High above Oklahoma City, a building that once hid secret parties and illegal drinks has started a new chapter. The historic space, which earlier served as a famous speakeasy and later a popular BBQ joint, has now reopened as Carletti’s – an Italian restaurant that proudly serves 200-year-old family recipes. This new restaurant not only offers authentic Italian food but also keeps the rich history of the building alive.
Carletti’s Opens in a Historic Oklahoma City Landmark
Carletti’s is located on NE 63rd Street near Grand Boulevard in Oklahoma City. The restaurant sits on a hill, giving visitors a beautiful view along with a memorable dining experience.
What makes this place special is not just the food, but the story behind it. The building once housed The Kentucky Club, a secret bar during the Prohibition Era.
From Speakeasy to Italian Dining Spot
During the 1920s and early 1930s, alcohol was banned in the United States. At that time, places like The Kentucky Club secretly served illegal drinks. It was known for underground gambling and hidden nightlife.
Today, the building still keeps parts of its past. The original horse stalls from the 1930s have been carefully restored. Instead of horses, guests can now sit and enjoy Italian meals in these unique dining spaces. It beautifully mixes history with modern comfort.
A 200-Year-Old Family Food Legacy
Carletti’s story actually began more than a century ago with two Italian families – the Carlettis and the Ravaiolis. Both families moved from Italy to the United States and settled in the Krebs area of Oklahoma. Later, they became connected through marriage.
Over 100 years ago, they opened a grocery store called C&R. Now, generations later, one of the restaurant owners belongs to the same Carletti-Ravaioli family. The restaurant menu is based on recipes passed down within the family for more than 200 years.
Consulting chef Chris Becker says some dishes cannot be found anywhere else.
Popular signature dishes include:
- Ravioli Bolognese
- Classic Lasagna
- Spicy Rigatoni
The Bolognese sauce used in the ravioli and lasagna is the heart of the menu. It is a sacred family recipe that has been passed down through generations.
Recipes Passed Down by Memory
What makes these dishes even more special is that the recipes were never written down. They were shared only by word of mouth within the family.
Chef Chris Becker had a tough job. To recreate the exact taste, he invited the women of the Carletti-Ravaioli family into the kitchen. He carefully watched and measured everything while they cooked from memory.
He even joked that he had to follow them around with a weighing scale to measure the garlic properly. Every detail had to be recorded at the exact moment the dish was being prepared so it could be repeated perfectly in the restaurant.
This effort ensured that customers taste the same authentic flavour that the family has enjoyed for generations.
Fresh Pasta Made Daily
One more highlight of Carletti’s is its fresh pasta. Every morning, the kitchen starts the day by rolling out dough from scratch. This traditional method gives the pasta a soft texture and rich taste that you usually do not find in regular restaurants.
Unlike many places where pasta is pre-packed, Carletti’s focuses on handmade quality. This makes each dish feel special and homely.
Quick Overview of Carletti’s
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | NE 63rd Street near Grand Boulevard, Oklahoma City |
| Historic Past | Former speakeasy called The Kentucky Club |
| Cuisine | Authentic Italian |
| Signature Dishes | Ravioli Bolognese, Lasagna, Spicy Rigatoni |
| Speciality | 200-year-old family recipes |
| Unique Feature | Restored 1930s horse stall seating |
A Celebration of Family and Heritage
Carletti’s is not just about food; it is about family, culture, and history. It brings together Italian traditions, Oklahoma roots, and a historic American building. From secret speakeasy days to serving handmade pasta, the journey of this space is truly inspiring.
The restaurant shows how family recipes and heritage can stay alive even after hundreds of years. By carefully documenting and preserving these dishes, the Carletti-Ravaioli family has ensured that their story continues for future generations. For anyone visiting Oklahoma City, Carletti’s offers more than just a meal – it offers a taste of history, tradition, and love passed down through time.
