Best of OKC 2013 - Places

Best place to volunteer REGIONAL FOOD BANK OF OKLAHOMA 3355 S. Purdue

Its motto is “Fighting hunger ... feeding hope.” Volunteers help the largest private hunger-relief organization in the state do this by sorting and distributing enough food to feed 90,000 people every week. That’s vitally important in a state where one in six Oklahomans struggles with food insecurity. 2. Central Oklahoma Humane Society, 7500 N. Western 3. Moore Worth mentioning: Infant Crisis Services, American Red Cross

Best free entertainment FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS

Festival of the Arts has been captivating Okies since 1967. Feast your eyes on the works of more than 140 artists, and feed your stomach (all while supporting the arts in Central Oklahoma) at International Food Row. That doesn’t even include the four stages of entertainment and plenty of hands-on activities to keep kiddos happy. And the best part: It’s free!

2. Paseo Arts Festival 3. Live on the Plaza Worth mentioning: Myriad Botanical Gardens, Summer Breeze Concert Series (Norman)

Best live music club UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL OKLAHOMA JAZZ LAB 100 E. Fifth, Edmond

The UCO Jazz Lab is more than just a music club; it’s a music hub. The venue houses the Jazz Studies division at UCO’s esteemed School of Music while also hosting a range of prolific musicians from Oklahoma and beyond. Its dimly lit interior offers a cozy and comfortable vibe so smooth, you’d think it came from a saxophone.

2. The Blue Note Lounge, 2408 N. Robinson 3. VZD’s Restaurant & Club, 4200 N. Western Worth mentioning: Grandad’s Bar, Wormy Dog Saloon

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

“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

Best art gallery PASEO ORIGINALS ART GALLERY 2920 Paseo

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

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

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

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

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.

3. Gil’s Clothing, 7644 N. Western

Worth mentioning: Spencer Stone Company, Teena Hicks Company

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

Best place to find the perfect gift MOORE LIQUOR 914 S.W. Fourth St., Moore

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

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

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

Best place to burn calories LAKE HEFNER

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

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.

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

Best bicycle shop AL'S BICYCLES

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best family getaway OKLAHOMA CITY ZOO 2101 N.E. 50th

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

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

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

Best new retail establishment to open after 6-1-12 TREE AND LEAF CLOTHING 1705B N.W. 16th

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

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