Thirty Nine brings Indigenous-inspired dining to the museum

The overall read

Thirty Nine Restaurant earns a 4.6 Google rating from 168 reviews, a strong result for a moderately priced restaurant attached to a major cultural attraction. Public feedback consistently frames it as more than a convenient museum lunch stop. Diners praise the food, attentive staff and setting inside the First Americans Museum, with several describing an atmosphere that feels relaxed and connected to the broader experience of the museum.

The restaurant appears especially suited to visitors who want Indigenous-inspired food rather than a familiar museum-cafe menu. Reviews mention distinctive ingredients, polished presentation and servers who can guide guests through the choices. One diner found the flavors more unfamiliar than expected but still enjoyed most of the meal, suggesting that openness to a less conventional menu helps.

Food and drinks

The rabbit tamal is the clearest consensus order. Multiple reviewers say staff recommended it, and those diners came away pleased with the choice. One account describes it with microgreens and edible flowers from the on-site garden, while another simply calls it a successful example of the restaurant’s Indigenous-inspired approach.

Other specifically praised plates include a generously portioned hominy stew with bison and a duck dish served with smoky black beans. Fritters also receive a positive mention. For dessert, one review highlights an ice cream trio featuring corn, sage and fruit, accompanied by a leaf-shaped cookie. These reports point to a menu interested in both recognizable comfort and less common flavor combinations.

Cocktails and bar service earn notice, too. Reviewers describe the drinks as well made and visually striking, with positive comments for both bartenders and the broader front-of-house team. The overall impression is of a restaurant where presentation matters without displacing the substance of the meal.

Service and setting

Service is one of Thirty Nine’s most dependable strengths across the available feedback. Diners repeatedly characterize the staff as friendly, honest, attentive and knowledgeable. That matters here because the menu may contain ingredients or preparations that some guests have not encountered before. Recommendations from servers, particularly around the rabbit tamal, appear to be useful rather than perfunctory.

The room itself receives similarly warm comments. Background music, the environment and the overall pace are described as relaxing, while museum and sunset views add visual interest. One reviewer was surprised that such a well-regarded restaurant was so quiet, which may appeal to diners seeking a calm meal but could feel subdued to anyone looking for a lively dining room.

Verdict

Thirty Nine looks strongest as a planned part of a First Americans Museum visit, though reviews of cocktails and dinner service suggest it can stand on its own. The combination of a 4.6 rating, repeated praise for service and a menu with a clear point of view makes it one of Oklahoma City’s more distinctive museum restaurants. The rabbit tamal is the best-supported starting point, with the hominy stew with bison offering another substantial option.