Oklahoma City is brimming with unique neighborhoods or districts that have their own distinct personality and flavor that are sure to whet the appetites of locals and visitors alike. One of the up-and-coming neighborhoods that is quickly becoming a favorite “hanging-out” spot in Oklahoma City is Midtown, located just north of the central business district in downtown Oklahoma City.
Though not an expansive area compared to other popular districts in Oklahoma City, Midtown nevertheless packs a powerful punch, offering a cornucopia of restaurants, shops, nightlife, historic architecture, housing and lodging options, and attractions that are sure to please the senses.
Similar to the history of neighboring Automobile Alley, the Midtown District was once an active, vibrant neighborhood in the early days of Oklahoma City until businesses and residents began migrating outward. But now, thanks to the vision of community leaders and luminaries, Midtown has made a comeback and is experiencing its own renaissance.
For the foodies out there, Midtown offers a wide range of restaurants perfect for even the most discriminating tastes. Nearly 50 eating establishments are scattered throughout the area including some of the metro’s best restaurants like Barrios Fine Mexican Dishes, Stella Modern Italian Cuisine, Hall’s Pizza Kitchen, 1492 New World Latin Cuisine, Waffle Champion and Nonesuch, rated as the nation’s best new restaurant in 2018 by Bon Appétit magazine. The Collective food hall and the Bleu Garten food truck park are other options worth checking out in Midtown.
If you are looking for something to do in Midtown other than eating or shopping, taking a tour of the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum is a must. The museum honors the 168 people who were killed in the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building on April 19, 1995. If unwinding is on your to-do list, why not show off your bowling skills at the Dust Bowl with its 1970s-era décor, and then head upstairs for a drink at Fassler Hall, a German-inspired beer hall. McNellie’s Public House located in the Plaza Court building near the city’s first roundabout at 10th and Walker, and one of the metro’s top pubs, is another relaxing option.
What better way to end the day (or start it!) than to enjoy a tasty dessert from some of Midtown’s most celebrated and most visited sweet shops such as Brown’s Bakery, Capitals Ice Cream and Insomnia Cookies?
Midtown’s monthly “Cool Down” runs from 4 to 6 p.m. every third Wednesday of the month, so check out happy hour specials and gifts from district merchants July 21 and August 18.
Regardless of which day of the week you visit Midtown or the time of year it is, some things are certain: There will always be places to go and people to see there, and you will want to come back.
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