Newly established progressive restaurants and clubs, especially those in Bricktown, attempt to part Oklahoma City from its cowtown image. The Crown Heights district north of downtown pulls in a younger crowd, but perhaps your best bet is to head for the campus nightlife of Norman , a thirty-minute drive south, which is home to the University of Oklahoma. Wednesday's Oklahoma Gazette , along with lively articles, carries good listings.
Bricktown Brewer 1 Oklahoma Ave tel 405/232-BREW. Large brewpub, with giant tanks of beer on show in its restaurant and live jazz most nights.
Bricktown 54 7 Mickey Mantle Drive tel 405/235-5454. A dance club for trendy singles crowd, featuring '70s and '80s disco; also has a dress code.
In Cahoots 2301 S Meridian Ave tel 405/686-1191. Popular dance hall and saloon with nightly live music ranging from country to indie rock, R&B to rap. Quite a way southwest of downtown, but worth the trip. Hours and cover vary.
Oklahoma Opry 404 W Commerce Ave tel 405/232-8322. Venue for authentic country music shows, Sat 8pm. $6.
VCD's Restaurant and Club 4200 N Western tel 405/524-4203. Cheap and varied food by day, including artichoke spinach dip and grilled tuna steak salad, and grungy rock music by night.