Downtown Oklahoma City
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Downtown in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma is the central business district and has several areas, including the Plaza district, Midtown, Automobile Alley, Metro Park, Film Row, Riverside and Bricktown. It is an area of several square miles between Pennsylvania Avenue and I-235, bounded by NW 23rd on the north and the river on the south.
Get in
[edit]Interstate 40 (I-40), also called the Crosstown Expressway, runs along the southern side of the downtown area. Downtown is located just west of Interstate 235 (I-235). The city bus service downtown is better than in the rest of the city, but most people drive. The city's Amtrak train station is located in downtown Oklahoma City.
- 1 Amtrak train station, 100 South E.K. Gaylord Boulevard. Daily 7:30–8:45AM, 9–11PM. Historic train station that may expand to connect better with local transit options. The Heartland Flyer makes the four-hour trip to Fort Worth, Texas every morning, and then returns every evening.
Map of Oklahoma City/Downtown
Get around
[edit]Most people drive cars in this city. As of 2018, parking in city-operated parking garages costs $2/hour, with a $10 maximum each day.
- EmbarkOK (Metro Transit). Route 50, which runs from the Transit Center through the OKC Museum of Art, Red Earth Museum, Bricktown, Bricktown Landing, and Chesapeake Energy Arena to Myriad Gardens, stops at several attractions and sightseeing opportunities.
Neighborhoods of particular interest to visitors include:
- Bricktown: a former warehouse district that has been converted into a restaurant and night club hot spot adjacent to downtown. This area is home to the Bricktown Ballpark, several live music venues, the Harkins movie theatre, and Mickey Mantle's steakhouse. On the east side of downtown, between E.K. Gaylord Ave. and Lincoln Blvd. and includes Reno Ave., Sheridan Ave. and Main street.
- Plaza District: Offers art galleries, restaurants, and performance arts. Named after the historic Plaza Theatre, where Lyric Theatre performs. Block party on the second Friday evening of each month. Near the theatre on NW 16th Ave.
- Midtown: Near NW 10th and Walker, Midtown boasts Brasilian, Latin, and American food restaurants, as well as OKC's oldest boutique ice creamery and a bakery. On weekends, a rooftop bossa nova bar offers a beautiful view of this area's interesting architecture.
See
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- 1 Oklahoma City National Memorial, 620 N Harvey Ave (between N. Harvey Ave and N. Robinson Ave at NW 5th St.), ☏ +1 405-235-3313. 24 hr. Park rangers on site 8:30AM- 5PM, daily. This is the memorial for the Oklahoma City bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building that occurred at 9:02AM on April 19th, 1995. At each end of the memorial are the bronze 'Gates of Time'. At one end 9:01 for before and the other 9:03 for after. Between the gates is a reflecting pool and on the south side are the 168 memorial chairs, one for each person that perished and smaller chairs for the children. On the north side of the pool is the Survivor Tree, an American elm that survived the blast. At the west end along Harvey Ave. is the fence where visitors leave memorabilia. Outdoor memorial is free.
- 2 Memorial Museum, 620 Harvey Ave. M-Sa 9AM–6PM, Su noon–6PM. Last ticket sold at 5PM. The average visit lasts an hour and a half. The museum is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Adult $15, senior (62+) $12, student (6-17 or college student with current ID) $12, 5 years and under are free.
- 3 Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 West Reno, ☏ +1 405-297-3995. M-Sa 9AM-6PM, Su noon-6PM. Adults $6, students 13-18 & College ID $5, children 4-12 $3, children under 4 free.
- 4 American Banjo Museum, 9 E Sheridan (Bricktown), ☏ +1 405-604-2793. 11AM-6PM. A world class museum dedicated to celebrating the music and heritage of America's Instrument - the banjo. See the largest collection of banjos on public display in the world and witness the history of the banjo from its humble African roots, throughout its heyday during the Roaring 20s to its present day voice in Bluegrass, folk and world music. Adults $8, seniors (55+) and students $7, youth (5-17) $6.
- Bricktown Mosaic Murals (Bricktown). Painted on the buildings in Bricktown.
- 5 Oklahoma Buffalo Corral, 1 East Main (Bricktown). There used to be a herd of buffalo on Main St near the Amtrak tracks, however now there's only one left there. Each buffalo was decorated by artists. The project was by The Nature Conservancy to raise money. There are still several throughout Oklahoma City.
- 6 Centennial Land Run Monument, 200 Centennial Ave (next to Bass Pro Shops in Bricktown). A monument depicting the opening of Oklahoma Territory with the land run of 1889.
- 7 Skydance Bridge, 200 Centennial Ave. Pedestrian bridge design evoking the image of Oklahoma's state bird, the scissortail-flycatcher, offering unobstructed views of downtown.
Do
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This is the business district of Oklahoma City. Many people work in this area during the day and then head out for an evening drink or meal.
- 1 Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N. Walker, ☏ +1 405-297-2264, toll-free: +1-800-364-7111. Various performances and home for The Oklahoma City Philharmonic.
- 2 Oklahoma City Thunder, 100 W. Reno Ave (Paycom Center in Bricktown), ☏ +1 405-208-4800. The city's NBA team is likely the toughest ticket in town, thanks to a roster loaded with young talent, most notably Shae Gilgeous-Alexander.
- 3 Oklahoma City Dodgers, 2 South Mickey Mantle Drive (Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark in Bricktown), ☏ +1 405-218-1000, fax: +1 405 218-1011. Attend a Dodgers baseball game.
- 4 Water Taxi of Oklahoma, 111 Mickey Mantle Dr (Bricktown), ☏ +1 405-234-8294, okinfo@bricktownwatertaxi.com. Narrated canal cruise on the Bricktown canal. Round trip is about 40 minutes and all-day passes are available.
- Cocktail Cruises (Bricktown). On the Water Taxi in season cruises run on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings beginning around 6:30PM and run until about 10:30PM.
- Buggy Rides. Around Bricktown and downtown Oklahoma City. Bricktown is host to both human powered and horse powered buggies and carriages. The horse carriages are generally seen on family oriented event nights, although they are open for business all days of the week if there is a demand. Their hours of operation generally end at midnight. The pedal-cab companies generally come out Tu-Sa between 4PM and 2AM, and are often seen on event nights any day of the week as well. The pedal cab companies also attend local sports games by transporting their bikes to Norman and Stillwater.
Buy
[edit]- 1 Bass Pro Shops, 200 Bass Pro Dr (Bricktown), ☏ +1 405-218-5200.
- 2 Painted Door, 124 E. Sheridan (Bricktown).
- 3 Dodgers Team Store, 2 Mickey Mantle Dr (Bricktown).
- 4 Exhibit C Gallery, 1 East Sheridan, Ste. 100 (next door to the American Banjo Museum in Bricktown), ☏ +1 405-767-8900. 11AM to 8PM. Exhibit C houses an art gallery, which features hand-crafted art pieces created by Chickasaw and southeastern Native American artists. Exhibit C also serves as a visitor information center for Chickasaw Country. The large gallery features art for display and also for sale, with a new artist featured every four months. Jewelry, pottery, painting, clothing and more are available in the retail portion of Exhibit C. Also offered are a wide selection of Bedré Fine Chocolate, chocolate barks and cold chocolate soda.
- 5 Blue Sage Studios - Glass Works and Gallery, 1218-C N Western Ave, ☏ +1 405-473-0754. Glassblowing demonstrations and more.
- Mode. Women's clothing, accessories and gifts boutique in the heart of Midtown.
Eat
[edit]Budget
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- 1 The Buzz Coffee and Café, 120 N Robinson (in downtown's underground tunnels; enter at BancFirst and take elevators down to the lower level), ☏ +1 405-232-1109. M–F 8AM–4PM. Breakfast, lunch, coffee, and ice cream in an unusual location. $5.
- 2 Coney Island, 428 W Main St, ☏ +1 405-239-8568. M–Sat 9:30AM–5PM. Family-owned local place that is nearly a century old. Offers great wieners (hot dogs) for a low price. All kinds of OU Sooner memorabilia on the walls, and football scores on the wall going back to the 1940s. $5, cash only.
- 3 Greek & Seafood, 119 N Robinson (in the Robinson Renaissance Building), ☏ +1 405-235-3115, arashm405@gmail.com. M–F 10:30AM–2PM. Mediterranean, Greek and Persian food. Lunch only. $8.
- 4 Ground Floor Café & Bakery, 211 N.Robinson (Leadership Square), ☏ +1 405-232-2233. M–F 7AM–3PM. Breakfast and lunch. Short orders, soup, sandwiches, bagels and coffee. Also, Krispy Kreme doughnuts. $6–10.
- Marble Slab Creamery, 216 Johnny Bench Dr.
- Someplace Else Deli and Bakery, 2310 N. Western Ave. Get a nice kraut dog or reuben here.
Mid-range
[edit]- 5 Thai Kitchen Cafe, 327 Dean A. McGee Ave, ☏ +1 405-236-0229, thaikitchenokc@gmail.com. M–Sa 11AM–8:45PM. Phat thai noodles, curries, and other Thai foods. Busier at lunch than in the evening. Lunch $10, supper $15.
- 6 HeyDay Bowling and Arcade, 200 S. Oklahoma Ave Suite HD (Bricktown), ☏ +1 405-602-5680, contact@heydayfun.com. M–Th 11AM–11PM, F Sa 11AM–1AM, Su 11AM–10PM. An upscale version of bowling, dining and bar. Parking validation.
- 7 Stumpy's Burger House, 7 Mickey Mantle (Bricktown), ☏ +1 405-228-0081.
- 8 Zio's Italian Kitchen, 12 E. California (Bricktown), ☏ +1 405-278-8888.
- 9 Anchor Down, 30 NE 2nd St, ☏ +1 405-605-8070. Gourmet corn dogs and full bar. $10.
- 10 Abuelo's Mexican Food Embassy, 17 E. Sheridan (Bricktown), ☏ +1 405-235-1422.
- 11 Bourbon Street Café, 100 E. California (Bricktown), ☏ +1 405-232-6666. N'awlins style dining.
- 12 Chelino's Mexican Restaurant, 15 E. California (Bricktown), ☏ +1 405-235-3533.
- 13 Cafe Do Brasil, 440 NW 11th St (Downtown), ☏ +1 405-525-9779. Brazilian bakery and deli with live music on some weekends. $15 lunch, $25 dinner.
- 14 Sauced, 2912 Paseo, ☏ +1 405-521-9800. Fancy pizza.
- 15 Joey's Pizzeria, 700 W Sheridan Ave (Film Row), ☏ +1 405-525-8503. M-Th 11AM-10PM, F Sa 11AM-11PM, Su 11AM-9PM. Salads, pastas, toasted subs, appetizers, homemade desserts, and pizzas.
- Thai House, 500 NW 23rd St, ☏ +1 405-524-0503. Thai dishes and a lunch buffet.
- Sala Thai, 1614 NW 23rd St. This is one of the city's finest restaurant, and is completely vegetarian-friendly. Also has a buffet.
- McNellie's Public House, 1100 Classen Dr (intersection of 10th & Walker), ☏ +1 405-601-7468. They go a little wild with the beer with more than 350 different options.
- Taj Cuisine of India, 1500 NW 23rd St, ☏ +1 405-601-1888. A sumptuous Indian buffet.
Splurge
[edit]- 16 Park Avenue Grill, One Park Avenue (in the Skirvin Hilton), ☏ +1 405-702-8444. M–F 6:30AM–2PM and 5–10PM, Sa Su 7AM–2PM and 5–10PM. This upscale restaurant features contemporary cuisine and a modern take on Southern traditions. Full-service hotel restaurant. Breakfast or lunch $15; supper $30–50.
- 17 Red PrimeSteak, 504 N. Broadway Ave (Automobile Alley). M–Th 5–10PM, F Sa 5–11PM, Su 5–9PM. Fine-dining steak house. $50.
- 18 Flint, 15 N Robinson Ave (in the Colcord Hotel, across the street from the Myriad Botanical Gardens and the Cox Convention Center), ☏ +1 405-605-0567, contact@flintokc.com. 6:30AM–10PM. Upscale casual restaurant and lounge featuring contemporary American cuisine; takes a direct and simple approach to cooking, using the best available ingredients. Full-service fine-dining hotel restaurant offering breakfast, weekend brunch, lunch, and dinner, plus a "small bites" menu served from 2–5PM every afternoon. Valet parking validation. Breakfast, brunch, lunch, $15–25; dinner, $25–35.
- 19 Café Cuvée, 1200 N Walker Ave (inside the Ambassador Hotel), ☏ +1 405-898-8120, info@cafecuvee.com. 7AM-9PM. Formerly known as the Viceroy Grille, Café Cuvée is a bistro that serves authentic French comfort food. Offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner Monday through Friday, and breakfast, brunch, and dinner on Saturdays and Sundays.
- 20 Vast, 333 W. Sheridan Ave., ☏ +1 405-702-7262, contact@vastojkc.com. 11AM-1:30PM and 5-10PM. Fresh fare and cool cocktails. Date-night dinners and leisure lunches. Smiling staff and vast views in the heart of downtown. Good food, sourced from local producers, and even better service.
- 21 Earl's Rib Palace, 216 Johnny Bench Dr (Bricktown), ☏ +1 405-272-9898.
- 22 Mickey Mantle's Steakhouse, 7 S Mickey Mantle Dr (Bricktown), ☏ +1 405-272-0777, info@mickeymantlesteakhouse.com. They have a very nice bar with $1.50 domestics and hors d'oeuvres from 4-7PM weeknights (no hors d'oeuvres on Hornets nights).
- 23 Pearl's Crabtown, 303 E. Sheridan (Bricktown), ☏ +1 405-232-7227.
- 24 The Mantel, 201 E. Sheridan (Bricktown), ☏ +1 405-236-8040. Another nice upscale dining location.
- The Museum Café, 415 Couch Dr, ☏ +1 405-235-6262. A classy restaurant accompanying the Oklahoma City Museum of Art where you can enjoy a drink, or a brunch on certain days.
Drink
[edit]- 1 Bricktown Brewery, 1 North Oklahoma Ave (Bricktown), ☏ +1 405-232-2739. They have free Wi-Fi, also a happy hour special from 4-7PM weeknights and pints are $1.75
- 2 City Walk, 108 E. Main (Bricktown), ☏ +1 405-239-6246.
- 3 Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grille, 310 Johnny Bench Dr (Bricktown), ☏ +1 405-231-0254. One huge room with two bars and a huge stage. A bus is coming out of the wall next to the stage.
- 4 JJ's Alley, 212 East Sheridan Ave (Bricktown), ☏ +1 405-605-4543. Small local bar which has live acoustic music every night and never charges a cover. It was built in an alley between two buildings and manages to have two downstairs non-smoking and one upstairs smoking bar. This is the closest Bricktown has to a dive bar.
- 5 Drinkz, 115 East Reno Ave (North entrance, facing canal in Bricktown), ☏ +1 405-231-8660. Drinkz is a casual bar with a very extensive liquor selection, knowledgeable bartenders, and a comfortable atmosphere. Live bands every weekend are usually contemporary rock.
- SideCar, 1100 N Broadway.
Coffee houses
[edit]- Coffee Slingers, 1015 N Broadway. Coffees roasted in-house, espresso bar and French pressed coffee 7 days a week
- Elemental Coffee, 815 N Hudson. High quality coffees roasted in-house, espresso bar, pour overs, vegan pastries, breakfast and lunch served 7 days a week
Sleep
[edit]- 1 Colcord Hotel, 15 N. Robinson Ave, ☏ +1 405-601-4300, contact@colcordhotel.com. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. This boutique hotel is in the heart of the Central Business District near the Myriad Botanical Gardens and is the city's new hip joint. Varies.
- 2 The Skirvin Hilton, 1 Park Avenue, Downtown, ☏ +1 405-272-3040. This renovated hotel features an elegant lobby and new restaurant, the Park Avenue Grill. It features 225 guestrooms, including 20 suites and one Presidential suite. It is a short walk to the Cox Business Services Convention Center in Oklahoma City Meeting rooms incorporate state of the art technology including high speed internet throughout. The historic fourteenth floor Venetian room has been restored to its former glory and is available for events. The stylish and comfortable Red Piano lounge is just off the lobby.
- 3 Wyndham Grand Oklahoma City Downtown, 10 N. Broadway, ☏ +1 405-228-8000. AAA 4.5-diamond accommodations in the heart of the Central Business District.
- 4 Ambassador Hotel, 1200 N Walker Ave, ☏ +1 405-600-6200, jburgess@ambassadorhc.com. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. Historically elegant yet completely modernized. Situated within the beautifully renovated Osler Building - at the intersection of NW 11th and Walker Streets – Midtown Oklahoma City’s only hotel. Varies.
- 5 Courtyard by Marriott, 2 West Reno (Bricktown), ☏ +1 405-232-2290, fax: +1 405-232-2202. AAA 3.5-diamond, this hotel is also one of the hippest place to lay your head in the city.
- 6 Wyndham Grand Oklahoma City, 10 N. Broadway (Bricktown), ☏ +1 405-228-8000.
- 7 Residence Inn, 400 E. Reno Ave (Bricktown), ☏ +1 405-601-1700. Extended stay accommodations in Bricktown's first hotel.
- 8 The Sheraton Hotel, 1 North Broadway Ave, ☏ +1 405-235-2780. AAA 3.5-diamond. The Sheraton was renovated and is the largest hotel in the Central Business District.
Connect
[edit]- 1 Free Wi-Fi, 1 N Oklahoma (Bricktown Brewery).