Almost since statehood, Cattlemen’s Café has opened its doors to hungry cowboys, ranchers and cattle haulers. Cattlemen's flourished, and as one of the few places that stayed open after sundown became known for its “colorful” clientele and home-brewed beverages throughout prohibition. In fact, Cattlemen’s Double Deuce brand beer of today is a throwback to the prohibition days, when handcrafted was the only option.

In 1945, Cattlemen’s was owned by Hank Fry, a gambler of sorts. Late one night in a smoke-filled room at the old Biltmore Hotel in downtown Oklahoma City, Fry was running out of luck and money.  In an act of desperation, Fry wagered Cattlemen’s Steakhouse against the life savings of Gene Wade that he could roll a “hard Six” (two 3’s).

With that one roll of the dice, Gene Wade became a restaurateur!  The “33” brand still hangs on the west wall of Cattlemen’s Hereford Room as a symbol of Wade’s good fortune. Today, Cattlemen’s continues to improve with age, and has become an Oklahoma City landmark.  Cattlemen’s flavorful steaks and colorful history continue to draw new fans from movie stars to rodeo greats to presidents.