[author image= “http://echo.snu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Colton-Hadlock.jpg”] Colton Hadlock, Staff Contributor
Colton Hadlock is a sophomore at Southern Nazarene University. In his free time, Colton enjoys spending time with family and friends, riding mountain bikes off of bridges into ponds, playing musical instruments, being an unprofessional storm chaser and photographer. His favorite pastime is attempting to eat at every restaurant in Oklahoma. Colton has aspirations of becoming a weather journalist, a filmmaker and a musician. [/author]
Feb. 14 is only the most important date for any man in a relationship besides his girl’s birthday, “anniversary” and Christmas. Dinner is an essential part of it. Hopefully this article for most guys in relationships isn’t a “If you are reading this now, it is probably too late” kind of experience. If you aren’t in a relationship but are trying to find the right place to ask and take a girl out, I hope some of my dinner suggestions around the Oklahoma City area or near the metro help you.
West OKC
1. Charleston’s: Go ahead and grab me a Grilled Chicken and Avocado Club while you’re there. It has multiple locations, is easy to find and has a romantic atmosphere.
Yelp: $$
2. BJ’s: When in doubt, go get a Pazookie.
Yelp: $$
Central OKC
1. Whiskey Cake: This restaurant has a cool atmosphere and great food; the Whiskey Cake is also out of this world.
Yelp: $$
2. Cheever’s: Cheever’s has fantastic service and a great atmosphere.
Yelp: $$
3. The Mule: Located in the Plaza District, The Mule is a great location. It has a great atmosphere and superb food.
Yelp: $$
4. Empire Slice: One of the better atmospheres on this list. This is the spot if you’re not trying to do too much, but want to go somewhere and have a good time. It also has delicious pizza.
Yelp: $
Downtown OKC
1. The Wedge Pizzeria: This would be towards the top of my list. It’s hard to beat the atmosphere and food. There are two locations. While both are great, I recommend the midtown location.
Yelp: $$
2. Iguana Mexican Grill: Located in a great area and has fantastic salsa. This has the atmosphere and food to make a great dinner date.
Yelp: $$
3. Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill: This is right off the canal and at a place with pretty good food. It is a great place to go if your date is from outside of Oklahoma City.
Yelp: $$
4. KD’s: This is also a great place to go if your date isn’t a local, with a phenomenal atmosphere, great location and great food. Did I mention it’s named after Kevin Durant?
Yelp: $$
Lake Hefner
1. Hefner Grill: Hefner Grill has wonderful food, and I would recommend asking to sit by the window or higher booths so you can see the water.
Yelp: $$
2. Redrock Canyon Grill: This has phenomenal service, amazing food is also right off of Lake Hefner.
Yelp: $$
3. Mama Roja Mexican Kitchen: If you want Mexican food and want to go to Lake Hefner, this is the place to go.
Yelp: $$
Norman
1. Chuy’s: Arguably my favorite Mexican restaurant. Anytime I am in Norman I try to hit this spot up.
Yelp: $$
2. Tarahumara’s Mexican Café & Cantina: This is another great Mexican restaurant. It is also Oklahoma Quarterback Baker Mayfield’s favorite place to eat, according to his Twitter account.
Yelp: $$
3. The Mont Restaurant: Near the campus of University of Oklahoma, this place has a great atmosphere and yummy food.
Edmond
1. P.F. Chang’s: This is the best Chinese restaurant in my opinion. If you are a lover of Chinese food and haven’t ate at this place, then this needs to move to the top of your list.
Yelp: $$
Writer’s Pick:
Ken’s Steaks & Ribs: If you are looking for a place to eat and want an experience, then this is the place. It is located south of Tuttle in Amber, Oklahoma. It’s about a 45 minute to an hour drive, and is worth every of second of it as the drive goes through the country. From the ribs, salad, steak and bread, this place will give you a Valentine’s experience you won’t forget.
Yelp: $$
All the places listed above can be found on your maps or on the app Yelp. Some of these places will be very packed, so I recommend planning ahead to make the night enjoyable and smooth!