Oklahoma City is one of my favorite cities, where you can get the “big-city feel” in a small city.
And it is FABULOUS. I have family in Oklahoma City so when I lived in Texas during my undergrad, I visited OKC once every few months or so. It has absolutely wonderful places to eat and shop and have experiences.
Many of these are places I consistently return to every. single. time I visit. Yes, they are just that good.
Oklahoma City Places to Eat
1. Goro Ramen
Goro Ramen has delicious ramen and Goro is one destination I visit every time I’m in Oklahoma City. It’s basically a tradition. As someone who lived in Japan for a few years, my standards are pretttty high for ramen but I love Goro. My favorite of theirs is the spicy ramen with chicken meatballs. YUM.
2. Pizzeria Gusto
Since I lived in Napoli, Italy for a summer (which is the birthplace of pizza), I am always on the lookout for good pizza. Pizzeria Gusto does not disappoint.
They have a tasty selection of pizzas including margherita and barbecue chicken. You cannot go wrong with their pizzas. AND they have drinks. The bartenders are on another level and they compete with each other for making the best drinks. Drinks + pizza are the best combinations.
3. Empire
Empire is another pizza place with different signature pies and “daily slices” for each day of the week. Check out their menu for what have each day.
4. The Humble Pie, now known as The Heat
The Humble Pie serves Chicago deep dish pizza. Their menu includes margherita, The Samoan, Garden of Eden, Bermuda Triangle, and appetizers like bottomless pretzel baskets. The owner, originally from Oklahoma, visited Chicago as a child and eventually lived there. After moving back to Oklahoma, he decided to experiment with original recipes and bring his favorite deep dish traits to life in the city.
5. Butcher’s BBQ Stand
Butcher’s BBQ, on historic Route 66, has outstanding bbq and that is coming from someone who typically likes barbecue but does not love it. Their meats do get sold out so try to visit early, especially on Saturdays. By 11 am or lunchtime, they might be out of their favorite cuts, so be sure to visit early. I typically get their meat plate (I love their brisket) with mac-n-cheese and potato salad. Their “Burnt Ends” gets sold out first and is amazing.
6. Fassler Hall
Visit Fassler Hall, a beer and sausage hall, for German and Austrian beers and schnitzel, beer-battered pretzels, and amazing German food. My favorite is the Steigl Radler, which is a grapefruit beer that basically tastes like a lemonade beer. The Radler is phenomenal and the hall has live entertainment, pool tables, giant Jenga, and other group-centered games.
7. McNellie’s Pub
McNellie’s Pub is Irish-themed and has yummy, late-night food. They have so many beers and a lively atmosphere! Apparently, if you can get signed off with 100 beers or so, you can get a McNellie’s shirt. I’ve only been a few times so I have a loooong way to go before I get my shirt.
It’s usually very crowded in the evenings but the atmosphere is great and you can see Downtown Oklahoma City when you sit by the windows.
8. Cafe Kacao
Cafe Kacao is an eatery for Latin American cuisine and their food and coffee is outstanding. They have been voted Top 100 Places to Eat in the USA in 2020 and have been featured in People, and the Travel Channel.
You may need to join the waitlist, however, so be sure to make reservations ahead of time if you intend to go during the busy hours like breakfast or brunch times.
Cafe Kacao is one of my favorite places for brunch. I love their Flautas, the Machaca, their Churros, and their Nutella Pancakes!
9. Urban Teahouse
They serve loose leaf teas and are a wholesaler for Loose Leaf Tea. The teahouse is certified by the World Tea Conference. Their best-selling teas include Earl Grey, Peach Blossom, Passionfruit Strawberry, and Sweet Almond. Check them out here.
Oklahoma City Things to Do
1. Visit Pops on Route 66.
Pops is a gas station with a shop that holds hundreds of sodas and specialty sodas. It’s iconic and very fun to visit!
2. Walk around Bricktown for food, photo-ops, and rock climbing at the Summit OKC.
3. Try a Steigl Radler at Fassler Hall.
Fassler Hall, as mentioned above, is an incredible destination to visit and hang out for the evening. The Steigl Radler is my favorite light beer that you definitely have to try if you’re visiting.
4. Visit the National Cowboy Museum.
The National Cowboy Museum is full of amazing artifacts, art, and history. We spent a full half-day here and it was absolutely enjoyable.
5. Visit the Bleu Garten for beers and a wonderful outdoor atmosphere.
6. Visit Michael Murphy’s Dueling Pianos bar.
Michael Murphy’s Dueling Pianos is so much fun. Though you have to be 21 and over, the atmosphere is amazing! They play amazing music and leave you with a night to remember!
7. Walk around the Paseo for small boutiques, shops, coffee and donuts!
8. If you’re in OKC in the month of October, check out Greek Fest.
Greek fest has traditional Greek food, baked goods, traditional dancing, and even Roman and Greek coins that have been verified as being from different eras. I haven’t been to the Greek fest yet but I definitely plan to visit the next time the event is happening and I’m in town.
I’d love to hear any thoughts you have! Do you have any favorite places in Oklahoma City? Are you planning to visit soon? Let me know.
