Step into Two Doors Down Wine and Bistro, opened in late August, and you might just forget you’re in Oklahoma City. The latest venture from the minds behind Symmetry, the OKC-based, high-end steakhouse, this cozy bistro brings a slice of New York City to the Sooner State, complete with iconic NYC-inspired decor and a menu that would make any Manhattanite feel right at home.
“We wanted to do something that didn’t compete,” explains co-owner Dave Osborn, gesturing around the space adorned with nods to beloved New York-based TV shows. From the replica of Harvey Specter’s office from Suits to the unmistakable orange couch from Friends, every corner of Two Doors Down is an Instagram-worthy homage to the Big Apple.
But it’s not just about looks. This wine bar and bistro is serious about its offerings, with a curated menu that emphasizes quality ingredients and approachable price points. All of said ingredients, from the meats to the cheesecakes, were tested and hand-selected by Osborn, co-founder Jason Pool, and chef Glenn Scott.
“We would line up four different pepperoni, and we would taste all the pepperoni,” says Pool. “The product has to be great. We can’t just go cheap, because you can taste cheap.”
This attention to detail shines through in dishes like the Tony Soprano, their take on an Italian grinder that’s quickly becoming a crowd favorite. The pizza selection, while not strictly New York-style, leans more towards a bistro approach, offering both classic combinations and a build-your-own option.
The wine list, carefully selected by in-house experts, features about 20 options by the glass, with 12 reds and eight whites, plus a few sparkling iterations to round things out. In a nod to modern wine trends, they even offer two selections on tap.
For those who prefer their libations a bit stronger, the cocktail menu reads like a love letter to the classics. Think perfectly balanced Old Fashioneds and crisp martinis that would make Mad Men‘s Don Draper proud.
At its core, Two Doors Down isn’t about replicating New York; it’s about creating a space that fills a gap in Oklahoma City’s dining scene. Osborn and Pool realized they needed to create a wine bar that was more casual – a place to hang out that had a feel-good vibe around the northern Oklahoma City area. With hours extending until midnight on weeknights and 1 a.m. on weekends, Two Doors Down is also quickly becoming a favorite spot for industry workers looking for a place to unwind after evening shifts.
The concept is already resonating with locals. On opening night, they had to navigate the delicate dance of a packed house.
“Opening night was crazy,” confirms Osborn. “We had our soft opening at 5 p.m., and then opened to the public at 7. From 5 to 7, it was invite-only, and we had probably sent out about 120 invitations, and we had about 80 people in here.”
Perhaps the most New York touch of all is their approach to retail. Taking advantage of recent changes in Oklahoma’s liquor laws, Two Doors Down offers their entire wine selection at retail prices.
“If we’re going to be a wine bar, why not give them something to take home, too?” Pool asks. It’s a move that bridges the gap between restaurant and bottle shop, allowing patrons to recreate their favorite pairings at home.
As for what’s next, the team behind Two Doors Down and Symmetry has big dreams.
“We want to have 20 restaurants in 20 years,” Osborn says, hinting at concepts that could bring tastes of Los Angeles, Paris and beyond to Oklahoma City. But for now, they’re focused on perfecting their little slice of New York in the Midwest – a love letter to the Empire City, crafted with Oklahoma hospitality.
Main image cutline: Salads, sandwiches, pizzas and wine make Two Doors Down your next delicious hang out spot in OKC. Photos courtesy Two Doors Down
