Here’s why everyone is heading to Bricktown

Bricktown has always been a special part of Oklahoma City. With its cobbled streets, charming businesses, and walkability, it’s a place to create treasured moments and memories. Now, more than ever, Bricktown is a place you’ll want to bring your family and friends. Though some may reserve visits to the area for out-of-town guests, it’s become a place where OKC residents thrive with new restaurants, exciting entertainment, and a culture unique to our community.

“Being the Bricktown Manager is a very exciting role because no day is the same. With new developments and district growth, Bricktown continues to expand and reinvent itself year after year,” said Bricktown’s District Manager, Justin O’Neal.

In the past year, a lot has changed for the district. For a while, nightlife in Oklahoma City seemed to shift away from the area and into other areas of downtown, but the opportunities to enjoy an evening out of the house have grown exponentially in Bricktown recently. Thanks to the efforts of several dedicated community members and business owners, Bricktown is once again a hotspot for entertainment and enjoyment.

One of the leaders who is making positive improvements within the district is Chad Huntington, owner of the Bricktown Water Taxi.

Huntington has been in Bricktown leading the community for many years. Those that meet him know that he has a huge heart for the area. He wants people to come to Oklahoma City and enjoy their experience, just as much as he wants to ensure that our city is a great place for residents to live, work, and play.

In the past year, Huntington began a new initiative in collaboration with the Oklahoma Mural Syndicate, local artists, and supporters, known as Art Afloat OKC. His dream of hosting weekly mini-concerts on the Bricktown Water Taxis quickly became a reality. Every Thursday night, you can purchase tickets for $25/person, which includes two draft pours (or sodas) from Bricktown Brewery and a 45-minute concert session on the boat with a local musician or band.

“Chad has put so much effort into making the canal more exciting, and it’s just one more thing that’s bringing people back to our district,” said Avis Scaramucci, owner of The Painted Door. “It shows how people who have been in Oklahoma City for a long time remain innovative, creative, and excited about making this place special.”

READ MORE ABOUT ART AFLOAT OKC

The concerts on the water began this summer and thanks to their success, they garnered support from Chamber Member Heartland, who has stepped in as a sponsor and supporter. Next week, artist Carter Sampson will perform, followed by the final concert of the year on Dec. 23 with Spunk Adams. This month, in addition to the Thursday night shows, there are two Caroling Cruises every Friday night at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. throughout December.

Speaking of the holidays, if you have yet to finish your shopping, you should head over to Painted Door gift boutique for an item or two. It’s one of the best places in the city to find home décor, children’s gifts, accessories, kitchen items, and more. They always offer complimentary wrapping and provide exceptional service thanks to Avis Scaramucci and her team.

Just above Painted Door, you’ll find one of Bricktown’s newest restaurants, The Old Spaghetti Factory. This iconic restaurant opened in late October and is one of the coziest spots to dine—either for date night or with the family. Décor within the new restaurant will fill you with nostalgia and make you smile. Velvet-covered seating and antique lighting provide a classic feel, while the old-time trolly in the main dining area provides a fun alternative to your typical dining experience.

The Old Spaghetti Factory isn’t the only new restaurant that’s arrived in Bricktown over the past year. Chico Blanco and Rendezvous Pizza opened their locations in the district in 2021 as well, offering delicious authentic Mexican food on the canal and Detroit-style pizza just around the corner from the Bricktown Brewery. Early next year, Dave’s Hot Chicken will replace the former Sonic Café in lower Bricktown, bringing a California favorite to our city. It will be one of eight OKC locations where the fast-casual food chain will serve up delicious hot chicken tenders, sliders, cheese fries, kale slaw, and mac & cheese.

Another exciting food and beer concept coming soon to Bricktown will be in the old Tapwerks building at 121 E. Sheridan. This multi-story development called The Joinery will add to Community Through Beer group’s popular list of concepts throughout the metro, including Social Capital, The Patriarch, and 1884. Chamber member Gardner Studio is the architect for the project, which will feature a large bar on the first floor with 50 beers on tap, a kitchen with a full menu, a full-service indoor golf simulator bar on the second level, and a space for private events for up to 200 on the top floor.

Directly across the street, the 10-story, 182-room Marriott Renaissance Hotel is nearly complete. Marking a milestone as the district’s first full-service hotel, it will open in March of 2022, complete with a restaurant, bar, fitness center, and 3,000 square foot ballroom.

Dream Hotel Group will also be entering Bricktown, making a significant impact in the near future. They’ve planned to open two new hotels in Bricktown in 2024, a Dream Hotel and an Unscripted Hotel, which will occupy the corner of Oklahoma Ave. and Reno Ave. The development is in partnership with Matteson Capital LLC, and supported by local partners Brad and Randy Hogan who were the original developers of Oklahoma City’s lower Bricktown district. The total investment will cost around $275 million, adding a total of 394 guest rooms, seven restaurants and bars, 150 private residences, and over 11,000 square feet of meeting and event space.

As we patiently wait for the completion of this development, there’s excitement to look forward to in the near term. In the summer of 2022, construction will begin on The Truck Yard in lower Bricktown. This space will offer indoor and outdoor entertainment, including a restaurant and bar, a food truck court, dog-friendly beer garden, outdoor games, public art and live music. Though it will be customized for this Oklahoma City location, The Truck Yard is a popular Texas-based chain destination. With 5 locations in Texas, this new spot in Bricktown will be its first Oklahoma location.

With so much coming for Bricktown, it’s important to note what a wonderful place it is to visit right now. This month, Winterfest has taken over the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark and offers snow-tubing slides for anyone interested in a winter thrill. While the Dodgers are off for the season, the park has been transformed into a winter wonderland for all to enjoy! You can purchase tickets and find schedule information here.

“It’s just funny how things work out because it’s been difficult times with COVID. But I see a wonderful resurgence for the future of Bricktown. The merchants here are alive and excited--there are major things happening!” said Scaramucci. “I carry the Board’s message with me in saying that we are all so excited to be a part of this new renaissance in the district. Bricktown is a very special place and it’s always been. It’s just filled with opportunity.”