From playoff specials to menu changes and events, the latest in Oklahoma food and dining

JaNae Williams, The Oklahoman
O Bar has signature drinks like the Thunder Up Margarita waiting for guests throughout the playoffs.
O Bar has signature drinks like the Thunder Up Margarita waiting for guests throughout the playoffs.

Summer is almost here and with it the Oklahoma City metro is making some additions.

Several new restaurants and a grocery store have recently opened or started construction throughout the area and it is likely that more will follow.

There are also deals, new menu items and more landing as restaurants welcome the warmer months.

The Mile High Player's Lounge at Vast offers specialty food and drinks, and skyline views of the city, for Thunder fans.
The Mile High Player's Lounge at Vast offers specialty food and drinks, and skyline views of the city, for Thunder fans.

Thunder Up! for Round 2 of the Playoffs with specials around town

In addition to there being a whole bunch of places to eat nearby Paycom if you're headed to a Thunder game during Round 2 of the Playoffs, there are also a number of special items popping up at restaurants across town in honor of the team.

O Bar at the Ambassador Hotel, 1200 N Walker Ave. has three exclusive Thunder-themed cocktails available for $10 each, daily throughout the playoffs.

The Giddey Up cocktail, available at O Bar during the OKC Thunder's playoff run.
The Giddey Up cocktail, available at O Bar during the OKC Thunder's playoff run.

  • Thunder Up Margarita - tequila, lime juice, simple syrup, Blue Curaçao, orange zest and a salt rim.

  • Giddey Up - gin, lemon juice, pandan syrup, and Domaine de Canton.

  • Born to Rumble - Neisson Agricole rum, pineapple juice, lime juice, simple syrup, cucumber bitters and absinthe.

The Mile High Player's Lounge at Vast offers specialty food and drinks, and skyline views of the city, for Thunder fans.
The Mile High Player's Lounge at Vast offers specialty food and drinks, and skyline views of the city, for Thunder fans.

Vast, 333 W Sheridan Ave., is also taking game day to new heights with a new pop-up, the Mile High Player’s Lounge. Enjoy exclusive cocktails and bites while watching the playoffs or taking in the stunning views of downtown OKC. Open Friday & Saturday night as well as Thunder game days. Tickets are required for watch parties starting at tip-off time and can be purchased via Eventbrite.

Surf Bar releases summer menu

The Shawnee-based shop with locations throughout the metro known for smoothies and smoothie bowls is bringing new flavors to the party for summer.

Summer menu items include three new smoothie bowl choices featuring a new mango base, the Sunrise, the Goji Mango and the Mango-tella, each crafted with the base, granola, fresh fruit and toppings. Two new smoothies also join the menu, including the Watermelon Lime and the Summer Energy, which is blended with Alani Nu Tropsicle energy drink.

A selection of menu items available at Johnnie's Kitchen & Bar.
A selection of menu items available at Johnnie's Kitchen & Bar.

Johnnie’s Kitchen & Bar opens second location at Oklahoma City store

The latest addition to the Johnnie's Charcoal Broiler brand is Johnnie's Kitchen & Bar. After opening the first location in Yukon earlier this year, the restaurant's location at 421 W I-240 Service Road has also been converted to a Johnnie's Kitchen & Bar after being closed for over a year.

Guests will find a vintage sports theme with memorabilia, some sourced from local museums and a menu offering Johnnie’s favorites alongside new bar-centric additions. The venue also features "The Locker Room," a private space that can be reserved for gatherings, events, or even watch parties for sporting events.

Beard Winner Andrew Black readies to bring restaurant count to four

Keep your eyes peeled for more on Perle Mesta, 1 Park Ave., the newest restaurant from James Beard winnerAndrew Black, in coming days. Construction and planning is moving along smoothly.

Check back with oklahoman.com for restaurant details, including opening date announcements as soon as they're confirmed.

Best of Chickasaw Country winners impacted by recent tornadoes

Multiple winners across several categories of the annual Best of Chickasaw Country list were impacted by the recent tornado that hit Sulphur.

The building housing Best Winery/Brewery winner, The Rusty Nail Winery and Tasting Room, 218 W Muskogee Ave., has been condemned according to a post by the winery on Facebook.

Additionally, The winner for Best Casino and Best Lodging, The Artesian Hotel, Casino & Spa, 1001 W 1 Street, has damage on the south side of its building and the hotel's restaurant, according to the location's Facebook page.

While no damage was posted online by Best Coffee Shop winner Bedré Cafe, 8 W Muskogee Ave., its close proximity to the other damaged locations means those planning a stop should check before visiting for updates on any potential closings or operational changes.

Natural Grocer's moves NW OKC location

The Natural Grocer's previously located on N May Avenue has moved three miles west to 5903 Northwest Expressway in Warr Acres. The Colorado-based family-operated organic and natural grocery retailer celebrated its grand re-opening in the newly remodeled space on May 2.

Storewide specials and a grand re-opening sweepstakes are set to continue throughout the month, with up to 50% off of certain products throughout the store through May 31 and a chance forcustomers to enter to win prizes like an Aventon e-bike, a $500 Natural Grocers gift card and more by entering in store through May 16.

Metro Diner's menu match-ups pair a choice alcoholic beverage with one of the restaurants signature entrees. Shown is the chicken and waffle with sparkling wine.
Metro Diner's menu match-ups pair a choice alcoholic beverage with one of the restaurants signature entrees. Shown is the chicken and waffle with sparkling wine.

Metro Diner introduces menu matchup pairings

Metro Diner, 3000 West Memorial Road, invites diners to celebrate and raise a glass to moms, dads or grads with their new menu match-ups.

Diners can choose from three options:

  • Fried Chicken & Waffle + Sparkling Wine: Half a fried chicken and a Belgian waffle, topped with powdered sugar and sweet, strawberry butter. Served with a signature sweet and spicy sauce.

  • Iron City Meatloaf + Cabernet: Griddle-seared meatloaf with rich brown gravy, creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans.

Metro Diner's menu match-ups pair a choice alcoholic beverage with one of the restaurants signature entrees. Shown is the classic burger and local beer.
Metro Diner's menu match-ups pair a choice alcoholic beverage with one of the restaurants signature entrees. Shown is the classic burger and local beer.

  • Classic Burger + Local Beer: A 100% Angus burger, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, and red onions.

Made In Oklahoma Market coming to Scissortail Park

The Made in Oklahoma Coalition will host its inaugural MIO Market at Scissortail Park from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 9.

The free, family-friendly festival with more than 40 Oklahoma-made vendors sampling and selling their products will also feature live music from the Red Dirt Rangers, yard games, and local food trucks. The MIO Coalition will host giveaways throughout the day and the first 500 attendees will also receive a free gift.

Midwest City's second Whataburger location on the way

Groundbreaking on the second Whataburger location in Midwest City, 5925 SE 15 Street, took place in March as the brand prepares to expand its footprint in the area.

No opening date has been announced yet for the location.

Know of something happening in the food and dining space or have questions about what's happening with a local restaurant or food business? Reach out via email at jbwilliams@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OKC Thunder NBA Playoffs dining specials you can get in town, and more

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