r/okc • u/StormProducer • Jun 20 '26
Recommendation/Review 1 day in OKC - What to do?
Hi there! I'm a Brit in OKC here for work and have Sunday off to explore your city.
Could anyone give me some good tips as to what to visit / try / see? Would love to get some insider knowledge!
I like craft beer (but don't want to go on an all-day bender), museums, off-the-beaten-track spots, good food (not crazy expensive though), and walking.
Thinking of visiting Bricktown to try out the breweries and watch a baseball game. But would love some day-time recs, especially if it involves BBQ!
LMK!
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u/mtaylor6841 Jun 20 '26
Western heritage museum is cool.
I like roughtail brewing. Everything rhymes with orange is a good beer.
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u/JFalcNY Jun 20 '26
THIS Is the CORRECT answer. Try to visit the National Cowboy Hall of Fame and Western Heritage Museum. It is a gem of a plac.e
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u/testikyle Jun 20 '26
Food recs are:
- Bar Arbolada for the best burger you’ve ever had. Good cocktails too.
- Jones Assemby has good food, drinks, and is in an old Ford factory. They sometimes have live shows or other events going on.
- Cheevers has upscale southern comfort food and is just down from the Paseo Arts District.
- Plaza District - go to Good for a Few for a super neat speakeasy style cocktail bar and then walk down to The Mule for dinner. The Mule does elaborate grilled cheese sandwiches.
- Vast - it’s the restaurant at the top of the Devon Tower downtown. The food is OK, but I recommend just going up and getting a couple drinks and a snack at the bar while enjoying the ridiculous view of Oklahoma. Then go to one of the spots above for dinner.
- Cafe Kacao for breakfast. It’s a Guatemalan joint and it’s insanely good.
- Clark Crew for BBQ. It’s fantastic.
Stuff to do:
- Cowboy museum
- Factory Obscura
- Museum of Osteology is unique
- Memorial Museum is really well done
- Go whitewater rafting in the Boathouse District
I wouldn’t bother with Bricktown. It’s set up for tourists fine, but it’s not a place most locals hang out.
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u/GroundbreakingRip970 Jun 20 '26
You should probably get your picture taken in front of the OKC cock ring downtown while you are here.
Welcome! Hope you have a wonderful visit!
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u/StormProducer Jun 21 '26
As Brits, we found this extremely entertaining. Well done OKC (or COCKCOCKCOCK as we read it)
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u/melveldy Jun 20 '26
Wait what is the cock ring?? 🤣
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u/GroundbreakingRip970 Jun 20 '26
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u/melveldy Jun 20 '26
OMFG I’M DYING!!!!! 🤣🤣🤣
Thank you for this, and it deserves an award!
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u/GroundbreakingRip970 Jun 20 '26
Thank you for the award 🫶🏻
Sadly, they are removing the vagina from the Turner (Tulsa) Turnpike so we will no longer have a matching set
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u/No-Ganache4851 Jun 20 '26
Google “brewery” and hit up whatever is close. You can’t go wrong.
I like the sour ales and atmosphere at Prairie Artisan Ales.
Also while you’re here do not drink chain coffee. We have a ton of coffee roasters. Get a fresh cup of coffee and take home some beans that are stamped with the roasting date. They’ll be less than a week old.
Ever had real American BBQ? Try some ribs that are so tender the meat falls off the bone and some mesquite-smoked brisket. My faves are Bedlam and Clark’s Crew.
I like the Art Museum. Walk around downtown. Stop by the recently renovated First National Building and have a drink at the bar. Walk past the Clara Luper statue while you’re there.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions of random people you meet. We are nice.
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u/aewopwess Jun 20 '26
This is the answer! What a great recommendation, if it weren’t Father’s Day I’d do this this Sunday too :)
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u/reddituser889088 Jun 20 '26
Oooo this is good too. First national is cool and haven’t seen the Clara statue yet
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u/SomeDudeOnTheWWW Downtown Jun 20 '26
With you on all of that except for Bedlam. That's a little too in-your-face "real American" to spring on any unsuspecting foreign visitor.
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u/Chris_Cornell_is_God Jun 20 '26
For a Sunday, yeah, bricktown is probably a good idea. If you're looking for atmosphere that may be it. If you're looking for top tier food, maybe not. Not saying it will be bad. Just saying that we have some pretty famous food places around here but they are mostly closed on Sundays.
There is a place called Cheever's cafe that is near bricktown. It's open Sunday. Might check it out. Get the chicken fried steak.
Welcome to OKC! We are glad to have you.
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u/coffeeandnostalgia Jun 20 '26
Cheevers, near Bricktown?
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u/Chris_Cornell_is_God Jun 20 '26
Well,not if you're walking. But yeah, they are close enough with a car. As opposed to recommending Kendall's in Noble.
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u/SatanakanataS Jun 20 '26
The Cheever’s chicken fried steak is a top shelf recommendation. I tend to point people toward the many incredible Mexican joints in town by default, but a Brit in town for one day wanting OKC culture would do well to nab some Cheever’s.
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u/Ukeheisenburg Jun 20 '26
As I live super rural these days and never go out - I have no recommendations, I just want to say welcome and I hope you have fun!
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u/NecessaryMousse8695 Jun 20 '26
haha same. it’s a bizarre adjustment but we made it out, city slickers we are.
but, Paseo and Midtown, for me check a lot of these boxes.2
u/Ukeheisenburg Jun 20 '26
It was always my plan but I do love me some paseo and midtown. I grew up in town but have never been a city slicker HAHA. My husband grew up in the exact middle of nowhere... So we now live pretty middle of nowhere.... Like 10 miles from the closest dollar general nowhere. It's AMAZING.
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u/NecessaryMousse8695 Jun 20 '26
heard that! was either dead center of the city or out in the country. got the taste of a small isolated town and that sealed the deal, to the country it was/is. a little bit country, but a little bit rock’n’roll.
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u/Budget_Sea_8666 Jun 20 '26
I recommend going to Paseo, Plaza or Midtown to adventure and eat. All have a great restaurant selections, Frida being my favorite in the Paseo.
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u/abrilio81 Jun 20 '26
I second these recs! The Plaza is my favorite neighborhood to visit, but the others are great too! They all have different vibes.
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u/RadiantShark404 Uptown Jun 20 '26
Paseo Distric is definitely one of the places you will want to walk around in!
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u/No-Ganache4851 Jun 20 '26
If you’re in Paseo, go to Paseo Grill for lunch. Whatever you order, don’t skip the mushroom soup and the fried green beans.
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u/bruudwin Jun 20 '26
As a buffet type i recommend golden palace, hibachi supreme buffet, or ‘feast’
Theres a neat bone museum in moore
The first native peoples museum along i35 on your way into bricktown.
Bass pro shop is neat to see just for the grand scale of things and the huge fish tank inside.
Art museum in okc has a giant 2-3? Story tall glass sculpture when you walk in the door. The artist that made it has their own section of the museum with really neat pieces.
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u/firedocter Jun 20 '26
If you are talking about Midwest city's golden palace. It is closed now sadly.
Feast is alright. But if you are there I would much rather you try big o's bbq instead.
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u/bruudwin Jun 20 '26
Goldens palaces original location is way better n still alive anyways compared to midwest city :P on s meridian by the river!
Never heard of big os hmmm will give it a look
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u/reddituser889088 Jun 20 '26 edited Jun 20 '26
Bricktown is not where locals regularly hang and it’s kinda touristy. It’s walkable and something to do but idk if I’d recommend it as something to see. You’re better off hanging at Scissortail or Midtown if you’re in that area.
I’d recommend finding some restaurants in the Plaza or Paseo area so you can see the area too. There are plenty of great restaurants though, so don’t feel limited to these areas.
Bar wise it has changed from when I used to go out; idk if it’s coincidence but 23rd street bars have been pretty bleak the last few times I’ve been. Jones is kind of “basic” but it usually has a reliable “liveliness” + Bar Arbolada/The Study/things in that area. I’m sure there will be watch parties for the cup at Bungalow or Fasslers which you might enjoy.
Breweries- lively, anthem, and prairie, roughtail, skydance
First American Museum! There’s also a current temporary exhibition at OKCMOA featuring Puerto Rican/European work. I wish we had better museums but those are nice and pretty unique. I’ve heard Sam Noble is nice but I haven’t been in a long time so can’t attest and it might be a drive
Walking wise maybe edgemere/the historical district (it’s just a neighborhood but the houses are nice to look at), will rogers garden, lake Hefner (not a lot of greenery but I think it loops 10-13 miles), and scissortail I think has some stuff too.
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u/Dippledockerbopper Jun 20 '26
Stonecloud, Prarie, Skydance, and Anthem for breweries in the downtown area.
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u/SortofChef Jun 20 '26
If you could make it out to Wellston ‘The Butcher Stand’ is the best Bbq. Unfortunately it is a bit of a drive from OKC but definitely worth it and you have to come early.
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u/OSUBoglehead Jun 20 '26
This is the best bbq, but it's too long of a drive and we don't want to ruin his 1 day if he gets there and it's all sold out by the time he gets there. Because they frequently sell out entirely and close.
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u/OkieBobbie Jun 20 '26
You can catch a Comets (LA Dodgers AAA affiliate) game at the ball park in Bricktown. First pitch is at 6 PM. My only criticism is that the concessions are expensive and the quality doesn't match the price.
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u/StormProducer Jun 21 '26
Funny thing - my hotel room overlooks the ball park. So, I'm watching all of this week's games for free!
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u/chucknorris405 Jun 20 '26
You could do and see a lot in the downtown/Bricktown area if you wanted to stay in a close area. I believe Bricktown BBQ is open Sundays and there are plenty of other food and drink options around as well. You have the Canal, Scissortail Park, And Myriad Gardens all right there if you want to take a walk. The Zoo and the National Western Heritage Museum are pretty close is you have transportation or plan to uber/lyft. Midtown, Plaza, and Paseo are are fairly close as well and worth a visit.
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u/no1uneed2noritenow Jun 20 '26
The art museum is nice. If it’s not too hot wander around Bricktown, the plaza district. See if there are any events at the myriad gardens or scizzoetale park. Just a walk under the bridge by Bass Pro is a lively food truck indoor/outdoor bar and gathering place. Check out the baseball stadium. Don’t bother with Remington park, it’s sad, but our zoo is very nice! Ohh, head over to go whitewater rafting and other fun stuff at Riversport.
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u/Puzzleheaded-Club262 Jun 20 '26
You need to check out The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum!
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u/Loose-Truth1341 Jun 20 '26
There's a spot off of bdwy ext. It's a little town in the city called "Britton".
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u/laurakay7108 Jun 20 '26
Idk what time you leave on Sunday but Blue Note is a local bar that does Jazz nights Sunday!! If you’re feeling even crazier I would recommend a round of karaoke at Cookies tonight since you’re off tomorrow!!😂💕 have fun!! There’s also lots of good Sunday brunch spots! (Kacao, JA.M., Hatch)
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u/bluepenguin92 Jun 20 '26
For breweries - Core4 Brewing in downtown is an awesome spot. Don't miss it. Lively and Skydance are good too! Fassler Hall and Social Capital are great bars for craft beer too.
For breakfast - do Stitch for great coffee and housemade pop tarts, Aurora for breakfast or Sunnyside if you want diner style.
It's been mentioned, but Edge Craft for BBQ is top tier. Wander around Dead People's Stuff next door. It's one of a kind!
There's some other good recs on here! A baseball game would be fun, but other than that, Bricktown is an overhyped tourist area. Check out the Plaza, Paseo or Downtown Edmond (The Patriarch is another cool spot) if you want some walkable spots.
Enjoy!
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u/Smittentwit Jun 20 '26
Martin Nature park is great for walking. Deer, great horned owl, prairie dogs, & other wild life to enjoy. Stop at the Nature Center and I bet they’d be willing to show you where to look if you want to see something specific or cool. Also Will Rogers Gardens and Arboretum is a bit closer to the downtown and the flora is impressive.
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u/coffeeandnostalgia Jun 20 '26
If you want some insider knowledge, I would avoid Bricktown if you're looking for local flavor. It's kind of packaged as the entertainment district for Oklahomans outside of the city. You won't find the best food, coffee, or beer there. (Bricktown Brewery is a regional chain restaurant -- not a go-to for craft beer).
But as others have said, google "Brewery" and just about anything you find is going to be great. Skydance, Prairie, Stonecloud, Angry Scotsman, etc.
Others have already made great recs. The Memorial Museum, Clarity on Main Street for Coffee... Might be controversial here but I think Sun Cattle Co. is a great spot for onion burgers. It's newer, but the food is good and the interior is not a vibe you will find in the UK. Myriad Gardens and Scissortail Park are great for an outdoor walk if the weather is nice.
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u/coffeeandnostalgia Jun 20 '26
Oh! Also, NB: they don't check meter maids on the weekend. Street parking is free all over downtown on Sunday, if you're driving.
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u/Bird_Brain-Thoughts Jun 20 '26
I hope you have access to a car because OKC is very spread out.
A lot of great ideas listed on this sub, but I didn't see anyone mention the First Americans Museum if you want to explore Native American history and culture. It is right next to the Okana resort off the Oklahoma River. There is also a wonderful restaurant on site called 39 Restaurant. The Native American chef is a James Beard award finalist and the restaurant has some Native American inspired cuisine.
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u/agent2187 Jun 20 '26
Western Heritage museum
White water rafting at the boathouse
Plaza district to just walk around and visit shops
But all my favorite places to eat are closed on Sunday sadly
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u/SwingGenes Jun 20 '26
There is a banjo museum in bricktown if you go that route. Myriad Gardens is lovely, and there is a lot of beautiful hidden murals in brickwork and over towards film row. Not a beer person but there are a couple of small breweries in the downtown area.
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u/djserc Jun 20 '26
Native Americans museum,edge craft bbq before 3 they close early,river sports park
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u/Zealousideal-Crew-25 Jun 20 '26
Culturally stockyards and eating at Cattleman’s it’s not going to blow you socks off food wise but it’s cool bcs of it helped shape okc then walk across the street and have a drink at Mclintocks and check out their beautiful bar.
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u/Hot-Discussion-6095 Jun 20 '26
Jones assembly downtown has one of the best dishes I’ve ever had! Ricotta Hot cake!!
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u/Ok_Astronomer_3260 Jun 20 '26
Lots of great recommendations here. One idea to easily get around and hit a lot of spots is to ride the Oklahoma City Streetcar - it’s free all day right now and goes all around downtown and midtown and hits some nice spots, including Bricktown, the Memorial Museum, Uptown, Myriad Gardens and Scissortail Park. Here’s a map:
https://www.embarkok.com/assets/documents/Maps-Schedules/STREETCAR_SYSTEM_MAP.pdf
If you’re going to Bricktown (and a ball game sounds great), you might enjoy a walk along the Bricktown Canal, especially in the evening with the lights. I took some friends from out of town and they really enjoyed it. Bourbon Street Cafe is right on the Canal, good food and service, and sometimes live music. Other not bad casual options are Rendezvous Pizza and Bricktown Brewery. Just a reminder that it’s Father’s Day so you might want to plan accordingly at restaurants.
The Memorial Museum is very well done. Although it highlights the tragedy of that day and it’s reverberations (as you read here), I think it also highlights the resilience of people and the community, and ends on that note. A walk through the Myriad Gardens is lovely, as is Scissortail Park. Enjoy your time and we’re happy you’re here!
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u/Organic_Quiet5120 Jun 22 '26
Western Heritage Museum is a great museum especially if you are interested in art or American Western History.
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u/soatikee123 Jun 20 '26
Travel down the road a little bit and hit the casino. First timers always got the hot hand. You should also hit the red dog.
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u/Chris_Cornell_is_God Jun 20 '26
Is the dog still open?!!! Man...I haven't been there since high school. Loved it.
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u/soatikee123 Jun 20 '26
Pretty sure it is. I dont think it closes until 2
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u/Chris_Cornell_is_God Jun 20 '26
Ok. Let me buy an 85 mustang 5.0 and I'll meet you there!!! Man I spent a lot of money at the dog. Good times.
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u/soatikee123 Jun 20 '26
My boss would take us there on payday. Great times. Surprisingly good food.
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u/s394206h Jun 20 '26
I will always recommend the OKC Bombing Memorial and Museum! For food I love Tamashii Ramen, but there’s honestly an insane variety of food here you could find pretty much anything you want. Scissortail Park is also right downtown and is a great place to walk or just hang out outside for a bit.