Under the neon glow of the legendary Tower Theatre and stretching along iconic Route 66, Uptown 23rd is a district as vibrant as it is historic. Anchored by the NW 23rd Street corridor and lined with myriad shops and attractions, it sits just down the street from the Oklahoma State Capitol. This bustling neighborhood is also a top OKC dining destination, home to restaurants old and new, established and innovative.
Top Rated Flavors on 23rd
Open since 2000, in an Art Deco building that originally housed a flower shop in 1927, Cheever’s Café is one of OKC’s most essential dining destinations. The timeless spot offers upscale twists on Southern and Southwestern traditions, including delectable filets with green onion butter, seafood tamales with ancho cream and roasted chicken and pepper Jack strudel. Be sure to save room for a classic Brandy Ice and a roasted pecan ice cream ball.
Bringing an authentic taste of Italy to OKC, Pizzeria Gusto is a lofty, brick-lined eatery specializing in Neapolitan pies cooked in a wood-fired oven from Naples. The menu features spot-on classics like the basil-kissed Margherita pizza, along with seasonal specialties, such as a butternut squash pizza with zucchini and caramelized onions. Beyond pizza, the expansive menu includes pasta, small plates and fresh salads, plus a charming back patio for al fresco dining.
At Formosa Street Food and Bar, authenticity comes in the form of small plates packed with big Chinese and Taiwanese flavors. Crowd-pleasing favorites include golden brown basil popcorn chicken, pan-fried pork soup dumplings and sweet-and-savory Taiwanese sausage. With late-night hours and a selection of Asian beers, it’s the perfect spot to satisfy your cravings.
Casual Comforts
What started as a food truck has evolved into a top-tier taco destination on NW 23rd Street. Big Truck Tacos is a colorful brick-and-mortar taqueria serving both classic dishes (like guacamole and chicken tinga tacos), and playful originals, such as tacos stuffed with fried avocado and hickory-smoked beef tongue. Arrive early for some of the best breakfast tacos in town.
Now a mini empire with locations across the city, Hunny Bunny Biscuit Company got its start here in Uptown 23rd. This sunny, welcoming spot draws hungry crowds for its fluffy, scratch-made biscuits, served simply with butter and jam or piled into sandwiches like the Velvet Elvis with peanut butter, bacon, banana and honey.
For something sweet, Boom Town Creamery offers ice cream worth screaming for. Made in small batches with locally sourced ingredients, this artisanal scoop shop serves up fun, inventive flavors like Cherry Goat Cheese and Chocolate Tornado.
Where to Grab a Drink
The Uptown bar scene is just as eclectic as its dining, featuring longtime favorites like Ponyboy, a funky cocktail hub inside the Tower Theatre building, complete with a concert venue and dance floor upstairs.
Next door, Bunker Club leans even funkier, with ‘50s-inspired decor and cocktails named after the Manhattan Project and Sputnik.
For late-night sips and snacks, head to Guyute’s, a bi-level bar offering a full slate of craft beers and classic-inspired cocktails or Downtime, a fun bar with karaoke and delicious cocktails.
