Oklahoma City is home to more than a dozen unique districts, each with its own personality and vibe. Automobile Alley, located north of downtown along Broadway Avenue, was home to the city’s earliest car dealerships, a fact that is immortalized in the neon signs that still hang from their original buildings.
Today, Automobile Alley is a lively, energetic entertainment, shopping and dining district. It’s remarkably walkable with its wide sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly crosswalks. It’s also a great place to hop a streetcar, take a leisurely spin to see the sights around downtown and Bricktown, and then hop back off to enjoy everything Automobile Alley has to offer.
For a healthy dose of culture, pop in and see what’s happening at Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center (always free to the public) or Factory Obscura, OKC’s wildest immersive art experience. Keep going east on NW 9th Street, past Factory Obscura, and you’ll find yourself in a delicious dilemma. Iguana Mexican Grill, S&B Burger Joint, Nashbird Nashville-Style Hot Chicken and Katiebug’s Sips and Sweets all sit in a row.
If a sweat sesh sounds sublime, make an appointment at Teaze Dance & Fitness, get your asana in gear at Balance.Yoga.Barre or pump some iron at Four Star Fitness. See about a new bike at Trek Bicycle OKC and gear up for summer cycling season. The Downtown branch of the YMCA calls Automobile Alley home, and day passes are available for a swim or a pickup game of basketball.
In the mood to shop? Try OK Runner for expertly fitted running shoes, gear, watches, accessories and apparel, plus a team of friendly experts ready to help you hit your stride. If your need for speed veers more toward the horsepower variety, head to Indian Motorcycles of Oklahoma City. Plenty Mercantile is chock full of gifts, candles, apparel, jewelry, home and pet goods and much of its inventory is locally sourced. Go to Urbane for upscale home goods along with one-of-a-kind modern and mid-century furnishings or Shop Good for t-shirts, toys and more. Women’s wear at the Cargo Room and all kinds of fun home goods, paper goods, self-care and more at Johnny and June.
Automobile Alley… or Cocktail Alley? The district is home to some of our city’s most inventive and exquisite spots to enjoy a glass of wine, craft beer, martini or creative libation. The bar at Broadway 10 Bar & Chophouse is beautiful and huge! Bar snacks here include crispy bacon, and the Bolt Action Old Fashioned and Classic Martini are crowd pleasers. Prairie Artisan Ales Taproom, Twisted Spike Brewery, Skydance Brewing Co. and Vanessa House Brewery take craft beer to the next level and you’re welcome to join them for a flight or a pint. Sidecar Barley & Wine Bar is a great spot to grab a cocktail with indoor and outdoor seating. Jimmy B’s Culinary + Krafted is known far and wide for its talented mixologists and their magnificent craft cocktails (and delicious food!).
When it’s time to eat, you’re all set. Breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner or anything in between. Hideaway Pizza is an Oklahoma institution, and Hatch Early Mood Food is quickly becoming one. You can travel the culinary globe within the borders of Automobile Alley: Saj Lebanese Cuisine; Yuzo Sushi Tapas; Kamp’s 1910 Café and for a sophisticated fine dining experience, RED Primesteak.