These 10 Oklahoma City bars deserved to make the USA TODAY Bars of the Year list
In fact, the culinarians and masterminds behind the bar programs across Oklahoma City continue to prove that with growing regional and national recognition from multiple outlets from the James Beard Foundation to bon appetit and The New York Times to Southern Living.
So it makes sense that a bar like Good For A Few that I willingly choose to spend time and money at because of the top shelf combination of its atmosphere, drinks and staff would make the 2025 USA TODAY Bars of the Year list.
Owners Tyler Maune and Jordan Harris put director of operations Charlie Alvarado at the helm of the ship — for both Good For A Few and it's sister burger concept next door, New State — and Alvarado focused on one thing: doing it right.
From playing with flavors in crafting knockout drink menus to creating a signature last call experience for weekends, no stone is left unturned when it comes to the vibe and allure of Good For A Few.
Dig in: Inside look at how USA TODAY chose its Restaurants of the Year for 2025
So, yes, USA TODAY absolutely got it right in recognizing Good For A Few. But with the way folks in this city handle bar business, half of the list should be from OKC. After all, it does cover more than 620 square miles, which makes it geographically almost ...10 times larger than some of the other areas represented on the list.
From the dive-y little numbers to the literal (no I mean, actually, how do you find this place?) hidden gems, check out 10 other OKC metro-area bars that easily belong on America's Top 29 list.
Lunar Lounge
The Instagram for Lunar Lounge actually says "Hidden bar somewhere in midtown," so who am I to give away the secrets to finding the door. The moon will guide you, and yes that's probably a hint. With Julia McLish of Barkeep helming the ship, it's no surprise Lunar's cocktails are just as out of this world as its vibes.
Go: 1114 Classen Drive; lunarloungeokc.com/.
Mooney's Pub & Grill
When Mooney's says it's a neighborhood bar, it means the whole neighborhood might just show up. With regular live music events, karaoke, sports aired on the bar's TVs, food and more, everyone is welcome and its sure to be a fun time at Mooney's.
Go: 6221 N Interstate Drive, Norman; Facebook.
The Daley
Inside FRIDA Southwest is an intimate speakeasy-style bar with a carefully curated menu of handcrafted cocktails and a premium whiskey library. Venture inside and let the bartenders treat you to one of their latest creations or help you find the perfect pairing for the items on the FRIDA menu.
Go: 500 NW 28th St.; 405-683-7432, fridasouthwest.com/the-daley/.
Fassler Hall
Whether you've been a Fassler Hall regular for years or more recently joined the party when it became the official headquarters as OKC cheered on the Thunder for watch parties, one thing is for sure about this beer hall, its a guaranteed good time. And while Fassler specializes in beer, it also offers full cocktail service for those looking for something with a little more strength.
Go: 421 NW 10th St.; 405-609-3300, fasslerhall.com/locations/oklahoma-city/.
Bar Sen
Half cocktail bar, half noodle house Bar Sen is the latest arrival from two-time James Beard Finalist for Best Chef: Southwest, Jeff Chanchaleune. The bar program at Bar Sen is just as stellar as the food and even takes some of the restaurants ingredients into consideration and employ in the creation of items on the cocktail menu. Broth back shot, anyone?
Go: 1630 N. Blackwelder Ave. #1; 405-702-1500, barsenokc.com/.
The Study
A little different from the other entries on the list, The Study is an OKC wine bar and the perfect place to go if you want to learn more about wine in a relaxed setting. Plus don't let the lack of a full cocktail service fool you, one of this spot's proprietors, Ian Bennett, earned a 2025 James Beard semifinalist nod for Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service.
Go: 701 W. Sheridan Ave., Ste. 100; 405-724-7514, thestudyokc.com/.
LATER, bye
Parties larger than six need not apply at LATER, bye unless planning well in advance or renting out the entire space. The reason? This micro bar seats just 31 people, but while the space is tiny the cocktails are packed full of flavor, as are the food items on the menu.
Go: 301 NW 13th St., Ste 101; 405-768-3208, laterbyeokc.com/.
RADBAR
An artist's haven in the middle of the Plaza District, RADBAR was designed by the art community for everyone. Enjoy everything from bingo to DJs, live shows to artist pop-ups and drag shows, depending on the day while grabbing a drink with friends.
Go: 1715 NW 16th St.; 405-493-9365, radbarokc.com/.
Angles
The LGBTQ+ staple offers drinks and dancing in the heart of the 39th Street District, OKC's historically established queer-friendly neighborhood.
Go: 2117 NW 39th St.; anglesokc.com/.
Cookie's
Karaoke every day? Cookie's is known for it and has been doing it for decades. Add to that an "everyone's welcome" attitude and drink specials and you're always in for fun at this OKC dive.
Go: 2304 N. Western Ave.; 405-594-1580, cookiesonwestern.com/.
Thirsty for more? See the entire list of USA TODAY Bars of the Year here.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: 10 Oklahoma City bars that should be on USA TODAY's Bars of the Year list
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