South Side Saturday Night

It’s Saturday night in Oklahoma City, and a group of friends steps out of the Yale Theater in Capitol Hill, its red marquee flickering overhead, ready for whatever the night brings.

“Where to next?” someone asks.

The answer is obvious—El Chilango. A short drive leads them to a modest spot tucked between markets and thrift stores. Inside, the energy is instant—lucha libre masks line the walls, meat for tacos al pastor roasts on the trompo, and margaritas make their way around. Friends laugh over chips and salsa as mariachi performers weave through the crowd serenading guests.

The Yale Theater was built in 1910 and later became a movie theater. Today, it’s a multipurpose event venue and landmark in Oklahoma City’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. Photo by Saxon Smith

Before long, the atmosphere shifts. A DJ takes over, the lights flash, and the space transforms into a dance party on South Pennsylvania Avenue. That’s the thing about the south side: Nothing is ever just one thing.

“In many Latino communities, places aren’t just for eating—they’re for connecting, celebrating, and being part of something,” says Oklahoma City resident Jonathan Muñoz, who was introduced to El Chilango by his brother and has loved its tribute to Mexican-American culture ever since.

In Oklahoma City, the culture of the south side refuses to be confined—it welcomes all who want to experience its charm. And like El Chilango, the longer you stick around, the more you’ll find to love.

In 2020, the four-panel La Historia mural was painted by Narciso Argüelles and a group of other local artists at Southwest 29th Street and South Western Avenue. Photo by Saxon Smith

Opportunities.

That’s the word Elaine Lyons, president of the South Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, uses to describe the south side.

“There’s something for everyone,” she says. “Whether it’s authentic Latin cuisine, a cowboy-style night out, or exploring different neighborhoods.”

For the part of the city below the Oklahoma River, opportunity isn’t just a word, it’s a way of life. Every part of this town has a story to tell, and the south side is no exception.

When people think of south Oklahoma City, what comes to mind most often is Southwest Twenty-fifth Street, also known as Commerce Street or Calle Dos Cinco. As the heart of Capitol Hill, this street is where history and reinvention meet. Once a bustling city of its own before merging with Oklahoma City in the statehood days of the early twentieth century, Capitol Hill always has been a center of culture and commerce, and today, these streets are home to taquerías, small businesses, and colorful murals, all telling the story of a community shaped by resilience and transformation.

At Capitol Co-Op near Twenty-fifth Street, the hiss of steaming milk and the hum of conversation fill the air. It’s both a specialty coffee shop and a high-end bike store, where single-origin espresso meets world-class cycling gear. You might also find hand-wrapped burritos from Taqueria Y Tortilleria Lupita, just down the street near Calle Dos Cinco. Cyclists gather here before morning rides, tuning up their bikes and sipping Elemental Coffee while neighbors stop in for pastries and honey lavender lattes. More than a café and more than a bike shop, Capitol Co-Op is a community hub where Capitol Hill’s spirit comes alive in every shared moment.

Oklahoma City’s largest Latino celebration, Fiestas de las Américas kicks off in the Capitol Hill neighborhood every fall with a parade, pop-up markets, art, and live entertainment. This year, it’s September 27. Photo courtesy Tango Public Relations

One of the people here today is Gloria Torres, executive director for Calle Dos Cinco in Historic Capitol Hill, for whom a walk here feels like a neighborhood reunion—shop owners wave, a local attorney jogs by with a greeting, and neighborhood association members stop into the Co-Op to share updates. Gloria shares Capitol Hill’s vision for growth, explaining how the Business Improvement District is revitalizing the area while helping it stay true to its roots, with small businesses driving community-supported development.

“All the businesses here are run by entrepreneurs, not chain stores or corporate entities—they’re small, independent businesses,” she says. “They see something that needs to be done, and they do it.”

For Gloria, Capitol Hill is more than just a place—it’s a story in motion, where history lives in the architecture, and every storefront represents a dream.

“It’s not a melting pot where everything becomes the same,” Gloria says between sips of coffee. “Instead, it’s a place where we get to enjoy the beauty of something different.”

Capitol Co-Op owner Chad Hodges; Gloria Torres, executive director of Calle dos Cinco in Historic Capitol Hill; and Kristin Hoover Gentry at Capitol Co-Op, a local institution that’s one part bike shop and one part coffeehouse. Photo by Zoe Elrod

Capitol Hill’s roots stretch back to the 1889 Land Run. By 1905, it had incorporated as a city, quickly becoming a bustling commercial district. It was home to Oklahoma’s first airport in 1911. In the mid-twentieth century, as suburban growth shifted commerce elsewhere, the area faced decline. Recent revitalization efforts have blended historic charm with modern development, transforming this part of town into a cultural hub with local businesses, community events, and a renewed sense of identity.

Today, on Calle Dos Cinco, El Potosino draws locals with huevos al gusto and horchata, while Tacos El Milagro serves tostadas, flautas, and aguas frescas against a backdrop of vibrant murals. Nearby, the red and yellow Coney Island awning beckons the hungry to enjoy chili-smothered hot dogs. The scent of pan dulce lingers in the air as corner stores offer quick soda stops, professionals bustle between law offices, and families leave the Capitol Hill Library with books in hand. Murals celebrate Latino heritage, and the El Nacional Newspaper, the state’s largest Spanish-language publication, underscores the district’s lasting impact from its nearby newsroom.

Capitol Hill’s legacy of resilience and creativity continues to evolve, with Plaza Calle Dos Cinco set to open in Fall 2025. This cultural hub will celebrate Hispanic heritage with colorful Talavera tiles, an arched entryway, and a gazebo for live performances. Inspired by the plazas found in Latin American countries, it will feature fabric ribbons, native plants, and a stunning view of the Oklahoma City skyline. And the plaza will offer a dynamic setting for the annual Fiestas de las Américas 2025 in September, a celebration that typically draws around 10,000 attendees, showcasing Latin American culture through food, music, dance, and arts.

El Chilango’s menu includes an array of of fruity cocktails like Blue Magic and Blood Magic. Photo by Zoe Elrod

This 1951 view of West Commerce Street in the Capitol Hill area shows the neighborhood has been a thriving business hub for decades. Photo courtesy Oklahoma Historical Society

After a day in Capitol Hill, the district takes on a new life. As night falls, its spaces, restaurants, and venues transform into a lively panoply of music, art, and nightlife.

On Twenty-fifth Street, the Yale Theater has been a Capitol Hill staple for more than a century. Originally an open-air venue in 1910, it had become a movie house by 1921. A 1940s renovation introduced its iconic turquoise façade and marquee, reflecting a golden age of cinema. After years of dormancy, the Yale was revived in 2018, blending vintage charm with modern elegance.

It’s now an event space where it’s not uncommon to see guests arriving dressed in their finest for candlelit concerts, art shows, film festivals, or stylish weddings. The polished wood floors gleam beneath the soft glow of restored balconies, creating a timeless atmosphere. An evening at the Yale always contains a blend of history, style, and the electrifying energy of a district in constant motion.

Just down the street, Resonant Head keeps Capitol Hill’s music scene thriving. Opened in 2023 by Oklahoma City native Gage Pabst and four others, the local venue reflects his deep ties to the neighborhood, and, next to the iconic Oklahoma Opry, it continues a tradition of live performances with fresh energy and a broader audience.

With its light pink exterior and large windows revealing the lively neighborhood—where passersby catch glimpses of people singing and dancing, drinks in hand—Resonant Head immediately draws you in. Inside, dazzling lights, red booths, and polished wood floors create a liminal yet energetic atmosphere, like a music venue on Mars. The full-service bar serves creative cocktails and mocktails with unique ingredients like rhubarb and cinnamon, making it a go-to spot for music and drinks.

“This space is honestly dreamy,” says Resonant Head’s talent booker and general manager Patrick Glueck. “It doesn’t look like any other venue I’ve been to, and probably not like any you’ve been to either. I love working the door sometimes just to hear people’s first reactions when they walk in. It never gets old.”

Resonant Head Emo Karaoke 3 (1)

But it’s the music that truly brings Resonant Head to life. Local fans and visitors flock to the venue for unforgettable performances. Since its sold-out debut with Tulsa band Sports—what Glueck described as possibly one of the most memorable nights of his life—Resonant Head quickly has become a beloved spot for music fans. With a capacity of more than 250, it combines intimacy with high energy, hosting both touring acts like Sixpence None the Richer and Royel Otis as well as local favorites like Mad Honey and Lincka.

A few blocks away on South Robinson Avenue, The Snug Bar and Lounge has become a local favorite. With craft cocktails, five-dollar margaritas, and Thursday and Sunday karaoke, it’s the perfect spot for a night out. Patrons play pool or darts, queue up songs on the jukebox, and soak in the neighborhood’s lively, welcoming vibe.

Just a few blocks south, nightclub Flux keeps the energy going with an eighteen-and-older, alcohol-free twist. Fueled by sodas, energy drinks, and pure creativity, it’s anything but typical. Neon lights, EDM laser shows, and themed events electrify the space, while an indoor bounce house, alien art, video games, and a real pay phone add to its surreal charm. Open until 6 a.m., Flux keeps Capitol Hill buzzing until sunrise.

IMG 4585

When Joe Quinlin moved from San Diego to Oklahoma City’s south side in 2008, he arrived with few expectations. But the community’s warmth kept him there, and in 2020, he and his brother Will opened The Big Friendly brewery—named after Joe’s experience of being welcomed with open arms by the south side. Now the brewery has a permanent home in the Wheeler District.

“It just felt like home,” he says, “People were very friendly to me, so The Big Friendly became my nickname for the city.”

The brewery began as a mobile beer bus in 2015, popping up, among other spots, at Wheeler Park, just beneath one of the city’s newest and most iconic landmarks—the Wheeler Ferris Wheel. Once a Santa Monica Pier landmark, the Ferris wheel arrived in Oklahoma in 2016 and now lights up the Oklahoma River, surrounded by a mural, hammocks, and the now-iconic ten-foot-tall OKC letters, a photo-op favorite. Quinlin was drawn to the energy of the area, and, when the opportunity arose to open a brewery, it was an easy decision.

“Even then, it was one of my favorite places in the city because of the way everyone came together,” he recalls.

Joe Quinlin (1)

The Big Friendly brewery quickly became more than just a craft beer spot—it turned into a true community gathering point. Friends enjoy drinks while little ones read in the cozy corner. It’s a space that’s always more than meets the eye, always exceeding expectations. With a wink, bartender Roger Blum tops off a pint, proudly calling it “the best beer in the country”—and he has good reason to boast, as The Big Friendly was named Brewery of the Year at the Great American Beer Festival in both 2022 and 2023.

Long before The Big Friendly opened and the Wheeler District became what it is today, Wheeler housed Oklahoma City’s first zoo in 1902 before it became home to the Downtown Airpark. After the private landing field closed in 2005, the area remained empty until city planners saw an opportunity to create a mixed-use, walkable community. The district officially launched in 2014, with homes powered by geothermal energy and walkable streets built by 2018 and the first home sold in 2019.

Today, the Wheeler District is a colorful colony of shops, offices, and residences. Families gather at the park, shoppers browse local boutiques, and neighbors stroll the streets with Clarity Coffee in hand. A model for urban living, Wheeler hosts concerts, farmers markets, and community meetups. Its tree-lined streets and public spaces embody the south side’s evolving spirit—just as Quinlin envisioned: a place that feels like home.

Wheeler District Oklahoma City 2025.05 SS04 (1)

There’s so much to explore south of the river in Oklahoma City. When Ward 6 Councilwoman JoBeth Hamon spends time on the south side, she sees a part of the city shaped by history, culture, and the people who call it home.

“These neighborhoods tell the story of our city’s growth,” she says about the district’s 1930s Sears catalog homes, 1950s ranch styles, and personal touches of vibrant façades, unique fences, and bustling family-owned businesses.

It’s a story told in every food truck, snow cone shop, and late-night taqueria, in the energy of Capitol Hill restaurants and music venues. Here, history isn’t just preserved—it’s lived. From cattle auctions to parades and beers under the Ferris wheel, the south side’s rhythm continues, especially in its lesser-known spots. Restaurants turn into clubs, clubs into bouncy houses, and new eateries quickly become late-night favorites. Hamon has her own spots—picnic patios in Wiley Post Park, snack shops with Chamoy fruit cups, and places she shares with friends discovering the south side for the first time.

“Everyone has their own hidden gem,” she says.

Whether you’ve been living here, coming for years, or are just now exploring, one thing’s certain: This place isn’t just one thing. It’s a story still unfolding, where you never know what you’ll find.

Capitol Co-Op - 2420 South Robinson Avenue. Premium coffee, teas, and pastries.

El Potosino - 2500 South Robinson Avenue. Authentic Mexican breakfast and lunch with homemade tortillas, huevos al gusto, and pozole.

Cattlemen’s Steakhouse - 1309 South Agnew Avenue. Legendary steakhouse with hearty dishes like steaks, grilled shrimp, and lamb fries.

Coney Island - 240 Southwest 25th Street. Famous for chili dogs and spaghetti topped with chili sauce and cheese.

El Chilango - 4536 South Pennsylvania Avenue. Mexico City flavors with tortas, quesadillas, and tacos like al pastor
and carnitas.

Four J’s - 2920 South Agnew Avenue. Traditional Lao and Thai dishes like larb, pad thai, and green curry.

McClintock Saloon & Chop House - 2227 Exchange Avenue. Hand-cut steaks, seafood, classic sides, craft cocktails, and weekly specials.

Naylamp - 2106 Southwest 44th Street. A Peruvian restaurant offering ceviche, lomo saltado, and authentic Peruvian fare.

Restaurante Los Artesanos - 2701 South Walker Avenue. Home-style Mexican dishes like chilaquiles, chuleta de puerco, and Mexican steak.

Tacos El Milagro - 2534 South Robinson Avenue. Flavorful tacos and Mexican street food like chilaquiles and flautas.

Taqueria el Dolar - 4500 South May Avenue. Food truck offering affordable tacos, burritos, and classic Mexican fare.

Taqueria Y Tortilleria Lupita - 2622 South Robinson Avenue. Known for homemade tortillas and classic street food like tacos and burritos.

Tony’s Tacos - 3300 South Western Avenue. Casual drive-in with tacos, gorditas, nachos, and the Tony Burger.

Trompudos Tacos - 6015 South May Avenue. Authentic tacos and comfort foods.

La Placita Snowcones - 3200 South Walker Avenue. Snow cones with bold flavors like cherry, tamarindo, and pineapple, or sweet treats like mango topped with chamoy.

Neveria La Azteca - 2415 South Western Avenue. Mexican desserts including ice cream and agua frescas.

Tizo’s Pops & Ice Cream - 5125 South Western Avenue. Picaleta, or non-dairy popsicles dipped in chamoy, and ice cream for a cool refreshment.

CORRECTION: In the print version of our “Southside Saturday Night” feature in our July/August 2025 issue, we listed Mariscos La Botana Mexican Restaurant as a dining destination in south Oklahoma City. Unfortunately, this restaurant is closed. We regret the error.

Written By

Zoe Elrod