Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Oklahoma City

OpenTable

Updated May 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Oklahoma City? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

AKAI Sushi-Ya & Izakaya

4.9

4.9 (33)

$31 to $50

Japanese

Oklahoma City

About the restaurant

Joining friends and neighbors around a table to enjoy outstanding food has always brought comfort, whether in good times or bad. We hope that your experience at AKAI brings you the same joy. Discover a place where you can connect over premium sushi and meticulously crafted cocktails.
We are honored to serve you, and whether you seek to explore new flavors or stick to familiar favorites, you are always our cherished guest.

Top review

AmyVIP

Dined on May 4, 2025

Everything was great! I am pretty sure they’ve got the best sushi in OKC. The service was fantastic and the cooked food was also delicious.

Picasso on Paseo

4.8

4.8 (1906)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Paseo Arts

About the restaurant

Eating is a community experience. Like art, our restaurant is only as strong as the people who support it. We aren’t in the Paseo by accident. This place is home: filled with all walks of like-minded life that love to eat, drink and laugh the same way we do.

That also goes for our vendors. We’re not just local because of who owns the kitchen. We buy our fresh ingredients from local purveyors and farmers, too. It’s our way of giving back to the same economy that keeps us going.

Looking for a career? HumanKind Hospitality Services is a great place to work! Apply online.

Top review

Karen

Dined 3 days ago

Great food, beautifully presented! Attentive service & fast seating. Very, very good. A bit loud, but expected & tolerable. Everyone was very courteous. 😍

Awaji Izakaya

4.8

4.8 (196)

$30 and under

Japanese

Memorial Square

About the restaurant

We invite you to embark on a journey into Japanese gastropub culture at Awaji Izakaya. Our mission remains steadfast: to provide an exceptional dining experience that seamlessly blends the traditional flavors of Japan with a contemporary twist.

We offer an intimate, dimly lit ambiance that encapsulates the spirit of a Japanese gastropub. We proudly present the freshest seafood available in the OKC market, complemented by delightful yakitori, expertly crafted cocktails, and refreshing Japanese beers and sakes.

Chef Richard Ly's menu boasts a diverse array of small plates, otsumami, prepared with a commitment to using the freshest, locally sourced ingredients for the highest quality. With each tantalizing bite, our aim is to transport you to the vibrant streets of Japan.

Omotenashi, the spirit of genuine hospitality, underpins our commitment to excellence from the moment you enter. Our ultimate goal is to create enduring memories for our valued guests, no matter the occasion.

Top review

LaurenVIP

Dined on May 3, 2025

I always have a great experience at Awaji! Thad made our evening extra fun!

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Experience

Unwind with Happy Hour Delights!

Republic Gastropub - Classen Curve

4.7

4.7 (216)

$30 and under

Gastro Pub

Western Avenue

About the restaurant

Republic is a contemporary American Public House bridging the gap between beer bar and upscale eatery. Our emphasis is on American craft beer and an imaginative menu built specifically to complement this beverage. With 100 unique beers drawn from custom taps, close to 250 hand selected bottles from around the world, a zippy wine list, and unique cocktails, there is no shortage of thirst quenching options to pair with our modern American takes on classic pub food favorites. We are a neighborhood gathering place with a high energy atmosphere, sleek décor and one of the best audio visual systems in the country to watch your favorite sporting event. Welcome to our Republic!

Top review

SusieVIP

Dined on May 3, 2025

Always a fun time at Republic! Food, drinks, and service are all great! Thank you, Piper

Redrock Canyon Grill - Norman

4.7

4.7 (954)

$30 and under

American

Norman

About the restaurant

Join us daily in Norman right by the dancing water fountains at Legacy Park. Before dining, enjoy a cocktail from our outdoor bar and our delicious Millionaire Shrimp on our patio with the aromas of roasting chicken on our wood-burning rotisserie. Experience our lively exhibition kitchen at center stage, which defines the comfort food experience. Highlights include our Short Smoked North Coast Salmon, BBQ Pork Ribs and incredible house-made Key Lime Pie. We look forward to welcoming you!

Top review

Ashleigh

Dined 2 days ago

Had an amazing brunch with my kiddo for my mom's day. Everything is always fantastic.

Tequila Chulos

4.5

4.5 (270)

$31 to $50

Mexican

Nichols Hills

About the restaurant

Upscale Mexican Cuisine & Tequila Bar in Nichols Hills
Large Tequila & Mezcal Collection

Top review

TerriVIP

Dined on May 5, 2025

Great food and service. Love that they take reservations.

Mesero - Oklahoma City

4.5

4.5 (36)

$30 and under

Mexican

Oklahoma City

About the restaurant

Mesero is beyond Tex Mex, but lives up to its promise of Mexican Spirit American Life. One taste of the iconic Queso Mesero and brisket tacos will keep you coming back for more. The shrimp loaded ceviche is truly crave worthy. Be sure not to skip the amazing drink list, it’s the best part!

Top review

Cindi

Dined 2 days ago

We had a large table full of people on Mother’s Day and the waiter was very good! Food was wonderful and the atmosphere was great!

The Manhattan OKC

4.1

4.1 (327)

$30 and under

American

Bricktown

About the restaurant

The Manhattan OKC is your neighborhood restaurant and bar in the heart of downtown. A timeless classic like the drink itself, The Manhattan OKC is a casual place to meet friends for a cocktail and bite to eat. Conveniently located in the Central Business District, The Manhattan OKC offers drink and food options Lunch, Happy Hour and later. Skip rush hour and join us for a classic cocktail, glass of wine or craft beer.

Enjoy sandwiches, salads and appetizers. Our simple menu will have options for every time of the day. You can dine-in, take advantage of the patio or order for the whole office using GrubHub, our online To-Go ordering service. The Manhattan OKC is open late with food and drink specials during Thunder games, Civic Center concerts and other downtown events.

Top review

Joe

Dined on May 2, 2025

Though they were short-staffed, the manager kept us informed and even attended to our table personally. Food was fantastic, this small restaurant has a big personality, and we loved it.

Jack Rabbit

4.0

4 (14)

$30 and under

American

Oklahoma City

About the restaurant

Step into Jack Rabbit, where local charm meets modern energy. Inspired by Oklahoma’s black-tailed jack rabbit, this lively spot offers expertly crafted cocktails and elevated comfort food.

Top review

TerriVIP

Dined on Apr 29, 2025

Service was excellent all around. The menu is a little limited and doesn’t offer very many healthy options. Not sure why you’d use Wagyu beef for a chicken fried steak. My dad said it was good, but not great. Rotisserie chicken was very good, as was the filet mignon. Burger was a bit overcooked, but was good. Grilled salmon was very good. All dishes were nicely presented. The fried Mac and cheese was interesting and tasty, but I wouldn’t order again. Carrot cake was very dense and dry. However, the peach cobbler was excellent. Enormous wine and cocktail list that weirdly prices out every single liquor they offer. Not sure who orders a shot of peach liqueur, but there it is! There are 6 pages of alcohol menu and two pages of food…odd. The restaurant space is huge and very bright. The kitchen is open, which I like. All in all a good experience, but look forward to the other restaurants in the resort opening.

Hillwilly's Kitchen & Bar

4.0

4 (23)

$30 and under

Contemporary Southern

Oklahoma City

About the restaurant

Hillwilly's Kitchen and Bar brings Southern charm to Midtown, Oklahoma City with a modern twist. Step into a warm atmosphere featuring rustic and vintage memorabilia creating a welcoming, exciting space.

Enjoy a casual yet refined dining experience with classic Southern comfort food that has a gourmet edge. The menu highlights locally sourced ingredients, smoked meats, hearty sides, and signature cocktails that embody the Western spirit. We have live entertainment 7 days a week!

Savor dishes like slow-smoked brisket, crispy fried chicken, and creamy mac and cheese. Complement your meal with a craft beer or a signature cocktail, such as the "Hillbilly Spicy Margarita" or "Honey Citrus Sidecar."

On weekends, Hillwilly's transforms into a lively destination with live Country DJ performances, inviting guests to dance and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Join us for a taste of the South, where tradition meets modern flair. Come hungry. Leave happy. Maybe even a little two-steppin’ tipsy.

Top review

Dined 2 days ago

Mason was a fantastic server, very attentive and quick. Food was great for a Mother's Day brunch. Only complaint would be the music was much too loud for a Sunday morning. We sat outside to avoid the brunt and that really didn't help that much.

Discover more

Experience

Biscuits, Boots, & Beats Brunch

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