Written by Greg Elwell, Brittany Pickering, Jennifer Chancellor, Kory B. Oswald, Taylor Duane and Kaley Patterson. Photos by Mark Hancock, Garett Fisbeck, Keaton Draper and Gazette Staff.
Best Place to Volunteer
Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma
One in four children and one in six adults in Oklahoma do not know where their next meal will come from. These could be the children in a teachers classroom or a person you passed on the streets during a commute to work. Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma provides enough food to feed more than 110,000 Oklahomans every week, which is why Gazette readers voted the organization Best Place to Volunteer in OKC.2. Central Oklahoma Humane Society
3. Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity
Worth mentioning: Infant Crisis Services, Sunbeam Family Services
Best Free Entertainment
H&8th Night Market
Hudson Avenue between NW Sixth and 10th streets
OKCs premier food truck event began in 2011, drawing a crowd of 200 to the area around Hudson Avenue and Eighth Street. Today, it is one of the countrys largest food truck events and boasts monthly crowds of 20,000-40,000, making it a model for similar festivals in other cities. It features an array of the citys most popular local trucks and live music, a vendors market and even valet parking for your bicycle. And the best part about H&8th Night Market is that admission and entertainment is free.2. Festival of the Arts, downtown
3. Sonic Summer Movie Nights at Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W. Reno Ave.
Worth mentioning:Arts Council of Oklahoma Citys Twilight Summer Concert Series at Myriad Botanical Gardens, Myriad Botanical Gardens
Best Live Music Club
University of Central Oklahoma Jazz Lab
100 E. Fifth St., Edmond
University of Central Oklahomas Jazz Lab is a little slice of the New Orleans jazz scene tucked into a quiet corner of an OKC suburb. For 15 years, it has offered local music aficionados and students a chance to see internationally famous musicians in a smaller, more personal setting and allowed local bands to play in a professional venue. By day, it serves as a learning center for UCOs music students as well as a world-class recording studio, but at night, it gives patrons a music experience they cant get anywhere else in the metro.2. Wormy Dog Saloon, 311 E. Sheridan Ave.
3. The Blue Note Lounge, 2408 N. Robinson Ave.
Worth mentioning: Blue Door, Don Quixote Club
Best Concert Venue
Chesapeake Energy Arena
100 W. Reno Ave.
If you want to see some of the hottest touring acts in music, Chesapeake Energy Arena is the place to be. Its one of the largest venues in OKC and regularly hosts Top 40 artists from around the world and classic acts from the heyday of rock thats right; you can see Lil Wayne and Def Leppard in the same venue! As you get comfy in the stadium seating, you and more than 16,000 of your friends can rest easy knowing that when it comes to concerts, the Peake knows what its doing.2. The Zoo Amphitheatre, 2101 NE 50th St.
3. Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N. Walker Ave.
Worth mentioning: Diamond Ballroom, Myriad Botanical Gardens
Best Dance Club
Groovys
5705 Mosteller Drive
You dont have to spend your club nights in a bar playing the same music as the other three down the street with the same people you see every time you go out. Groovys is a local club venue unlike any other. Patrons of all ages dance the night away every Wednesday-Saturday to music from the last five decades on a packed dance floor. Youll be sad when you hear Last call! and realize you actually do have to leave the party eventually.2. The Copa, 2200 NW 40th St.
3. Cowboys OKC, 2301 S. Meridian Ave.
Worth mentioning: Club One 15, Dollhouse Lounge & Burlesque
Best Karaoke Bar
Nancys 57th Street Lighthouse
5708 N. May Ave.
Are you itching to belt out Journey songs at the best karaoke bar in the city? Do you believe you could give Dr. Dre and Eminem a run for their money? Want to make all the drunk people depressed by singing with Radiohead about how youre just a weird Creep who doesnt belong anywhere? Well, that last ones a little bit of a downer, but you dont need to look any further than Nancys 57th Street Lighthouse, an OKC favorite for years.2. Henry Hudsons Pub, several metro locations
3. Cookies, 2304 N. Western Ave.
Worth mentioning: By George Tavern, Don Quixote Club
Best Art Gallery
Individual Artists of Oklahoma (IAO) Gallery
706 W. Sheridan Ave.
IAO Gallerys particular mission showing art that is intellectually or aesthetically provocative or experimental in subject matter or technique gives it the distinction of being one of the most interesting and eclectic galleries anywhere. Since 1979, IAO has provided a professional space in which experienced and up-and-coming contemporary artists can display socially relevant works. Its located in the historic Film Row district and hosts music performances as well as artist talks and exhibitions.2. DNA Galleries, 1709 NW 16th St.
3. The Howell Gallery of Fine Art, 6432 N. Western Ave.
Worth mentioning: JRB Art at the Elms, Kasum Contemporary Fine Art
Best Museum
Oklahoma City Museum of Art
415 Couch Drive
From dazzling traveling exhibits to its permanent collection of Dale Chihuly glass one of the largest in the world Oklahoma City Museum of Art is a metropolitan museum with something to suit everyones artistic tastes. OKCMOA has been the citys destination museum since 1945 and features a large selection of American and European art. It also has the distinction of being one of the only art house movie theaters in the state, showing world-renowned films from all over the globe every week.2. Science Museum Oklahoma, 2100 NE 52nd St.
3. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd St.
Worth mentioning: Museum of Osteology, Sam Noble Museum of Natural History
Best Fine Jewelry
BC Clark Jewelers
several metro locations
If youve lived in Oklahoma through at least one holiday season, youre familiar with BC Clark Jewelers catchy jingle insisting that jewelry is the gift to give cause its the gift thatll live and live. (Its stuck in your head now, isnt it?) But do you know its the best fine jewelry shop in OKC? The store was established in 1892 in what was then Indian Territory and has provided the metro with quality fashion jewelry, watches and engagement and wedding rings ever since.2. Lewis Jewelers, 2705 S. Interstate 35 Service Road, Moore
3. Naifeh Fine Jewelry, 9203 N. Pennsylvania Ave.
Worth mentioning: Huntington Fine Jewelers, Mitchener-Farrand
Best Vintage, Thrift or Resale Store
Bad Grannys Bazaar
1759 NW 16th St.
Theres no thrift store in the metro as eclectic as Bad Grannys Bazaar in the Plaza District. Its full of clothing, accessories and homeware that would even impress your good granny and rival all the treasures she has stored up in the attic. Do you spend your days dreaming of finding a fringed leather jacket as glorious as Macklemores? Then why are you still reading this? You and your hipster friends need to hurry up and pop some tags at this gem.2. Goodwill Industries of Central Oklahoma, several metro locations
3. Uptown Thrift, 2215 SW 74th St.
Worth mentioning: Nearly New, RINK Gallery
Best Mens Clothier
Blue Seven
7518 N. May Ave., Suite A
In the past few years, mens fashion has melded dressed-up and casual and resulted in a polished, cool look that would make even James Dean jealous. Blue Seven carries everything from socks and boots to quality button-up shirts and denim and has kept up with trends while maintaining a penchant for individuality. It is a premier destination for men who like to keep things casual while still looking like they actually showered.2. Mr. Ooleys, 1901 NW Expressway, Suite 1023A
3. Spencer Stone Company, 6492 Avondale Drive, Nichols Hills
Worth mentioning: Steven Giles, Trade Mens Wares
Best Womens Clothing Boutique
Blue Seven
7518 N. May Ave., Suite A
Whether they need to find a flirty dress and some funky new jewelry to wear to a festival or a new pair of jeans and sandals to lounge around in for the rest of the summer, women know that Blue Seven is a one-stop shop. Each trip to Blue Seven promises established essentials and loads of unexpected surprises, making it the best womens boutique in the city for the last few years.2. Lush Fashion Lounge, 14101 N. May Ave.
3. Lucca Fashion Boutique, several metro locations
Worth mentioning: Bow & Arrow Boutique, The Black Scintilla
Best Place to Find the Perfect Gift
On a Whim
5850 N. Classen Blvd.
This boutique is stocked full of gorgeous gifts for every occasion. Whether youre on your way to a party or youre registering for a wedding or baby shower, On a Whim has you covered. This shop is so full of fine china in a wide variety of patterns, candles, makeup and beauty supplies and trendy dresses, shoes and jewelry that you will find yourself making up excuses to stop in and buy yourself a little treat just for being so awesome.2. Blue Seven, 7518 N. May Ave., Suite A
3. Plenty Mercantile, 807 N. Broadway Ave.
Worth mentioning: Collected Thread, DNA Galleries
Best Place for Continuing Education
University of Oklahoma
660 Parrington Oval, Norman
Thirty thousand students learn from nearly 3,000 faculty members and study everything from engineering to linguistics at the University of Oklahoma (OU) each year. With a nationally famous athletic department, a sprawling campus, renowned medical and law programs and a wealth of undergraduate and post-graduate degree programs, its not hard to see why OU is OKCs favorite university. The Princeton Review agrees and has repeatedly named OU one of the best academic and cost-effective schools in the country, and its right here in the metro.2. University of Central Oklahoma, 100 N. University Drive, Edmond
3. Oklahoma State University at Oklahoma City, 900 N. Portland Ave.
Worth mentioning: Francis Tuttle Technology Center, Oklahoma City Community College
Best Place to Get Cosmetic Surgery
Dr. Tim R. Love, M.D.
11101 Hefner Pointe Drive, Suite 104
Whether the effects of aging are making you uncomfortable, your nose identifies just a little too much with Rachel Greens old nose or youre interested in reconstructions, Dr. Tim. R. Love is here help. One of OKCs most respected cosmetic surgeons, Dr. Love has experience in a range of surgeries, from face-lifts to breast augmentation and reconstruction. And you can rest easy knowing that Dr. Love is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.2. Shadid Plastic Surgery Associates; Dr. Derek Shadid M.D., 13820 Wireless Way
3. Cosmetic Surgery Affiliates; Dr. Erik J. Nuveen M.D. D.M.D., 2100 NW 63rd St.
Worth mentioning: Jones Plastic Surgery; Dr. Juan A. Brou, M.D.
Best Place to Get an Aesthetic Update
Dr. Tim R. Love M.D.
11101 Hefner Pointe Drive, Suite 104
Are you envious of model and reality star Kylie Jenners voluptuous new lips? Want to get rid of those pesky eye crinkles and stress wrinkles? Afraid to be put under but still want to look and feel like you did ten years ago? Want a transformation without the hassle of an invasive procedure? Dr. Tim R. Love can still help you. In addition to cosmetic surgery, Love offers a number of nonsurgical procedures including Botox injections, Fraxel laser treatments and even hair implants.2. Laser Light Skin Clinic, 15316 N. May Ave., Edmond
3. Advanced Aesthetics, 14001 McAuley Blvd., Suite 150
Worth mentioning: Dr. Juan A. Brou, M.D.; Mariposa MedSpa
Best Bicycle Shop
Als Bicycles
several metro locations
If your bicycle needs a tuneup or youre in the market for a new ride so you can enjoy all of OKCs new trails and bike lanes, look no farther than Als Bicycles. Its shops carry an array of bikes for all your riding needs, whether youre hitting the trails, riding back and forth to work or into learning BMX tricks with your friends. Als has two locations in OKC, one in Edmond and one in Norman to serve your cycling needs in whichever part of the city youre pedaling through.2. Schlegel Bicycles, 900 N. Broadway Ave.
3. Wheeler Dealer, 2729 NW 50th St.
Worth mentioning: Charleys Bicycle Laboratory, Melonbike
Best (National or Regional) Retail Establishment You Wish Was Locally Owned
Target
several metro locations
Target has absolutely everything. We like to pretend its a local store while we walk around for hours and spend all our money on things we didnt know we needed before we walked in. And with six locations in the metro, its pretty difficult to ignore especially when its glowing red sign and the smell of popcorn, coffee and great deals are calling your name. Why oh why cant Target be local?!2. Anthropologie, 6100 NW Grand Blvd.
3. Nordstrom Rack, 1741 Belle Isle Blvd.
Worth mentioning: Forever 21, West Elm
Best Family In-State Staycation
The Oklahoma City Zoo
2101 NE 50th St.
Lions and tigers and bears oh my! And dont forget the elephants, primates, reptiles, seals and birds! When Oklahoma residents want to feel like theyve taken a trip to an exotic location but dont want to deal with the hassle of traveling, they head to The Oklahoma City Zoo. One of the top zoos in the country, it is home to more than 1,800 animals and offers countless educational activities for the whole family.2. Beavers Bend State Park, 435 OK-259A, Broken Bow
3. Turner Falls Park, US-77, Davis
Worth mentioning: Broken Bow Lake Cabins, Grand Lake o the Cherokees
Best Local District
Bricktown District
Area west of S. EK Gaylord Boulevard, around Reno Avenue
OKC has spoken! Bricktown is the district to rule them all! In the past few decades, it has seen extensive revitalization and has become the citys destination for date night, a night out with the girls, a fun day trip with the family or even a quiet afternoon stroll alone. It boasts a canal, dozens of restaurants, a movie theater, a bowling alley and a ballpark. Bricktown is also home to numerous holiday celebrations, festivals and concerts that help make it one of OKCs favorite and busiest districts.2. Midtown District, area surrounding Ninth Street and N. Walker Avenue
3. Plaza District, NW 16th Street between Classen Boulevard and Pennsylvania Avenue
Worth mentioning: Paseo Arts District, Uptown 23rd District
Best Adult Entertainment Establishment
The Boom
2218 NW 39th St.
You havent experienced all OKC has to offer if you havent been to The Boom. Its located in the citys LGBT district and attracts revelers of all kinds no matter their sexual orientation six days a week. The Booms Sunday Gospel Brunch is legendary, and you wont find a better dinner show in the city. What are you waiting for? Go dance the night away with your friends and maybe even some fabulous drag queens.2. Dollhouse Lounge & Burlesque, 210 E. Sheridan Ave.
3. Night Trips, 220 S. Vermont Ave.
Worth mentioning: Little Darlings, Red Dog Cafe
Best New Retail Establishment to Open After 6/1/14
The Factory
1100 N. Broadway Ave., Suite 103
Trendsetters consider The Factory the best new shop to open in the past year, and it isnt hard to see why. The Factory carries stylish statement pieces perfect for any occasion, whether youre dressing for a fancy party or just hanging out with friends. It also stocks an array of mens formal and casual clothing and mens and womens accessories, hats and shoes. Plus, Thunder fashion king Russell Westbrook shops there, so you know its full of classy statement pieces.2. Out on a Limb, 1710 NW 16th St.
3. Vintiques Market, 219 W. Main St., Norman
Worth mentioning: Sara Kate Studios, The Black Scintilla
Best Nonprofit
Central Oklahoma Humane Society
7500 N. Western Ave.
Everyone in Oklahoma loves animals, and nobody loves them more than Central Oklahoma Humane Society. If you want to foster or adopt a dog or cat or just want to donate some of your time or money to help out Oklahomas little furry friends, the humane society is the place to do it. It also offers spaying and neutering services in addition to its mission to end needless animal euthanasia. Thats what makes it OKCs best nonprofit.2. Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, 3355 S. Purdue Ave.
3. Infant Crisis Services, 4224 N. Lincoln Blvd.
Worth mentioning: Sunbeam Family Services, Inc.; The Bella Foundation
Best Vapor Shop
OKC Vapes
3710 NW 50th St.
Vaping and vapor shops have been rapidly growing in popularity, but OKC Vapes is one step ahead of the game. Never heard of vaping before? Where have you been?! Dont worry; employees at OKC Vapes have the answers to all your questions. Are you already a vaping enthusiast in need of the latest and greatest technology? OKC Vapes has a wide selection of advanced vapors and accessories. Wherever you stand in the world of vaping, OKC Vapes is the place to go for your vaping needs.2. Vapor World, 8911 SE 29th St.
3. Liquid Vapor Lounge, 6608 N. May Ave.
Worth mentioning: Captivape, Party Moore
Best Place to Meet a Hipster
Plaza District
NW 16th Street between Classen Boulevard and Pennsylvania Avenue
The Plaza District is the hipsters paradise, so if youre looking for the hipster of your dreams, youre likely to find him or her hanging out here. Guys with beards and girls in vintage clothing spend their free time roaming the retail shops, dining establishments and performance venues that make up the Plaza District. Let one of them tell you about a band youve never heard of over lunch at one of the districts many food joints.2. Paseo Arts District, Paseo Street from 28th Street and N. Walker Avenue to 30th Street and N. Dewey Avenue
3. The Mule, 1630 N. Blackwelder Ave.
Worth mentioning: Empire Slice House, The Pump Bar
Best Place to Buy a New Vehicle
Bob Moore Auto Group
several metro locations
Everyone knows that buying a new car can be a stressful experience. Thankfully, Bob Moore Auto Group is here to make the entire process a little less painful. Its knowledgeable employees will show you a wide selection of fresh-from-the-factory Audis, Cadillacs, Jeeps and more. Theyll have you cruising the streets in a perfect brand-new ride in no time.2. Fowler Auto Group, several metro locations
3. Bob Howard Auto Group, several metro locations
Worth mentioning: Diffee Auto Group, Hudiburg Auto Group
Best Place to Buy a Used Vehicle
Bob Moore Auto Group
several metro locations
Not looking for a brand-new ride? Bob Moore Auto Group happens to be the No. 1 choice for pre-owned vehicles too. Youre guaranteed to find something you like among its huge selection of used cars and trucks, all at reasonable prices. Youll drive off the lot feeling confident in your purchase with the help of Bob Moores expert staff.2. Fowler Auto Group, several metro locations
3. Bob Howard Auto Group, several metro locations
Worth mentioning: Diffee Auto Group, Hudiburg Auto Group
Best Place to Buy Workout Gear
Red Coyote Running and Fitness
5720 N. Classen Blvd.
Red Coyote knows what its doing when it comes to fitness. This locally owned shop will find you the perfect running shoe with its fit analysis system, hook you up with a dietician to help you achieve your wildest nutrition dreams and have you dressed head to toe in top-of-the-line workout gear. With a wide selection of only the best fitness brands and a staff bursting with product knowledge, Red Coyote is the ultimate go-to for all things fitness.2. MetroShoe Warehouse, 2210 W. Memorial Road, Suite A
3. OK Runner, several metro locations
Worth mentioning: Charleys Bicycle Laboratory, Fit Circle
Best Place to See or Be Seen
Oklahoma City Thunder game
Chesapeake Energy Arena, 100 W. Reno Ave.
With a seating capacity of 18,203, its no wonder that an OKC Thunder game at Chesapeake Energy Arena won this category. Where else can you be seen by more than 18,000 people while watching your favorite NBA team dominate the court? So get decked out in your best Thunder gear and cheer on your team along with an arena chock-full of your closest friends.2. The Bleu Garten, 301 NW 10th St.
3. Bricktown, downtown area around E. Reno Avenue
Worth mentioning: Fassler Hall, Plaza District
Best Place to Spend Adult Time That Is Kid-Friendly
Oklahoma City Thunder game
Chesapeake Energy Arena, 100 W. Reno Ave.
There are few activities that are pleasurable for both parents and children alike. The McDonalds playground offers no entertainment value for adults, but a Thunder game is fun for the whole family. Kids admire professional athletes, and theyll love watching Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook in action while Mom and Dad enjoy the game. Plus, if your little ones are 2 years old or younger, they get into Chesapeake Energy Arena for free.2. The Oklahoma City Zoo, 2101 NE 50th St.
3. H&8th Night Market, 815 N. Hudson Ave.
Worth mentioning: Myriad Botanical Gardens, The Bleu Garten
Best Place to Take a Selfie
Oklahoma City Thunder game
Chesapeake Energy Arena, 100 W. Reno Ave.
The selfie has been dominating social media for a while now, and everyone knows that the place you snap your selfie is a deciding factor in the number of Instagram likes it receives. For maximum social media praise, ditch the mirror pic and snap a selfie while having a blast at an OKC Thunder game. Youre sure to earn the envy of all your social media followers while also showing your love for the team.2. Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W. Reno Ave.
3. Vast, 333 W. Sheridan Ave.
Worth mentioning: O Bar at the Ambassador Hotel, Skydance Bridge
Best Place to Pay It Forward
Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma
3355 S. Purdue Ave.
Fighting hunger isnt easy, but Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma is doing an exceptional job. Every week, it serves meals to more than 110,000 hungry Oklahomans with the help of volunteers and community support. You can pay it forward and help fight hunger by volunteering to serve meals, donating money or organizing a food drive.2. Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity, 5005 S. Interstate 35 Service Road
3. Jesus House OKC, 1335 W. Sheridan Ave.
Worth mentioning: Knucks Wheelhouse, S&Bs Burger Joint
Best Pet-Friendly Patio
The Bleu Garten
301 NW 10th St.
Dogs are part of the family too, and thats why you should eat at The Bleu Garten, where the food is delightful and dogs are welcome as long as theyre on a leash. Open every day but Monday, The Bleu Garten offers a changing selection of the citys best food trucks as well as a full-service liquor bar in an outdoor dining environment unlike any other in Oklahoma. This venue is open year-round with shaded seating and misters in the summer and heaters in the winter.2. Louies Grill & Bar Lakeside, 9401 Lake Hefner Parkway
3. Picasso Cafe, 3009 Paseo St.
Worth mentioning: Sauced on Paseo, The Pump Bar
Best Place to Treat Your Pet
Barking Dog Bakery
10455 N. May Ave.
When it comes to spoiling pets, Barking Dog Bakery has it down to a science. It offers gourmet treats ranging from cupcakes to popcorn that are prepared with love and the highest quality ingredients. It also has hand-picked products like luxury shampoos and conditioners, locally made leashes and collars and more for that special dog or cat in your life. Whether its your pets birthday, a reward for a job well done at the vet or just to show some love, Barking Dog Bakery has what youre looking for.2. Edmond Dog Park, E. 33rd Street and Rankin Terrace, Edmond
3. A1 Pet Emporium, 2911 W. Britton Road
Worth mentioning: K9 University, Midtown Vets
Best Place to Get a Home or Auto Loan
Tinker Federal Credit Union
several metro locations
As much as we would all like to never need to borrow money, sometimes its unavoidable. When you need extra cash for that new house or car, Tinker Federal Credit Union will help you out with low interest rate loans and financial guidance. As the largest credit union in Oklahoma, TFCU has provided more than 305,000 members with financial excellence for nearly 70 years.2. Bank of Oklahoma, several metro locations
3. BancFirst, several metro locations
Worth mentioning: Oklahoma Employees Credit Union, Weokie Credit Union
Best Place to Celebrate an Anniversary or Birthday
Cheevers Cafe
2409 N. Hudson Ave.
If you want to please that special someone in your life on their birthday or an anniversary, youll take them to Cheevers Cafe. It offers comfort food with a twist and a fabulous selection of wines. Nothing says Happy birthday! or Happy anniversary! better than a menu complete with Cheevers chicken-fried steak and bleu cheese potato chips. The restaurant is popular, so be sure to make reservations for your celebratory night.2. Paseo Grill, 2909 Paseo St.
3. Red PrimeSteak, 504 N. Broadway Ave.
Worth mentioning: Ranch Steakhouse, Vast
Best Casino
Riverwind Casino
1544 W. State Highway 9, Norman
No one likes to go to the casino and lose, which is why Riverwind Casino is your best bet. Whether youre into the entertaining electronic games or youre looking for a high-stakes poker match, Riverwind has it all with 17 poker tables, 19 table games, off-track betting and more. Not only is it the most rewarding casino in OKC, but it also offers excellent hotel accommodations so you have a place to crash after a long night of gaming. If youre feeling lucky, head to Riverwind Casino.2. Winstar World Casino and Resort, 777 Casino Ave., Thackerville
3. Grand Casino Hotel & Resort, 777 Grand Casino Blvd., Shawnee
Worth mentioning: Newcastle Casino, Remington Park Racing & Casino
Best Place to Geek Out
Science Museum Oklahoma
2100 NE 52nd St.
In the nearly 60 years since it opened, Science Museum Oklahoma has become the metros ideal geek playground. With unique exhibits, a planetarium and the impressive Dome Theater with a screen 70 feet in diameter, theres no better place to get your geek on. You dont even have to be a science wiz to enjoy this place. In June, the museum opened CurioCity, a 20,000-square-foot exhibition that is bigger than most standalone childrens museums. Its displays integrate science and art, resulting in a learning experience that visitors easily mistake for fun.2. Full Circle Bookstore, 50 Penn Place, 5000 N. Pennsylvania Ave.
3. Guestroom Records, several metro locations Worth mentioning: Empire Strikes Books, New World Comics
Best Place to Pick Up Your Gazette
Jimmys Egg
several metro locations
Whether youre nursing a hangover or tackling an omelet before work, Jimmys Egg has what you need to start your day right, including your current issue of Oklahoma Gazette. There isnt a better way to kick-start your day than with endless coffee, a huge plate of fried eggs and a way to learn about your citys coolest and most current nightlife. With around 10 metro locations, it is as accessible as your mothers house, except its better because the folks at Jimmys Egg wont nag you about your shortcomings.2. Byrons Liquor Warehouse, 2322 N. Broadway Ave.
3. City Bites, several metro locations
Worth mentioning: Party Moore, Sushi Neko
Best Pub Quiz/Trivia Night
The Garage Burgers & Beer
several metro locations
With a handful of locations from which to choose, there is hardly a night of the week that you cant play trivia at The Garage Burgers & Beer. Get your friends together, check eatatthegarage.com for the nearest location and trivia night and then fill up on ale and hamburgers while you push your brainpower to win $20 cash and bragging rights. It even offers prizes for second and third place!2. 51st Street Speakeasy, 1114 NW 51st St.
3. Henry Hudsons Pub, several metro locations
Worth mentioning: Belle Isle Restaurant & Brewing Company, HiLo Club
Best Place to Get Needled
23rd Street Body Piercing
411 NW 23rd St.
With four in-house piercers and guest artists coming in from places such as New Orleans, 23rd Street Body Piercing earned OKCs top vote for body modification. And it doesnt surprise us here at the Gazette because the piercers there have more than 50 years of combined experience. It also claims to have the states only members of the Association of Professional Piercers and meets or exceeds Oklahoma State Department of Health safety standards.2. Atomic Lotus Tattoo, 409 NW 23rd St.
3. No Regrets Tattoo, 1712 NW 16th St.
Worth mentioning: Beauty from Pain Tattoo & Art Studio, Bloodline Elite Tattoo
Best Place to Make the Most Out of Your Game Room or Pad
Hobby Lobby
several metro locations
With at least 10 metro locations and many more across the region, Hobby Lobby makes it challenging to find a more accessible store for your crafting and makeover needs. If you want to frame your latest concert poster or painting from a local artist, we challenge you to find a less expensive place in which to do it. Need some fabric or fake flowers? Hobby Lobby is your place to make the most of your home. You voted for it, and it won like that epic biblical face-off between David and Goliath.2. RetrOKC, 1708 NW 16th St.
3. Mathis Brothers Furniture, 3434 W. Reno Ave.
Worth mentioning: Aminis Galleria, Kings Green Cleaning
Best Place to Work Up a Sweat
Bert Cooper Trails (formerly Lake Hefner Trails)
Lake Hefner
The Bert Cooper Trails surround the lake and offer more than nine miles of asphalt trails that connect many of Lake Hefners recreational areas. Bike, walk or run wild on these trails which are as wide as 12 feet in some parts and you will see why it was voted Best Place to Work Up a Sweat. The trails also feature playgrounds, access to Lake Hefner Golf Course, picnic areas, fishing docks, sail boarding, a restaurant and ball fields everything you might need to have fun in the Oklahoma sun.2. YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City, several metro locations
3. 10GYM, several metro locations
Worth mentioning: Four Star Fitness, Zombie Bunny CrossFit
Best LGBT Bar or Club
The Boom
2218 NW 39th St.
Get your fill of dinner, drinks, dancing and drama the fun kind! at The Boom. The venue features a full-service kitchen and bar, Sunday Gospel Brunch with Kitty and Norma, Trashy Thursday, musical theater, female and male illusion revues, bingo and karaoke. The only thing missing right now is you. Well see you there.2. HiLo Club, 1221 NW 50th St.
3. Copa, 2200 NW 40th St.
Worth mentioning: Partners 4 Club, Tramps
Best Pre-Game or Pre-Concert Spot
Bricktown Brewery
several metro locations
Founded in 1992, Bricktown Brewery offers its distinctive handcrafted beers, burgers made with Creekstone Farms beef (free of antibiotics, hormones and growth-promoting drugs) and Neuskes bacon and plenty of pregame and pre-concert party space in which to unwind, wind up, rally fans and loudly boast about your crush on Oklahoma City Thunder mascot Rumble the Bison.2. The Mont Restaurant, 1300 Classen Blvd., Norman
3. TapWerks Ale House, 121 E. Sheridan Ave.
Worth mentioning: Flint, Henry Hudsons Pub
Best Post-Game or Post-Concert Spot
Fassler Hall
421 NW 10th St.
Fassler Hall serves huge mugs filled with your choice of over a dozen styles of German and English draft selections and countless bottled varieties of local, regional, national and international craft beers. Grab a Euro-style bench for you and your coed indoor soccer teammates while you revel in the brutal win you just scored. This post-game and post-concert party spot also features a Late Night Sausage Party special with half-priced sausages 10 p.m.-1 a.m. Sunday-Thursday.2. TapWerks Ale House, 121 E. Sheridan Ave.
3. The Mont Restaurant, 1300 Classen Blvd., Norman
Worth mentioning: Flint, Red Piano Lounge
Best Rooftop (Bar or Restaurant)
Roof Terrace at Oklahoma City Museum of Art
415 Couch Drive
The masterpiece on display atop Oklahoma City Museum of Art (OKCMOA) is its gorgeous view of our downtown skyline. OKCMOA Roof Terrace also is home to Art After 5, held 5 p.m. each Thursday through summer. It features live music, cocktails and access to museum galleries. Cheers!2. Packards New American Kitchen, 201 NW 10th St.
3. Cafe do Brasil, 40 NW 11th St., Suite 100
Worth mentioning: Fassler Hall, O Bar at the Ambassador Hotel
Best Boutique of Local Oddities
Blue Seven
7518 N. May Ave.
This quirky, artistic, eclectic shop owned by Caleb and Julie Arter sells everything you never knew you needed. Open six days a week, Blue Seven is popular for its variety of Oklahoma-centric tees, jewelry, art, books and gifts. In fact, youll find its Just OK specialty shop nestled right inside this boutique location!2. Bad Grannys Bazaar, 1759 NW 16th St.
3. Plenty Mercantile, 807 N. Broadway Ave.
Worth mentioning: Craigs Emporium, DNA Galleries