Maybe you’re new here. Maybe you’ve lived in Oklahoma your whole life, but you stick to your bubble and don’t venture out much. Maybe you love every place on this list.
Whatever your situation, I’ve compiled a comprehensive list of my favorite local eats, shops and sights in the Oklahoma City metro area. I live near the Paseo Arts District, so most of these are in my neck of the woods. Some are family-friendly, but some are not. And that’s OK, because sometimes we need a girls night, date night or solo day to ourselves. A whole day – Isn’t that the dream??
Local eats
Best Brunch – Oh, brunch. How I miss you! Seriously, I used to brunch like it was a sport, and I was winning. My favorite spots include Cheever’s Cafe (Masa Vallo con Huevos), Packard’s (Duck Confit Hash), The Jones Assembly (Breakfast Pizza) and Kitchen 324 (Green Eggs and Ham).
Best Date Night – Signature Grill (Risotto), Gabriella’s (Chicken Piccatta), The Drake (Lobster Roll), Iron Star (chopped brisket + mac and cheese + fried okra)
Best Local Kids Spots – S&B Burger Joint (M-F from 3-6 p.m. they have half-price sliders), Pizzeria Gusto (Italian Sausage pizza – there’s broccoli in the sauce – shhhh), Waffle Champion (need I say more?)
Best Vegan/Vegetarian – The Loaded Bowl (Cashew Mac & Cheese), Picasso Cafe (Quinoa Tacos)
Best Gluten-Free/Gluten-Friendly – The Hall’s Pizza Kitchen (best g-free pizza!), The Red Rooster (gluten-free FRIED CHICKEN), Holey Rollers (gluten-free/vegan donuts), Nourished (downtown OKC food bar – no gluten in sight!)
Best Sweet Treats – Roxy’s Ice Cream (sorry, Braum’s), Ganache Patisserie (French pastries), Ingrid’s Kitchen (pastries galore), Katiebug’s Sips & Sweets (shaved ice, hot chocolate and more)
Best Girls Night – Anatomy Wine Club (wine flights!), Oso on Paseo (get the tater tots – trust me!), Tokyo House (hole-in-the-wall, best sushi in OKC)
Local shopping
The Plaza District – DNA Galleries (art/clothing/cards/more), Thrive Mama Collective (hello, baby shower gift!), Out on a Limb (best local jewelry/candles/personal care products)
Blue 7/Just OK – You know all those trendy Oklahoma T-shirts everyone’s wearing. Yeah, they’re from here.
Midtown – Chirps and Cheers (adorable cards/stationery) and The Black Scintilla (quirky gifts/women’s clothing)
Automobile Alley – Plenty (home/kitchen/dogs/kids), Cargo Room (tiny pink shipping container w/cutest clothes EVER), Shop Good (every product gives back to a good cause)
Local Happenings
Live on the Plaza – Second Friday of each month; themed event with food trucks, live music, etc.
First Friday Art Walk in Paseo – First Friday of each month; art galleries/shops/restaurants are open late. It’s like visiting Santa Fe/Taos, NM in Oklahoma City.
Heard on Hurd – Edmond’s version of the above!
It’s hard for me to narrow my favorites down even to one list – what’s missing?? Add your favorite local spots in the comments!