravioli. The Geist family’s commitment to quality and consistency never wavered, and their legacy lives on today.

The Lady Classen was where time seemed to stand still, with decor that harkened back to a simpler time. Silver flatware, fresh flowers, and early American engravings adorned the walls. The employees were trained to address their loyal customers’ every need.

Lady Classen was known for its delicious home-cooked meals, and its patrons were quick to sing its praises. However, as with all good things, it seemed that Lady Classen’s days were numbered.

When the Lakewood Shopping Center changed owners, the business faced a decline. Neighboring merchants began complaining about loyal customers taking up valuable parking spaces. And so, despite all their hard work, the Geist family had no choice but to close Lady Classen down in 1994.

It was a loss for many, who had made cherished memories and were part of the cafeteria’s legacy for decades. It was undoubtedly a loss to me. I still long for their custard pie…

The Role of History in Home-Buying

Thank you for joining us on this journey through Oklahoma City’s past! From this historic postcard we’ve shared with you, it’s easy to see why our city is beloved by so many. As realtors, we believe that understanding our community’s rich history and culture enhances the home-buying experience. That’s why we’ve created comprehensive neighborhood pages on this site and an easy-to-use search feature to help you find your dream home. Whether you’re looking for a charming bungalow or a modern marvel, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. So why wait? Contact us today, and let’s discover your perfect property together. Let’s embrace the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to a bright future in OKC!

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The Oklahoma City Postcard Collection