A Native's Guide to Oklahoma City

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Advisor - Julia Gowens
Curated By

Julia Gowens

  • Oklahoma

  • Active Travel

  • Adventure Travel

  • Digital Nomad Travel

  • Outdoors

  • Foodie

  • Sightseeing

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Curator’s statement

Oklahoma City offers a captivating blend of history, culture and culinary adventures that might surprise travelers. Despite its smaller size, the city has experienced remarkable growth over the past two decades, resulting in a surprisingly diverse atmosphere that welcomes all who visit. One of the highlights of Oklahoma City is its incredibly diverse food scene. From newly established districts brimming with trendy restaurants and vibrant nightlife to the recently opened First Americans Museum, there's always something new and exciting to discover.

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Where to stay in Oklahoma City

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Things to do in Oklahoma City

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First Americans Museum: Gain insight into the rich history and culture of Native American tribes in Oklahoma.

Paycom Center Thunder Games
: Cheer on our beloved NBA team, the Oklahoma City Thunder, at the Paycom Center.

DeadCENTER Film Festival
: deadCenter is Oklahoma's largest film festival and welcomes 20,000-plus film enthusiasts and industry professionals every June. OSCAR-qualifying in two short film categories, the festival draws in unique, groundbreaking films from around the world while showcasing the best from the state.

Scissortail Park
: Soak up the sunshine and enjoy concerts, festivals, and outdoor activities in this urban oasis.

Myriad Botanical Gardens & Crystal Bridge Conservatory
: Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in nature's beauty.

Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine
: The shrine church built for the beloved Oklahoma Martyr is designed in the Spanish-mission style, mirroring Blessed Stanley’s church in Santiago Atitlán, Guatemala.

National Cowboy and Western Museum
: Explore the stories of the American West through captivating exhibits and artifacts.

Civic Center Music Hall
: Experience the arts with concerts, Broadway shows, and performances by local talent.

The Criterion Concert Venue
: Catch live performances by local and touring artists in this intimate concert space.

Tower Theatre
: Historic performance site built in 1937, offering a stage for live music, a movie theater & gallery.

Places to eat & drink in Oklahoma City

A plate of pancakes topped with gelato and caramel syrup on a wooden table in a farmhouse-style setting.

Brunch

Cafe Kacao: Breakfast hot spot featuring a menu full of homestyle Guatemalan favorites & Latin-themed cuisine. Referred to as “One Of The Top Places To Eat In America, Cafe Kacao Is A Must-Visit Restaurant In Oklahoma”. Local tip: on weekends make sure you get on the Yelp waitlist two to three hours ahead of time.

FRIDA Southwest: Contemporary, light-filled destination whipping up elevated Southwestern-inspired plates. You can’t go wrong with the beef short-rib empanadas, breakfast tacos, tuna tartare, and most importantly the legendary croissant french toast!

Dinner

Nonesuch: Rated as one of America’s best new restaurants by Bon Appétit in 2018, Nonesuch makes meals that are inspired by memory, youth, taste, and the city and state that surround them.

Ma Der Lao Kitchen: This cozy joint serves up authentic Loatian cuisine that just made both the New York Times and Bon Appetit Top 50 new restaurants in the United States. Crispy rice is a must!

Jones Assembly: A 225-seat restaurant with both a full-service downstairs bar and elevated cocktail bar–The T Room on the mezzanine. The Jones Assembly also boasts a 1,600-person capacity for live concerts and one of Oklahoma City’s largest and most inviting patios.

Grey Sweater:
A unique dining experience offering five-, seven-, and 10-course tastings with wine pairings available in different ranges plus a water menu. We suggest sitting at the chef’s bar!

Teller’s: Set in a historic bank building, this place serves up classic Italian dishes with a side of charm. Check out the speakeasy bar just downstairs in an old bank vault.

Bradford House: Inside this Victorian-style home built in 1912, now transformed into a contemporary boutique hotel, you’ll find a restaurant, bar and patisserie serving a thoughtfully tailored three-course menu of seasonal fare and whimsical dishes.

Cattleman’s Steakhouse: Step into this Western gem for hearty steaks and a side of classic Oklahoma charm.

WAYGU Japanese BBQ: A Japanese Yakiniku style restaurant in NW OKC. I suggest the spicy tuna volcano, Kimchi Dolsot Bibimbap, Honey Garlic wings, lots of Tare Beef Toro, and s’mores to end the meal.

Advisor - Julia Gowens

Travel Advisor

Julia Gowens

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For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Ashtin Robison’s guide, A Long Weekend Itinerary in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Oklahoma.

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