Halloween is here. Check out this week’s roundup of local joints that will get you into the spirit of things. We can’t guarantee specters, but we can promise you a devilish (and delicious) time.
— by Devon Green, photos by Mark Hancock, Shannon Cornman
S&B’s Burger Joint
102 W. Main Street, Norman
sandbburgers.com360-5726
This friendly burger joint with cool decor and excellent customer service goes all out with its October special. The burger worth its Frankenstein moniker includes a pork and beef patty, a slice of ham and cream cheese so good, you’ll ignore the villagers with pitchforks. Pair it with an order of the Vampire Slayer garlic fries, also an October special.
W XYZ Restaurant and Bar
209 N. Walnut Ave.
aloftoklahomacitybricktown.com605-2100
The lounge at the top of Aloft Oklahoma City Downtown-Bricktown sets the mood for spooky good times. The lounge and rooftop are decorated, and the bar offers seasonal concoctions sure to get you in the mood for whatever the night brings. Ghouls can relax and unwind in the lounge with the beautiful view or pre-party before heading out for a night of mischief.
Voodoo Lounge
530 S. Broadway Ave.
voodooloungeokc.com237-2803
The Voodoo Lounge gets even spookier when you include its upstairs neighbor, The Sanctuary, one of OKC’s most terrifying haunted attractions. New this year is The Sanctuary’s beer and wine garden, where you can settle your nerves before the big scare. Afterward, the lounge might be the perfect place for a drink or three to calm down.
Haunted House Restaurant
7101 Miramar Blvd.
478-1417 (reservation only)
It has been touted as one of OKC’s most haunted places, and the story behind Haunted House Restaurant is one that has become a local legend. According to lore, three mysterious deaths in one year cemented the house in imaginations as a place of strange occurrences. The secluded, elegant dining establishment opened in 1964. It’s busy this time of year, so make reservations now.
Blue Belle Saloon
224 W. Harrison Ave., Guthrie
facebook.com/TheBlueBelleSaloon282-8111
Guthrie has a reputation as one of the most haunted places in the state. All Hallows’ Eve is the right time to visit the famed saloon. The former bordello and drinking hall is rumored to be crowded with things that go bump in the night, but that hasn’t stopped anyone from enjoying the finest home cooking that Guthrie has to offer.
Red Piano Lounge
1 Park Ave.
skirvinhilton.com702-8444
Halloween is the perfect reason to visit Red Piano Lounge, housed in the The Skirvin Hilton, the city’s oldest hotel. Opened in 1911, the grand brick structure boasts stories of eerie happenings, including slamming doors, spectral figures and strange sounds. In the lounge, beware bottomless drinks served à la The Shining. (Just kidding.) A revamped menu and extensive drink selection should keep away any jitters.
Haunt the River
Oklahoma River Cruises
1503 Exchange Ave.702-7755
What’s more fun than dressing up and partying with friends? Dressing up and reveling on a boat. The Friday and Saturday night booze cruises depart from Exchange Landing and are $35 dollars per person. They include supernatural decorations, haunted tunes, munchies and a cash bar, all while you enjoy the beautiful view from the river.
This article appears in Oct 29 – Nov 4, 2014.