Best of OKC 2013 – Places

Best concert venue
CHESAPEAKE ENERGY ARENA 100 W. Reno
It’s
not just the place to see the OKC Thunder make grown men cry — tears of
joy, usually. The arena has attracted a gaggle of big-name acts,
including Beyoncé, Rihanna, Lil Wayne and Keith Urban. After the May
tornadoes, it was the venue of choice for a relief concert headlined by
The Flaming Lips and Kings of Leon.
2. Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N. Walker
3. The Zoo Amphitheatre, 2101 N.E. 50th
Worth mentioning: The Blue Door, Diamond Ballroom Best dance club
GROOVY’S 5705 Mosteller Drive Boasting
a disco ball, a late-night confetti drop and killer jams from the ’70s,
’80s and ’90s, “One Way or Another” Groovy’s is gonna getcha, getcha,
getcha. Where else is it encouraged to “Push It” real good and impress
friends with “Wannabe” pop-star choreography? “Quit Playing Games” with
your heart because that “Tiny Dancer” inside is ready to moonwalk,
robot, toes-stand and crotch-grab.

2. The Copa, 2200 N.W. 39th Expressway
3. Kamps 1310 Lounge, 1310 N.W. 25th
Worth mentioning: Candy Nightclub, City Walk

Best karaoke bar
NANCY’S 57TH STREET LIGHTHOUSE 5708 N. May “Don’t Stop Believing” that the metro’s frustrated crooners love Nancy’s! There’s a reason Gazette readers
have named it the go-to karaoke bar for the third year in a row. Suffer
from stage fright? No worries! Nancy’s offers plenty of liquid courage
in the form of delicious cocktails.

2. Cookie’s, 2304 N. Western
3. Henry Hudson’s Pub, several metro locations
Worth mentioning: By George’s Tavern, City Walk, Don Quixote Club, JJ’s Saloon

Sharing
the namesake of Oklahoma City’s historic arts district, the Paseo
Originals Art Gallery opens its doors to rookie and veteran
exhibitioners each month during the Paseo First Friday Gallery Walk —
and all the days in between, too. For noncommissioned artists and
non-established collectors, this contemporary gallery provides a local
reference point in the vast and varied art world.

2. Individual Artists
of Oklahoma (IAO) Gallery, 706 W. Sheridan
3. DNA Galleries, 1709 N.W. 16th
Worth mentioning: JRB Art at the Elms, Twisted Root Gallery

Best museum
OKLAHOMA CITY MUSEUM OF ART 415 Couch The Oklahoma City Museum of Art has long performed two jobs: Showcase
today’s visual arts and preserve yesterday’s for future generations. The
downtown museum exhibits nationally and internationally acclaimed art —
not to mention its permanent Dale Chihuly glass collection — and boasts
a film program that has been a godsend for metro movie buffs.

2. Science Museum Oklahoma, 2100 N.E. 52nd
3. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 N.E. 63rd
Worth mentioning: Museum of Osteology, Sam Noble Museum of Natural History

Best fine jewelry
BC CLARK JEWELERS several metro locations Renowned for a Christmas jingle you want to hear all year until you actually
hear it, BC Clark Jewelers is easily Oklahoma’s most recognizable
fullservice jewelry store. But this retailer didn’t make the list
because of a catchy song. It has consistently provided Oklahomans with
outstanding service and selection, offering pieces for all occasions,
tastes and budgets. Tip: You can’t go wrong with diamonds.

2. Samuel
Gordon Jewelers, 5521 N. Pennsylvania
3. Naifeh Fine Jewelry, 9203 N. Pennsylvania
Worth mentioning: Brockhaus Jewelry, Mitchener-Farrand Jewelers

Best vintage, thrift or resale store
BAD GRANNY’S BAZAAR
1759 N.W. 16th Vintage wedding gowns, retro kitchenware and a couple of Velvet Elvis artworks occupy the booths of Bad Granny’s Bazaar. For junkers, bargainers and
borderline hoarders, this treasure satisfies the search for the endearingly ironic cat sweater or the old-school memorabilia you won’t find anywhere online. The bizarre bazaar is a live music venue, too.
Thanks, Granny!

2. Goodwill Industries of Central Oklahoma, several metro locations
3. Daisy Exchange, 5911 Northwest Expressway
Worth mentioning: Gypsy Rose Vintage Boutique, Nearly New, RetrOKC, The Salvage Room
Best men’s clothier
BLUE SEVEN
7518 N. May If it’s unique you’re looking for, look no further than Blue Seven. This
offbeat store is home to a variety of styles and handcrafted local artist swag — stuff you won’t find in any other shop. From quintessential quirk to cutting-edge fashion (and the occasional food
truck), this clothier is OKC’s premier hotspot for men who want a distinctive look.
2. Mr. Ooley’s, 1901 Northwest Expressway
3. Gil’s Clothing, 7644 N. Western
Worth mentioning: Spencer Stone Company, Teena Hicks Company

Best women’s clothing boutique
BLUE SEVEN 7518 N May Not satisfied with mall shopping? Blue Seven has everything mass retailers
don’t: an eclectic range of gifts, home furnishings, clothing and
accessories. It’s also the local go-to for the latest in contemporary
women’s fashions, with some of the best denim around. The associates even provide special instructions on how to care for your new jeans. Try to top that, American Eagle.

2. Lucca Fashion Boutique, several metro locations
3. Balliets, 5801 N.W. Grand Blvd.
Worth mentioning: King Louie Apparel, Mr. Ooley’s

Go ahead; be the life of the party. Gazette readers
say Moore Liquor is the best gift destination for all things bubbly,
fruity and hoppy. From local brews to hard-to-find liquors, you’ll find
everything you need at a reasonable price and with outstanding customer
service. While you’re at it, why not pick up a little something for
yourself? After all, you deserve it for being such a good gift-giver.

2. Bad Granny’s Bazaar, 1759 N.W. 16th
2. Craig’s Curious Emporium, 3004 Paseo
3. Collected Thread, 1705 N.W. 16th
Worth mentioning: The Salvage Room, Shop Good

Best place to enhance your habitat
TLC GARDEN CENTERS 105 W. Memorial; 8208 Northwest Expressway  A “Best of OKC” veteran, TLC Garden Centers has been helping metro folks
cultivate gardens since 1980. In addition to its periodic seminars for
aspiring green-thumbs, TLC is your one-stop shop for rose bushes,
geraniums, perennial plants and more, along with soil and gardening
accessories. With 10 acres of trees, shrubs and flowers from which to
choose, you have no excuse for a boring lawn.

2. Blue Seven, 7518 N. May
3. Marcum’s Nursery, 2121 S.W. 119th
Worth mentioning: The Bella Foundation, RetrOKC

Best place for continuing education
THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA It’s no wonder OU is once again Gazette readers’
No. 1 choice for continuing education. It has an enormous offering of
majors and courses, and it leads the nation in attracting National Merit
finalists to its campus. From art to zoology, OU’s academic excellence
provides something for everyone.

2. Oklahoma State University — Oklahoma
City
3. University of Central Oklahoma
Worth mentioning: Oklahoma City
Community College, Oklahoma City University

Why shell out a fortune for a gym
membership when you’ve got Lake Hefner? Nature is free, folks! Bike,
jog, power walk, rollerblade, paddle board, kayak … you get the
picture. Free and good for your health: Everybody wins (and looks
hotter)!

2. YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City, several metro locations
3. Barre 3, several metro locations
Worth mentioning: Mitch Park, Poos Taekwondo

Best place to get cosmetic surgery
DR. TIM LOVE 11101 Hefner Pointe Drive We love you just the way you are, but if you don’t,
Dr. Tim Love is one of the best plastic surgeons OKC has.
Board-certified by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, he has
30-plus years of experience with both surgical and noninvasive
procedures. Services include breast augmentations and reconstructive
surgery, hair transplants and nonsurgical facial treatments.

2. Dr. Derek Shadid, Plastic Surgery Associates, 13820 Wireless Way
3. Dr. Jayesh Panchal, Genesis Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa, 2505 S. Kelly, Edmond
Worth Mentioning: Dr. Dan Metcalf, Parkway Medical; Dr. Juan A. Brou, M.D.

Best place to get a nonsurgical update
NO REGRETS TATTOO 1712 N.W. 16th If the decision to get a tattoo isn’t always carefully made, at least give
thorough consideration to the place that will do the inking. Located in
the Plaza District, No Regrets Tattoo’s in-house artists draw and touch
up any design you want, but they advise for original tattoos to avoid
Pinterest.

2. Mariposa MedSpa, 1907 N. Broadway
3. Rejuvena Cosmetic Medical Center, 6424 N. Western
Worth mentioning: BodyTrends The ElectroSpa, Dr. Juan A. Brou

several metro locations Al’s has been getting the metro in gear for more than 30 years. Founder Al
Webb welcomes enthusiasts who go weak in the knees for Raleigh and Trek,
and he encourages those who can’t shift gears to save their life to
“get out there” and find their best fit in cycling culture.

2. Schlegel Bicycles, 900 N. Broadway
3. The Bicycle Store, 336 N.E. 122nd
Worth mentioning: Buchanan Bicycles, Melonbike, Wheeler Dealer

Best place to buy your next vehicle
FOWLER AUTO GROUP several metro locations With four places in the metro and six statewide (including two in Tulsa),
Fowler offers automobile buyers a plethora of options with Dodge, Honda,
Toyota, Volkswagon and Chevrolet dealerships. If you’re
not quite ready for that brand-new vehicle, Fowler also has an
assortment of pre-owned cars ready for the picking.

2. Bob Moore Auto
Group
3. Bob Howard Auto Group
Worth mentioning: David Stanley Auto
Group, Hudiburg Auto Group

Best place to buy furniture
MATHIS BROTHERS FURNITURE 3434 W. Reno Founded in the 1940s, Mathis Brothers Furniture has become a household name
synonymous with quality and affordability. Through four generations, it
has been operated by family members with a personal commitment to
serving OKC. It helps that customers service reps are available seven
days a week.

2. RetrOKC, 1708 N.W. 16th
3. Bob Mills Furniture, 3600 W. Reno
Worth mentioning: Dane Design Contemporary Furniture, Hoffman Furniture

Best (national or regional) retail establishment you wish wasn’t a chain WHOLE FOODS MARKET 6001 N. Western The healthiest thing to hail from Texas, Whole Foods Market is the go-to place for moms with an organic agenda, teens on a granola run or Oklahomans who just prefer eating well (yes, there are some). The national grocery chain maintains its cleanliness and charm in each location as if it were the hippie-mom-and-pop store a small town knows and loves.

2. Five Guys Burgers and Fries, 6900 Northwest Expressway; 2300 W. Memorial
3. Target, several metro locations
Worth mentioning: Anthropologie, Sheplers, Whiskey Cake Kitchen & Bar

Best pop-up shop MYRIAD BOTANICAL GARDENS POP-UP SHOPS 301 W. Reno Myriad Botanical Gardens teamed up with Alison Barta Bailey, local retail consultant and event producer, to deliver pop-up shopping last winter. The Gardens transformed into a temporary retail space chock full o’ the metro’s favorite hyper-local shopping. Although the retail venue was temporary, it was such a hit that a bigger shopping experience is in the works for the next holiday season.

2. OK Chefs Relief
3. Sara Kate Studios
Worth mentioning: Pencil Shavings Studio, Perch’d Modern Design

Best place to place a bet RIVERWIND CASINO 1544 W. Oklahoma Highway 9, Norman Wanna get lucky? Head to the Chickasaw Nation-owned Riverwind Casino for an exciting gaming experience and stylish accommodations. The casino offers the best in electronic games, table games, poker and high limits. Moreover, Riverwind is home to tasty dining options and the world-class Showplace Theatre, which features entertainment from top recording artists.

2. Remington Park, 1 Remington Place
3. Firelake Grand Casino, 777 Grand Casino Blvd., Shawnee
Worth mentioning: Lucky Star Casino, Newcastle Casino

OK, so maybe an attraction in Oklahoma City doesn’t technically sound like a
“getaway,” but what else would you call a place populated by animals
from around the world? With a top-notch children’s zoo and
state-of-the-art exhibits showcasing elephants, big cats, apes and more,
the Oklahoma City Zoo is a favorite for kids and parents alike.

2. Beavers Bend State Park, Broken Bow
3. Turner Falls, Davis
Worth mentioning: Frontier City, White Water Bay

Best place to take out-of-towners
OKC THUNDER GAME 100 W. Reno Like you’re surprised? Even five years after the arrival of the Thunder, it
still feels like a dream. Having an NBA team is fantastic enough, but
then to have one of the best teams in the league, two bona fide
superstars and one of the flat-out loudest arenas in the country? Yep,
OKC is living the dream, alright.

2. Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, 620 N. Harvey
3. Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W. Reno
Worth mentioning: Oklahoma City Zoo, Pops

  Best adult entertainment establishment CHRISTIE’S TOY BOX several metro locations Billed as “where the fun begins,” Christie’s offers a variety of sexually
explicit pleasuring devices (vibrating and non-vibrating alike, natch),
Kama Sutra love lotions, gag gifts, bondage toys and sexy lingerie.
Satisfying the adventurous sexual appetites of OKC is nothing new.
Christie’s has been putting smiles on people’s faces for more than 30
years.

2. HiLo Club, 1221 N.W. 50th
3. Red Dog Cafe, 6417 N.W. 10th
Worth mentioning: Little Darlings, Sugers

Operating
as a screen-printing shop and apparel retailer, Tree and Leaf sells
affordable T-shirts, tanks and other casual clothing. The print shop
offers customized, high-quality prints for all of your brand and logo
needs. Whether you need back-toschool attire or customized gear, Tree
and Leaf has you covered, literally.

2. The Salvage Room, 1714 N.W. 16th
3. Paint N’ Cheers, 1614 N. Gatewood
Worth mentioning: Plenty Mercantile, The Ruff Life Lingerie & Vintage

Best nonprofit
CENTRAL OKLAHOMA HUMANE SOCIETY 7500 N. Western Do you love puppies and kitties? Looking to adopt a new furry friend?
Central Oklahoma Humane Society is working to end needless euthanasia of
homeless animals in the metro with its adoption program. Since 2007, it
has found new families for more than 12,000 cats and dogs. It also
offers spay and neuter services.

2. Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, 3355 S. Purdue Ave.
3. Infant Crisis Services, 4224 N. Lincoln Blvd.
Worth mentioning: Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity, American Red Cross

This article appears in Aug 14-20, 2013.