Bar Sen

Bar Sen is an intimate Laotian noodle and cocktail bar in Oklahoma City's Plaza District, opened in January 2025 by chef Jeff Chanchaleune, a three-time James Beard nominee and Food Network veteran. It sits next door to his first restaurant, Ma Der Lao Kitchen, as a sibling concept built around Chanchaleune's favorite childhood dish, the Lao chicken noodle soup khao piek sen. The menu centers on house-made, hand-cut, naturally gluten-free rice noodles. Signature bowls include the namesake khao piek sen with house chicken stock, pulled chicken, quail eggs and herbs; suki yaki with pork broth and roasted pork belly; red curry vermicelli; spicy pork OG Lao khao soi; and a chilled glass-noodle salad. Bites range from Lao fried chicken in coconut milk with jaew bong hot honey to a green pandan cinnamon roll. The dark, bustling barroom has a sunny patio and a cocktail program to match. The New York Times named Bar Sen one of the 50 Best Restaurants in America for 2025, with Eric Asimov praising its balance of lime, tamarind, fish sauce, chiles and fried shallots. It is moderately priced, pet-friendly, and open Tuesday through Sunday evenings with a full lunch service on weekends.