Stand Tall, Shop Small for OKC: A Day in the Western Avenue District

When you hear the word “Western,” the image that comes to mind may include an old, black-and-white, gun-toting, horseback-riding cowboy film, but the Western Avenue District in Oklahoma City is here to change that perception.

The Western Avenue District, which stretches from Northwest 36th Street to just north of Wilshire Boulevard, is home to more than 50 stores, restaurants, bars and coffee shops. What is considered as one of Oklahoma City’s oldest official districts has been a staple in local shopping for decades and continues to add new retailers into the mix.

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“New businesses are opening every day on Western Avenue,” said District Manager Kendall Bleakley. “We are lucky to have so many diverse, local businesses. There is really something for everyone.”

Options within the Western Avenue District, which include the retailers at Classen Curve and Classen Triangle, range from quirky local shops to renowned national retailers. While many businesses saw a decline in visits during the pandemic, the area is recovering well and has begun to host its annual events once again.

Wheels on Western, which was held on July 17, is the district’s annual car show where exotic cars line the streets from Northwest 41^st to Northwest 43^rd. And Taste of Western, the district’s annual fundraiser, will return this year in October. Taste of Western features food samples from Western Avenue restaurants, along with live jazz music and a silent auction.

“We are excited about getting back to having events that promote Western Avenue and our local businesses,” Bleakley said. “Our biggest event, Taste of Western, does both and is back on Oct. 20.”

A day in the district

You could spend multiple days exploring Western Avenue, but here are my picks for a full and fun day in the district. To begin, a good cup of coffee is essential. Look no further than the locally owned Stella Nova. After you are properly caffeinated, it’s time to hunt for treasure at the many antique shops along the Western Ave. stretch, including Antique Avenue at 5219 N Western Ave. If mid-century modern furniture is on your shopping list, check out the selection at ReModernOK at 4616 Western Ave.

And no hunt for treasures along Western Ave. would be complete without a trip to Guestroom Records at 3701 N Western Ave. Music lovers will find a treasure trove of new and used LPs, CDs and cassette tapes (yes, those are still a thing).

For lunch, there is no shortage of options no matter what you are craving. For American fare, visit RePUBlic Gastropub at 5830 N. Classen Blvd. For quicker lunch options, try Café 501, Chae Café and Eatery, Coolgreens or Saturn Grill.

Western Avenue is also the perfect place to experience some of Oklahoma City’s most interesting public art. Stretch your legs and get in a few more steps by visiting the murals located along Western Ave. at the map below.

If some form of self-care is on your daily agenda, your next stop should be in the Classen Curve area, where you can take a class at Barre3, freshen up your hair at Drybar, or experience flotation therapy and massage services at Float Spa. This area is ideal if your shopping preferences lean more toward national retail names like West Elm, lululemon athletica or Kendra Scott (but there are PLENTY of locally owned shops in the mix, too!).

Western Avenue also has plenty of options for dinner, drinks and nightlife to help you end your day successfully. Long-time local favorites like Sushi Neko, Rococo and Flip’s Wine Bar & Trattoria never disappoint in terms of food, drinks or atmosphere. For a classic dive bar experience, check out Cock O’ the Walk Bar and Grill, or head to VZD’s for a drink.

If you prefer your evening entertainment to be a bit more low-key, try one of the wine bars that dot the district. In addition to Flip’s, the area is also home to The Metro Wine Bar & Bistro and Bin 73 Wine Bar.

After you get your fill of all that the Western Avenue District has to offer, check out the rest of our Stand Tall, Shop Small for OKC series of articles, where we explore the ways you can shop locally throughout Oklahoma City.

Learn more about the "Stand Tall, Shop Small for OKC" campaign and get social media assets to share.

Join us in supporting local by looking out for the latest district highlight on VeloCityOKC.com, using the hashtag #ShopSmallForOKC, and following @okcchamber on social media to get the latest updates on the campaign.