The Canebrake

We enjoyed my birthday dinner at the Canebrake last week. We had eaten there before but on a special night (Valentines Day) when the menu was very limited. The menu had a variety of choices and great descriptions of the food. The cheese plate appetizer was delicious. I highly recommend trying it, and it was the perfect size for a party of four. The atmosphere was great. We both had the rib eye and it was seasoned and cooked perfectly. We will definitely be back to try the other items on the menu.

Just wonderful! A whole lot of awesomeness and hospitality is waiting for you at The Canebrake. Just wonderful staff and food. A group of friends had a private cooking class with Chef Sam and were so impressed with his knowledge and patience. He taught me more than I knew about wine and information about shopping and sourcing and cooking and was just so entertaining and wonderful. He then sent us on a tour of the beautiful grounds and accommodations. This is a wonderful place with some wonderful people and I highly recommend it.

Really disappointed with my dinner, drink, dessert, and the service. I’m really surprised. I had my wedding here a year ago, and liked most everything. This visit, for our anniversary, I found the clams to be very bland, salad was missing a key ingredient, dessert overly-​sugary, and in addition to many dishes being delivered to the wrong people, the sauce from one was spilled onto the table when it was delivered.

So I have a rant. Don’t normally diss places on social media but The Canebreak in Wagoner, Ok is a resort of sorts. They are the WORST! I called to book a stay on the 25 of April for may 16. I called back April 27 to cancel my stay… Got a call Saturday the 16^th asking where I was… I told them I cancelled and she basically told me I was lying after arguing with her on the phone while I was out celebrating my b day. She asked me to get phone records to prove I called back and cancelled… Because she was going to have to charge me $ 168 for one nights stay… I said I would Handel his Monday… She said she would refrain from charging me until Tuesday am. Got my phone records Monday like we agreed and my records proved me right… called them 10 times and left 2 voice mails! Never talked to a human until today at 10… and it wasn’t the manager I needed to speak with. Such BS! Never go there

Skip to the end of this review for specific recommendations for an ideal stay at The Canebrake!
My husband and I treated ourselves to a one-​night stay in a king suite on a Friday in February and had a lovely experience. It’s been a couple of months, but I’ll share some of my lasting impressions:
* Best things first: we could apply any and every possible superlative compliment to our dinner Friday night. Foodies especially should sit at the bar overlooking the kitchen. If you aren’t sure which of the amazing-​sounding menu items to select, ask the chefs to send out a few dishes at their discretion, and prepare to be blown away.
* My overall impression was that it felt like an upscale, grown-​up version of going to summer camp when I was a kid. You’re mostly on your own to entertain yourself, either hanging out in your cabin or exploring the property. When it’s time for meals, you hike up the path through the woods to the lodge. The bar/​restaurant is closed until dinnertime during the week and until lunchtime on weekends, and early risers (like me) should note the lodge is locked up entirely until around 7am (someone is on call ²⁴⁄₇ for any emergencies, but I didn’t think forgetting my toothbrush counted as an emergency, so I waited near the entrance until the caretaker got there).
* At the time, construction was still underway on the locker rooms and recreation room (with billiards and shuffleboard), the addition of which — assuming they are open by now — are the reason I’m rating this 5 stars even though I didn’t get to use them. I didn’t get a spa treatment, but if I had, I wouldn’t have liked having to leave the lodge to go back to my cabin to clean up, plus it would have been awesome to be able to use the sauna after yoga class, so the new locker room is a huge factor in upping The Canebrake to a 5-​star facility. The rec room looked beautiful, and a great place to relax indoors if you want to hang out somewhere other than your cabin. Oh, and a nice-​looking swimming pool was being built — another great idea for our hot summers!
* We weren’t sure about taking our dog (a lively lab) on our first trip, but I regretted not having her with us – she would have *loved* running around the property with us, and it would have been fun to have her on the patio with us for lunch. We’ll bring her next time!
* There’s no getting around the fact that this place is very expensive. I know logistically speaking, they need a gap between check-​out and check-​in times, but it’s a lot to spend for 1 night on lodging you don’t even get 24 hours to enjoy. By the time I finished yoga class, I felt rushed to get back to the cabin to shower, pack, and get out, when I really would have enjoyed time in the bath or just lounging around. Definitely stay for 2 nights if you can afford it (we couldn’t, and just missed the BOGO winter special). It’s great that they let you stay on the grounds after check-​out, though. For a one-​night stay, I’d say enjoy lounging around all morning, then schedule a spa treatment for after you check out, and use the locker room in the lodge to shower, etc., before you head home.
I think for the ideal experience, money would have to be no object.
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To get the most out of the weekend:
— Book a 2-​night stay for Friday + Saturday (king suite if you want the extra space & jacuzzi)
— Schedule a spa treatment for 1 or 2pm Friday afternoon to get some initial pampering before you get to your room (check-​in starts at 3)
— Enjoy live music in the bar area before dinner Friday
— Don’t miss the delicious complimentary breakfast buffet in the lodge Saturday morning!
— Take advantage of the complimentary yoga classes
— Check out the beautiful lakeside trail and peaceful fishing ponds
— If you can’t wait until 11 for your weekend mimosa or bloody mary, BYO to keep in your room fridge
— Have lunch on the patio (with your dog) or have it sent to your room to enjoy on the porch rocking chairs
— Get another spa treatment
— For Saturday dinner, try something you missed out on the night before
— Take a cocktail to the rec room for an after-​dinner game of pool
— Plan on a lazy Sunday morning (or go to another yoga class); you’ll get a complimentary continental breakfast sack to tide you over to brunchtime
— Indulge in the Sunday brunch buffet after checking out of your room
— Take another walk around the grounds before you head home

Great dinner and awesome atmosphere. For great service ask for Paul behind the bar. Yoga was great. The grounds are beautiful and peaceful. Will definitely be back

This place is the Greek God of food and hospitality. They have it figured out, for sure. My husband and I spent a Saturday night at the Canebreak for my birthday. We checked in and had reserved one of the king cabins. It was absolutely perfect. A fireplace with two cozy chairs in front of it, a kitchenette, huge bathroom (with enormous shower and jet bathtub). We had been once before, and I remember the rooms being well decorated and kept. But honestly – this room was immaculate. So clean, mindfully decorated, a perfect retreat.
We had 7:15p dinner reservations and grabbed a drink at the bar beforehand. We remembered Paul from our last stay, and he had since been promoted to bar manager. He deserved it – one of the friendliest, most attentive, sweet, enjoyable person we have met. In fact, we remembered several of the managers from our trip over a year ½ ago. It’s impressive to see such a low turnover rate, you get the feel that The Canebreak is a positive place to work and their staff is loyal.
I can’t brag enough about our dinner, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. Everything is top notch. I had fish, my husband had steak, a brussel sprout appetizer with libations, and we devoured an apple dessert. Our waitress was awesome, so attentive. All in all, a perfect birthday dinner. My husband still had ½ a steak left (he had ordered the pork belly on the side, which he said was delicious) and he got leftovers. Once we got back to our room, he realized he forgot his leftovers and called the restaurant to see if they could hold them. They said they unfortunately had already tossed the bag, but asked if he would like them to make him a new steak. «No way,» he said, «that was totally my fault for leaving them, but thanks so much.» About fifteen minutes later we get a knock at our door, one of their staff members delivered a whole new steak WITH the pork belly. We were so overwhelmed and amazed with their kindness and willingness to go above and beyond for their guests. My heart was seriously so full with job – there’s not a better way to spend your birthday than with a sense of gratitude for good people.
I had a massage the next morning with Laura, she is so incredible. She is so professional and knowledgeable, it was the perfect massage. From the spa I met my husband for brunch, and I’m not sure there is another brunch that beats The Canebreak. They have so many delicious options and desserts. I understand why people drive from Tulsa and Muskogee just for their brunch!
Since it was a quick trip, I wasn’t able to attend a yoga class, but I did last time and loved it. And I’m picky as an instructor myself, they have such a great yoga program at The Canebreak.
Overall, the Canebreak does have it figured out. They not only have amazing food, spa and accommodations – they have the class and integrity that creates the best experience of all. People leave with smiles on their faces and vow to return… hopefully sooner than later. We are those people, we can’t wait to go back!

After a few of my reviews I have received a couple emails wondering if I had issues with Upscale Restaurants that seemed pretentious.
My review and rating of The Canebrake is being left for a couple reasons; this place is world class. The dining experience is upscale and the food quality and unique recipes, excellent service and atmosphere all live up to that standard. From the time you hit the entry gate to the property, which is almost a mile from the Restaurant and Lounge, you know you are in a very well planned resort like atmosphere.
If you are looking for the best Sunday Brunch experience in Northeast Oklahoma, Canebrake should be among your top choices. It is a bit of a drive through Wagoner, it sits on Fort Gibson Lake.
You should absolutely make a reservation but, if you don’t they are not snotty, we enjoyed one Brunch experience in the Bar area and it was just as good as the dining room.
If you have the chance to attend one of their Guest Chef Meals, do not miss it. We have had the opportunity to enjoy this and it was divine, as good as anywhere you would associate with magnificent dining.
It is not an inexpensive meal but, it is completely worth every dollar.

I was pleasantly surprised to arrive at the beautiful entrance to the canebrake– not what I expected from a small town. The grounds looked nice and they are expanding with a fitness center. We were there for dinner on a Wednesday during restaurant week. Dinner was incredibly tasty and they even had a small band playing. I look forward to going back for a yoga return with my friends and checking out the hotel rooms.

Beautiful quite place !
We were looking for a sunday brunch and we found it!!!
Good food, great service.
I would like to return for the spa and a nights stay with a loved one!!!
very romantic.

Neat place for a quick and easy get away. Definitely will want to bring some hiking shoes/​clothes as there are several easy trails on the property. From what I can see, there isn’t any access to the lake, but its really close and there’s a marina down the road. The staff is incredibly friendly and you immediately feel right at home. The food is crazy. Seriously amazing. Foodies, you will thoroughly enjoy the experience.

Everything here is perfect. Beautiful place to be. Music on Wednesday night’s with gourmet burger combinations I’ve never heard of. The waitress says they Change every week. Wonderful service and food. Next time we want to stay linger at this dog friendly resort getaway

I booked 3 massages well in advance, specifically stating we were coming for a special occasion. The woman on the phone was pleasant and said it was at most a 30 min drive from Tulsa. I was provided an email confirmation and was so excited to come.
From there, I was so unbelievably and upsettingldisappointed. We got a rude call before our first appointment saying we were late, had been misscheduled despite the email confirmation, and the GPS coordinates to the location were wrong. The spa said they warn everyone of this (obviously they don’t), and it took an hour –not 30 min– to get here. I don’t think management attended to the situation timely (they did after my massage which I had a hard time enjoying because I was so mad).
I was too mad to truly enjoy my massage but it was still good.
Will not be giving this one another try.

(This review is for the RESTAURANT only.)
In short, the Canebrake is a gem. Staying at the hotel for a special birthday weekend, we had the chance to eat two suppers and a brunch, and we sampled as widely from the menu as our stomachs allowed. (Luckily the resort has miles of walking trails and wonderful on-​site yoga to help you burn some of those calories!)
The Canebrake makes vegetarian and omnivorous mains equally well: the lentils and vegetables, a vegan dish new to the fall menu, were a standout, while my BF (raised on a cattle ranch) thoroughly enjoyed his grilled Oklahoma ribeye and (on day 2), the beef stroganoff. Spaetzle and fall veggies served with the pork shank were perfectly seasoned and soaked up all the yummy sage sauce flavors – like autumn on a plate.
Starters, including salads, were creative, tasty, and fast out of the kitchen: the birdseed salad was so good that we ordered four of them over two days, and enjoyed it more and more each time. The perfectly pan-​seared sweet potato potstickers come with incredibly inventive and delicious salty-​hot-​sour pickled chiles, while the richness of the house-​smoked pork ribs (and its incredible barbecue sauce) was balanced by its accompanying salty-​hot-​sour kimchi slaw. The attention to detail in regard to the accompaniments to the starters makes the Canebrake stand out against other restaurants we’ve experienced in the Tulsa area – none attends to small plates with such care as does the Canebrake!
The cocktail list is creative and adjusted seasonally as well, and we were especially impressed by the by-​the-​glass wine list. We can rarely drink a full bottle of wine between us, but sometimes the by-​the-​glass lists at restaurants are uninspiring. Not so at the Canebrake, where you’ll find A to Z Pinot Noir among some other lovely options, many from the United States.
Save room for dessert if you can: we tried the house special (triple mocha mousse torte) and a daily special (peanut butter pie) and both were well balanced, not too sweet, and beautifully presented.
Oh, and Sunday brunch, of course: I’m not even a brunch person, but this one stood out. Good mix of savories: salad, soups, guac & salsas, carving station, savory sides (for our brunch there were butternut squash salad, Brussels sprout salad, grilled veggies, roasted fall veggies and lentils, beet slaw), and the usual breakfast savories (bacon, sausage, home fries, waffles) along with some special extras: blue cheese grits, amazing biscuits and gravy. You can order personalized omelets or other eggs and the kitchen will whip them up for you in a jiffy. Fresh fish canapes and other extras made this brunch extra-​special. Oh yeah, and did I mention that there was an entire bar-​length of desserts? On our Sunday, there were pumpkin bread pudding, pumpkin pastries, pumpkin pie, an assortment of cookies, peanut butter tarts, homemade Oreos, strawberry turnovers, Mexican chocolate cheesecake, and others that I can’t remember. At $ 23 including coffee and tea, it’s an incredible bargain and a lovely way to spend the morning.
Service is friendly and attentive, and the open, high-​ceilinged restaurant stays relatively quiet and cozy even when full – the wood-​burning fireplace, adjacent adobe-​walled patio (with heaters), unobtrusive background music, and open kitchen contribute to a beautiful ambience. For our second night, we sat at the bar facing the open kitchen and watched the magic happen – best seat in the house if you can nab one!
We moved to Oklahoma about six months ago from northern California, where we had our pick of some of the finest food in the United States. We agreed that the Canebrake’s food holds up to any «new American» restaurant in any major city that we have been to, and that it would certainly hold its own on the SF food scene. It was, hands down, the best food we’ve had yet in Oklahoma. We can’t wait to go back soon!

Wonderful Sunday brunch! Best chef and tasty culinary delights! We spent our honeymoon here, and enjoyed the cabins and wonderful trails, as well as dinner in their restaurant. A must stay resort in this part of Oklahoma!

I cannot say enough good things about this place. I stayed the night with my cousin (a very discriminating person) and we both loved it. The rooms were very clean and quiet and there were little extras everywhere, like a tiny library, Aveda body products, slippers, a totebag, and even a bag full of fruit, yogurt, and cereal for breakfast. And that’s only the free stuff. We felt very pampered. They also have spa services and yoga classes, if you can afford them. I was a little nervous about finding it on the country roads, but they have posted signs on most of the main intersections after you get off the highway, so that was very helpful. And the wildlife make the distant location worth it. I saw three baby deer and at least two adults on the many trails, as well as my first real live swallowtail butterfly. There appear to be fish in the lake, and you can rent fishing poles. The food from the Canebrake Kitchen is amazing. It was expensive, but it all felt worth it. But I think the thing that really made it stand out was the service. Every single person that we interacted with there seemed happy to be there and happy to help us with anything. They offered to transport us back to our room after dinner, and gave us umbrellas because it looked like it was going to rain. Even the guy we dragged out into the rain to help us get our door open was cheerful about it, even after we discovered that the problem was that we had left it unlocked. We got done eating dinner about ten o’clock, and on our way to our room were window shopping at the boutique. The receptionist noticed and actually opened it up so we could see things better. I bought my new favorite shirt there the next day. The only bad thing is that I can’t afford to go here except on very special occasions, and I inevitably want to go back after I stay. But they’ve recently lowered their rates for Wednesday nights, when they have live music. So that’s something. So yeah. I loved it, and can’t wait to go back.