Oklahomans are a patriotic bunch. We glue, staple, hang and tack the stars and stripes to everything from our porch columns to our dog’s bandannas. When July 4 comes around each year, expect to see a show in almost every community across the state. Edmond’s LibertyFest caught the eye of national media (CNN, USA Today) not too long ago as one of the nation’s best Independence Day festivals. Beginning in June, the festivities climax to a parade, festival and fireworks display on July 4. The Oklahoma City Philharmonic goes Red, White & Boom on July 3 at Oklahoma State Fair Park with fireworks set to orchestration. In Tulsa, the explosive magic takes place with Tulsa FreedomFest over the Arkansas River. Once more, spectators will head to River West Festival Park and Tulsa River Parks on July 4. Look for big happenings at Stillwater’s Boomer Lake Park (Boomer Blast), Grand Lake (Arts, Crafts, Music & Cajun Festival) and more in this issue’s events calendar.
Lyric Theatre Summer Season
Oklahoma isn’t quite Broadway, but thanks to Lyric Theatre, big-scale musicals and theater are essential to the arts scene of Oklahoma City and beyond. Founded in 1963, Lyric has spent the last 50 years bringing classic and contemporary works to the traditional stage and less orthodox venues, including Science Museum Oklahoma. At 50, the company is still known for bringing together Broadway’s brightest local stars and great tales for the modern audience. The company’s big summer series continues in July with The King and I (July 9-13), the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical about an English teacher hired by the king of Siam to Westernize his family in 1860s, and the revue-style homage The Will Rogers Follies (July 23-27) at Oklahoma City Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N. Walker Ave. Lyric also throws in a real treat, Tommy Tune: Taps, Tunes and Tall Tales (July 18-19) with the famous showman at Plaza Theatre, 1727 NW 16th St. Visit www.lyrictheatreokc.com for show schedules and tickets.
Partners In Crime
Last fall, a study named Oklahoma City ninth in the nation for violent crimes per capita, joined by the likes of Detroit, Baltimore and Houston – and crime rates in OKC have steadily lurched upward for the past several years.
Tulsa also has had its own share of dark deeds in recent months. In January, four women were found executed in the Fairmont Terrace Apartments near 61st Street and Peoria Avenue, sending a wave of horror rippling across the entire city. Tragically, the victims’ deaths were not the first to shock the Riverwood neighborhood; January’s slayings brought the total homicides in Fairmont Terrace alone to eight in two years.
But while certain neighborhoods and properties in both Oklahoma City and Tulsa have become bywords for violence, citizens, city officials and police are not standing idly by.
“Citizens have had all they can take of crime in their neighborhoods,” says Tulsa Police Department Major Jonathan Brooks, division commander for the Riverside district. “For so long, citizens thought, ‘Well, that’s not my neighborhood, so I don’t care,’ or, ‘That will never happen here.’ But now, Tulsans are concerned and making a difference by becoming involved.”
More Than Just Eyesores
Many say that properties like Fairmont Terrace have become beacons for crime in part because they are owned by out-of-state interests (in Fairmont Terrace’s case, California companies) that take little, if any, interest in direct management of the property as long as the rent checks keep flowing. In the past, tenant efforts to organize and interact with management in similar properties have come to little, and crime in these absentee-owner complexes, of which there are several in the Riverwood neighborhood, continues mostly unabated.
“A hands-on ownership would certainly help in housing complexes,” Brooks says. “More important than that is a hands-on management approach of the property. Accountability is key for policing efforts when actions need to be taken in complexes. If the owners or managers are absent, then the problems are often out-of-sight, out-of-mind. If they are there and involved, then they are dealing with the day-to-day problems that lead to poor quality-of-life issues before they become crime problems.”
One Oklahoma City complex, also owned by a California-based company, has earned its own sinister reputation. For years, the decrepit Lantana Apartments near Northwest 10th Street and Rockwell Avenue has been the site of multiple fires, code violations and drug activities. In 2008, pizza delivery driver Jeremy Moore was lured to the abandoned complex with a false order. He was then shot to death for $42.91 worth of food.
Sadly, the Lantana is only one of several properties of its kind in Oklahoma City, all eyesores at best, tragedies waiting to happen at worst. According to The Oklahoman, seven housing complexes across the city have racked up more than 200 combined code violations, with owners owing more than $200,000 in fines and back taxes on the properties. The Lantana itself is slated to be sold at public auction by the city, although it is unclear if the property will be destroyed or if yet another attempt to “turn it around” will be undertaken by an out-of-state interest.
“It is true that Oklahoma City has an abandoned property problem,” says Jennifer Meckling, programs coordinator for the Neighborhood Alliance of Central Oklahoma. “Almost every neighborhood in urban Oklahoma City has at least one property that is abandoned and in disrepair. The effects on the surrounding properties are well-documented: It brings down housing values, creates safety hazards and is a great drain on city resources with higher-than-average police, fire and code-enforcement calls.” Meckling says that the city’s Planning Department is taking action and has hired a consultant to provide support and make recommendations to the City Council. “Resolution of this issue will require some changes in state legislation, and our council and city planning department are working diligently toward that.
“Changes never make everyone happy,” Meckling continues, “but as citizens, we need to demand that the owners of these resource drains be held accountable for the tax dollars they cost each of us and give the city the power to follow through. I would encourage citizens to get involved in the process and make their concerns known. Check out upcoming council agendas at www.okc.gov and engage in dialogue with your city leaders.”
James Greiner is the city councilman for Ward 1, where Lantana Apartments is located. He agrees that abandoned properties such as Lantana have a deleterious effect on neighbors.
“I think stagnant and depreciating property values are the biggest way abandoned properties affect neighborhoods negatively,” Greiner says. “Abandoned properties usually create more abandoned properties because they cause people to not want to live in those neighborhoods. When people don’t want to live in your neighborhood, your house isn’t going to be worth as much as it could be. They also hurt the school district and the morale of the neighborhood.”
While abandoned, absentee-managed properties have been the sites of highly publicized violence as of late, Brooks says the problem of urban crime, in both Tulsa’s Riverwood area and the urban areas at large, runs deeper. “The crime rate in Riverwood is the culmination of several issues,” he says. “First, when you have a large concentration of people, the probability of crime goes up. Having numerous complexes in a small geographical area increases the population of not only of residents, but visitors as well.
“Second, unaddressed socio-economic issues give rise for more crime opportunities. When education, employment and self-improvement are not primary goals or options for citizens, then the disservice starts and quality-of-life degrades. Children and youth will only know what they are exposed to and substantial free time without direction often leads to mischief, which leads to contact with police. From experience, it is not always the residents that drive crime in Riverwood, but often it is the visitors. Some of the visitors come with criminal intent in mind and for the sole purpose to carry out their crimes. They prey on the residents of the area and take advantage of impressionable youth.”
“I think apathy and fear are two big components,” Meckling says of contributing factors to urban crime, “and a [neighborhood] association can counter both of those. At the Neighborhood Alliance, we like to say that living in a safe, beautiful and healthy neighborhood is a responsibility, not a right. We all have the responsibility to use the tools available to better our community. We can’t complain our way into a better neighborhood. We must take action.”
In neighborhoods across Oklahoma, citizens are doing just that.
Taking It Back Together
In an effort to take back their neighborhoods, many residents are forming alliances with city officials and police departments to combat crime with responsibility and community.
Prompted in response to the most recent slayings at Fairmont Terrace, members of the Tulsa City Council spearheaded the creation of the Tulsa Public Safety Intelligence Work Group, a committee dedicated to improving crime intelligence and citizen reporting in the city’s troubled neighborhoods. Among the recommendations of the group is to bring Tulsa CrimeStoppers – currently managed by an out-of-state firm – in-house and provide local witness protection options. Above all, the recommendations emphasize the importance of neighborhood tips and participation.
“Several councilors, including me, are looking at ways to completely reshape the 61st and Peoria area,” says District 8 City Councilor Phil Lakin. “The residents there don’t just need better living conditions; they need access to better social and medical services, grocery stores, transportation and physical activities (via the park that sits very near that intersection). Taking a holistic approach to improving this community will provide for far better results, compared to the Band-Aid application that has been and is typically applied.
“This Council doesn’t seem to be interested in a quick fix; rather, it’s focused on a long-term solution to markedly improving peoples’ lives.”
Brooks says there are several more recommendations forthcoming. “The recommendations alone will not lower crime,” he says, “but the commitment and follow-through will be pivotal in aiding in the reduction and prevention of crime. The police alone can only do so much in crime-fighting efforts. It will take a partnership of the police, the citizens, community leaders, homeowners, business owners and anyone else with a vested interest to have a true and long-lasting effect.
“Establishing long-lasting relationships in crime prevention, providing health and educational resources, and social enhancement opportunities will eventually lead to safer neighborhoods,” Brooks says.
In addition, he says that “Alert Neighbor programs are growing, and police are working much closer with neighborhood associations to prevent, deter and investigate crimes. TPD has worked with neighborhood associations by assisting in organizing Alert Neighbor programs, Citizen Patrol programs and through Tulsa CrimeStoppers. Police officers are also talking with the residents of their patrol area.”
“The Neighborhood Alliance has worked closely with the OCPD for many years,” says Meckling. “Among the tools we offer in partnership with the police are neighborhood-specific crime reports. We publish those reports on our website and also send out a postal mailing each month to the neighborhood contact listed with us. It’s important that neighborhoods keep their information with us up-to-date so that the police or city can contact the neighborhood with information that affects their area. We work hand-in-hand with the police community relations officers in bringing crime-watch skills to neighborhoods, and helping neighborhoods maintain an organization that can combat the undesirable factors in their neighborhood.”
The intersection of police, neighbor and city efforts recently played out with notable success in Norman, where a troubled property began to blight an entire neighborhood. 1207 Cruce Street had become a hangout for criminal suspects and drug abusers. Police had been called to the residence some 70 times and made 25 arrests. Families were afraid to allow their children to play outside, and at one point, someone had even been beaten unconscious outside the residence. Both neighbors and police had had enough. Working with the city council and code enforcement, they called upon a rarely-used ordinance to declare the property a nuisance. Under the ordinance, the water meter was removed and the house was declared unfit for human habitation for at least six months, allowing a window of time for the house to be improved and the undesirable element removed.
“The incidents related to 1207 Cruce are perfect examples of how the community, police and other city departments worked together to ensure a high quality of life would not be interrupted,” says City of Norman Police Chief Keith Humphrey. “The first positive thing is that citizens followed the first rule of community-oriented policing and contacted the police regarding concerns. Two of our officers who worked this area recognized that they were answering repeat calls to this location. The officers begin to work with the neighbors in this area, which I truly believe validated [that] we really wanted to partner. The officers then partnered with code enforcement because some of the incidents were not criminal.
“As you can see, communication on all levels was vital,” Humphrey continues. “I recently drove this area and personally observed kids playing in front yards and just more positive activity in the immediate area.”
Humphrey says that the Norman Police Department is at work on several community-oriented police initiatives, funded by the public safety sales tax passed by the city in 2008, including a Citizens’ Police Academy, teen-outreach programs and partnerships with local apartment complexes to implement the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program.
“Norman has become a large city and continues to grow,” Humphrey says. “Because of this, we are experiencing our share of crime like other cities in the nation. However, I truly believe the growth in our citizen involvement, and the resources provided to our department with the passing of the public safety sales tax in 2008, help us address many of our major crime issues in the city.
“I am so proud of our citizens because they have truly embraced community-oriented policing,” he says.
Love Thy Neighbor
Partnering with city officials and local police is just one part of the equation in combating urban crime. Brooks, Meckling, Greiner and Humphrey all agree that neighbors also must partner with each other.
“The neighborhood association is the foundation of everything a neighborhood can accomplish,” Meckling says. “The answer for crime-plagued neighborhoods is to bond together and get organized. From that foundation, neighbors can create whatever structure suits their needs. Many people have a misconception about neighborhood associations, thinking they are all about creating rules and restrictions. In fact, the organization can be anything you want and can take many unique forms. It’s all about reaching out, connecting, and being, well, neighborly.”
“Many of our neighborhoods are very organized, which is a key in preventing crime,” says Greiner. “They have set up neighborhood associations, watches and patrols, which all deter crime (or at least move crime to another area).
“My goal is to encourage all of the neighborhoods in Ward 1 to get involved in their neighborhoods because they can and will make a difference,” he says. “Too often, we feel like we can’t do anything, and I want to change that mentality. If we change this mentality, private developers and nonprofit organizations will more likely want to come into a deteriorated area and invest their time and money to improve it. I believe this is where real change will come from, not from government.”
Meckling says that a sense of community is the key. “Our crime-watch training encourages neighbors to get to know one another not only for the intangible benefits of social connectedness, but also because it is a huge tool in crime prevention,” she says. “Knowing who belongs in your neighborhood is key to being able to spot, report and share suspicious activity.”
She gives the example of Oklahoma City’s historic Putnam Heights neighborhood, which suffered a rash of burglaries until a resident spotted the offender and shared the description with both neighbors and police. The individual was quickly apprehended and convicted.
“Neighborhoods can think of their social network as a secret weapon against crime – it really works,” Meckling says.
Making a Better Place
Brooks agrees that being familiar with neighbors and the neighborhood is essential, especially when it comes to recognizing someone or something that doesn’t belong. In addition, he says, “If you see something suspicious, say something. Report it to the police. Don’t get involved; just be a good witness by noting cars and individual descriptions.
“If you don’t have an Alert Neighbor program, get one started,” he also recommends. “By working with the police, you can improve safety and crime-prevention by becoming educated on crime-prevention tactics, such as environmental design and lighting to deter crime.”
Last but not least, he says avoid becoming a victim; take all precautions in protecting your home, family and belongings.
“Communication is key for neighborhoods,” Brooks says. “Talk to neighbors on a regular basis. Set up an email network for the neighborhood so you can quickly alert others. It takes a team effort to protect a community.”
Meckling says that the Neighborhood Alliance is a resource for numerous programs for helping citizens organize to protect and improve their neighborhoods.
“The Neighborhood Alliance offers workshops and one-on-one assistance to help neighborhoods organize, be an effective organization, learn how to be capable neighborhood leaders and raise funds for neighborhood-led projects,” she says. “There is a lot of information on our website about associations and the tools for making yours a better one. We can help with incorporating, writing bylaws and getting crime reports. We’ll even come out to your neighborhood meeting to give crime-watch training.
“Making your neighborhood a better place doesn’t have to be a monumental effort,” Meckling says. “You just need to care and be willing to make some friends.”
Gallery Style
His south Tulsa clients were looking for someone who would bring a fresh take to their home, explains designer Chris Murphy, owner of Christopher Murphy Designs.
“They wanted to create an oasis for their family and friends with a gallery-style feel,” says Murphy.
Working with the homeowners, whose children range from grade school to college age, Murphy did not make many changes to the home’s flooring, walls and cabinetry. “My goal was to create statement pieces of art and furniture,” he says.
Murphy’s goal is evident just inside the front door as the dramatic entry sets the tone for what to expect throughout the rest of this unique home. The key piece is the lipstick console that Murphy found in New York. The 1,250-pound console consists of thick layers of walnut, black lacquer, gray lacquer, Lucite, white bronze and natural bronze. The homeowners worked with art consultant Kim Fonder at Abersons Exhibits to provide the colorful piece above the console by artist Steve Joy.
The red and yellow plates to the left were existing, as was the large canvas to the right. Mirroring the artwork colors, Murphy recovered the bench in a bold gray and acidic yellow silk.
Using red tones from the entry plus two existing red sofas, Murphy highlighted the striking shade on the living room floor and ceiling. An existing traditional lantern light fixture was replaced with a stunning custom glass art piece. Murphy worked with California glass designer Alison Berger to create the hand-blown crystal pendants that hang over a custom silk and wool area rug. The whimsical, crisp white table is a John Dickerson reproduction.
Between the two sofas, Murphy designed a custom console that was fabricated locally. Each of the custom lead crystal sculptures is lit below with a LED fixture, and the light level can be independently adjusted with a remote control.
Murphy worked with a Nebraska artist to acquire the series of paintings over the fireplace. “I wanted to contrast the petite pieces off the large wall,” says Murphy. Adjacent to the fireplace is a custom polished nickel and walnut console balanced with a black lacquer mirror.
The homeowners had recently purchased the dining room table and chairs, although Murphy added a custom touch by removing eight inches off the height of each chair and then using a taupe silk slipcover. A new linear-shaped polished nickel light fixture sparkles above the table and was chosen to play off of – but not compete with – the nearby red chandelier in the living room. Murphy also located the dramatic mineral boat centerpiece that is made from one piece of onyx.
The master bedroom previously had several rooms combined to create the space, but the layout seemed awkward. “I wanted to reorient the room and float the bed,” says Murphy. So he built a partial height walnut wall that the bed sits against. On the opposite side are two benches and a picture ledge. The pair of Cedric Hartman swing arm lamps provides lighting on either side of the wall.
Murphy added a patterned wood veneer wall covering and created a theatrical backdrop with draperies that are often opened just enough to access the pool outside the bedroom doors.
The bed is from Holly Hunt with green-gray Larson leather. And to soften the predominant angles throughout the space, Murphy custom designed a pair of circular white lacquer nightstands. Murphy then worked with Exhibit and combined fancifully shaped wood pieces from the same artist installed on the wall opposite the bed, extending the gallery feel even into the private spaces of the home.
A Ranch Renovation
Robert and Beth Hughes Sachse had three teen-aged boys when they bought their 4,600-square-foot home in Midtown Tulsa’s Ranch Acres in 1997. Over the years they renovated sections of the house to accommodate their growing family.
“Now we have three extended families to accommodate, and none of them live in Tulsa,” says Beth Sachse, co-owner of SR Hughes in Brookside. So the couple took on an extended renovation to rework the home to fit their current needs. Originally a three bedroom, three-and-a-half bath, it now has four bedrooms with four-and-a-half baths. Each son and his family have their own bedroom and bathroom when visiting.
The couple’s biggest focus was on the kitchen renovation. “Everybody hangs out in the kitchen,” says Sachse. “So we wanted it to feel more like a family room.” Two feet were added to the width of the kitchen by accessing space from a bank of closets behind the kitchen wall. The couple worked closely with Scott Pohlenz, owner of Pohlenz Cucine Moderne, to create the optimum kitchen space. The cabinets are Valcucine from Italy and are a blend of elm and glass. The countertops are a tempered matte glass in a combination of turtledove and bronze finishes. The highly engineered product is heat and impact resistant as well as anti-bacterial. At the end of the island is the baking station where a quartz countertop was selected.
Sachse laughs as she shares that her husband is the primary cook, so he was very much involved in the kitchen plans. Double Gaggenau ovens, professional ovens on a residential scale, are installed next to a fully integrated Gaggenau side-by-side refrigerator and freezer. One of the striking elements of this kitchen is the sleek and clean style. “We didn’t want a ventilation hood impacting the design,” says Pohlenz. So the stovetop vent was built into the soffit overhead. A rough, textured stone was added above the glass countertop and backsplash. Where they intersect, a continuous recessed LED light creates a subtle, smooth glow. And the space is warmed by the vintage runner, also from Sachse’s mother.
The kitchen sitting room was enlarged and the ceiling raised over the area. Sachse selected Holly Hunt barstools and a Tom Dixon screw table that can transition up to table height for additional dining space.
One surprising change came about as a result of the renovation. “I had always considered the living room a pass-through from the master bedroom to the kitchen,” says Sachse. It was set up in traditional fashion with conversational seating closest to the front door and the dining table towards the back, but the space was rarely used. “When we had the furniture all moved around during the work, I realized how much I liked the chairs by the windows,” she adds. So the new Giorgetti dining table is placed in the darker part of the room. “I like sitting in the living room now.”
Sachse also likes blending new and old, so a pair of black antique chairs is upholstered with a Knoll paisley. New Cassina lounge chairs flank a vintage Baker cocktail table that used to be her mother’s.
The house wraps around an outdoor room that was added a few years ago. “I think it was a screened porch originally,” says Sachse. They vaulted the ceiling and added beams, skylights and a fireplace. One change during the current renovation is the storefront window added to the kitchen that “cleans up the ceiling lines.”
The couple is pleased with the results and looks forward to hosting their extended families frequently.
Fiberworks 2013
The Fiberworks 2013 art show settles itself nicely into the Hardesty Arts Center for its first appearance at the new arts venue, 101 E. Archer St., in Tulsa’s Brady Arts District. The Fiber Artists of Oklahoma exhibits works submitted for this 35th annual juried show in a variety of traditional folk media including basketry, beading, paper, knitting, weaving, felting, and, yes, needlepoint. These creations (both functional and not) are certain to surprise and even startle with their artists’ eloquent vision and skillful manipulation of materials. No doubt, the show will be an education for some of its viewers, but artists, too, can learn from it. Fiberworks 2013 juror Barbara Shapiro, a textile artist from San Francisco, will offer a workshop July 14-16. Show will open Saturday, July 12, and remain on display through Aug. 23. For more, visit www.ahct.org.
Dining
Asian
Once upon a time, it was very difficult to find great Asian food in Oklahoma. Today, there are a wide variety of restaurants that specialize in everything from Chinese food to Thai and Korean cuisine. Tulsa residents have voted KEO Restaurant as having the best Asian food in town. The restaurant’s two locations offer delicious bites, from small plates and soups to specialties like curry, Korean short ribs and Pan-fried Ramen. Coming in second is Yokozuna, the Blue Dome District Asian restaurant that serves great Ramen bowls and killer sushi. Ri Le’s and P.F. Chang’s tie for third in the Asian dining category. A vegetarian friendly restaurant, Ri Le’s provides a casual atmosphere and delicious cuisine. Popular chain P.F. Chang’s in Utica Square is always hopping, with diners ordering lettuce wraps, crispy honey chicken and curry.
Enjoy dim sum and then some at Grand House China Bistro, located in Oklahoma City’s historic Asian district. A variety of Asian favorites, including Pad Thai, Sesame Chicken and Peking Duck, are offered at Grand House. Okura Sushi & Grill, an OKC favorite for years, receives second place this year. A vast menu, including gyoza, teppanyaki and sushi translates to something for everyone at this Japanese restaurant. Dot Wo Garden, with two metro locations, offers chef’s specials along with a variety of chicken, duck and seafood dishes.
Bakery
Cookies, scones and cakes: Is there anything more decadent than making a leisurely visit to a great bakery? Tulsa’s Merritt’s Bakery garnered the top spot in this year’s voting. With three locations across Tulsa plus a custom cake gallery, it’s a bakery that can fit the most exacting standard. Ann’s Bakery, serving Tulsa since 1938, is as famous for its cannoli as it is for creating beautiful custom cakes. The bakery also offers staples like doughnuts, éclairs and danishes. Panera Bread and Blue Moon Bakery tie for third this year. Panera, offering freshly baked breads, bagels and a variety of sweet treats, has many locations in Tulsa to serve residents. Blue Moon Bakery, located in trendy Center 1, is open for three meals a day, but it also offers plenty of cakes, doughnuts and pastry.
Oklahoma’s most famous German bakery, Ingrid’s Kitchen has been featured nationally for its classic ryes, baguettes and other breads and pastry. Tying with Ingrid’s for first place this year is La Baguette Bakery & Café, with three locations in the metro area. La Baguette supplies cakes, pastry, breads and other treats to hundreds of hungry customers daily, as well as to more than 200 restaurants and hotels. At Brown’s Bakery, second in this year’s survey, doughnuts, sticky buns and specialty cakes are the name of the game. Specialty cookies, cakes and macaroons are what make Brown Egg Bakery a popular destination and third in our round-up of best bakeries.
Barbecue Restaurant
A big, sloppy plate piled with ribs, pulled pork and smoked brisket, slathered in barbecue sauce is as Oklahoma as the Thunder and peach cobbler. Rib Crib, with 11 locations in the Tulsa metro, wins first in a landslide in this year’s The Best of the Best. With nearly every smoked meat imaginable and a variety of barbecue sauces, Rib Crib has what it takes to satisfy hungry diners. Elmer’s BBQ and Billy Sims BBQ both snag second. Elmer’s, which tells us that “It Be Bad,” but only in the best way possible, is a famous haunt for those who crave the traditional barbecue joint, but get there quick, because when Elmer’s is out, they’re out. Billy Sims, with nine locations in the Tulsa metro, is a favorite with readers who enjoy their entrees with an OU twist: think the Sooner Magic (two-meat combo) or The Heisman (chopped brisket or pulled pork with bologna and hot link). Albert G’s classic barbecue and sides – including baked beans, potato salad and that Oklahoma staple, tabouli – earns it a third place slot, tying with Oklahoma Joe’s BBQ, which serves up heaping portions of barbecue favorites. Lunch specials and meats by the pound are also available.
It’s another sweep for Rib Crib, as they place first in both major metro areas. Six locations in the OKC area provide ribs, sausage and pulled pork as well as delicious smoked chicken and brisket. Earl’s Rib Palace, also with six metro locations, is “the home of killer BBQ,” which sounds daunting, but is really a good thing. Tender smoked meats are topped with just the right amount of sauce and served with fries, beans, corn, fried okra or a heaping helping of several other sides. Swadley’s BBQ’s four locations are famous for family-style picnics and country dinners of smoked meats and sides.
Breakfast
It’s the most important meal of the day, but it also provides a lot of options. Tulsa readers have spoken, and Brookside By Day is the top vote-getter for breakfast. Eggs, omelets and house specialties like the Peoria Special – pork chop, burger patty or chicken fry served with two eggs – means there’s something for everyone. Phill’s Diner, and old-school establishment where the coffee never stops flowing, follows. Omelets, pancakes and eggs are all standard. One house special, the breakfast tacos, is not to be missed. Blue Moon Bakery, serving up yogurt and granola and quiche, and Old School Bagel Café, specializing in egg bagel sandwiches for the day’s first meal, tie for third.
Oklahoma City residents pack the booths at Jimmy’s Egg. With numerous locations across the city, many have the opportunity to enjoy an omelet, eggs over easy and pancakes to get the day going. Second goes to Classen Grill for wowing customers with grits, eggs benedict and freshly squeezed orange juice. La Baguette Bistro serves great breakfasts of omelet, frittata and several items topped with hollandaise sauce, making it the third top spot in Oklahoma City for Breakfast.
Burger
Adding heat to meat can create beautiful things. Just ask diners at Fat Guy’s Burger Bar, who voted the burger joint first in this year’s race. Patties stacked as high as you like and topped with cheese, bacon, grilled onions – even peanut butter, if you please – keep Tulsans coming back to this Greenwood gem. Ron’s Hamburgers and Chili is once again a reader favorite for tasty burgers. Whether you crave a basic burger with ketchup, onions and pickles, or something a little more creative, Ron’s is sure to please. Brookside biker bar Crow Creek Tavern serves up thick, juicy burgers accompanied by steak fries, while James E. McNellie’s Public House creates a burger that packs the house. Both are worthy of the third spot.
Irma’s Burger Shack has been synonymous with great burger since it first opened its doors. Hungry professionals pack the joint on 63rd Street for a filling lunch, while dinner diners may take a more leisurely approach, enjoying a cold beer and buttermilk pie with their burgers. Either way, Irma’s two locations and stellar word-of-mouth earned it top spot for burgers in Oklahoma City in this year’s survey. S&B Burger Joint makes its first appearance on The Best of the Best. Home of The Fatty, a burger topped with American cheese, grilled onions and pickles, offers equally creative and unusual burgers along with beer, soda floats and lots of pie. Flatire Burgers, with two locations, is famous for creations like the mac-and-cheese burger and the yellow fin tuna burger – quite worthy of this year’s list.
Deli/Sandwich Shop
With a commitment to the freshest ingredients possible, Jason’s Deli claims the top spot as best deli or sandwich shop. An expansive salad bar, specialty salads, soups and sandwiches are all highlights of the menu at Jason’s Deli. Hidden secret PJ’s Sandwich Shoppe, whipping up the best chicken salad in the state, ties for second place with Felini’s Cookies & Deli, a bakery/sandwich shop that serves killer Reuben and turkey sandwiches. These two midtown institutions are very popular with Oklahoma Magazine readers. Dilly Deli, a downtown Tulsa deli serving three meals a day, rounds out the top three. Discover inventive sandwiches that just may be named after someone you know.
When Oklahoma City readers say they want to go somewhere else, it may cause some confusion. It could mean they want to go to a place other than where they currently stand, but more likely it means they want to pay a visit to one of the best delis around. Someplace Else Deli & Bakery serves sandwiches stacked high with meat, cheese and sandwich fixins’. Try the prime rib sandwich, and don’t forget to grab a cinnamon roll to go. City Bites, with 18 locations in the OKC metro, is famous for sandwiches, soups and giant spuds topped with everything you can imagine. Café Bella, serving croissant sandwiches and salads in addition to killer coffee, and ND Foods, dishing up a Reuben sandwich that will blow your mind, round out the top three.
Desserts
Dessert is the cherry on top of a fabulous meal. So when looking for a sweet finish, Tulsa readers head to Michael V’s for a decadent selection of pies – including coconut cream and chocolate pecan – as well as cheesecake and baked fudge. Cheesecake Factory, famous for – what else? – an enormous cheesecake selection, once again makes an appearance on this year’s The Best of the Best. With dozens of cheesecake offerings, it may surprise some that the Cheesecake Factory also offers cakes, crisps and ice cream desserts, among others. Queenie’s Café & Bakery, located in Utica Square, always has a pie, cake or cookie ready to be consumed, which is why readers have voted it into the third spot.
Cupcakeries may be on the decline, but don’t tell that to those seeking a sweet treat in Oklahoma City. Cuppies & Joe, a quaint bakery on 23rd Street, is tops once again with OKC readers. Daily cupcake specials, pies and other confections – including cookies and the Dreamsicle, an orange brownie – go great with the café’s coffee. La Baguette Bakery & Café slips into the second slot. Cakes, cookies, pastry – La Baguette does it all, and it does it all deliciously. Cheever’s Café rounds out the top three. Desserts with decadent names like the roasted pecan ice cream ball and Cheever’s monkey bread are just as they sound: indulgent and delish.
Diner
Everyone has a favorite diner. It’s hard to put a finger on why it’s a favorite, too; it’s just a feeling one gets when he or she walks through the door. In Tulsa, Phill’s Diner is tops for its great wait staff, diverse menu and quick service. Open for breakfast and lunch, Phill’s provides two opportunities a day to experience the ultimate Tulsa diner. Tally’s Good Food Café, another diner staple in Tulsa, comes in second. Burgers, chicken fried steak and breakfast served at all three meals are a few hallmarks of Tally’s. Duffy’s Diner rounds out the top three. With great coffee, a friendly staff and some of the most memorable waffles in town, it’s a good call on the part of Tulsa readers.
When the food speaks for itself, there’s no need for a fancy name. That’s why Diner, located on Norman’s Main Street, is just that. Breakfast staples like blueberry pancakes and the famous Eggarito make this establishment popular year round, not just on game days. Classen Grill also makes a splash with lots of hot coffee and good conversation. And don’t forget to order the breakfast quesadilla or Chinook eggs. Nic’s Grill, famous for its monster hamburgers, only seats about a dozen people. It doesn’t get more “diner” than that. Arrive early for a hearty lunch.
Fast Food
Just because food is needed fast doesn’t mean that Oklahoma’s discriminating palates will opt for just anything. Statewide, Arby’s receives the top nod for best fast food. Offering shaved roast beef sandwiches accented by a buttery bun and, dare we say, Horsey Sauce, the only way to improve upon an Arby’s sandwich is to add an order of the restaurant’s signature curly fries. The drive-in that began in Shawnee, Sonic Drive-in continues to dominate the taste buds of Oklahomans. Flat-top burgers, tater tots and a wide variety of shakes keeps this Oklahoma staple in our The Best of the Best. Taco Bueno, with its Tex-Mex inspired menu including MexiDips & Chips and the black bean burrito, share the third spot with Subway sandwich shops, which, across Oklahoma, provide healthy sandwiches with a variety of toppings at an affordable price.
Fine Dining
Often, they’re a great place to celebrate; sometimes, however, it’s nice to just have a fancy meal. If either are the case, there are myriad options for fine dining. Utica Square staple Polo Grill and Cherry Street anchor Palace Café both receive first place votes from Tulsa readers. Stellar sides and an expansive wine list heighten Polo Grill’s choice steaks and juicy chicken. Palace Café chef/owner James Shrader brings a twist to his unique menu. Scallop linguini, lobster tagliatelle and a short rib burger are just a few menu items that have diners salivating. Prhyme and Juniper, both helmed by Justin Thompson, have different concepts, but readers recognize the genius of both equally. Prhyme, a new steakhouse in Brady Arts District, features both dry and wet aged steaks served with rich and succulent sides. Juniper focuses fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, including Tahlequah free range chicken and Oklahoma raised rib-eye steak. Waterfront Grill provides everything from fresh seafood to steaks, pasta and a famous prime rib sandwich. A wine list that just won’t quit and huge hunks of steak make Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar a Tulsa favorite, as well. Waterfront and Fleming’s tie for third in this category.
In Oklahoma City, Mickey Mantle’s Steakhouse is tops with Oklahoma Magazine readers. Steaks and chops, seafood and sumptuous sides are a highlight of this fine dining steakhouse located in Bricktown. Red PrimeSteak allows diners to choose their cut of meat, the crust and sauce, as well as “accessories,” side items, each one to die for. The Metro Wine Bar and Bistro rounds out the top three. With a French-inspired menu that includes Saffron Risotto with Shrimps & Scallops, Filet of Beef with a red wine sauce and Stilton-walnut butter and Pan-seared Halibut, along with an expansive wine list, The Metro is a favorite among fine diners.
Ice Cream Shop
We all scream for something cold on a hot summer day, and there certainly is no shortage of ice cream options in Oklahoma. In Tulsa, readers have selected Braum’s Ice Cream and Dairy Stores as having the best ice cream. Dozens of flavors served in cones, cups or as sundaes, topped with gooey fudge or caramel sauces and whipped cream, have customers clambering for more. Cherry Berry, a joint where nearly any combination of fro-yo and toppings is available, and Baskin-Robbins, home of the famous 31 flavors, tie for second this year. Freckle’s Frozen Custard, which is slinging thick and delicious compounds with add-ins and toppings at four locations plus a mobile unit, comes in third.
Braum’s Ice Cream and Dairy Stores also place first among Oklahoma City customers. The smooth ice cream and rich flavors have won over throngs of devoted customers for decades. Kaiser’s American Bistro whips up old-fashioned ice cream the way the joint did it in 1918, when it was simply known as Kaiser’s Ice Cream. Rich flavors can be eaten straight from the cone or whipped into shakes or malts. Coldstone Creamery rounds out the top three in Oklahoma City. With a little showmanship, Coldstone’s dippers mix toppings on a cold stone in front of the customer, adding to the experience of enjoying the ice cream.
Italian
Tasty Italian food is both comforting and filling. Sauces and pasta are complemented by fresh meats and vegetables at Oklahoma’s favorite Italian restaurants. Dalesandro’s Italian Cuisine and TiAmo Italian Ristorante both take first in Tulsa this year for tops in Italian. Dalesandro’s is famous not only for its swordfish picatta, but also for a menu that packs in great Italian flavors in the freshest way possible. TiAmo creates Italian classics, a romantic atmosphere and stellar wine list. Biga, located along Brookside, focuses on cuisine from all 20 regions of Italy, using only the freshest ingredients. Mondo’s Ristorante Italiano, that bastion of Brookside, serves up hearty Italian comfort food, like stuffed ravioli, calamari and Eggplant Parmigiana. Tied for third with Mondo’s is Villa Ravenna Italian Restaurant. Known for its authentic tastes of Italy, Villa Ravenna has several specialties, including the Veal Osso Bucco and the Grilled Pear Gorgonzola.
With so much many places to choose from, it’s a wonder that Oklahoma City residents were able to narrow down their favorite Italian restaurants to just three. Stella Modern Italian Cuisine once again takes top prize for Best Italian. Fresh-made pasta and rich sauces, along with a killer brunch, make Stella a top prize and perfect for lunch or a date night. Flip’s Wine Bar & Trattoria capitalizes on its casual atmosphere to bring diners pizzas, pasta and calzones, along with an extensive wine and cocktail selection. Vito’s Ristorante, owned and operated with family in mind, serves Italian dishes family-style. Classic dishes, like Ziti con Broccoli and Chicken Carbonara, pair perfectly with Vito’s wine list.
Margarita
Nothing shakes off the stress of a week at work than an icy cold margarita served in a salt-rimmed glass. And no one pours margaritas quite like Los Cabos Mexican Grill and Cantina. Now with three locations in the Tulsa area, Los Cabos offers both frozen and on-the-rocks versions of its famous margaritas made with prime tequila and choice ingredients. Mi Cocina also pours a mean margarita. Choose frozen or on the rocks, The Classic or Skinny versions – all are made with premium Sauza Blanco tequila. El Guapo’s Cantina and Señor Tequila both round out the top three for margaritas. Offering at least 10 margaritas, El Guapo’s offers a wide variety of flavor additions to the margarita, as well as a great version of the original. Señor Tequila also offers a wide selection of margaritas, including a top shelf version and fruit-added drinks.
1492 New World Latin Cuisine’s premium margaritas pack quite a punch. The slight hint of tequila and lime flavors are what makes 1492’s margaritas tops in Oklahoma City. Iguana Mexican Grill’s margaritas, made with 100 percent Agave El Jimador Blanco Tequila, are served by the glass and by the pitcher. Choose from the House Margarita, Perfect Margarita or Skinny Margarita. Ted’s Café Escondido and Chelino’s Mexican, both legendary Mexican restaurants in Oklahoma City, tie for the third best margarita in the city. Ted’s giant margaritas are packed full of citrus flavor, and don’t forget the salt. Chelino’s offers a couple of different options, including margaritas served with a Corona beer.
Mexican
There are likely more Mexican restaurants in Oklahoma than any other cuisine, and why not? Tortillas wrapped around grilled meats, cheese, beans and guacamole, chips covered in queso and salsa, crispy tacos filled with ground beef and crisp lettuce – these are a few reasons why we love our Mexican food. Los Cabos Mexican Grill and Cantina serves all these dishes and much more Sonoran-inspired food at its three locations. Mi Cocina, whose Cherry Street location is often packed with hungry diners, serves everything from Tex-Mex basics to “modern” versions of classics, including spinach enchiladas served with Latin stir-fry vegetables and arroz blanco. El Guapo’s Cantina offers a diverse array of Mexican specialties, including Enchiladas de Mole Poblano and Oaxacan Tamales.
Latin fusion and Tex-Mex cuisine makes up the delicious menu at 1492 New World Latin Cuisine. Tacos served with a variety of fillings, including fish, duck and quail, are just one highlight of the inventive menu. Nachos, quesadillas and specialties like fish tacos and Fernando-style enchiladas are what garnered second place votes for Iguana Mexican Grill. At Ted’s Café Escondido, if you leave hungry, you’re doing something wrong. Soft flour tortillas, flavorful salsas and crispy chips are what diners look forward to even before ordering their entrees. Fajitas, chimichangas and quesadillas are great choices at this Oklahoma City legend.
Outside Dining
When the weather in Oklahoma turns warm, there’s little better than dining outdoors. Tulsa diners flock to Waterfront Grill and Los Cabos Mexican Grill and Cantina to enjoy dining al fresco next to the Arkansas River. Enjoy an inventive cocktail and a tasty Crab, Avocado and Mango stack on the patio of Waterfront. At Los Cabos, diners swarm the outdoor bar and enjoy chips and salsa while listening to good live music. Blue Rose Café, also lining the bank of the Arkansas River, comes in second in this year’s voting. Burgers and beer are a great complement to the sun and glistening waters. Wild Fork and Tucci’s, both in trendy shopping areas, round out the top three. Wild Fork, in Utica Square, has a terrific patio on which to unwind after a day of shopping. Tucci’s, with a covered porch that faces 15th Street, is a great little Italian place that is perfect for a date night.
Oklahoma City readers love to dine at Bellini’s Ristorante. Located in the Waterford area, outdoor diners are treated to a serene setting and impressive water feature. Traditional Italian food, including plenty of antipasti and pizza, are great to share outdoors along with a bottle of wine. Redrock Canyon Grill, located along Lake Hefner, offers plenty of great food to enjoy while taking in the boaters along the water. Rounding out the top three is Nonna’s Euro-American Ristorante & Bar offers a rooftop view of Bricktown and downtown Oklahoma City along with live music and great food and drink.
Pizza
Around three billion pizzas are sold in the United States each year, and odds are that these Tulsa pizzerias make up a healthy percentage of that number. Hideaway Pizza comes in first this year. Inventive flavors as well as classics, like the ATW – heaped with meats and veggies – mean there’s something for everyone at Hideaway. Mazzio’s Italian Eatery comes in second. With countless locations and speedy delivery service, Mazzio’s is a favorite for those who want pizza and want it fast. Eat-in locations also boast a buffet. With two locations and a mobile food truck, Andolini’s Pizzeria has won over pizza fanatics with great crust and original toppings. A pizza topped with mac and cheese? Yes, please.
Oklahoma City also loves its Hideaway Pizza. Dermer’s BBQ Chicken – Hideaway barbecue sauce, layered with grilled chicken, mozzarella, red onions and bell peppers – or the classic Big Country, topped with every meat you can imagine plus cheddar cheese, are among the favorites at this storied pizza establishment that all started with a small shack in Stillwater. The Wedge Pizzeria creates wood-fired oven pizzas that come topped with everything from toasted walnuts and asiago cheese to mushrooms, roasted chicken and figs. Inventive pies, like the Flying Pig and Kick A** Pie, topped with fresh mozzarella, roasted tomatoes, calabrese peppers, soprassata and fresh oregano, are what makes Upper Crust the upper crust of pizzerias.
Place to Take Out-of-town Guests
When mom and dad are in town, it’s good to take them to a nice restaurant to show off your great city. Waterfront Grill in Tulsa is tops for places to take someone from out of town. The restaurant, located alongside the Arkansas River, serves great steaks, seafood and its signature prime rib. Juniper and Palace Café tie for second this year. Juniper, with its emphasis on fresh and local ingredients, provides inventive menu items and a glimpse at the food of Oklahoma. Palace Café offers a menu that includes everything from steaks to vegetarian options. A stylish décor and great cocktail menu make it a very impressive place. Stonehorse Café and Dragonmoon Tea Co. round out this year’s list. Located in Utica Square, the dishes that emerge from Chef Tim Inman’s kitchen at Stonehorse are as beautiful as they are tasty. Dragonmoon’s luncheon offerings, such as curry chicken salad and quiche, are best accompanied by a pot of tea.
Mickey Mantle’s Steakhouse is a terrific place to take out-of-towners, not only for a taste of great steak, but also for its view of the Bricktown Canal. The Metro Wine Bar and Bistro offers a taste of France in the heart of Oklahoma. Guests are treated to culinary delicacies as well as a stellar wine list. Cattlemen’s Steakhouse, located in Oklahoma City’s historic Stockyards District, is truly a taste from the past. Steaks are accompanied with hearty sides and a salad with that signature salad dressing.
Salads
Salads are the perfect way to begin a great meal, or for some, they are the star of the evening. The tableside Caesar salad preparation at Celebrity Restaurant earns it the top spot yet again as Best Salad in Tulsa. This historic restaurant’s combination of classic Caesar flavors still wows patrons. With creations such as the Rotisserie Turkey Cobb, Roasted Beet salad an the Butter Lettuce salad with tomato goat cheese crostini, Wolfgang Puck Bistro earns the second spot on this year’s list for its salads. Charleston’s Restaurant, a perennial favorite for salads, rounds out the list this year. Walt’s Champagne Chicken Salad and the Chicken Club Salad are just two reasons Charleston’s receives recognition year after year.
The fast-casual local chain Coolgreens wins Best Salads in Oklahoma City. With specialty salads as well as a build-your-own option, diners can make sure their salad is catered to specific tastes. Cheever’s Café, whose Southwest spin creates salads like the Quinoa Avocado Salad and a Cowboy Rubbed Salmon Salad, earns the second spot on this year’s list with Oklahoma City diners. Charleston’s Restaurant, once again, completes the top three in Oklahoma City.
Salsa
A tortilla chip is just not the same without its best friend and closest ally: salsa. When it comes to the best salsa in Tulsa, Los Cabos Mexican Grill and Cantina takes home the blue ribbon. Los Cabos has the mix of tomatoes, peppers, onions, garlic and vinegar perfected, and diners agree. Mi Cocina slides into second for having the best salsa in Tulsa. Café Olé rounds out the top three for Best Salsa in Tulsa.
Spicy salsa lands 1492 New World Latin Cuisine the top spot in Oklahoma City. Ted’s Café Escondido, with its mild and hot varieties of salsa, follows. Iguana Mexican Grill, along with complimentary salsa, also offers a salsa bar that includes salsa verde and citrus habanero salsa.
Seafood
Living in the heart of the country, one may think it’s difficult to find great seafood. But Bodean Restaurant & Market will have none of that talk. The restaurant and fish market sell seafood that is flown in fresh from the coasts. Oysters on the half-shell, Hazelnut Crusted Alaskan Halibut and Pan-seared Jumbo Sea Scallops are all highlights of Bodean’s menu. Bonefish Grill is also a great place for seafood. With entrees like Pecan Parmesan Crusted Rainbow Trout drizzled with lemon butter and a variety of grilled fishes, Bonefish can satisfy any seafood craving. White River Fish Market & Restaurant, conveniently located near the Tulsa International Airport, is a great place to go for the catch of the day. Buy seafood to prepare yourself, or let White River do the work for you.
If it swims, Mickey Mantle’s Steakhouse likely serves it. The steakhouse’s wide variety of seafood on the menu includes Cedar Plank Salmon, Pan Roasted Sea Bass and Alaskan King Crab Legs. Turn that steak into a surf and turf by adding a lobster tail. Pearl’s Oyster Bar, a seafood restaurant with a little bit of Creole influence, serves up great dishes, including oysters on the half-shell, crab cakes and Cioppino. Hefner Grill, serving crab bisque, fish and chips and other seafood staples, rounds out this year’s list.
Steakhouse
A great steakhouse offers a few things: a great cut of meat, fine wine and stellar service. In Tulsa, the restaurant that does the job the best, according to readers, is Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. The most prime cuts of meat combined with a carefully cultivated wine list makes Fleming’s a great place for a steakhouse experience. Mahogany Prime Steakhouse and Prhyme both grab the second spot. Mahogany prides itself on only providing the finest ingredients and wine to its patrons. Prhyme ages its own beef in-house, ensuring that everything served is to the exacting standards of Chef Justin Thompson. Freddie’s Bar-B-Que & Steakhouse and McGill’s round out the third spot. Freddie’s, the legendary Lebanese steakhouse, provides great meat in addition to the hummus, barbecued ribs, cabbage roll and tabouli that are served standard with nearly any entrée. McGill’s is still the place to go for a business lunch. Settle it over steak, and all will be well.
In Oklahoma City, Mickey Mantle’s Steakhouse is the place to go for a great piece of meat. The restaurant also boasts an impressive array of fresh seafood as well as a stocked bar and great wine list. With a distinctively Western theme and a stellar reputation for great steaks and service, Ranch Steakhouse has delivered to Oklahoma City customers for over a decade. Prime beef that is aged in-house and locally raised bison are two highlights of this steakhouse. Red PrimeSteak, winner of several national recognitions for its high-quality steak and wine list, rounds out the top three.
Stylish New Restaurant
Lots of restaurants open their doors within a year; only a few can be named the most stylish. Prhyme, located in the Brady Arts District, garners first place votes for its stylish ambiance and delicious meals. An extensive wine list chosen by sommelier Joe Breaux seals the deal. What was once a downtown Mid-century Modern bank is now a retro restaurant. The Vault serves classic comfort foods with a modern twist, and it lands in the second spot. Rounding out the top three are Rusty Crane, a great place in the Brady for burgers, wings and the specialty Yum-lada, and The Alley, a reincarnation of a classic Tulsa restaurant that serves pub fare with a distinctly gourmet touch.
Oklahoma City’s stylish new restaurants all have one thing in common: You’ve got to go downtown to get to them. The elevator ride is long, but the views are stunning. Vast, located on top of Oklahoma’s tallest building – the Devon Tower – offers sumptuous meals and desserts, all within an impeccably designed restaurant. Flint, inside the Colcord Hotel, emphasizes meat on its menu. Steaks and chops are complemented by attractive décor and attentive service. Kitchen No. 324, a breakfast-and-lunch hotspot, is a popular destination for freshly squeezed juices, gourmet coffee and, of course, the fried chicken pot pie.
Sunday Brunch
Regardless of what the rest of the week holds, Sundays can always be counted upon to bring relaxation and that most famous meal of the week: brunch. Waterfront Grill, offering staples like eggs benedict, corned beef hash and Belgian waffles, tops the list of Tulsa Sunday brunches. Palace Café, serving favorites like Green Eggs and Ham and Dale’s Famous Migas – eggs with onion, jalapeno and tomato served with a corn tortilla, avocado and home fries and black beans – is also a preferred brunch destination. Lucky’s Restaurant, notorious for fluffy biscuits with sage sausage gravy, and Doc’s Wine & Food, which puts a distinctively Creole spin on its brunch offerings, fill out the list in the third spot.
Rococo, with an impressive brunch buffet as well as the best crab cake benedict in town, and quite possibly the state, is voted tops in Oklahoma City for Sunday brunch. A variety of options and stellar Bloody Marys makes Rococo a go-go. Café do Brasil’s ethnic menu, complete with vegetarian specialties, rice dishes and Brasilian pie, makes this Brazilian eatery popular with those dining in downtown Oklahoma City. La Baguette Bistro, with its wide selection of savory crepes, quiche, pastry and strong drink, earn it the third spot for Sunday brunch in OKC.
Sushi
As a rule, sushi consists of shari (cooked vinegared rice) and fish or seafood. With such a basic palette, it’s not surprising that sushi chefs create innovative and delicious rolls. In Tulsa, In The Raw once again takes the top spot for best sushi in the 918. Fresh ingredients, a hip atmosphere and killer cocktails also add to the ambiance of In The Raw. Fuji, with two locations, is another staple for best sushi. Offering all-you-can-eat sushi as well as lunch specials, it’s a great joint when the cravings hit. Yokozuna, in the Blue Dome District, is a downtown hotspot for sushi at lunch or dinner.
In Oklahoma City, it’s also In The Raw that repeats as sushi champs. Locations in Bricktown and Norman ensure this nightly hotspot is always packed with diners looking for a great roll. Sushi Neko, that vernarable sushi restaurant on Western Avenue, comes in second for its rockin’ rolls. Other entrees, such as Cherry Blossom Beef Tenderloin and tuna steak, offer something for those who are looking for great Japanese cuisine. Okura Sushi & Grill rounds out Oklahoma City’s top three for terrific sushi, including the Hot-Dame, a tuna hand roll with Hot-Dame sauce.
Entertainment
18 Holes
Golfing takes a little athleticism, a little strategy and a lot of confidence. In Tulsa, Southern Hills Country Club takes the cake as top golf course in Tulsa. The course is unlike any other in America, and some of the hardest 18 holes to play in the region are right here at Southern Hills. Golf Club of Oklahoma, located in the rolling hills of eastern Oklahoma, offers beautiful trees and lush fairways. The 32-acre spring-fed lake adds to the beauty of the course. Rounding out the top three, Cherokee Hills Golf Club is the official course of Hard Rock Tulsa Hotel & Casino. The course, originally designed in 1924, offers four teeing places to accommodate golfers of all levels.
In Oklahoma City, Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club has been recognized by Golf Digest as one of the premier golf courses in Oklahoma. This par-71 has rolling hills and mature landscape, having been constructed in 1929. Gaillardia Country Club has played host to two PGA Senior Championships and is a regular playing course for several on the PGA tour. The course, designed by golfing legend Tom Kite, offers challenging playability. Rounding out the top three is Moore Golf & Athletic Club, whose 18-hole championship course is located on 145 acres. A driving range and short game practice area are also available for members.
Art Gallery
Oklahoma has no shortage of talented artists, and the art they create is sold in galleries in cities large and small. In Tulsa, M.A. Doran Gallery, located along Brookside, is a choice gallery for acquiring pieces by nationally recognized artists, as well as local artists including Otto Duecker, Kreg Kallenberger and Ann Garrett. Aberson Exhibit, also located on Brookside, carries contemporary works that are desirable to some of the area’s top art collectors. Joseph Gierek Fine Art, rounding out the top three, has been a Tulsa establishment for more than 30 years, representing artists in a variety of media, including painting, sculpting and mixed media.
Oklahoma City’s IAO Gallery, operated by Individual Artists of Oklahoma, represents a wide variety of the state’s artists. The gallery features thought-provoking works of art that enhance the public’s perception of the importance of art in society. DNA Galleries is an urban, contemporary art gallery displaying works by up-and-coming artists. DNA also offers a small retail shop with goods produced entirely by local artisans. Howell Gallery, rounding out this year’s top three, represents fine artists who work in a variety of media. Noted Oklahoma artists include Bennett Berry and Suzanne Mears.
Casino
You may know when to hold ‘em, but do you really know when to fold ‘em? Try your hand with Lady Luck at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa, which garners the top spot in this year’s survey. The casino boasts more than 2,600 electronic games as well as blackjack and a poker room. Hard Rock even hosts regular poker tournaments. River Spirit Casino offers poker progressive jackpots as well as monthly tournaments and a host of electronic games, earning it the second slot. Osage Casino and Downstream Casino & Resort share this year’s third spot. Osage, just minutes from downtown Tulsa, offers more than 1,000 electronic games, 11 table games and an eight-table poker room. Downstream provides an entire slot floor, with more than 2,000 games available for its patrons. Table games and a poker room are also offered at this northeast Oklahoma casino.
Riverwind Casino – bringing a little Las Vegas flair to Oklahoma – offers electronic and table games, off-track betting and Keno. Regular promotions mean there’s always something to be won at Riverwind. Winstar World Casino, located in tiny Thackerville, Okla., offers the standard gaming amenities, plus roulette, off-track betting and Keno, all in a stunning setting. Firelake Grand Casino, rounding out this year’s top three, offers a variety of gaming options as well as an entertainment venue that brings in some of the nation’s biggest acts.
Concert Venue
The biggest names in the entertainment industry are certain to be seen at BOK Center. The Tulsa arena consistently ranks among the top in the nation in terms of ticket sales, and the acts just keep getting bigger. Historic Cain’s Ballroom ranks second this year. Bringing acts of all sorts, from country and rock to reggae and rap, Cain’s is a top destination in Tulsa for music. Brady Theater brings music and comedy acts to its storied stage.
When it’s not hosting the Oklahoma City Thunder, Chesapeake Energy Arena brings in top acts from around the globe, from Bieber and Beyonce to NKOTB. Riverwind Casino keeps casino-goers entertained. Comedy, country and rock all converge at Riverwind’s event center. Civic Center Music Hall and Diamond Ballroom tie for third this year. Civic Center’s line-up includes award-winning musicals and world-renowned performers. Diamond Ballroom brings classic ‘80s artists as well as up-and-coming bands and solo artists to its stage.
Hotel
Whether it’s for family in town or you just need a night away from your own home, there are plenty of hotels in the state that offer top-notch amenities. The Mayo Hotel, renovated and reopened in 2008, hosts visitors to Tulsa in a lavish yet comfortable setting. An in-house restaurant and coffee shop add convenience to the hotel that offers luxurious rooms. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa comes in second this year. The hotel that towers above the casino includes 356 rooms, of which 56 are suites, with amenities like plasma TVs, expanded cable, free wi fi and walk-in showers. Ambassador Hotel houses just seven rooms and suites per floor, offering privacy and exclusivity. Be sure to dine at Ambassador’s award-winning restaurant, The Chalkboard.
The luxurious Skirvin Hilton Hotel is the hotel of choice in downtown Oklahoma City. Top-notch amenities and prime location, along with a lounge and celebrated restaurant, Park Avenue Grill. Colcord Hotel, a boutique hotel also located in downtown Oklahoma City, offers four distinct room options for patrons as well as the stylish restaurant, Flint. Waterford Marriott Hotel rounds out the top three. The four-diamond Oklahoma City hotel boasts an on-site spa and is close to downtown amenities as well as several area golf courses.
Local TV Station
We all have shows that we absolutely can’t miss. Some may not want to admit it openly, but the weekly results of The Bachelorette can definitely affect the rest of our week. In Tulsa, KOTV Channel 6, a CBS affiliate, takes tops for its programming of popular shows like NCIS, The Good Wife and The Big Bang Theory. Stellar news reporting by seasoned national and local anchors also earns KOTV the first place nod. KJRH Channel 2, the NBC affiliate in Tulsa, comes in second. With programming like the reality smash hits The Voice and America’s Got Talent and sit-coms like Parks and Recreation and Community, it’s easy to see why KJRH is so popular with viewers. KOKI Channel 23 rounds out the top three. American Idol, The New Girl, Glee and, of course, The Simpsons are all feathers in Fox’s hat.
In Oklahoma City, KWTV Channel 9, the CBS affiliate, earns the top spot according to our readers in that market. Consistent news coverage as well as favorite shows like Late Night with David Letterman, Criminal Minds and the CSI franchise all add up to a great network. NBC affiliate KFOR Channel 4 earns the second slot. Top anchors and shows like Saturday Night Live as well as a stellar daytime line-up earn KFOR second place. KOCO Channel 5, an affiliate of ABC, rounds out the top three. With reality shows like The Bachelorette and Shark Tank along with the top-rated sit-com Modern Family, KOCO pleases its audiences night after night.
Museum
There are all kinds of art and artifacts to be seen in the state. Tulsa readers have spoken, and Philbrook Museum earns the top spot as Best Museum this year. Philbrook regularly hosts popular traveling exhibitions and is also home to a stellar collection of everything from Asian art to modern and contemporary; the recent opening of a new studio space in the Brady Arts District has also created a lot of buzz for this historic museum. Gilcrease Museum comes in second place this year. As one of the country’s best facilities for the preservation and study of American art and history, the museum also houses the world’s largest and most comprehensive collection of art and artifacts of the American West. Thousands travel from all over annually to visit Gilcrease. Tulsa Air & Space Museum rounds out the top three. The museum boasts a planetarium as well as exhibits that include a wide variety of aircraft.
The Oklahoma City Museum of Art earns the top spot this year as Best Museum by Oklahoma City readers. Provocative exhibitions and collections ranging from Dale Chihuly glass to works by O’Keeffe and Renoir. The Noble Theater also provides museum-goers to view indie films in a comfortable theater. The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum and Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History both tie for second this year. The Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum brings exhibitions that showcase art of the American West, while permanent collections include monumental sculptures, the Western Performers Gallery and the American Rodeo Gallery. The Sam Noble Museum boasts collections that showcase the origins of Oklahoma. From skeletons of dinosaurs to collections of artifacts that showcase 11,000 years of history, the museum offers a glimpse into Oklahoma’s very storied past. Science Museum Oklahoma is a great place for young and not-so-young alike. Fun and educational exhibits get kids interested in learning about how the world works. A planetarium also offers a glimpse into the stars.
Place to Catch a Flick
Whether it’s the latest summer blockbuster or an Academy Award contender, there are plenty of places to view movies. In Tulsa, viewers prefer the accommodations of AMC Southroads 20. Roomy seating, 3D viewing and friendly staff make it a great place for catching a flick. Cinemark Tulsa also boasts 3D screens and comes in second place in this year’s survey. Circle Cinema, a boutique theater located in historic Kendall-Whittier, brings smaller movies that one may not catch at the larger theaters in town. Recent improvements have made watching a movie at Circle even more comfy.
Moore Warren Theatre is tops with our Oklahoma City readers for its upscale movie-viewing experience. Movie-goers can enjoy dinner and cocktails along with their film. Harkins Theatres, located in Bricktown, is a great place to go for catching the latest smash hit, especially in 3D. AMC Quail Springs Mall 24 brings the biggest and best movies to its screens, ensuring satisfied viewers each night.
Place to See and Be Seen
To be seen, you have to get out of the house. And when our readers want to be seen – or see – they head to Utica Square for shopping, yoga and cocktails with dinner. BOK Center is another great place to see and be seen, with concerts heating up the stage several times a month. Brady Arts District, Tulsa’s newest hotspot, is a great place to be seen having dinner, catching some live music or taking a stroll along the bustling sidewalks.
In Oklahoma City, it’s no wonder that those who are in the know go to Oklahoma City Thunder games. The city’s biggest big-wigs sit next to fans in a great show of support for Oklahoma’s NBA team. Bricktown is another popular hotspot. With dining, clubs and shopping available, there’s certainly something for most to enjoy. Chesapeake Energy Arena, home of the Thunder as well as some great concerts, rounds out the top three.
Professional Sports Team
Oklahomans love their sports, and there is no one they love more than the state’s only NBA team, the Oklahoma City Thunder. With its first-ever 60-win season coming in the 2012-2013 season, the Thunder look to top this past year’s accomplishments in the season to come. The Tulsa Drillers and Tulsa Shock share the second spot on this year’s survey. The Drillers, playing out of ONEOK Field, continue to please crowds with great play and those great weekend fireworks shows. The Tulsa Shock, Oklahoma’s only WNBA team, looks to improve upon the previous season, and with the acquisition of some key players, its stock will only continue to rise. The Oklahoma City RedHawks, Oklahoma City’s minor league baseball team, bring people out to the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark for America’s favorite pastime.
Resort in Oklahoma
Where are the best places to get away in the Sooner State? In Tulsa, readers say it’s Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa. Be sure to check into your room early and enjoy all it has to offer before dining at one of Hard Rock’s great restaurants, then head to the gaming floor or take in a show at The Joint, Hard Rock’s live music venue. The Canebrake and Quartz Mountain Resort Arts & Conference Center tie for second place this year. The Canebrake provides a relaxing atmosphere in which to recharge. Activities include spa services, yoga, birding and live music, and all this just a short drive from Wagoner. Quartz Mountain Resort provides relaxation, boating and water activities, hiking and golfing, all in the picturesque Wichita Mountains in southwest Oklahoma. Western Hills Guest Ranch, located along the shores of Fort Gibson Lake, offers an 18-hole golf course, boat rentals, paddle boats and fishing. Equestrian and nature trails, mountain biking and hiking are also popular activities at this guest ranch, which rounds out this year’s top three.
Echo Canyon Spa Resort, located in Sulphur, is tops with readers in Oklahoma City. Echo Canyon offers a full-service spa and fine dining at Baron of Beef. Beaver’s Bend Resort Park, located in the far southeast corner of Oklahoma, offers hiking, fly-fishing and other amenities. Visit nearby Hochatown for fine dining and shopping. Medicine Park, Oklahoma’s first resort town, is located at the entrance to the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, from shopping and museums to swimming and fishing.
Stop on the Radio Dial
There are terrific radio stations offering music and talk. In Tulsa, 740 AM KRMG earns the top spot for its news coverage as well as traffic reports. Tulsa’s NPR affiliate, 89.5 KWGS, offers coverage of local and national news as well as interesting and entertaining discussions and stories on current events. Rockers know to turn to 97.5 KMOD to hear the best of new and classic rock.
Top 40 hits are spinning 24/7 on 102.7 KJYO. The station plays everything from hip-hop and dance music to rock and pop. 98.9 KYIS, plays the biggest hits of today and from the ‘90s. Entertaining show hosts also make KISS FM a favorite. 101.9 KTST, also known as The Twister, plays the hottest country hits for teems of listeners and rounds out this year’s top three.
Wedding or Party Venue
There are many great parties in this state. But where do you go to throw the party of the century? In Tulsa, readers say The Mayo Hotel is the place to be. With luxurious décor and the Crystal Ballroom, along with a rooftop that offers views to die for, it is certainly a perfect backdrop for an unforgettable night. The Tulsa Convention Center offers event suites, an assembly hall and a giant ballroom. Couple that with excellent catering services and modern décor, and the possibilities of having your wedding or party at Tulsa Convention Center are endless. Harwelden Mansion and Post Oak Lodge, tied for third place in this year’s annual survey, provide more intimate settings for weddings and parties. Harwelden, an historic mansion in the Collegiate Gothic-English Tudor style, is on the National Register of Historic Places and provides a historical context for any event. Post Oak Lodge, resting on 1,000 acres of natural beauty, offers several indoor and outdoor venues for weddings and parties of all sizes. Onsite catering is also available.
In Oklahoma City, Castle Falls receives top billing as Best Wedding or Party Venue. Originally modeled after a Normandy castle, the castle offers several options, from space for up to 25 guests to dinners for up to 50. Natural beauty makes it a romantic setting for any event. Cole’s Garden offers gardens and banquet rooms, perfect for outdoor weddings with indoor receptions. With catering options offered by some of the city’s finest, Cole’s Garden offers a great venue for that special day. Skirvin Hilton Hotel rounds out this year’s top three. Offering plenty of room for weddings, receptions and parties, the hotel can also accommodate guests who choose to stay the night.
Weekend Getaway Destination
When Oklahomans need to get away from the daily grind, they head to northeast Oklahoma and to Grand Lake. With plenty of lodging and fun on the water, Grand Lake has been a summer destination for decades. Eureka Springs, Ark., is also a top getaway destination. Just a few hours’ drive from the state line, Eureka Springs is comprised of quaint streets lined with Victorian-esque buildings that specialize in everything from art to antiques, not to mention restaurants and bars. Dallas, Texas, that big city to the south, rounds out the top three weekend getaway destinations. With everything from dining and shopping to a thriving nightlife, Dallas has everything one could look for in a getaway.
Winery
There are great wineries across the state at which to sample wines. Girouard Vines, located in downtown Tulsa, is a great place to try inventive grape blends. Chris Girouard opened the winery in 2007 as a way to showcase his father’s hybrid vines. Tidal School Winery is another top winery in the state. Operating out of an old Drumright schoolhouse, Tidal School’s vintages have won state and national recognition. Girls Gone Wine and Summerside Vineyards wrap up the third spot. Girls Gone Wine is located in far southeast Oklahoma and offers a wide range of varietals, fun for both guys and gals. Summerside Vineyards is a lush vineyard located along Route 66 in Vinita.
Oklahoma City residents head over to Put A Cork In It, an urban winery located in the city’s Bricktown district. Sample wines handcrafted from the finest varietals. Rosebrook Vineyard is located in south Oklahoma City and provides many different varietals, inspired by wines from all over the world. Urban Wineworks, located in Oklahoma City’s trendy Plaza District, offers many wines to sample and purchase.
