Oklahoma City’s Plaza District is one of the most unique, quirky and eccentric neighborhoods in the Modern Frontier. An amalgamation of restaurants, sweets and arts, the Plaza District has all the ingredients of an eventful day-long excursion.
What to see
From performances to hands-on artwork, the Plaza District showcases the eye-catching, creative forms of artistic expression that help define the Modern Frontier.
Lyric Theatre, tabbed as “Oklahoma’s leading professional theater,” is a staple of the district, giving attendees a taste of Oklahoma City’s impressive acting scene. Productions range from musicals and contemporary works to traditional theatre. Lyric’s next feature, the Rocky Horror Show, will run October 5-30 at the Plaza.
OKC Improv provides a theatrical experience that’s different from any professional theatre. With no scripts or pre-meditated storyline, OKC Improv showcases performers’ unrivaled theatrical creativity and imagination. Performances take place Friday-Sunday.
Plaza Walls displays a different artistic medium: street art. For the past two years, Oklahoma City was named the nation’s best city for street art by USA Today, with Plaza Walls being a large contributor to OKC’s mural scene. The beautiful murals featured on alleyways and walls throughout the district function as a laid back, easily accessible outdoor art gallery.
What to Do
Paint N’ Cheers puts the brush in your hand, giving customers a chance to create their own masterpiece. Grab a glass of wine at this DIY art studio and enjoy a day of painting with your friends. Materials are provided.
Looking to add some new style to your wardrobe? The Plaza District presents plenty of quirky and unique places to shop for clothes, old and new.
Bad Granny’s Bazaar is a zany consignment store with a massive selection of clothes, antiques, goodies and just about anything else you can imagine. If you enjoy thrift shopping for clothes, stop by Bad Granny’s Bazaar to see what you can find.
Dig It is another eclectic clothing outlet specializing in handmade jewelry, clothing and wall art from local artists. If you’re in the market for trendy sunglasses, an alternative wardrobe or off-the-wall jewelry, Dig It is the perfect place for you.
LIVE! on the Plaza is an outdoor art walk taking place on the second Friday of every month. This gallery is constantly rotating in new pieces by local artists to give viewers a different experience each month.
Where to eat
There are a variety of multicultural dining options available in the Plaza District. If you’re aiming to satisfy your sweet tooth, we can help with that too.
At Ma Der Lao Kitchen, Head chef Jeff Chanchaleune is displaying his Laotian roots in the culinary arts. One of the district’s most recent additions, Ma Der Lao was recognized as one of Bon Appétit’s 50 Best New Restaurants of 2022. Chanchaleune is a James Beard Nominee for Best Chef Southwest and has been immersed in the OKC food scene for many years, operating Goro Ramen.
Empire Slice House is a New York-themed pizza shop, serving large slices of pizza with funky names like, “Notorious P.I.G” or the “Foghorn Leghorn.” New York musicians litter the menu, serving as names of the specialty pizzas offered.
Arcade-style restaurant Up-Down features more than 70 games while also serving craft beer and house-made pizza.
To cap off your supper, head over to Roxy’s Ice Cream Social for an ice-cream sandwich or stop by Pie Junkie for a fresh slice. For those looking for a lighter dessert, Sasquatch Shaved Ice has a multitude of flavors and toppings.
Can’t get enough of the Plaza District? Schedule a staycation at The Stray, where you can easily step outside and continue to enjoy 16th Street.
