Located just north of downtown, OKC’s Midtown District is loaded with a wide variety of tantalizing restaurants, entertaining attractions and trendy shops. With such a massive selection of businesses populating the area, it’s impossible to tackle all that Midtown has to offer in just one day. We’ve rounded up a few ideas to help guide you through an eventful day in one of the Modern Frontier’s popular districts.
Where to eat
We hope you’re hungry because your mouth will be watering as soon as you step foot inside of Hall’s Pizza Kitchen. A Midtown staple, Hall’s offers delicious appetizers, pizzas and sweets, including soft, aromatically pleasing cookies and a delicious burrata topped with truffle honey. The Lasagna Pizza is also a must-try for any pizza-lover.
Waffle Champion, armed with a menu of sweet and savory bites, is one of the most unique eateries in the district. From the hot chicken waffle sandwich to the s’mores waffle, Waffle Champion provides a one-of-a-kind culinary spin on everyone’s favorite breakfast meal. Stop by in October to try their monthly special, the smoked duck banh mi sandwich.
Looking to satisfy your sweet tooth? Kaiser’s Grateful Bean Café, located in the historic Kaiser’s building across from the Midtown Plaza Court, offers homemade ice cream, shakes and sundaes. This 50’s style diner is complete with an old-school jukebox and the restaurant’s original soda fountain, helping recreate a vintage ambiance.
When making decisions for group meals, be sure to consider The Collective, Oklahoma City’s first and largest food hall. The Collective features 11 different restaurants, 32 beers on tap and a variety of seating areas, including a stunning rooftop patio.
What to do
Next door to Hall’s Pizza Kitchen, Baker Street Escapes offers a true test of wits. Teams are given a brief backstory before being left to their own devices in a room full of clues, tasked with figuring out creative ways to evade obstacles and escape the puzzle. Baker Street offers four themed rooms and is continuously crafting creative new stories and ideas to keep guests on their toes.
At Dust Bowl Lanes & Lounge, a retro bowling alley paying tribute to the 1970s era of the sport, visitors can throw a few frames while enjoying access to a full-service bar and VIP room. This 12-lane, 12,000 square-foot facility’s throwback style with a contemporary twist is a shining representation of the Modern Frontier.
The Oklahoma Hall of Fame at the Gaylord-Pickens Museum is a great resource for those interested in learning more about the individuals who helped shape the history of our state. The hall of fame honors “Oklahomans who had given outstanding service to the state during their lifetime,” and aims to be an educational tool for students and teachers across the state. Their gift shop is also stocked with tons of locally made and OKC-inspired goods if you need to pick up a gift or souvenir.
Where to shop
If you’re looking to spruce up your office or living space, check out Plant People Shop in Midtown for some greenery. Located on North Hudson Ave., the shop sells fun pottery, shirts, books and more in addition to, of course, a wide variety of plants.
High-end clothing and sneaker boutique The Laboratory puts the modern in Modern Frontier. This sleek streetwear outlet provides guests with access to rare clothing brands and items; such as VLONE, Off-White, Murakami and more. The Lab is also OKC’s premier option for sneaker shopping, containing a large selection of both Jordan and Bape brand shoes, among others.
Since 2016, Commonplace Books has helped Oklahomans experience the joys of reading by giving them a cozy space to find their next story. Since opening, Commonplace has evolved into more than a bookstore; offering classes and holding events in a constant effort to keep engaged with the Midtown community. One of the most popular events at the shop is Calligraphy with Carly, where attendees share a glass of wine while receiving guided lessons about the artform.
Other local retailers in the district include Barkeep Supply, The Black Scintilla, Opolis Clothing, mode, Twinkle Apothecary and dozens of other must-shop boutiques.
Where to stay
Nestled in Midtown, The Ambassador is a luxurious, pet-friendly hotel featuring Café Cuvée, a tasty French restaurant, and O Bar, a popular rooftop hangout.
Also in the district, The Shay is a quaint, 29-room hotel that offers a community laundry room and includes a kitchen in each room.
For more ideas on how to spend a day in Midtown, click here.
