Magnificent Spots in Midtown

Every district in downtown OKC has its own eclectic vibe and Midtown has become one of the hottest, sought-after downtown communities in recent years. Midtown’s history can be traced to being the first shopping area in Oklahoma City directly to the north of the business district. Recent revitalization has caused a surge in popularity once again making this area a thriving center of entertainment.

The re-purposed historic structures are located within the confines of NW 13th to the north, NW 4th to the south, Western Avenue to the west, and Broadway Avenue to the east. Midtown encompasses some of the most trendy bars, restaurants, and specialty shops in the downtown vicinity.

Midtown is the melting pot for any kind of food your heart desires. A foodie’s paradise. Italian-inspired fare can be enjoyed at Stella Modern Italian Cuisine. Take a journey to South America by way of the Brazilian offerings at Cafe Do Brazil or 1492 New World Latin Cuisine on Walker Avenue. If Tex-Mex is one of your go-to options stop by Hacienda Tacos or sit out on the patio at Barrios Fine Mexican Dishes.

Asian cuisine is well represented in Midtown, go dine at Rivière Modern Bánh Mì for Vietnamese dishes, Japanese creations are served at Tamashii Ramen House, or pick from Korean specialties at Gogi Go! All of your noodle needs will be happily met at any of these places.

Healthy options due to dietary restrictions or lifestyle commitments, such as vegan preferences are available at Plant. All food served here is prepared gluten, soy, dairy, corn, and peanut-free. Plant offers a selection of smoothies, coffee, tea, beer, and wine. I recommend trying this place for breakfast or lunch as they tend to close earlier than other nearby establishments.

If breakfast is your jam head over to Neighborhood Jam to start your morning routine or swing by neighborhood favorite Sunnyside Diner for a Midtowner Burrito, Biscuit Debris, or stack of fluffy pancakes. Waffle Champion is another beloved morning meal locale offering the likes of avocado toast and chicken and waffles.

Chowing down on hearty food set in a classic pub ambiance just feels right for some people. James E. McNellies Public House is one of the initial occupants to take up residency during Midtown’s modern reawakening. Housed in the iconic Plaza Court building circa 1927, look for the gigantic neon sign perched above McNellies. Order their fish and chips and pair it with a nice cold beer.

Pizza and burgers are two of America’s favorite food items. If you’re craving a delicious slice of pizza or interested in grabbing a whole pie, drop by Hall’s Pizza Kitchen. My preferred choice is called “Company”, it’s loaded with bacon, pepperoni, Italian sausage, Canadian bacon, house-made sauce, fresh basil, and Reggiano cheese. Are you hungry yet? For a killer burger head over to The Union Eatery & Cocktail Office in SOSA (South of St. Anthony’s) part of Midtown. Sit out on their patio where you can order a refreshing cocktail from their vintage airstream bar!

Fassler Hall is your ticket to Germany where you can devour schnitzel, bratwurst, or eat a gigantic Bavarian pretzel, but don’t forget to wash it down with a traditional liter of beer. All sausages served at Fassler Hall are made in-house, Oklahoma-sourced pork from Prairie Creek Farms. Before you leave, go downstairs to bowl a few games while hanging out at Dust Bowl Lanes and Lounge. Food and drinks are available to order here as well as upstairs at Fassler Hall.

Whether you’re an occasional coffee drinker or a coffee addict, Midtown has baristas cheerfully waiting to brew your magic potion. Elemental Coffee (815 N. Hudson) and Not Your Average Joe (1227 N. Walker Avenue), both pour drinks to make your life better.

Sweet shops and bakeries are scattered around Midtown to soothe your sugar cravings. Long-time favorite is Kaiser’s Grateful Bean Café which is OKC’s only authentic old-fashioned soda fountain and has been in its current location since 1917. You can’t miss the adorable building if you’ve ever driven around the roundabout on Walker Avenue. Capitals Ice Cream is a recent addition to Midtown scoping up frozen treats with fun Oklahoma-inspired names. When your late-night sweet tooth hits, Insomnia Cookies can deliver delicious cookies right to your doorstep. If you’re looking for more traditional baked goods and services, I highly recommend Brown’s Bakery which has been an OKC staple since 1946.

If you still can’t find something to eat from everything I’ve mentioned, the answer to any food dilemma can be found at Collective Kitchen and Cocktails. The Collective has multiple food kitchens and drink options under one roof to suit a wide array of tastes. Most if not all eateries in Midtown have an outdoor patio or rooftop dining space to catch an Oklahoma sunset or spectacular view of the downtown Oklahoma City skyline. Local craft brewer Elk Valley Brewing Company also has a rooftop patio and don’t forget to go have a beer with your friends over at Vanessa House Beer Company’s taproom and play some of their arcade games.

There’s no shortage of food and drinks in Midtown, however, there’s more to the area than booze and bites. Artistic expression is everywhere. Art installations, murals for amazing photo opportunities, and don’t forget about the floating Architectural DNA staircase. Midtown is pedestrian and canine-friendly, ask all the happy dogs at Midtown Mutt’s Dog Park. If you don’t feel like walking, you can always hop on and off the streetcar at frequent stops along the loop.

Trendy boutiques Made, Nash, and Chantilly Bridal Studio welcome your patronage. If you get excited by stationery and writing supplies, Chirps & Cheers is your paper connection in Midtown, they even customize wedding invitations. I’m one of those people that still like to hold a book in my hand to feel and turn the pages, so Common Place Books is the perfect shop to purchase your next good read. Happy Place Yoga and 405 Yoga can help you unwind and practice your relaxation techniques.

The Oklahoma Hall of Fame at the Gaylord-Pickens Museum, Overholser Mansion, and the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum are nearby. The Oklahoma Hall of Fame is housed in the Former Mid-Continent Life Insurance Co building built in 1927 and houses the hall of portraits displaying inducted Oklahomans for making a difference in their designated fields. The 1903 Overholser Mansion celebrates the way of life and achievements of one of the men dubbed as one of the founding fathers of Oklahoma City. The Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum honors the victims, survivors, and first responders of April 19, 1995. It’s a must-see when you’re in the area.

Midtown is a diverse urban neighborhood and if you decide this is an area you might want to call home, there are several apartment complexes within the area, such as Regency Towers, The Bower, and The Edge Apartments. Visitors can book a room at the upscale Ambassador Hotel or the charming Victorian Grandison Inn for a city staycation. Both hotels are within walking distance to where you want to be in the heart of Midtown.

Mark your calendars for the third Wednesday of June, July, and August, participating Midtown restaurants and bars create Cool Down specialty drinks featuring over-the-top, tropical, or fruit-forward drinks from 4 pm to close for Midtown Cool Down. To review the list of participating locations, check out their website: (midtownokc.com/cool-down/). Another fun monthly event is the Make Ready Market located at 220 NW 13th St. Every 4th Saturday the Make Ready Market outdoor shopping event showcases local vendors featuring clothing, jewelry, and art, plus there’s live music and food trucks.

Midtown is a unique district that loves to welcome guests. There are plenty of things to do and see whether it is for a fun weekend getaway or if you choose to move to fully experience living in downtown OKC.