A salty margarita, with a squirt of fresh lime juice. A platter of meltingly tender smoked brisket, and a picnic-worthy side of creamy potato salad. A spritzy rooftop cocktail, splashed with strawberry and rosé.
These are the flavors of summer in Oklahoma City, and some of the dishes and drinks that define a season of sunshine, patios, baseball games and barbecues. When the days are long and the heat is high, this is the time of year when “comfort food” hits different. Whether we’re cooling off indoors, or toasting tropical tiki drinks al fresco, this is the time of year when menus—and cravings—skew quenching, refreshing and bright.
From classic seasonal staples to gourmet hot dogs, and from sweet treats to patio-perfect burgers, these are the quintessential summer eats and sips in OKC.
MARGARITAS
From Power House’s desert-dive charm and smoky Hatch chile margaritas to the scratch-made mixes at The Margarita Garden, these spots are pouring summer’s essential sip.
BBQ
These Oklahoma City spots hold their own against the country’s barbecue capitals.
ICE CREAM
From Roxy’s whimsical sundaes to Boom Town’s goat cheese flavors and Tizo’s 80-plus popsicle varieties, these scoop shops are serving up the city’s coolest summer treats.
SEASONAL STARS
Mole-spiced hot chicken, watermelon bites at Flora and a wave of inventive cocktails headline the rotating menus bringing the season’s freshest flavors to OKC’s tables.
BURGERS & HOT DOGS
Between home run-worthy foot-longs, legendary onion burgers and nationally-acclaimed smash burgers—these dishes nail the taste of summer.
TIKI COCKTAILS
Caribbean-inspired punch bowls, gourmet Piña Coladas and tiki-inspired cocktails are bringing island escapism to the city.
ICED COFFEE
From cult-favorite Vietnamese coffee to a cold-brew slush, these cafes are keeping the metro caffeinated and cool.
SPRITZES
From Amalfi Coast-inspired cocktails to a build-your-own option, these bars are making bubbly the drink of the season.
