Okra's was opened at the corner of Center and Battle streets in Manassas in October 1998. It was the place that brought "New Orleans to Manassas" including the first Mardi Gras parade complete with marching bands, costumes, food and live music. The traditions still continue today and Okra's growing list of events now includes crawfish boils, local festivals and the addition of a sidewalk café. Over the years, Okra's has grown into a cornerstone business and has become the heart of Old Town's Entertainment District. As a popular gathering place for locals and area visitors, Okra's guests can be found nightly enjoying happy hour specials, chatting around the bar or dining on authentic Cajun cuisine.
Owner Charles Gilliam never envisioned Okra's as the restaurant it is today. With a current staff of 25 employees, numerous accolades and a major reconstruction under its belt, Okra's is much different than it was so many years ago. And while guests today can still get a delicious meal and warm welcome, much about the restaurant has undergone dramatic change.
 " The idea was to have a small Mom and Pop kind of place. Okra's was to be a restaurant where folks could come in and have a relaxing meal on some of America's best cuisine. Cajun food and Louisiana culture is real...honest, unpretentious and alive with flavor and color. "
