Oklahoma City is a bustling culinary destination with a broad range of dining and drinking venues to suit every taste. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, discovering the city’s food and beverage scene is essential. From tasty Southern comfort food to creative cocktails, Oklahoma City offers it all. In this tour, we’ll show you five must-try restaurants and pubs that represent the finest of what the city has to offer. Each location promises a distinct and memorable experience that combines local flavors with great service. Prepare to enjoy the greatest in Oklahoma City’s gastronomic landscape!
1. Bar Arbolada in Oklahoma City
The new Bar Arbolada, located in the center of Downtown OKC’s Film Row, is a sophisticated establishment in and of itself. Chef Tehra Thorp’s small plate menu is served alongside an extensive wine selection. The bar has a clean white marble surface and brass backbar fittings. The menu comprises of Spanish-inspired cuisine and excellent beverages. The bar’s inexpensive rates make it a popular destination for both residents and tourists.
Riley Marshall, an Arbolada Road native who has lived in Los Angeles for much of his life, owns and operates Bar Arbolada. He was inspired by the bar and booze-filled nightspots in the Los Angeles suburbs to create a similar establishment in Oklahoma City. After spending several years in the music industry, he returned to his native state. Bar Arbolada is housed in the former Main Street Arcade building, which has some intriguing historical elements. The rebuilt store has a full bar and a few grab-and-go delicacies from Ganache Patisserie.
2. The Jones Assembly of Oklahoma City
The Jones Assembly, located in Oklahoma City’s West End district, is The Social Order Dining Collective’s latest restaurant. The Jones is a pub, restaurant, and entertainment venue that serves wonderful food and live music. The Jones has both a dinner and brunch menu. The Jones has an open-air terrace. The venue presents weekly patio shows and has an extensive drink menu. The bar offers creative cocktails, local beers, and by-the-glass wine.
The Jones Assembly in Oklahoma City is located at 901 W Sheridan Ave. The dining room features a huge communal table that encourages people to socialize. In addition, the lower area features a full-service bar. The restaurant has 225 seats and can accommodate up to 1,600 people for live concerts. The Jones Assembly has a huge stage, mezzanine, and an open-air patio. The dining area serves excellent regional cuisine. The menu includes deviled eggs, steak frites, and avocado toast. The restaurant also serves brunch, which includes fried okra, biscuits, gravy, and scrambled eggs.
3. Stitch Cafe in Oklahoma City
Stitch, located in the West Village, is a legitimate coffee shop, however small. Aside from coffee, the cafe serves a variety of light a la carte breakfasts, lunches, and dinners to accommodate any diet. The personnel is friendly and the atmosphere is pleasant. The price range is also rather affordable, with a bottle of wine costing a respectable amount.
The cafe does not compromise on the quality of its ingredients. Stitch has a few specialties, including a specialized bison blend. The menu also includes a few healthier options, such as the burger and omelet. In short, Stitch is a coffee lover’s dream. The caffeinated brew is a must, and the cafe provides a nice relief from the city’s stress.
4. Empire Slice House in Oklahoma City
Empire Slice House, located in Oklahoma City’s Plaza district, serves four signature pizzas, a large selection of cheeses, and has a diverse environment. The pizza aficionado can pick from four pies, all of which are topped with fresh mozzarella, parmesan, and red onion. It’s no wonder that the restaurant attracts both locals and guests from all over the metroplex. The restaurant is a safe option on any night of the week, thanks to its spacious covered terrace and late-night dining hours.
The restaurant’s smorgasbord also includes a large selection of handcrafted drinks, wine, and beer. The establishment also has a bustling walk-up window, making it simple for customers to grab a food or a drink. There are only a few dessert selections available here. For the more sophisticated diner, the empire’s dessert menu includes a variety of cheeses, desserts, and beverages. The aforementioned ‘favorite’ is the ‘Cruz’, a fancy-pants pie with a buttery crust and filling of cheese, bacon, ham, and tomato.
5. Palo Santo In Oklahoma City
Palo Santo is a craft cocktail bar in the Farmers Market District that provides a unique experience. The pub has an L-shaped pool table with Southwestern-inspired seating. The bar will also offer food and wine. Guests will notice a range of nice light fixtures and a weathered leather sofa. There are also shelves stocked with plants. The pub will serve six beers on tap and numerous local beers in bottles.
Palo Santo is open daily from 4 p.m. until late. It is located at 1203 SW 2nd Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73106. The pub features several seating locations, including indoor and outdoor seats. The bar also serves a variety of beverages, including cocktails, mezcal drinks, and shaken drinks. The pub creates its own syrups and each drink contains three or four ingredients. Guests will enjoy a street dog with bacon and a pressed torta with carnitas. Palo Santo also serves an amazing selection of small-plate dishes. Guests can choose between hot mayo and Oaxaca cheese as appetizers. The bar will also offer tomato bread and cold chicken tacos. The restaurant will also serve brunch on Fridays and Saturdays.
Summary
To summarize, Oklahoma City’s vibrant culinary industry provides a complex tapestry of flavors and experiences, with each of these five places bringing something unique to the table. From the classy Bar Arbolada and boisterous Jones Assembly to the cozy Stitch Cafe, quirky Empire Slice House, and craft-focused Palo Santo, there’s something for everyone’s taste and preference. Dive into OKC’s gastronomic delights and enjoy the best that the city has to offer!