Hi all,

My name is Adam Knapp, and I'm the Oklahoma City guide over at About.com (http://okc.about.com/). I'm a longtime lurker here at OKCTalk, have posted a few times and refer city newbies to these discussions quite frequently.

My reason for posting today is that I'm putting together an article (possibly more than one based on classification) on some of the best bars and nightclubs around the city. The problem? Well, I'm not a big bar-goer and don't have a lot of knowledge of that scene unfortunately.

So I'm reaching out to my fellow OKC enthusiasts and asking for thoughts and opinions. What are your favorite bars and clubs around the metro and why? Help me decide which places I absolutely must try before writing the article(s).

I'm a little old for the nightclubs, but I do frequent Belle Isle for the beer and food and VZD's for the bands and premium pitcher specials...Dan McGuinness in Moore has great food and usually has decent bands as well

Louie's Lakeside is a great happy hour spot

Hello Adam! I enjoy your work for Oklahoma City at about.com. You do an excellent job!

I happen to know a couple of 20 and 30 somethings that tell me several things. Keep in mind that this is a certain subset only - kinda preppy.

1. Baker Street Pub - Meat market deluxe in Oklahoma City.

2. CityWalk - Just named one of the country's "best places to find women" in Men's Health magazine (new February issue).

Two hot spots for a certain type. Others can help here I am sure. :)

Isis in the passeo is a great place.

Going to city walk or bakers street is, at best, something to do while waiting to die.

Isis in the passeo is a great place.

Going to city walk or bakers street is, at best, something to do while waiting to die.

I might agree with you. BUT....there are probably plenty of places YOU go and things that YOU do that many people would consider "something to do while waiting to die". Your preferences, my preferences are not "right" or "wrong" they are our - preferences. Others have theirs. They are no better - or worse than we are.

ms. doodikins? I haven't seen you since kindergarten! how have you been!!!

ms. doodikins? I haven't seen you since kindergarten! how have you been!!!

Cute. But, do you disagree? Or, does what Shunt thinks equal the holy gospel?

I think that City Walk and Baker's Street are places flooded with people who hate who they are and just want something..anything...

frat boys, date rape, countless fights every night.....fat white bleach blonde girls wearing tierras (sp) ...not really my cup of tea.

I think that City Walk and Baker's Street are places flooded with people who hate who they are and just want something..anything...

frat boys, date rape, countless fights every night.....fat white bleach blonde girls wearing tierras (sp) ...not really my cup of tea.

That was my point. Not MY cup of tea either. But a lot of young people like the place and I'm not going to force my 48 year old opinions on them. I was young once and lived day and night to chase the poontang. It was constant, day in - day out. I'm not proud of it and finally got help for the constant need for new ladies. I would hope younger guys today take a long look before making this lifestyle a habit. But then, this has been going on since the first cave people laid eyes on the opposite sex.

Heres a vid I took at the hi lo...I was there w/ some friends...not my favorite place, but better than city walk...which if asked to describe in 7 words I would call "the total failure of the human spirit"

C1p-UsVIxt4

I'm with easy180. Dan McGuinness in Moore and Belle Isle are both great places. Dan McGuinness has some of the best food in town (for my taste buds anyway), and that includes restaurants.

If you are seriously thinking about a bar/club register of sorts for OKC, please include the gay establishment as well. Any self-respecting metopolis needs a thriving gay scene and OKC is no exception. Although I don't live in the city :pink_elep anymore, I do know that there is quite a gay center on 23rd and Penn. Would be great if a local could elaborate on the choices.

I thought it was more in the vicinity of 39th and May.

I'm a big fan of VZDs, bin 73 and ISIS. Good live music, no smoking, and interesting crowds.

I think that City Walk and Baker's Street are places flooded with people who hate who they are and just want something..anything...

frat boys, date rape, countless fights every night.....fat white bleach blonde girls wearing tierras (sp) ...not really my cup of tea.

Great generalization. Are you one of those 50 year olds who go stare at their beer all night and feel sorry for yourself?

I'm also a big fan of Isis for the ambiance, although it is indeed not "nonsmoking."

My faves: Isis, Galileo, Flip's, Lit, Red Piano, the Park (great gay bar that appeals to heteros as well), Sidecar, the Hi-Lo, VZD, Deep Deuce.

Saturday's can be good at XO Lounge (with DJ Mooneyham).

solitude: Thanks so much for the kind words. I really appreciate that.

And thanks to everyone as well for all the great suggestions so far. I'm a fan of Isis as well; it's one of the few I've visited more than once. I've also been to CityWalk. I would say it's not really my cup of tea either, but I definitely see the appeal. The differences between those kinds of places are part of the reason I'm considering multiple articles. Of course, that's getting ahead of myself probably. I still have plenty of sampling to do.

David brought up another area of coverage I'm looking to expand in the future and another for which I don't have a great knowledge base unfortunately.

Glad I made the decision to post here. You guys are a wealth of knowledge! :-)

You're most welcome, Adam. It's deserving though. In case you are being humble by not posting the URL - I'll do it! About.com - Oklahoma City (http://okc.about.com/). And folks, keep in mind all the links on the left side are Oklahoma City specific. He really has done a marvelous job.

You're most welcome, Adam. It's deserving though. In case you are being humble by not posting the URL - I'll do it! About.com - Oklahoma City (http://okc.about.com/). And folks, keep in mind all the links on the left side are Oklahoma City specific. He really has done a marvelous job.

Well, I do try to be humble, but maybe not enough... I put the URL in the first post. :Smiley063

Many of the resources might not be of great help to the seasoned OKC vets on this board, but I try to spread my coverage out as much as possible. My hope is that everyone can find a little something of interest. Of course, there's a lot of my personal opinion in addition to the resource items, and I encourage other OKC residents to offer their perspectives as well.

Cock o' the Walk and Sipango on Western are classics. Edna's as well.

while I'm at it - the Red Rooster, Blue Note, and of course - The Mill... one hell of a dive w/ the rare shuffleboard.

Almost forgot the 3020 club - can't forget about the 'nam vets!

Well, I do try to be humble, but maybe not enough... I put the URL in the first post. :Smiley063

Many of the resources might not be of great help to the seasoned OKC vets on this board, but I try to spread my coverage out as much as possible. My hope is that everyone can find a little something of interest. Of course, there's a lot of my personal opinion in addition to the resource items, and I encourage other OKC residents to offer their perspectives as well.

I missed that you had posted the link! I noticed that several people here began changing the color and underlining links because the default link color is horrible. I started doing that changing myself. It is very hard to see that the linked item is really a link with the default. Compare the link in your first post with my link in the post above and you'll see what I mean. At any rate, we got it in there twice! :)

While I'm bragging on you....the thing I really like about what you have done is the way you have very nicely integrated so much about Oklahoma City in one spot. Your guide is a first-rate stop for tourists or a newcomer to the city. You do a great job of pulling it all together.

Back on topic (sorry): wsucougz's post has some good stuff in it. The old classics on Western are places where time stands still.

The gay district in Oklahoma City is at NW 39 and Pennsylvania Ave, not particularly at the other intersections as noted above (though some clubs are scattered around the city). There are eight bars/clubs in the district alone:

Angles -- A longtime favorite for both the gay and straight community. It recently was sold to Nick Post, owner of The Copa, and he has begun some renovations on the club. It's been around well over 20 years.

The Park -- Considered by many as a neighborhood "Cheers" type of bar for the GLBT community. A great place to get a martini and visit with friends. It attracts a variety of folk, mostly a younger gay crowd.

The Wreck Room -- This is the club for those under 21. Personally, not a place I frequent. They do not have alcohol, but it is a place for the younger set to get familiar with the club scene. Location also of up-and-coming drag queens.

Phoenix Rising -- Though originally it was considered a "leather" bar, this place attracts a varied mix of people. Great place to kick back and play a game of darts.

Tramps -- Probably the bar in OKC that serves the strongest drinks. You ask for a rum and coke, and there will be a splash of coke in the glass. The crowd is mostly older, though on the weekends a younger set will invade.

The Copa -- Currently, the most popular GLBT club. Typically a line to get in on Friday or Saturday nights. Expect typical drink prices/alcohol percentages along with dance music and a younger crowd. (Inside the Habana Inn).

The Ledo -- A piano/karaoke bar. Very quiet and laid back. (Also inside the Habana).

The Finish Line -- The GLBT country/western bar. Expect what you'd see at any other country bar, except here you'll find the guys in Wranglers dancing with guys in Wranglers.

Then, if you go beyond the gay district, you will find The Boom, Partners, HiLo, Sidecar, Alibi's and Excuses (though I am sure there may be others, and this message isn't to say that ONLY gay people frequent this list).

That was my point. Not MY cup of tea either. But a lot of young people like the place and I'm not going to force my 48 year old opinions on them. I was young once and lived day and night to chase the poontang. It was constant, day in - day out. I'm not proud of it and finally got help for the constant need for new ladies. I would hope younger guys today take a long look before making this lifestyle a habit. But then, this has been going on since the first cave people laid eyes on the opposite sex.

Arrgh!

Is it always like this here? Look, this person doesn't care for these places and has suggested Isis. You do like them. If you are adults, there should be no quarrel. And words like the p one above? Not very classy, nor is it respectful to women.

(Now i remember why i don't like message boards... :-<)

Poontang?

I don't frequent the OKC scene too much outside of a few trips to Bricktown and Western. I live in Norman so the scene down here keeps me plenty busy. I went and saw There Will Be Blood last night at the AMC 24 (only place it's playing in OKC) so afterwards we checked out Baker Street because it was nearby. Really good crowd and great cover band with lots of people dancing. Mostly late 20's/early 30's types.

Oh please don't write up cover bands! No offense, but that's lame.

For live music, make sure to include something about The Conservatory, which brings more touring indie rock/alt bands (and not cover bands) than in club in OKC.

Also, if you expand to the Norman area, make sure to mention The Opolis.

Arrgh!

Is it always like this here? Look, this person doesn't care for these places and has suggested Isis. You do like them. If you are adults, there should be no quarrel. And words like the p one above? Not very classy, nor is it respectful to women.

(Now i remember why i don't like message boards... :-<)


So, let's see if I get you right....you don't like arguing on message boards. Yet, you come in and within 9 posts you are policing this message board and you, yourself, are being argumentative.

You also missed my point. I was responding to SHUNT who made some pretty awful remarks about people who like CityWalk and Baker Street. I said it wasn't my cup of tea but I wasn't going to stand in judgment; yet you think I was doing something wrong?

Sorry if I offended you with poontang. I maybe shouldn't have used the word, but really, I can't imagine showing up as a newbie at a message board, taking the time to register, start posting and then - within 9 posts - joining in the arguments on one side or the other and then try to tell us what and how to say things without offending you. Weird.

In fact, now that I'm thinking about it...........You posted strongly about being anti-NBA tax, you posted a defense of SHUNT in this thread and you resurrected a year old thread started by the now banned SHUNT. Hmmmmm. Very interesting.

Banninated.

I would also recommend looking at RedPin Bowling Lounge in Bricktown for a different bar experience. Great bar, food and atmosphere.

If you are seriously thinking about a bar/club register of sorts for OKC, please include the gay establishment as well. Any self-respecting metopolis needs a thriving gay scene and OKC is no exception. Although I don't live in the city :pink_elep anymore, I do know that there is quite a gay center on 23rd and Penn. Would be great if a local could elaborate on the choices.

its actually 39th Street (and Penn), and yes it is quite a club district that most don't (or refuse) to know about.

NW 39th Street Enclave - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NW_39th_Street_Enclave) Oklahoma City's Gayhood

Soonerj beat me to it. Great list.

Location also of up-and-coming drag queens.

WHAT??????

?? ^^

you didn't know OKC had a gay scene? Thriving at that.

I must say that Wikipedia article makes OKC sound like the next San Fran.

For what it's worth, I've entertained friends from Tokyo, Seoul, San Francisco, etc....for nights out in OKC....all straight, I should add.....and the hits of the night were Copa and Angles. Definitely a fun night out whether you're gay or straight.

They all begged me never to take them again to Grahams or Club Rodeo. I thought a little Oklahoma culture would be a good experience but was way wrong.

I've had a blast every time I've gone into any of the clubs on 39th.

You're most welcome, Adam. It's deserving though. In case you are being humble by not posting the URL - I'll do it! About.com - Oklahoma City (http://okc.about.com/). And folks, keep in mind all the links on the left side are Oklahoma City specific. He really has done a marvelous job.
Though I can't help much with the bar/club scene, it would be wrong for me not to say that I agree, solitude ... Adam, your AboutOkc website is first class! Great job!

I did stop in the Red Piano late (for me) last week ... about 10 pm after returning from a short out of town trip with my wife ... we were hungry but the few restaurants we were interested in had closed about that time ... so we went to Red Piano ... probably would have enjoyed staying/eating there (it's a nice little spot) except for one thing: VOLUME ... must be something about my ears, but why it is that upper register ladies' voices tweaked up a few decibels makes my ears hurt probably has something to do with my age ... and we didn't stay for that reason! I've been to the Dan McGuinness Irish pub in Moore already mentioned and like it. I'd suppose that the soon-to-open McNellies in Plaza Court would be very nice. And, I understand that the place at NW 12th & Walker (I think) ... forget the name and it's probably been mentioned ... is very popular. If not already mentioned, someone else can help with the name. I like the bar in the 2nd floor of Nonna's in Bricktown and have been to Mickey Mantel's a couple of times and liked them both.

See ... I don't know nuttin'! Mainly, I just wanted to compliment you, Adam, on your good work!

The place I vaguely alluded to on Walker is the Bossa Nova bar, part of Cafe do Brazil, 440 NW 11th:
-Cafe do Brasil- (http://www.cafedobrazilokc.com/)

Though I can't help much with the bar/club scene, it would be wrong for me not to say that I agree, solitude ... Adam, your AboutOkc website is first class! Great job!

Thank you very much, Doug. Coming from you, that means a great deal.

Keep the suggestions coming guys! It's going to be a fun night when I go out to try all these places... :dizzy:

I think it helps to break down the area and understand that since OKC is so spread out there are different market areas. Norman/Moore, NW OkC, Paseo, Western, Edmond, and Bricktown.

All of the live music venues I think have been mentioned with the exception of -

The Blue Door
The Blue Note
Galileo's
Drinkz
Tapwerks
UCO Jazz Lounge

The following bars -
Lumpy's
Henry Hudsons Pub
Hawaiin Don's
The Wolftrap
The Cross Eyed Moose

And don't forget the restaurant/bar places -
The Mont
The Mantel
Nonna's
Bourban Street Cafe
and all the lakeside restaurants - Pearls, Red Rock, and the new Mexican place. All have outside patios and live music on weekends from april - september.

btw - liT has the best freaking sound system of all the music venues.

Also the casinos have a great bar area with live music - Remington and Riverwind especially.

I think it helps to break down the area and understand that since OKC is so spread out there are different market areas. Norman/Moore, NW OkC, Paseo, Western, Edmond, and Bricktown.

All of the live music venues I think have been mentioned with the exception of -

The Blue Door
The Blue Note
Galileo's
Drinkz
Tapwerks
UCO Jazz Lounge

The following bars -
Lumpy's
Henry Hudsons Pub
Hawaiin Don's
The Wolftrap
The Cross Eyed Moose

And don't forget the restaurant/bar places -
The Mont
The Mantel
Nonna's
Bourban Street Cafe
and all the lakeside restaurants - Pearls, Red Rock, and the new Mexican place. All have outside patios and live music on weekends from april - september.

btw - liT has the best freaking sound system of all the music venues.

Also the casinos have a great bar area with live music - Remington and Riverwind especially.

Adam, Listen to her ^^^^ She works in the live music biz and could give you some great info on that sort of thing as you continue to expand your guide.

Adam, Listen to her ^^^^ She works in the live music biz and could give you some great info on that sort of thing as you continue to expand your guide.


awww, thanks! :Smiley051 (I'll pay you later...)

WHAT??????

I'm not sure if you are being serious or sarcastic, but I'll be happy to elaborate a bit on that. Many of the gay clubs/bars have a drag queen presence, with regular weekly shows featuring performers who've been doing drag for decades, believe it or not. However, the Wreck Room (being that it is a place for the under 21 to hang out) is the spot where many young gay men (who feel the call) can get involved in the drag community.

You'd be quite surprised at the drag scene in OKC, if you aren't familiar with it. Tony Sinclair and Ginger Lamar have been performing at clubs for YEARS. And, many of the female impersonators actually actively participate in fund-raising events to help out local HIV/AIDS charities. The men, themselves, often have great jobs throughout the metro but enjoy the opportunity to entertain on certain nights of the week or on the weekends.

Spent many Saturday nights at Angles back in the mid 90's...Great atmosphere, dj's and a large crop of hot womenz

Best part is as a guy it was the only time I've ever had someone give me free drinks :tiphat:

Best part is as a guy it was the only time I've ever had someone give me free drinks :tiphat:

Kinda cool when that happens huh?

up-and-coming drag queens.


Can someone please enlighten my what that is?

Serious question.


I'm not gay but have some friends that are. I've never heard them talk about a training period to become a queen.

lol he just means that drag queens (as entertainers) have to start somewhere, just like musicians or stand up comedians.

Most Okies think that the term "drag queen" has something to do with women and the NHRA.

I ask this on another thread, but I'll try here as well. Where are the best places to "hook-up" with 35-50 age women.

I don't know where, but if the numbers in your username are your birthday...

I enjoyed going to the club called Mardi Gras although I haven't been there in 2 years, it's on NW and 50th, nice atompsere

For cougar hunting, which is what I guess Sooner is referring to, I suggest Groovy's. Also go to Red Rock on Thursdays in the summer and then head to Bakers St after that. This is just what I have observed