BUILD IT AND THEY WILL COME: BRICKTOWN OKC

B Y L A U R A S P R I G G S Former warehouse district has turned into quite the entertainment mecca. In the late 1800’s multilevel brick buildings popped up to fulfill the country ’s shipping demand for goods and services. Frisco, Katy, Rock Island, and Santa Fe lines were are all major railroad playersbuilt distribution hubs in downtown Oklahoma City.

The Great Depression stalled the economy and the transition from railway transport to trucks on major highways led to a serious decline of the area. Businesses shut down causing families to move further out to the newly developed outlying suburbs. By the 1980’s many of the once-thriving buildings sat empty, decaying, and abandoned.

After losing a bid for a new airline maintenance facility, former OKC mayor Ron Norick toured the winning city of Indianapolis to try and catch a glimpse of why Oklahoma City did not measure up. Norick made the astute observation that OKC lacked a lively downtown area that would lure in both visitors and entertain residents.

In 1993, Norick championed and persuaded citizens to approve a penny sales tax to invest in OKC’s future. The gamble paid off. The first project that was completed was the Bricktown Ballpark. Opening day was April 16, 1998, marking the beginning of the Bricktown rebirth.

Today Bricktown is very much alive and well. Restaurants, bars, dance clubs, retail shops, and other various entertainment spots welcome guests to come visit. One of the first revitalization businesses to plant their roots is an Oklahoma favorite, Bricktown Brewery.

Established in 1993 in a former candy factory, the Bricktown Brewery started as a microbrewery restaurant that is still going and is stronger than ever. Bricktown Brewery crafts their own beer onsite and patrons are able to select other beverages on the menu from other nearby breweries.

Besides great beers, the Brewery elevates standard bar food by offering top-notch cuisine. Ales, IPA, ciders, hard seltzers, whatever your beer needs may be, Bricktown Brewery can accommodate your desires. The location is centrally located making it perfect before a Thunder game or attending a concert at the Criterion.

After your time at the brewery, head on down Sheridan Avenue to JJ’s Alley. If you’re looking for a funky, hole-in-the-wall character bar with a personality all its own, you’ ve come to the right place. Don’t let

There’s a full-service bar, rooftop balcony, and lower patio area. If you’re allergic to cigarette smoke, you’ll be happy to know smoking is only permitted on the outside spaces, so the inside remand smokefree. If you get hungry while you’re enjoying drinks, don’t fret they conveniently have pizza by the slice available.

Live acoustic music is happening seven nights a week at JJ’s Alley. This is your opportunity to enjoy an evening out where you may discover your new favorite artist. These talented musicians are local more often than not, but outside town are brought in to perform occasionally. There are multiple stages for your listening pleasure I absolutely love that this venue provides such an intimate setting to showcase the music on a personal level. You can really connect with the artists.

If you think you have what it takes you can partake in one of JJ‘s Alley open mic nights Saturday (6:30-9:30 pm), Sunday (8:30 pm-12:30 am), Monday (6:30-9:30), plus try your hand at stand-up comedy on Thursday evenings between 8:30-9:30 pm. Everyone Hass to start somewhere and maybe your start will begin at JJ‘s Alley.

If audience participation and laughter is your idea of fun, then go experience Michael Murphy’s Dueling Piano Bar and Bricktown Comedy Club. Michael Murphy ’s is a wonderful environment for those who love to sing and laugh. Talented pianists with upbeat energy, charismatic entertainers with quick, sharp wit singing a wide array of musical hits. If you like to be the star of the show, you can sing a little karaoke on stage. Bricktown Comedy Club books A-List talent and comedic headliners. Check out their open mic and trivia nights as well. Snack treats, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages are available every show. Don’t miss out on a night of laughter at 409 E. California.

Gloria Estefan was right, sometimes the rhythm will get you and that’s when you end up at one of Bricktown’s premier dance clubs. If you’ ve ever driven by Señor Shots on a Saturday night, the line starts forming around 9 pm and it doesn’t stop! Do you know it’s a great location when people wait to get inside? Fantastic music to drink and dance the night away. A couple of doors down from Señor Shots, you’ll find yourself at Dollhouse OKC where you can sit back, relax, and admire the art of seduction by burlesque dancers. Beautiful and well-choreographed routines will surely make your evening delightful.

Bricktown is not only for the 21 and over crowd, there are plenty of other options available to appease all ages. Take in an Oklahoma City Dodgers baseball game with the family at the Brick. Play games or a

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round of putt-putt golf at Brickopolis. Attempt a strike on the bowling lanes at Revolutions, catch a movie at Harkins Theater or board a water taxi to cruise along the canal.

Some choose to ride the Bricktown Ferris Wheel for the best views of Bricktown or leisurely ride around in one of the horsedrawn carriages. You might learn something new by visiting the American Banjo Museum or the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame. Take a stroll along the Bricktown Canal among the large bronze sculptures depicting scenes from the 1889 Land Run or visit the Boathouse District where there’s a good chance you might run into an Olympic athlete. There is truly something for everyone in Bricktown.

When you visit Bricktown it’s almost a guarantee you’ll grab a bite to eat at some point. There are wonderful restaurants along the canal that provide a lovely outdoor eating opportunity, such as Bourbon St. Café with its New Orleans creole flair. If you’re craving tacos, you’ll have a difficult choice to make between Fuzzy’s Taco Shop and Yucatán Taco Stand. An old favorite it is Pearl’s Crabtown for the seafood lover. If you’re craving steak, Mickey Mantle’s is the go-to place while visiting Bricktown. If your sweet tooth is acting up go to Pinkitzel for a cupcake, Marble Slab Creamery for an ice cream cone or pick up your favorite candy at Bricktown Candy Co.

Many new businesses have set up shop recently in Bricktown and many more are coming soon. Rendezvous pizza next door to Bricktown Brewery has delicious Detroit-style pizza available as a whole pie or you can order specialty slices. The Old Spaghetti Factory opened recently on Mickey Mantle Drive offering traditional Italian meals and don’t miss out on their outstanding rooftop seating to enhance your dining experience.

The Joinery Opened recently and is all the buzz. Family-friendly casual restaurant serving Italian American dishes. Quench your thirst with craft beer, cocktails, and wine. The second-floor houses Oklahoma’s first golf simulator bar. You can play 18 holes without going to the country club. Who knows maybe a few cocktails, will make you a better golfer. Be on the lookout for a much-anticipated Dave’s Hot Chicken, which is scheduled to open soon next to Fuzzy ’s Taco Shop in lower Bricktown.

The vision Mayor Norick had for Oklahoma City has come to fruition and the momentum appears to be not slowing down anytime soon. The city continues to prosper and expand. The Bricktown revitalization caused a ripple effect creating an abundance of different and new possibilities that are seemingly endless. Bricktown is the heart and soul of Oklahoma City.

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