Best Upscale Soul Food Restaurants in Oklahoma City | Upscale Soul Food Food

24 restaurants in Best Upscale Soul Food Restaurants in Oklahoma City | Upscale Soul Food Food

• James E. McNellie's Public House — American · rated 4/5: Stepping into this spirited public house feels like entering a timeless neighborhood sanctuary, where dark wood accents and walls lined with an encyclopedic collection of beer bottles create a warm, communal glow. The air hums with the conviviality of clinking pint glasses and shared laughter as guests dive into soul-warming comfort food, from crisp, golden fish and chips to savory, stacked burgers that invite you to linger long after the final pour.
• Bricktown Brewery — American · rated 4/5: This vibrant brewpub pulses with the hum of social energy and the inviting aroma of sizzling burgers, offering a warm, industrial-chic space where craft beer and elevated comfort food collide. Guests gather over shareable treasures like golden-fried Watonga cheddar curds and salt-dusted Bavarian pretzels, savoring a menu that transforms classic pub fare into a soulful, indulgent feast perfect for lively afternoons and spirited evenings.
• Cousins Bar & Grill — American · rated 3/5: This lively neighborhood gathering spot pulses with a welcoming energy, where the savory aroma of zesty buffalo wings and bubbling artichoke dip fills the air. Friends gather around communal tables to share towering platters of loaded nachos and an array of crispy, golden-fried skins bursting with bold Cajun and Mexican flavors. It is a spirited retreat that celebrates the joy of casual dining, pairing cold drinks with indulgent, cheese-laden comfort food in an atmosphere that feels like a home away from home.
• Social Capital — American · rated 3/5: Social Capital pulses with a sophisticated energy, inviting guests into a vibrant space where the aroma of warm French baguettes and oven-roasted vegetables sets a welcoming, communal tone. The kitchen artfully balances global inspirations, pairing the delicate sear of fresh tuna tataki and savory aubergine rolls with the rustic comfort of handmade pumpkin ravioli and pillowy potato gnocchi. It is a modern sanctuary for food lovers where every plate is a curated celebration of fresh ingredients and the art of shared dining.
• U SHABU — Japanese · rated 3/5: Steam rises from bubbling tabletop pots at this inviting Japanese eatery, where the comforting aroma of simmering broths and savory teriyaki fills the air. Golden, crispy tempura and pan-seared gyoza provide a satisfying crunch alongside tender, glazed rice bowls, offering a playful balance of textures and traditional flavors. Whether gathering for a communal hot pot experience or a quick, soul-warming meal, the space hums with the vibrant energy of a modern kitchen dedicated to the art of Japanese comfort food.
• Canes — American: This vibrant, high-energy destination celebrates the art of the perfect crunch, where golden-brown chicken fingers and buttery, griddled Texas toast take center stage under a warm neon glow. The experience is defined by its focused simplicity, pairing tender, hand-battered strips with a signature tangy sauce and chilled glasses of freshly brewed sweet tea for a quintessential comfort-food escape.
• Thai Street Eats — Thai: Stepping into this lively eatery feels like a journey to a bustling Bangkok alleyway, where the air is thick with the intoxicating scent of sizzling garlic, fresh Thai basil, and charred chilies. Vibrant plates arrive brimming with bold, sun-drenched flavors and the smoky kiss of the wok, offering a spirited celebration of traditional street food that is both comforting and exhilarating.
• Hatch Early Mood Food — American: Sunlight floods this vibrant, high-energy space where the aroma of freshly roasted coffee and sizzling bacon creates an immediate sense of morning magic. The kitchen elevates the breakfast experience with a playful array of artfully plated dishes, from cloud-like pancakes to savory egg creations that burst with seasonal color and bold, inventive flavors. It is a spirited neighborhood hub where the cheerful atmosphere and creative comfort food turn the start of the day into a true celebration.
• Not Your Average Joe — American: This lively neighborhood hub pulses with energy, drawing guests in with the irresistible aroma of warm, herb-flecked focaccia and signature dipping oil. Within its stylishly modern walls, the kitchen transforms familiar American comfort food into inventive culinary adventures, pairing bold, globally-inspired flavors with a spirited atmosphere perfect for shared stories and clinking glasses.
• S&B's Burger Joint — American: This high-energy rock 'n' roll haunt pulses with a rebellious spirit, where eclectic decor and a soundtrack of classic anthems set the stage for a bold culinary adventure. Towering gourmet burgers and inventive sliders take center stage alongside decadent boozy milkshakes, offering a playful, spiked twist on nostalgic favorites. It is a place where comfort food meets a rock-star edge, inviting guests to kick back and indulge in a feast that is as loud and colorful as the surroundings.
• S&B Burger Joint — American: Step into a high-octane sanctuary of rock ‘n’ roll nostalgia, where the walls are lined with musical legends and the air hums with a vibrant, rebellious energy. Towering gourmet burgers are reimagined with daring flavor combinations and served alongside decadent, hand-spun milkshakes that offer a velvety counterpoint to the savory crunch of loaded fries. Every bite captures a sense of playful indulgence, turning a casual meal into a full-throttle celebration of American comfort food.
• Beetbox — American: This vibrant plant-based sanctuary pulses with a retro-cool energy, where the air is thick with the savory, spiced aroma of golden-fried comfort food. Guests bite into impossibly crispy sandwiches and colorful, earth-forward bowls that reinvent classic fast-food indulgence through a fresh, garden-grown lens. It’s a lively neighborhood haunt where wholesome ingredients meet bold, nostalgic flavors, creating a dining experience that feels both playfully sinful and remarkably nourishing.
• The Jones Assembly — American: Sunlight streams through towering windows into this expansive, industrial-chic sanctuary where the hum of a lively crowd mingles with the aroma of wood-fired crusts and sizzling steaks. The sprawling space transitions effortlessly from a breezy, tree-lined patio to a sophisticated dining hall, offering a rhythmic blend of craft spirits and elevated American comfort food set against a backdrop of soulful music.
• Burger Punk — American: Neon lights and high-energy rock anthems set the stage at this rebellious eatery, where the air is thick with the savory scent of seared beef and truffle-infused fries. Towering, unconventional burgers are piled high with bold, messy ingredients, offering a defiant take on comfort food that pairs perfectly with the gritty, industrial-chic atmosphere.
• Riviere Modern Banh Mi — Vietnamese: Riviere Modern Banh Mi breathes new life into the beloved Vietnamese street food tradition, welcoming guests into a polished, sun-drenched space filled with the scent of toasted baguettes and aromatic herbs. The kitchen masterfully balances the shatter-crisp crunch of house-baked bread with vibrant layers of savory meats and zesty pickled vegetables, creating a sophisticated yet soulful dining experience that bridges the gap between old-world charm and contemporary zest.
• Parlor — Italian: Parlor unfolds as a vibrant, multi-level social sanctuary where industrial-chic aesthetics meet the high-energy pulse of a modern gathering space. The air hums with lively conversation and the enticing aromas of diverse, chef-driven kitchens, offering a curated culinary journey that ranges from artisanal comfort foods to inventive craft cocktails. It is a communal destination designed for discovery, where every corner invites guests to linger over bold flavors and the shared spirit of the city.
• Belle Kitchen — American: Sun-drenched tables and the inviting aroma of slow-simmered savory notes define the soulful atmosphere of Belle Kitchen, a neighborhood retreat where culinary artistry meets home-style warmth. Each plate arrives as a vibrant canvas of seasonal textures and bold flavors, inviting guests to slow down and savor a dining experience that feels both sophisticated and deeply personal. The open, airy space hums with the quiet energy of a kitchen dedicated to the craft of honest, beautiful food that nourishes the spirit as much as the palate.
• Brickopolis Bar & Grill — American: Exposed brick walls and the warm glow of amber lighting create a vibrant, industrial-chic sanctuary where the hum of city life gives way to the rhythmic clinking of craft cocktail glasses. The air is rich with the savory aroma of flame-kissed meats and charred vegetables emerging from the grill, offering a menu of elevated comfort food that celebrates bold, smoky flavors. This spirited urban retreat invites guests to linger over local brews and hearty plates, blending a modern social energy with the timeless comfort of a neighborhood gathering spot.
• Mushwings — American: This vibrant eatery reimagines the classic wing joint by transforming earthy oyster mushrooms into craggy, golden-fried delights tossed in a bold array of house-made glazes. The air hums with energy as diners dive into baskets of these umami-rich bites, where the satisfying crunch of a perfectly seasoned crust gives way to a tender, juicy center that challenges every expectation of plant-based comfort food.
• Nashbird — American: Nashbird pulses with a vibrant, high-energy spirit where the sizzle of the fryer and the bold aroma of toasted cayenne promise a soulful taste of Music City. Crispy, golden-fried chicken takes center stage, drenched in signature spice blends that range from a gentle hum to a fiery intensity, all perfectly balanced by cooling scoops of creamy mac and cheese and tangy pickles. This lively neighborhood haunt invites diners to embrace the heat in a casual, upbeat space where every crunch delivers a punch of bold Southern flavor.
• Church's Chicken — American: Golden-brown crusts shatter with every bite at this Southern-inspired staple, where the air is thick with the savory aroma of hand-battered chicken and sweet, honey-glazed biscuits. The bustling kitchen turns out steaming boxes of comfort, pairing juicy, spice-rubbed poultry with classic sides that evoke the simple warmth of a backyard Sunday feast.
• Bubba's 33 — American: Neon lights and the roar of the crowd define this high-energy hangout, where the air is thick with the savory scent of stone-baked pizzas and sizzling, hand-ground burgers. Guests settle into industrial-chic booths surrounded by a panoramic wall of screens, enjoying a vibrant atmosphere where every big game feels like a front-row event. It is a place where ice-cold drafts and bold, scratch-made comfort food fuel a spirited dining experience that pulses with neighborhood excitement.
• Meiji Ramen Bar — Japanese: Meiji Ramen Bar transports guests to a bustling urban retreat where the rhythmic clatter of ladles and the intoxicating aroma of slow-simmered bone broth create an immediate sense of warmth. Deep bowls of steaming ramen arrive brimming with springy noodles and tender, caramelized pork, offering a rich, umami-laden embrace that lingers long after the final spoonful. It is a soulful sanctuary where sleek, modern design meets the comforting heart of Japanese soul food, inviting diners to slow down and savor every savory drop.
• Kyuramen — Japanese: Step into a modern sanctuary of warm wood and intimate, honeycomb-inspired booths where the comforting steam of simmering broths and the aroma of charred yakitori fill the air. Artfully presented bowls like the signature Yinyang split-pot offer a symphony of rich tonkotsu and savory katsuobushi flavors, complemented by the satisfying crunch of golden popcorn chicken and pillowy, steamed bao buns. This vibrant space invites diners to linger over towering bowls of ramen and shareable plates, capturing the soulful essence of Japanese comfort food in every bite.