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Destination Guides
Dining And Drinking
Oklahoma City is known for being frontier country, and nowhere is that more evident than in the cuisine. The city is booming with steakhouses and eateries that specialize in hearty American staples—quite literally those bounties that are cultivated on the plains. But there is also a pioneer spirit found here. Food is seen as an adventure.
Downtown/Bricktown
The Bricktown revitalization campaign has been instrumental in bringing new dining establishments to the area, making it the city's culinary melting pot. One of its original residents was Spaghetti Warehouse, which remains popular for the huge plates of Italian standards it serves up. The party spot is the Bricktown Brewery, where a varied menu of American favorites is complemented by live music, pool and games, and a wide selection of hand-crafted beers. For upscale regional fare, try Chelino's Mexican Restaurant, Pearl's Crabtown or Nonna's Euro-American Ristorante & Bar. Diners can watch the RedHawks play while eating at Coach's, whose patio area overlooks the new ballpark. Wraps and health food are the order of the day at The Grateful Bean Cafe, but feel free to indulge in one of their old-fashioned ice cream sundaes, too. For Asian cuisine enthusiasts, try the delicious Sushi Neko.
The Paseo
As Oklahoma City's artists' colony, the Paseo holds dining establishments that share the same smart, chic flavor. The area's signature spot is Galileo's Bar and Grill, a cozy place where the hip crowd comes to snack on Mediterranean delights. This spirit permeates further north along Western Avenue. VZD's, a drugstore turned restaurant and club, has become the forum for hot new musical acts in Oklahoma City. The menu is diverse, with bar food favorites alongside red beans and rice and an array of deli sandwiches. TerraLuna Grille is the place for a strictly California-inspired menu, featuring seafood and vegetarian items. Western is also home to the city's own "Restaurant Row." Fine steak cuts and fresh seafood are the order of the day at the Deep Fork Grill. For a more refined approach to barbecue, stop in to Earl's Rib Palace. Lastly, The Metro offers diners exquisite American bistro dishes, along with a wide variety of fine wines.
Northwest, Nichols Hills and The Village
The northwest side of town, including Nichols Hills and the Village, has a diverse and celebrated list of restaurants. Perhaps most beloved is Ted's Cafe Escondito, a Mexican spot packed with patrons night in and night out. This area is also where enclaves of global cuisines can be found, like Canterbury British Imports and Cafe, Keller in the Kastle, La Baguette Bistro, along with Gopuram's Indian fare. Catfish Cabin has been a local favorite for seafood for 25 years, but also mixes its menu with barbecue and Mexican dishes. Trapper's Fishcamp and Grill is Southern spectacular, complete with Cajun seafood, steaks and a gumbo that will knock your socks off! Set in a rustic wooden building, Pioneer Pies has a lunch and dinner menu, but its rich pies and desserts are the real stars.
Northeast
Just like the northeast district in which they are located, where the State Capitol and some of the city's most famous attractions reside, the restaurants found here are known far and wide. A speakeasy during the Prohibition era, the County Line is now the place to come in order to satisfy a different craving, namely that for great barbecue with all the fixings. Want a hearty meal served up fast? RJ's Cafe is the place for you. Whether for breakfast, lunch or dinner, you are sure to find a hot and tasty American feast.
Edmond, a small suburb just minutes north of the city, is teeming with elegant establishments that cater to a sophisticated, adult crowd. An even more exclusive experience can be found at the Vineyard. An intimate ambiance and gourmet dishes make this a hot spot for the well to do. For the same caliber cuisine in a more casual environment, try Bellini's Ristorante. The specialty is Italian, but beef and chicken items are available, as well as lighter seafood and salad choices.
Southside
The Southside's most frequented establishment is Applewood's Restaurant. Known for its meals like pot roast, cider-baked pork chops and seafood specialties, Applewood's can accommodate an individual or small dinner party all the way up to a 500-person banquet. Whatever entree you choose, be sure to leave room for their famous apple dumplings.
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Dining And Drinking
