Get in Loser, We’re Going to Okc

I have roamed the streets of Oklahoma City for my entire life, and I won’t lie to you, it isn’t the most glamorous city on the surface. It is often an afterthought when it comes to vacations and is a misunderstood city in general.

I have been asked on multiple occasions if we live in teepees, and it was once referred to me as “the cooking pot in the center of the country.“ I am here to dispel the rumors, we do in fact live in houses and even have running water and electricity. Oklahoma City is in the center of the most diverse country on earth. The different cultures bring their own unique style of food, fun, and music. You can find an event or restaurant for all backgrounds. I’m taking you behind the curtain where there are hidden gems that will leave you with memories and extra pounds to take home with you.

The Plaza District

16th Street Plaza District is a neighborhood commercial district boasting Oklahoma City’s creative, local flavor.

The Plaza District is one of two arts districts in Oklahoma City. I like it because it makes the visitor feel apart of something, as if they stumbled upon a little buzzing community with an energy of its own. It hosts the Plaza District Festival every year and gives local artists a multitude of opportunities to showcase their work. The street and the shops on it are coated with original Oklahoma painter's artwork. The plaza district serves as a canvas for the talent held in Okc and contains various quaint places to pick up something to remember the experience.

Bad Granny’s Bazaar

This is one of my favorite shops, Once while visiting I met Mothica, a pop artist that is from Oklahoma City and now lives in Los Angeles, (at the time I had not heard of her or her music.) Despite her growing fame, she was incredibly humble and thankful for her supporters. We shared a slice of pizza together across the street at Empire. Bad Granny's is responsible for creating this experience by joining all walks of life in one place. You have the opportunity to meet someone completely different from you, and find common ground in the items lining this store's shelves.

Bad Granny’s is one of the first shops on your left when you enter the Plaza District. It sells a variety of vintage and unique clothing and accessories. Including, records, sunglasses, license plates, original art, and pins. I love going here because you’re bound to discover something rare and sometimes hilarious for a great price. Bad Granny's is well connected to the community and allows people to run their own “booths” within the shop. Feel free to ask questions, and you can enjoy some of that southern hospitality while you look around.

I like Bad Granny’s because it feels like an elevated thrift shop in the heart of the city. The items are affordable and they demonstrate their commitment to Oklahoman’s by placing a cabinet outside of the store with life’s essentials that welcomes people struggling to take what they need.

Visiting Bad Granny’s will give you a sense of the artists Oklahoma produces and spruce up your wardrobe with vintage styles that are hard to find in retail chains. Best of all, you'll get a feel for the contentedness of the Plaza District and the people within it.

Dig It!

Dig it! is similar to Bad Granny’s but with more of a 90's feel. Band T-shirt’s line the walls and retro clothing hangs on racks in clusters around the shop. On the shelves, you will find eccentric jewelry and friendship bracelets with “colorful” words. The door is usually propped open and welcoming to all passersby. The owner is friendly and engages with each customer. You’re bound to feel special. Dig it! also has a variety of Plaza District merch and is one of the best places to pick up a memento while you visit Okc.

More than Mementos

Dig it! provides a rush of nostalgia by allowing customers to play Pinball and PAC Man on old school arcade machines. The ambiance in Dig It! makes for great pictures. It's a cozy shop that will make you feel at home, even as a tourist.

Goro Ramen

"This is by far my favorite place to get ramen. The service is great and the food is amazing. The spicy miso is my personal favorite. There is nothing better on a cold day." - Sarah S

Tired of shopping? or maybe just need an intermission for food and drink. Goro is by far one of my favorite places to eat. It’s a small restaurant that sells authentic ramen in various styles and flavors. They also have a vegan option for those who are cruelty-free. The spicy miso ramen is my favorite, it’s savory and warm and the marinated bamboo is so delicious. If you’re looking for a meal that will fill you up and have you coming back tomorrow for more Goro is your place. It’s cozy and makes living in a smaller city like Oklahoma City, feel urban and exciting.

Pie Junkie

"Every pie at Pie Junkie is made with quality ingredients and touched by loving hands. Our flaky crusts are made using only butter, flour, sugar, and salt and rolled the way our grandmas taught us. Each pie, whether flaky crust or graham cracker crusts, are made from start to finish in our shop. We use seasonal fruits, luscious chocolate, and fresh nuts to make delicious fillings that are just as fantastic as your favorite family recipes." - Pie Junkie

When you’re done at Goro cross the street to Pie Junkie where it is sure to have a line out the door and slightly down the street. It’s worth the wait to get a homemade fresh piece of pie. They foster a large selection with individual pieces of pie catered to all taste buds. It’s impossible not to find something you like. Thank me later.

The Criterion

Oklahoma's premier live music and event venue.

The Criterion is a one-stop-shop for all thing's live entertainment. However, where they shine is live music. Musicians from all genres come to captivate a crowd and entertain those who come from all over the country to see them. The talent is diverse and there is something for everyone's taste.

The Loony Bin

"Love this place! We've been to comedy clubs throughout the country as we LOVE stand-up. This is one of our favorites! We found the Loony Bin several years ago when we were in the area on a weekend getaway. We have returned several times over the years and have yet to be disappointed. I believe they work hard to bring the best talent to the OKC area." - Courtney P.

What is better than spending time with friends, tossing back a few drinks, and enjoying some laughs. The Loony Bin delivers this ideal evening by sourcing the best comedic talent in the metro. The establishment provides a relaxed lighthearted air to your vacation and allows you to enjoy some of nature's best medicine, laughter.

Thunder Up

"What the team stands for is something that people in Okc and Oklahoma can really come together over. It's been a real driver for so many things, economically and socially. Everyone comes together to make it something special.” - Sam Presti

If art is not your thing and you want to yell and watch sports while inhaling a hot dog I can point you in the right direction. If it's in season, going downtown to the Chesapeake Arena to watch an Okc Thunder game is electrifying. Located at the center of the city it is a hub for all corners of the state to come together for an hour.

You can feel the suspense and anticipation pulsing through the crowd during close games. The whole city joins forces to support our team and you can feel the closeness and passion during every second of the spectacle. There are also men who look too tall to be human, battling it out for victory. Good ole simple, wholesome fun.

Factory Obscura

"Factory Obscura an Oklahoma City-based art collective creating immersive experience that awaken wonder, build the community, and make the world better." - Factory Obscura

If you have ever been to Meow Wolf, Factory Obscura is similar. It is a completely immersive experience with interactive art around every corner and lining every wall. You’ll find inspiration and a burst of creativity from witnessing the innovative creations. It is essentially a playground for adults and children alike. Factory Obscura is in downtown Oklahoma City and is a straight shot to several other affluent businesses and restaurants.

Red Cup Cafe

"Let me just start by saying, I am not a vegetarian, nor am I a vegan and this is hands down my favorite breakfast in OKC. Not only does the food make me question the need to continue eating meat, but the coffee is great and the atmosphere is fun and quirky." -Sebastian Jones

If you are vegetarian or vegan it can be difficult to find things to eat. The Red Cup Cafe is the BEST place in Oklahoma City to get a plant-based meal. It is delicious and they have a selection that is prepared fresh and always comes out great. You get a pretty big portion and they also have gourmet coffee and local produce. The outside seating is very communal, and everyone engages in conversation. There is also a rooster that wanders around the outside of the restaurant named Coco that is super friendly and adorable.

Parting Words

When considering places to visit during your vacation to Oklahoma, we can continue to expand this list. But to keep it authentic, I took out the places you can find elsewhere and kept only the places that represent Oklahoma City’s feel, and give visitors a true sense of the people and culture. You can google where to go and you'll run into the other tourists in Oklahoma City because they do not know any better.

Now, you will be able to give recommendations and understand Oklahoma's atmosphere and how the people live life within it. I think you'll find that there is more to this little city than the world knows. There is a rich history and some of the nicest people and places you'll ever get the chance to visit. There is something about Oklahoma City that keeps people coming back and compels people to make it their home. Go explore, you've got lots to see and do.