Top Places to Eat Near Adventure District in OKC
With attractions like the Oklahoma City Zoo, the Science Museum of Oklahoma and the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, the Adventure District is packed with things to explore. Flavor follows suit, with diverse dining options that range from casual comfort foods to Italian fine dining. No matter what you’re craving, here’s where to eat in and around this popular OKC neighborhood.
Locally-Loved Eateries
What started as a food truck, Hank’s has evolved into a fast-casual eatery specializing in finger-licking barbecue and smoked turkey legs stuffed with the likes of mac ‘n’ cheese. The dining room is colorful and casual, and there’s a bar area around the back, with views of downtown.
Follow the aroma of smoked meats to Leo’s BBQ, an OKC staple since 1974, where succulent ribs, brisket and smoked beef bologna sandwiches are all timeless favorites. The dining room is frill-free and friendly, with a drive-thru for on-the-go. Save room for dessert, because the strawberry-banana cake is as legendary as the barbecue.
With a polished bar, fireplace and lofty, wood-paneled space, The Hutch on Avondale pairs a comfy dining room with an even comfier menu of upscale American cuisine. Open for brunch, lunch and dinner, the crowd-pleasing restaurant features something for everyone, from white cheddar biscuits and cauliflower burnt ends to short rib with crispy polenta.
Family-Friendly
From the court to the bowl, adventure is everywhere at Chicken N Pickle. With 10 indoor and outdoor pickleball courts, along with yard games, ping-pong and a rooftop bar, the massive restaurant and gaming complex anchors The Half, offering fun for all ages, and wholesome bites like rotisserie chicken, sandwiches, salads, wings, queso and plenty of other dishes to keep everyone satisfied.
Also located at The Half, Flix Brewhouse is part movie theater and part brewery. Along with a lengthy lobby bar, where diners can order snacks and house-brewed beers, customers can also dine in during a movie. Look for familiar American favorites, like pizza, burgers and salads, along with a lineup of craft beers and seasonal sips.
One of the best shopping destinations in OKC, Classen Curve is home to a variety of dining options. Keep it casual with a classic Oklahoma onion burger at Tucker’s Onion Burgers, where the signature is a griddled smash burger heaped with fried onions, or share a wood-fired Margherita pizza at sleek Upper Crust. Beer-lovers have hundreds of craft brews to choose from (along with wine, cocktails and elevated pub grub) at Republic Gastropub, while Green Goodies Bakery satisfies sweet tooths with cupcakes that are vegan and gluten-free.
Italian Spots
What’s old is shiny and new again at Carletti’s. Located in a historic building that once served as The Kentucky Club speakeasy in the 1930s, the space has been restored as an homage to Italian family recipes. In front, diners will find a curated Italian market, while the main dining room features cozy booths inspired by vintage horse stalls. The menu is a red‑sauce wonderland, featuring super‑sized meatballs, spicy pepperoni pizza and Nonna’s lasagna layered with whipped cottage cheese, ricotta and bolognese. The bar area, reborn as The Kentucky Club, serves swanky cocktails with sweeping downtown views.
From dirty martinis and seafood towers to buttery crab claws and lobster tortelloni, fine Italian dining is the bill of fare at Elisabetta. The food, cocktails and wine are as chic as the decor at this upscale spot, located just down the street from the Adventure District. With cozy booths, soft lighting and a bustling bar area, it’s perfect for date nights, celebrations or a casual plate of house-made pasta with a glass of wine.
Another longtime favorite nearby, Flip’s Wine Bar & Trattoria has been twirling pastas and tossing pizzas since 1985. The dining room is eclectic and fun, with tables decorated with vintage knick-knacks, and plates brimming with Italian nachos, toasted ravioli and chicken parmesan.
Dinner Destinations
At Remington Park, come for the casino and the world-class horse-racing, but stay for the cuisine. The entertainment destination features Silks Restaurant, which offers views of the racetracks when in-season and a menu of Latin-Cajun fusion, while Bricktown Brewery offers craft beer and brewpub favorites like nachos, wings and burgers.
A cozy classic since 1988, The Metro Wine Bar & Bistro feels like dining in a French cottage, where the wine list touts hundreds of bottles and the food menu balances between hearty French classics (like French onion soup and chicken paillard) and seasonal creations. No matter the occasion, the institution is as comfy as it is classic.
Sizzling fajitas, fresh guacamole and taco platters are just a taste of Tequila Chulo’s, a lush, plant-filled tequila bar and Mexican restaurant where margaritas are the star. Along with a deep selection of tequila, look for shareable favorites like tamales, queso fundido and ceviche.
Explore the neighborhood, enjoy a few standout meals and taste what makes this area such a beloved part of OKC.
