Oklahoma City is known for being frontier country, and nowhere is that more evident than in the cuisine. This theme is interpreted in two ways: literally and metaphorically. The city is booming with steakhouses and eateries that specialize in hearty American staples—quite literally those bounties that are cultivated on the plains. But there is also a pioneer spirit found here. Food is seen as an exploration, an adventure. A hunger for any taste can be sated, every culinary niche is represented and even trendy fusion joints are making an appearance. Don’t overlook the famous breweries and wine bars, as Oklahoma City takes its beverages very seriously. Get ready to feast your senses on tasty meals served up with a generous dash of local hospitality!

Downtown Bricktown
The Bricktown revitalization campaign has been instrumental in bringing new dining establishments to the area, making it the city’s culinary melting pot. One of its original residents was Spaghetti Warehouse, which remains popular for the huge plates of Italian standards it serves up. The consensus party spot is the Bricktown Brewery, where a varied menu of American favorites is complemented by live music, pool and games, and a wide selection of hand-crafted beers. For upscale regional fare, try Chelino’s Mexican Restaurant, Pearl’s Crabtown or Windy City Chicago Bistro. Diners can watch the RedHawks play while eating at Coach’s, whose patio area overlooks the new ballpark. Wraps and health food are the order of the day at the Grateful Bean Cafe, but feel free to indulge in one of their old-fashioned ice cream sundaes, too. For Asian cuisine enthusiasts, Bricktown holds Sushi Neko and the Thai Kitchen Cafe. Finally, for those with a love of dining al fresco, try taking a meal on a water taxi as it floats down the Bricktown Canal, providing guests with a perfect tour of the heart of downtown.

Stockyard City
The area that is a throwback to Oklahoma City’s frontier days doesn\’t hold too many restaurants, but what it lacks in numbers, it more than makes up for in taste. Cattlemen’s Steakhouse is the last word in fine country dining. Even the house salad dressing is famous! In operation since nearly the turn of the century, Cattlemen’s has seen and served cattle barons, millionaire oil men and modern captains of industry. Staying true to its rich history, the menu is pure Oklahoma, dominated by thick steaks and other red-meat specialties, cholesterol be damned!

The Paseo
As Oklahoma City\’s artists\’ colony, the Paseo holds dining establishments that share the same smart, chic flavor. The area\’s signature spot is Galileo\’s Bar and Grill, a cozy place where the hip crowd comes to snack on Mediterranean delights. This spirit permeates further north along Western Avenue. VZD’s, a drugstore turned restaurant and club, has become the forum for hot new musical acts in Oklahoma City. The menu is diverse, with bar food favorites alongside red beans and rice and an array of deli sandwiches. TerraLuna Grille is the place for a strictly California-inspired menu, featuring seafood and vegetarian items. Western is also home to the city\’s own “Restaurant Row.” The Coach House is home to renowned chef Kurt Fleischfresser, who is constantly reinventing the menu at this modern, yet classic eatery. Fine steak cuts and fresh seafood are the order of the day at the Deep Fork Grill. For a more refined approach to barbecue, stop in to Earl’s Rib Palace. The Iguana Lounge is Mexican like you\’ve never seen, with a funky decor characterized by its leopard-print booths. Inside the Iguana Lounge is Mango, which experiments with a tropical fusion style of cuisine. Lastly, The Metro offers diners exquisite American bistro dishes, along with a wide variety of fine wines.

Northwest, Nichols Hills and The Village
The northwest side of town, including Nichols Hills and the Village, has a diverse and celebrated list of restaurants. Perhaps most beloved is Ted\’s Cafe Escondito, a Mexican spot packed with patrons night in and night out. Another restaurant with a loyal clientele is Ann\’s Chicken Fry. Located on Route 66, its vintage decor and signature chicken-fried steak dinner charm and delight. This area is also where enclaves of global cuisines can be found, like Canterbury British Imports and Cafe, Keller in the Kastle German Restaurant, La Baguette Bistro, Shogun\’s and the Samurai Japanese Saki House, along with Ajanta\’s and Gopuram\’s Indian fare. Catfish Cabin has been a local favorite for seafood for 25 years, but also mixes its menu with barbecue and Mexican dishes. Trapper\’s Fishcamp and Grill is Southern spectacular, complete with Cajun seafood, steaks and a gumbo that will knock your socks off! A popular regional chain, Jason\’s Deli, serves up health-conscious soups and sandwiches in a comfortably casual environment. In contrast, Nikz at the Top serves delectable dishes, but its real draw is a romantic atmosphere and the distinction of being the city\’s only revolving restaurant. Set in a rustic wooden building, Pioneer Pies has a lunch and dinner menu, but its rich pies and desserts are the real stars.

Northeast
Just like the northeast district in which they are located, where the State Capitol and some of the city\’s most famous attractions reside, the restaurants found here are known far and wide. A speakeasy during the Prohibition era, the County Line is now the place to come in order to satisfy a different craving, namely that for great barbecue with all the fixings. Sleepy Hollow is another perennial favorite, with dishes like pan-fried chicken, steak and fish. Set in a secluded wooded area, a meal at this restaurant is the ultimate intimate dining experience. Italian specialties made according to family recipes are served at Papa’s Li’l Italy. For lunch or dinner, you can enjoy their original soup, pasta dishes and sandwiches. Want a hearty meal served up fast? RJ’s Cafe is the place for you. Whether for breakfast, lunch or dinner, you are sure to find a hot and tasty American feast.

Edmond, a small suburb just minutes north of the city, is teeming with elegant establishments that cater to a sophisticated, adult crowd. Boulevard Steakhouse, with its warm decor, surf and turf menu and comprehensive wine list, is a favorite of local businesspeople. An even more exclusive experience can be found at the Vineyard. An intimate ambiance and gourmet dishes make this a hot spot for the well to do. For the same caliber cuisine in a more casual environment, try Bellini\’s Ristorante. The specialty is Italian, but beef and chicken items are available, as well as lighter seafood and salad choices. Cafe 501 prides itself on its friendly, stay-all-day atmosphere as much as for its unique sandwiches, oven-baked pizzas and delectable desserts.

Southside
The Southside’s most frequented establishment is Applewood\’s Restaurant. Known for its meals like pot roast, cider-baked pork chops and seafood specialties, Applewood\’s can accommodate an individual or small dinner party all the way up to a 500-person banquet. Whatever entree you choose, be sure to leave room for their famous apple dumplings. For spicier fare, check out Tacos San Pedro, a small restaurant specializing in authentic Mexican food. Be warned, this place is not your typical Tex-Mex! Sub Way Deli & Grill—not to be confused with the Subway chain, this is Oklahoma’s original deli—is where you’ll find only the finest sandwiches and burgers, served with your choice of a soda or beer.

Historic Route 66 Towns
In addition to numerous family-owned cafes in Bethany, there is one dining experience that must not go without mention. The Wilds Restaurant and Nature Park, located on Route 66, just west of Yukon, brings the frontier right to your table. Home-style country meals can be eaten picnic-style outside on the grounds or in the cedar lodge banquet room overlooking the lake. The western theme is evident in dishes like the breaded catfish and lots of barbecued meats. This place is perfect for the whole family.

Bricktown 54
7 S Mickey Mantle Dr # 400
Oklahoma City, OK 73104
(405) 235-5454

Bricktown Brewery
1 N Oklahoma Ave
Oklahoma City, OK 73104
(405) 232-2739

The Forum
3125 N Classen Blvd
Oklahoma City, OK 73118
(405) 525-0155

Joker’s Comedy Club
229 E. Sheridan Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK 73104
(405) 236-5653

Recreation and Sporting Events