Romantic Dining in the Capital of the Sooner State, Oklahoma

When the sun goes down across the western prairie and it's time for a romantic dinner for two, Oklahoma City has several restaurants that offer the perfect ambiance and experience. Whether it is a first date, a special anniversary, or just an evening out on the town with a significant other, Oklahoma's capital city has the romantic spots to make it an evening to remember.

Something about soft candlelight seems to kindle romantic feelings so a dinner at Papa Dio's Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar at 10712 May Avenue can be ideal. Be sure to ask to be seated on the upscale side for a fine dining experience with candlelight and the best ambiance. Although the menu is filled with creatively prepared dishes, opt for the veal parmigiana with cheesecake for dessert.

Fine dining in a cozy, cottage type setting can be found at The Coach House at 6327 Avondale Drive. Reservations are recommended for this popular upscale restaurant with real atmosphere. Tall arched windows and dark, fine wood interior make the setting special. Outside, the stone façade brings to mind the look of Europe and Old World dining. Food here is excellent and served with haute cuisine flair.

Jazz music sets the scene for Mardi Gras style romance at the Bourbon Street Cafe at 100 California Avenue near the intersection of Reno and Oklahoma Avenues. If the jazz is hot, the food is exceptional with a distinct Cajun flavor. Seafood, steaks, chicken dishes, and more can be found and the music will fire couples with imagination and inspiration.

At Newton's, 1025 NW 70th Street, diners will enjoy elegant surroundings in the comfortable dining area. The wait staff is especially attentive here and the menu filled with a wide variety of fine dishes to tempt even the pickiest eaters. Each entrée is prepared with a special flair by the chefs at Newton's.

Travel back in time to 1910 at the Cattlemen's Steakhouse at 1309 South Agnew in Oklahoma City's historic stockyard district. Steaks, of course, top the menu at this favorite local spot that has long been a local tradition. Today they feed more than just cattlemen with top grade, fresh cut beef cooked to order. They serve tender, juicy steak cooked to absolute perfect with old fashioned service from the wait staff here.

For a trendier, modern setting, dine at the Bricktown Brewery. Located in the city's restored warehouse district at 1 Oklahoma Avenue, the Bricktown Brewery is housed in a former two story warehouse that dates back to the Territory years before Oklahoma became a state in 1903. Bricktown Brewery opened in 1992 and is Oklahoma's first brewery pub. Their selection of award winning beers is the best in the state but wine is available as well. The ambiance features the original brick walls and hard wood floors from the warehouse era. A diverse menu ranges from salads to burgundy sirloin, chicken pot pie, St. Louis style ribs, slow smoked barbecue, burgers, and much more. Entertainment is ongoing with live bands featuring both local and national talent. A video arcade room is also on-site for those gamesters who love to play.

Another restaurant ideal for couples in the Bricktown district is Chelino's Mexican Restaurant at 15 East California. When the weather is fine, diners can choose to be seated on the terrace, a romantic spot. Festive décor in the dining rooms brings to mind Old Mexico and fiesta time. Traditional Mexican dishes are served with flair and they're delicious.

American cuisine can be found at Applewood's on the John Kilpatrick Turnpike just off May Avenue. Applewood's is a local favorite for dining. An on site bakery serving up freshly baked rolls and more adds to the delicious dining experience. A very full menu offers up American favorites like catfish, chicken, and beef. Wait staff here is very polite and ready to serve.

Although the name evokes Hawaii, the Aloha Garden Restaurant in the Walnut Square Shopping Center at 2219 SW 74th Street offers Chinese cuisine. The food is offered buffet style or guests can order from an extensive menu. American style foods are also offered in this cozy, comfortable restaurant with a convenient location and an inexpensive price for budget minded romantics.

Don't let the name at the Deep Fork Grill fool you. This is not a diner but an upscale eatery at 5418 North Western. It's so popular that reservations are suggested and it's no wonder with entrees like cedar plank salmon, chili lacquered chicken salad, certified Angus beef steaks and home made desserts that are light years away from anything Mom used to make. Dining areas are quiet and intimate enough for that special romantic dinner. The Deep Fork Grill offers Continental dining at its' very best.

In nearby Guthrie, it's well worth the drive to dine at the Stables Café. Housed in a building that was once a livery stable and feed store, The Stables now serves up world class barbecue and steaks. The décor is nostalgic with vintage signs and advertisements decking the walls. The Stables can be found at 223 Division in Guthrie.

Another spot worth driving out to the 'burbs is the Royal Bavaria Brewhaus and Restaurant in Moore. As the name indicates, this restaurant serves up the best in German style cuisine along with a wide selection of beers and wine.

Many other fine restaurants dot the skyline of Oklahoma City and the surrounding area but these are the best romantic restaurants in the Sooner State's Capital City and are sure to indulge that romantic heart hidden away in us all.