Sauced on Paseo
2912 Paseo Drive
521-9800
A slice a day will keep the bad vibes at bay. That’s the motto at this Paseo pizza house. Well, it should be, anyway! The best part is the patio and live music, and the fact it stays open until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Try the bruschetta ($6.50) to start and split the handtossed loaded Hawaiian ($12-$20) or tangy Buffalo chicken ($12-$20) with your friends. Wash it down with an Izze soda ($3) or Coop Horny Toad ($5.50).
Pachinko Parlor
1 N.W. Ninth
601-8900
With a giant, light-wrapped sycamore, complete with a disco ball sparkling above the patio, the decor is almost enough in itself. Pair that with later hours based on business each night, and inventive sushi rolls like the chicken curry ($10) and the Victory Doll ($14), which is full of seared tuna and arugula, and you’ve got yourself a swanky evening. Check out its new site at pachinkoparlorokc.com and follow on Twitter at @PachinkoParlor for updates.
The Mont
1300 Classen Blvd., Norman
329-3330
If you’ve never tried this iconic hot spot in Norman, make an excuse to do so. It’s open until 2 a.m. daily, so there you go! Mozzarella cheese sticks ($6.29) are always a good start, served with your choice of honey, ranch or marinara. Try one of the burgers: the queso burger ($6.49), a newer addition with chili con queso, and garden burger ($6.59), a healthier option with herbed mayo. Like The Mont on Facebook for updates and specials.
Joey’s Pizzeria
700 W. Sheridan
525-0545
Start with Joey’s meatballs ($6.99 for eight) or attempt Joey’s sampler platter ($7.99-$9.99) if you’re in the mood for variety. Can’t decide between meatballs and pizza? Don’t! Joey’s meatball pizza ($9.99-$13.99) will hit the spot. Of course, there are additional toppings if you want something besides the basics. Calzones ($8.99-$18.99), pasta dishes, salads and submarine sandwiches are also on the menu. Have the Italian cream cake ($6.50) for dessert.
Bolero
200 S. Oklahoma
602-0652
Whether you are indoor or outdoor in this classy tapas bar, you’ll feel the open atmosphere, as well as enjoy the upscale yet relaxed cuisine. Even if you aren’t hungry and don’t try anything else, you have to partake of the golden-fried goat cheese drizzled with honey ($7). The asparagus with roasted almonds ($7) is a close second. If you’ve got someone who’ll share a dish with you, paella Bolero for two is the clear choice ($42).
Tapwerks Ale House & Cafe
121 E. Sheridan
319-9599
The place is open late, has an extensive beer list and serves its full menu until late. What more could you ask for? It’s pub food with a gourmet twist. The Monte Cristo ($8.99) is a ham and turkey sandwich with mustard on sourdough bread, then lightly battered and deep fried. Served with a side of honey, the combination is worth the splurge. Get the baked cod ($10.99) with rice and veggies, or the crispy chicken salad ($7.99). While you’re in, try one of the more than 300 beers.
Bill’s Island Grill
1013 S.W. 89th
631-2300
It’s late and you’re in the mood for some coastal eats? No problem! Try the Tsunami Cheese Fries ($6.99) that come covered with cheese, bacon, green onions, sour cream and house-made ranch. Keep it light with the Barbary Coast salad ($6.99), which comes with carrots, cheese, peppers, tomatoes and jerk chicken on a bed of mixed greens. The jalapeño tilapia ($10.99) comes with rice and veggies and is lightly blackened.
This article appears in May 30 – Jun 5, 2012.