OKC Eats and Activities to Try Before Commencement

April 30th, 2019

By Katelyn Elrod

Oklahoma City has a fantastic food scene that many locals know about, but when you’re from out of town, it’s hard to know what to choose. Should you spend hours on Yelp planning out your meals? Ask strangers on the street? These options could go really well…or really not-so-well. If you’re afraid of feeling stuck on what to eat or what to do while hanging out in Oklahoma City, check out these suggestions:

Feelin’ Brunchy? Try Café Kacao

Café Kacao is a family-owned restaurant with a hip vibe and tasty Latin-inspired cuisine that especially highlights the food of Guatemala. You can’t go wrong with a traditional Latin breakfast including black beans, eggs, hand-made tortillas, and plantains. If you aren’t a fan of Latin-inspired cuisine or are simply feeling like chowing down on some North American classics, try the famous French toast. One of my favorite dishes is their Guatemalan oatmeal, mosh. You can order it on its own or get it as a side, but either way, I promise you won’t regret it! It is made from three types of milk and is genuinely the best bowl of oatmeal I’ve had. Okay, I’m done geeking out about oatmeal now. Trust me. Just order it.

Saddle Up for a Sandwich at The Mule

The Mule, located in the Plaza district, knows that sandwiches aren’t just a light lunchtime food. Though you can definitely go there at lunch time, and you can definitely order something on the lighter side, know this: The Mule is not a simple little sandwich shop. This groovy sandwich joint boasts unique sandwiches, such as the Macaroni Pony, which is loaded with pulled pork and mac and cheese, a huge grilled cheese with a blend that’ll knock your socks off, and a nifty sandwich called the Herbivore, perfect for the vegetarian in your life. But don’t just limit yourself to a sandwich – try some poutine or cheese curds as an appetizer before you dig into your sandie.

Grab a Slice at Empire

Also located in the fun and artsy Plaza district, Empire Slice House is a poppin’ pizza place where you can get a whole pie or select pieces by the slice. Ask anyone in this area of Oklahoma City and they’ll tell you that Empire is the place to be for pizza. It’s a cool place to hang out for a while, with its laid-back atmosphere boosted by the music and pop culture posters that plaster the wall. You can be adventurous and try something like the Foghorn Leghorn, which includes chicken, bacon, and Sriracha, or stick to a timeless classic like cheese or pepperoni. And don’t forget Empire's special sauce, pink sauce!

Pro tip: If you’re on the go but are still craving a slice of Empire, head over to Easy E, Empire’s counter-service joint, for some carryout.

It’s Always Taco Time at Big Truck Tacos

Don’t let the name fool you – Big Truck Tacos isn’t just a taco truck (though there are three fantastic Big Truck Tacos Trucks). The brick-and-mortar Big Truck Tacos is a 23rd street gem, offering seating both inside and outside. Big Truck serves delicious Mexican street food with the touch of an innovative chef. After starting off your meal with some chips and queso, try one of their original tacos, featuring fun fillings such as beef, brisket, tilapia, or potatoes. Mix it up even more with a roasted onion and fried avocado taco sure to blow you away. At Big Truck, there’s a taco for everyone in your crew.

Fine Dining Your Thing? Give Cheever’s a Visit

Cheever’s, also nestled on 23rd street, is perfect for when you’re craving a more upscale meal. At Cheever’s, “casual elegance” is the thing, as the restaurant boasts both gourmet meals and a welcoming atmosphere. The historic building, no longer owned by the Cheevers, who bought the place in 1938, still honors the Cheever family with the name, and many of the building’s historical attributes have been preserved. At Cheever’s, you can branch out with dishes like the Mexican seafood tamale or treat yourself to some southern comfort food with their famous chicken fried steak. Be sure to top off your meal with one of Cheever’s legendary desserts, such as monkey bread or an ice cream ball. My suggestion for you is to arrive at Cheever’s on an empty stomach!

Get Your Caffeine Fix at Theory

If you’re hanging out near the MACU campus and feel a craving for coffee (or tea or juice or a smoothie), head over to South OKC’s newest coffeehouse, Theory Coffeehouse & Juicery. Coffee lovers may enjoy a simple drip coffee, latte, or even bulletproof coffee, for those who need a little extra energy boost or follow the keto diet. Not a coffee person? Check out their teas, cold press juices, and smoothies. PB&C, a fan-favorite smoothie, includes peanut butter, cacao, and chia seeds, so give it a try if you are in need of a protein boost. Theory is only five minutes from campus, so if you’re in the neighborhood and want to catch up on some emails, chat with a friend, or just chill, stop by Theory.

In the Mood for a Free Friday Fun Night? Check out Paseo First Friday

If you’re looking for something fun on Friday night without dipping into your wallet, go explore the artsy side of OKC in the Paseo district at Paseo First Friday. On the first Friday of every month from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., businesses, galleries, and studios open their doors so people can wander through Paseo and appreciate the works done by some incredible local artists for free. In addition to art, Paseo First Friday offers you tunes with a live band, and many businesses serve light refreshments. If your hunger stretches beyond what can be filled by grapes and cheese, get your grub on at one of the Paseo district’s awesome restaurants, such as OSO or Picasso Café.

Take Yourself Out to the Ballgame for (Almost) Free

If you hop over to Oklahoma City by Thursday and are a fan of baseball, you are in luck! Every Thursday, tickets to an Oklahoma City Dodgers game are only $2 a pop — a heck of a low price for a classic American experience. This Thursday, May 2, the Dodgers are playing the Round Rock Express at 7:05 p.m. Before or after the game, hang out around Bricktown to grab a bite to eat at Bricktown Brewery, take a ride down the canal, or, if you have a sweet tooth, grab some candy at Bricktown Candy Co. There is never a shortage of fun things to do in Bricktown!