Of course part of what defines the Oklahoma Lebanese steakhouses is the appetizers. Jamil's does not serve the standard bread and salad, but rather an array of Middle Eastern style items. All of the items shown in the above photo are shared by the table, so each person does not get a lot of any one thing. I have thought, though, that merely coming for the appetizers would make a good meal.

The Tabouli seems to be the item recognized in reviews I have read as being one of the highlights of the restaurant. The one here was flavorful and well balanced. In fact, I thought it came the closest to having the right proportions of everything that I have found in Oklahoma.

The Hummus was really a dip, and did not have the pool of olive oil I find in the city's true Middle Eastern restaurants. I came close to giving it a lower rating because it is not "authentic," but at the same time it was quite good and I will have to say it was probably as enjoyable as the other versions I have tried.

The relish tray was not very noteworthy to me, and with all of the food already served and still to come I did not think I should fill up with very much of it.

A cabbage roll is served with each dinner

The Cabbage Roll is one of the standout items at the restaurant. Each diner receives an individual roll after ordering, and I would say if somebody did not want theirs I could easily eat two of them. It had a very good seasoning, and was not unlike the rolls served in the city's authentic Lebanese restaurants such as Nunu's.

A plate of smoked bologna is brought to each table

A plate of Smoked Bologna is also brought out after patrons order their dinner, and is shared by the table. I did not think this was very remarkable except for the barbecue sauce that was served with it. Also this was the first time I could remember that I had even tried smoked bologna, so it was worthwhile as part of the overall experience.

Fried pita can be ordered as an appetizer

Our table ordered Fried Pita which cost extra, but was a good addition to the hummus and tabouli. This pita was fresh and good quality.

Hickory smoked ribs with a slice of smoked bologna

Hickory Smoked Ribs seemed to be a good choice out of the items that were marked with a star on the menu. My main line of thinking was that I could get a steak just about anywhere, and I wanted to try something different. What I did not realize until I got the plate was that this was a really good barbecue plate, and set a higher standard for me when I evaluate the ribs at any of the state's barbecue restaurants. The ribs were loaded with meat, and I thought used a better grade of meat than is typically used at barbecue places. The cooking method seemed to be the traditional hickory smoked barbecue slow cooking, and the ribs certainly tasted as if they were done this way. They had a smoked flavor but not too much of one (which for me is a good thing since I like a slight smoky aftertaste). The sauce was excellent (and was the same one served with the smoked bologna). Overall this gave me a better barbecue rib experience than I think I have had at any of the city's barbecue restaurants.

I remember that Eddy's Steakhouse used to serve individual ribs to customers as appetizers, but I did not have ribs at Eddy's or anywhere else that compared to the ones at Jamil's.

Small filet

The Small Filet at eight ounces was about the right size for me, but the one pictured was one that I only sampled. I thought it had a rather plain flavor for high end steak houses, but I have been spoiled by Ranch Steakhouse and others in the city. The meat was good, though, consisting of USDA choice Angus beef.

Another "starred" dish I was considering ordering (before deciding on the ribs) was teriyaki chicken, which the waitress told me had a sweet flavor. I am mentioning this to point out the fact that Jamil's has a large selection of meats other than steak. Even among the steaks there are some that seem to be more highly recommended (with a star on the menu). Until I have experience with some of the other selections I will have to say that going with the recommended dishes is probably a good choice.

Because of all the appetizers and courses that are brought out dining here takes some time, and I wanted to have the time in order to enjoy all the different highlights of the meal. Lunch is also served, but I have not seen the menu and I do not know which appetizers are served.

There is a bar at Jamil's and this likely contributes to many people's enjoyment of the fine dining experience here. The restaurant is not too stuffy so casual attire is fine, but it did not seem like much of a children's restaurant unless they are used to long drawn out meals.