Edna’s is another institution in Oklahoma City for their creation of the “Lunchbox.” Unlike the lunchboxes that kids take to school, Edna’s is a boozy concoction made of beer, amaretto, and a pinch of orange juice.
Come to Edna’s for the fun atmosphere, the sprinkling of dollar bills on the walls, and of course, for their Lunchbox. (Read Full Article)
Edna’s is a super cool bar that is covered with dollar bills on the inside. This is a bar where all the locals go. Make sure you add a dollar to the wall and try the lunchbox! A lunchbox is not a happy meal, but an alcoholic beverage that definitely sneaks up on you.
Oklahoma City's signature cocktail calls for a frosty mug, a shot of amaretto, Coors Light, and orange juice.
Edna’s in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, has served more than two million Lunchboxes. So named because it has “a little bit of everything you need,”this alcoholic medley began with off-the-menu monkeying behind the bar (much like Brooklyn’s pickleback). Edna Scott, founder of the namesake establishment, created the concoction in the late 1990s while attempting a different drink. The accident was such a revelation that buzz about town brought the creation a local cult following.
Every Lunchbox begins with an amaretto-filled shot glass sitting inside a frosted beer mug. Bartenders fill about three-quarters of the mug with Coors Light, then top it off with orange juice. Both freezers behind the bar are dedicated to keeping Edna’s well-stocked with frosty mugs, which, according to the bar founder’s grandson, is an essential element of the drink.
Today, Oklahoma City residents see the Lunchbox not only as an iconic staple of its mother bar, but of the city itself. Today, Edna’s sells everything from Lunchbox-themed underwear to flavored lip balm. They also make a dozen or so variations on the classic combination, including a cranberry juice rendition (the Docbox) and a crème de cacao–laced iteration (the Tootsie Roll Box).
How Amaretto, OJ and Coors Became a Rite of Passage...
I’ve got to say, Edna’s has had articles about us before, but Drew, this one really tore at my heart strings.THANK YOU for epitomizing the essence of Edna’s, bringing to recollection miss Edna herself, & sharing a bit of her to those who weren’t lucky enough to have know her. Thank you Mayor David Holt for your kind words! Maybe Oklahoma needs an official Lunchbox day.
This tiny dive bar gets packed with residents and tourists during its prime weekend hours. Edna’s remains famous for its unique cocktail, the Lunchbox, which contains Coors Light, a shot of amaretto, and orange juice. Enjoy this drink from a cool mug while appreciating the lively atmosphere of the bar.
The lunchbox — Coors Light, a shot of amaretto and a splash of orange juice — was likely an accidental invention at Edna’s Restaurant & Club in Oklahoma City.Credit Phot by Nick Oxford for The New York Times
Lunchbox
WHAT IT IS Coors Light, a shot of amaretto and a splash of orange juice, served in a chilled mug.
WHERE THEY DRINK IT Oklahoma City.
THE BACK STORY This drink was likely an accidental invention at Edna’s Restaurant & Club, an Oklahoma City tavern. Edna Scott, the bar’s founder, “didn’t like to waste something, especially not alcohol,” said her daughter Tammy Lucas. “She was trying to make something, probably a boilermaker, and accidentally put something in, probably the orange juice.” That accident has been sold an estimated 1.7 million times since the early 1990s. (Read Full Article)
Fruit Roll Up, Thunder Box, Lunchbox, Zombie Box and Doc Box at Edna’s. (Garett Fisbeck)
Edna’s keeps two freezers behind the bar, both dedicated mostly to frosting mugs to perfection for its (and arguably Oklahoma City’s) most popular drink, The Lunchbox.
The classic cocktail is an unlikely concoction, especially for how delicious it is. Equal parts Coors Light and orange juice mixed with a shot of sweet Italian liqueur amaretto, The Lunchbox is always served in one of Edna’s signature chilled mugs.
It might seem like a simple enough recipe to reproduce, but many have tried and failed to replicate the full Edna’s experience. Maybe there’s a down-to-earth magic between those iconic, dollar bill-stapled walls that makes The Lunchbox sweeter and good times unforgettable. Michael Whitley, grandson of the establishment’s legendary namesake Edna Scott, said he thinks the real magic is in those icy mugs.
“A lot of people underestimate that,” he said. “They get home and try to make it themselves and it’s not the same.”
The record for Lunchboxes ordered in a single day is 1,894. Edna’s keeps a precise tally of how many Lunchboxes it has sold since the bar added digital registers in the mid-2000s. The total first read 1,668,622 during a recent Oklahoma Gazette visit, but before leaving, at least five additional mugs were ordered by happy patrons.
One of those patrons was Edmond’s Corky Bauker, who downed his first Lunchbox sometime in the 1990s.
“The only way to explain it is to drink it,” he explained to two nearby friends who were drinking Lunchboxes for the first time.
Tammy Lucas took over the bar after her mother Edna’s death in 2014. Lucas said her mother first made The Lunchbox on accident in the early ’90s while trying to mix another drink. Her mistake tasted good, so it stuck around as an infrequently ordered specialty until word-of-mouth elevated the drink to the point of local celebrity in the 2000s.
The Lunchbox eventually became so popular that bartenders literally could not make them fast enough. A separate shot glass of amaretto originally was dropped into the frosty mug, but the process was time-consuming.
“We were selling too many, and we couldn’t keep up,” Lucas said. “Someone came up with the idea of streamlining it and putting [the shot glass] inside first. It just takes too long otherwise.”
A family of different variations to the drink has since sprouted up on the Edna’s menu. The Docbox replaces orange juice with cranberry juice. The brightly colored Fruit Roll Up Box adds Midori watermelon and cranberry to the original recipe. The Tootsie Roll Box contains crème de cacao. More than 12 variations on The Lunchbox exist within the Edna’s canon, but the best and most popular is still the founder’s original recipe.
For true Lunchbox maniacs, Edna’s offers a growing line of merchandise that includes Lunchbox underwear and Lunchbox-flavored lip balm.
The drink’s popularity spilled out of Oklahoma City to garner national attention. The Lunchbox has been featured in several food and drink publications. Country music star Keith Urban filmed his “We Were Us” music video with Miranda Lambert at Edna’s.
If you’re looking for the ideal place to enjoy nightlife and have a few drinks with your buddies, Oklahoma has a plethora of places to try out. From college dive joints, to upscale lounges, and everything in between, there’s something in Oklahoma to suit your mood! Here are the 10 best bars in the state. (Read Full Article)
Central Oklahoma has all the trappings of Brooklyn. There’s plenty of street art around the Plaza District, and even pizza: Empire Slice is self-described as being “like Frank Sinatra and David Bowie had a pizza baby.” You’ll find anything from crushed Doritos to Brussels sprouts on its slice of the day. For drinks, check out Edna’s dive bar — there’s a wall that’s papered with dollar bills.
Best Cocktail (And The Restaurant/Bar That Serves It)
Lunchbox, Edna’s
5137 N. Classen Circle
Why do people love Edna’s Lunchbox so much? Is it the sweetness of the amaretto? The tartness of the orange juice? The light and smooth Coors Light? Or maybe it’s the smile they get from Edna’s bartenders. The bar offers visitors the right mix of intoxicating libations, friendly service and raucous regulars to make any night of the week a fun one. It’s why Edna’s has sold more than 1.5 million Lunchboxes “and counting…”
Best Dive Bar
Edna’s
5137 N. Classen Circle
It’s almost impossible to have anything but a great night at Edna’s. There are too many people happily hoisting the famous Lunchbox, singing along to the jukebox and milling about the room, meeting new friends to stay upset for too long. Edna isn’t dancing on the bartop anymore, but her spirit lives on in a tavern that takes it easy and makes every customer feel like a regular, which is a pretty darn effective way to make more regulars.
Best Bartender (And Their Bar)
Susan Emberton
at Edna’s
Edna’s is legendary, and so is Susan Emberton. For 12 years, Emberton has greeted patrons at the beloved bar as she slid frosty mugs across the counter. After raising their glasses, guests feel that smooth and satisfying taste of the Lunchbox, a signature drink made with fresh orange juice, amaretto and light beer. Emberton keeps them coming all night long and remembers what you like the next time you visit. Both are good reasons why she is Oklahoma City’s best bartender.
Lunchboxes are some of the sneakiest drinks around. Once you find your way into Edna’s and get a frosty mug of that famous libation in your hand — an inevitability — you’ll look down and see that it’s empty. Smooth and satisfying, Lunchboxes tend to disappear quickly, leaving behind only a burning desire to get up and order another one. Beware: Edna’s drinks have been known to cause excessive dancing and booming laughter. (Read Full Article)
Still stumped where to go during your weekend visit to an NCAA tournament regional site? Campus Rush has created city guides to every destination. Whether you want to eat, drink or go out and explore the town, our campus correspondents nationwide have contributed go-to guides for each first- and second-round site. Enjoy!
It's not too expensive and a quality hole-in-the-wall bar worth a visit. You have to try a lunch box and leave a dollar-bill on the wall (it'll make more sense when you get there). It was recently renovated and closes at 2 am.
Passing time at the bar with friends, new and old, is a familiar activity for many American adults. But every now and then, a unique setting is in order. Whether it's a zombie theme, a one-of-a-kind beverage list, or breathtaking views, there's something that makes these bars a welcome change from the usual routine. Bring the gang to one of the most eclectic watering holes in your state.
Oklahoma: Edna's.
This humble neighborhood bar in Oklahoma City has become something of a cult classic thanks to its signature drink: Edna's Original Lunchbox. Served in a frosty glass, the combination of beer, orange juice, and amaretto has attracted national attention for its surprisingly refreshing and addicting taste.
Oklahoma City has been making stick-to-your-ribs delicacies for a long time. Here's where to find them
7. Edna’s
5137 N. Classen Circle
You could make a Lunchbox at home if you really wanted to, but that defeats the purpose. Edna’s signature includes a shot of amaretto inside a frosty mug of Coors Light topped off with fresh orange juice, but that’s only part of the draw of this Oklahoma City institution. It’s also a heck of a party bar. If you’re ready for a night of rowdy fun with an eclectic mix of locals, Edna’s should definitely be on your itinerary.
If you're looking for no-frills, simple, and fun, Edna's is a good bet. This place is known for having dollar bills stapled to the wall and its signature drink—the Lunchbox. Perfect when going out and having a few drinks with friends is what you're after, this dive bar is a wonderful choice. (Read Full Article)
Check out Vacationidea's feature of Oklahoma City. Edna's is on a short list along with some other awesome Oklahoma City spots.
17 Must-Try Restaurants, Bars & Dessert Spots in Oklahoma City
By VacationIdea Staff. Last Updated on August 6, 2015.
Edna’s club and restaurant is a popular neighborhood bar in Oklahoma City known for the dollar bills stapled to its walls and their famous “Lunchbox” cocktail. Made from fresh orange juice, amaretto and light beer mixed in a frosty mug, the restaurant has sold well over a million of Edna’s signature Lunchbox cocktails. Alongside its rich beer menu, Edna’s also offers nachos, appetizers and basket dinners. Edna’s has been renovated on numerous occasions while preserving its original casual style.
Located in the freaking Bermuda Triangle that is Classen Circle, Edna’s is home to the legendary Lunchbox: a mix of OJ, light beer, and amaretto. Much like your first kiss, you never forget your first Lunchbox.
OKLAHOMA CITY —A night of celebration marked 26 years of friendship, dollar bills and lunchboxes.
Edna’s, one of the most famous dive bars in Oklahoma City, turned 26 Saturday. Hundreds of people came and went throughout the night, packing the building, and filling the parking lot and side streets. (Read Full Article)
Susan Rebecca Emberton
"I was quoted and misquoted in the Gazette this week, wooohoo! The price and the recipe are the wrong part, but whatevs, I guess.
I'm kinda type-A about this. I'd say it's a shot glass of amaretto nestled in a mug with Coors light poured down the side, topped off with orange juice. There's no drop and I try not to mix it up too much.
It costs $4.50."
The Lunchbox
Edna's, a venerable part of Oklahoma City's barmuda trianlge located at 5137 N. Classen Cirlce, has served "about 1.4 million Lunchboxes," said bartender Susan Emberton. Late owner Edna Scott created The Lunchbox ($5.50) years ago, and it quickly became her signature concoction. It's Coors and orange juice mixed in large beer mug with a shot glass of Amaretto dropped into it.
Edna's gets facelift right before 26th anniversary
UPDATED 1:07 AM CST Feb 16, 2015
OKLAHOMA CITY —Thousands of dollars, endless lunch boxes and countless memories: all trademarks at Edna’s, one of the most popular dive bars in Oklahoma City. (Read Full Article)
Thanks News Channel 4 for running the story...
Diviest Dive Bars In America: See which metro bars made the list
Edna's Lunchbox recipe (although not 100% acurate, as is often the case,and that's okay) has been featured in the September 2014 issue of Food & Wine magazine!
Edna’s is a legendary bar in Oklahoma City with dollar bills stapled to the walls. Its signature drink is an unlikely mix of three ingredients: fresh orange juice, amaretto and light beer. Key to the surprisingly tasty cocktail: a frosty mug.
BY F&W Editors | POSTED AUGUST 22, 2014 AT 6:30PM EDT
"2. Edna's Lunchbox
This unusual-yet-delicious drink requires just three ingredients: fresh orange juice, amaretto and light beer."
Best cocktail
Lunchbox at Edna’s
Trying a Lunchbox at Edna’s is like a rite of passage for the residents of Oklahoma City. This beer and orange juice wonder is known as the “best box in OKC.” Experiencing this strange but delicious tincture is a necessity — and what’s better than trying something new while surrounded by Edna’s rich decor? If you are fortunate enough to have already tried the Lunchbox, be sure to spread the word to all those lunchbox virgins. Add another number to the 1,237,369 already sold as of Aug. 1. (Read Full Article)
By Gazette Staff | August 17, 2014
Best dive bar
Edna’s
There are dollar bills plastered on every surface that’s nailed down. Edna herself is known to dance on the bar anytime someone plays “Great Balls of Fire.” It’s home of The Lunchbox, its signature amaretto, orange juice and Coors Light confection that has existed since before the area at Classen Circle became “The Trifecta.” You owe it to yourself to check out this dive. While the exterior got a facelift in recent years, the interior is the same smoky, busy, casual place we know and love. Belly up to the bar. You can thank us later. (Read Full Article)
considered one of the best dive bars in OKC and the cornerstone of the
trifecta of bars that make up Classen Circle, Edna’s has stood the test
of time as more than a neighborhood favorite. Wallpapered with dollar
bills, this smoky, crowded hole-in-the-wall has been serving up its
signature lunchboxes since 1980. If you play “Great Balls of Fire” on
the jukebox, Edna will dance on the bar." (read full article)
Buttersweet Cakes made Edna's the coolset 25th Anniversary cake ever.
Created on May 21, 2013 · By David · Updated Aug 13, 2013
Edna's
Ednas is a dive bar with a good reputation. It gets so full you can barely order your next lunchbox (Ammeretto, Coors and orange juice). But that's half the fun.
"This drink originated at a honky tonk in Oklahoma called – what else – Edna’s. Edna claims to have “The Best Box In Town”. And who couldn’t appreciate that?" (read full article)
"E is for Edna’s.
Edna’s, 5137 N. Classen, is home to one of Oklahoma City’s most classic cocktails: the infamous Lunchbox. If you’ve never had one, you shouldn’t be allowed to live in this city. If you have, make sure you take all out-of-town guests to delight in the weird wonder that is a Lunchbox." (read full article)
"Okies love this drink. If you ever grace this enchanting state with your presence, and happen to be in Oklahoma City, you MUST go to Edna’s. It’s lunchbox mecca. Lunchboxes are made as quick as water can be poured and they slide over the bar tops like hockey pucks. They even make and sell lunchbox ChapStick … seriously."(read full article)
Hardcore Oklahoma Tipping With Dollar Bills Stapled To Bodies; And You Thought New York Bartenders Worked Hard
On Christmas Eve, I rolled up to Edna's, a Sooner mainstay famous for what may be the world's greatest elixir, the Lunchbox (a mixture Coors Light, Amaretto, and orange juice served in a chilled glass). If you ever make it to this twister-torn state and arrive a little thirsty, remember that it's tradition to take down this $4 liquid bliss in a single Adam's-apple-bobbing chug.(read full article)
By Ross Kenneth Urken on Monday, December 27, 2010
Edna's makes the cover of the May 2010 edition of the Edmond Outlook!
"Edna’s: Technically just off Western. A local institution, known for Edna herself dancing on the bar to “Great Balls of Fire” and also for their deliciously addictive Lunchboxes. Get there early to secure your table for the night!"
"Be sure to check out Edna’s Restaurant and Club if your travels take you to Oklahoma City - and be sure to bring a dollar bill, as they’re always looking for new artistic talent." (View full story)
"22. Remodel Edna’s: Replace the $1 bills stuck on the wall with $5 bills.
Since they created and marketed the Lunch Box, Edna’s has become pretty much the best bar in Oklahoma City. Now that the bar is more popular, it needs to be remodeled. An easy way to do this (while keeping it’s divy charm) is to replace all the decorated George Washingtons with Abe Lincolns"
By 
