ARCADE BARS In the modern era of video games and
smartphones, vintage arcades are pure nostalgia. And no place does digital nostalgia like Flashback RetroPub , a Film Row “barcade” decked out with retro memorabilia, signature drinks named after ‘80s movies and TV shows, and over 100 classic arcade games, from Super Mario to Frogger. Most games are free to play, and there’s a second room stocked with carnival-style games like Skee-Ball. Elsewhere, the Plaza District features Up-Down Arcade Bar , with house-made pizzas, a huge craft beer selection and two stories of 70-plus games, including video games like Mario Kart. And in the Paseo Arts District, Sauced on Paseo recently added an on-site arcade, complete with air hockey, Pac- Man and even old-school arcade carpeting. VINTAGE STORES The most stylish way to tap into OKC’s retro style is by visiting vintage shops and antique stores. The Plaza District, particularly, has become a hub for thrifting, with shops like Dig It , Bad Granny’s Bazaar and Magoo’s Attic slinging all manner of vintage clothes, art, decor and ephemera. In the Farmers Market District, The Antique Mall is a sprawling collective — in operation since 1971 — of various shops, selling everything from jewelry and cowboy boots, to Beanie Babies and vinyl records.
sauced on paseo
OLD-SCHOOL EATS A gravy-clad blast from the past, Sherri’s Diner serves the kind of chicken-fried comfort food travelers once used to fuel their Route 66 road trips. Although it didn’t open until the ‘80s, this south side institution is straight out of the ‘50s, bedecked with vintage Coca-Cola machines, a jukebox, bottomless mugs of coffee, and of course, hulking portions of breakfast and lunch fare. Breakfast is served all day, along with fried catfish, pork chops, blue plate specials and a case full of pies. The oldest continually operating restaurant in the state, Cattlemen’s Steakhouse is basically a meat museum in Stockyards City. This perfectly preserved restaurant first opened in 1910 as a place where ranchers and cowboys could grab a bite between cattle auctions. The restaurant changed hands in 1945, when owner Hank Frey lost it in a bet to Gene Wade, but it’s remained a steadfast tradition for locals, visitors, politicians and celebrities. The steakhouse is a rite of passage and a true timeworn tradition, famed for its filets, chicken-fried steak and infamous lamb fries. One of the more unique eateries in OKC, Junior’s is a swanky supper club hidden away in the Oil Center building, where — since its inception in 1973 — it’s been regarded as “The Oilman’s Oasis.” Time seemingly stands still here, where old-school service includes supper club staples like ice-cold martinis, rib-eye steaks, and for a drinkable dessert, house- made Brandy Ice. Check out the enclosed sunken piano bar after dinner for a musical nightcap. One of the most coveted stools in town can be found at a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it lunch counter, Nic’s Grill . Opened in 1997 by Justin Nicholas, the frills- free joint is best known for its griddled burgers, which are often touted as the best in the city — and command long lines that prove it.
PSST... HERE’S AN INSIDER TIP!
LUCAS ROSS Oklahoman and Banjo Enthusiast
“There are two things I love, and that’s good
cheese and good music. Lucky for us in Bricktown, both are within walking distance! Did you know The Melting Pot is a perfect date night? And nothing says fun like trying out an instrument, which you can do at the American Banjo Museum—located just south of The Melting Pot. That’s what I call a perfect date! Plus, now through October 2026, you can see Kermit the Frog with his banjo from the “Muppet Movie” as part of the “Pop! Goes the Banjo” exhibit. (Or should we call it ex-ribbet?)”
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