We were away from the area for several years and were amazed at the changes when we returned to OKC. We're looking for the quiet elegance of a restaurant like the Coach House. We've been to Vast and plan to try the re-done Haunted House. What are the other restaurants we should try? Thanks.

I would say Broadway 10 for sure and Meat Market Refectory to start.

Michaels Grill in West Nichols Hills (Grand and May), Signature Grille in Edmond.

However, most people in OKC (and unfortunately everywhere) tend to totally under dress to dine out. (Hint OKC: Ironed blue jeans and a sport coat isn't formal wear). I miss the days of making a nice evening out a reason to dress and act civilized.

Lest it sounds like I am getting on OKC, this phenomena is universal. My favorite restaurant in the world is in London. When my wife and I began going 25 years ago, it was white and black dinner jackets and women in long dresses. It was an elegant atmosphere that made dining out an event. Now, people arrive in sports coats without ties. The food is still superb, but I feel sorry that patrons today don't get to experience what fine dining should be about...the food, the service, the environment, the elegance...

Although German food, the Keller in the Castle is nice, quiet and elegant if in the main house. They even have sections where no kids allowed.

If you want small, quiet, classy with pretty good food, the Metro is a great place to go. Has an intimate French Bistro atmosphere.. White table cloth, established, comfortable, room. Very good service.

Michaels Grill in West Nichols Hills (Grand and May), Signature Grille in Edmond.

However, most people in OKC (and unfortunately everywhere) tend to totally under dress to dine out. (Hint OKC: Ironed blue jeans and a sport coat isn't formal wear). I miss the days of making a nice evening out a reason to dress and act civilized.

Lest it sounds like I am getting on OKC, this phenomena is universal. My favorite restaurant in the world is in London. When my wife and I began going 25 years ago, it was white and black dinner jackets and women in long dresses. It was an elegant atmosphere that made dining out an event. Now, people arrive in sports coats without ties. The food is still superb, but I feel sorry that patrons today don't get to experience what fine dining should be about...the food, the service, the environment, the elegance...

I think the expense associated with that kind of "fine dining" would put it out of reach of most people anyway, to say nothing of the fact that a great many Oklahomans would likely find the black-jacket variety of "fine dining" to be a bit too superficial. I know I would. My wife and I did Haunted House *years* ago with some friends, and I either donned a jacket and tie or perhaps my suit (don't recall), and while it was very nice, I have a hard time thinking I'd enjoy something even *more* formal on a regular basis. That's just me.

I love the fact that "fine dining" has become more approachable while still allowing for people to dress as elegant as they want if that is their preference. people all have a different vision of what looks best on them and what makes for a great night on the town.

when I was a kid you used to dress up to fly on an airplane too.... especially first class, which was always a suit and tie affair. Times change. Sunday we ran some errands after church, and my son complained he was overdressed to do shopping. I tried to explain you can't ever "overdress". He didn't get it.

My wife and I still dress up for date night (suit and tie, dress) to just about any place we go. We think it makes it fun. Generally you don't get any weird looks and most of the time people give you compliments.

We like to go to the Ranch, Metro, Coach House (closed now), Red Prime, Vast (not a fan of the food honestly), O Bar, Stella, Michael's Grill (that salad!)

when I was a kid you used to dress up to fly on an airplane too.... especially first class, which was always a suit and tie affair. Times change. Sunday we ran some errands after church, and my son complained he was overdressed to do shopping. I tried to explain you can't ever "overdress". He didn't get it.

Heck I look back in amazement at photos of old OU football games from the 50's and 60's - guys wearing slacks and ties!?!?!? Are you serious?? :)

Heck I look back in amazement at photos of old OU football games from the 50's and 60's - guys wearing slacks and ties!?!?!? Are you serious?? :)

I'm just barely old enough to remember people dressing up to go to the movies...

I think the expense associated with that kind of "fine dining" would put it out of reach of most people anyway, to say nothing of the fact that a great many Oklahomans would likely find the black-jacket variety of "fine dining" to be a bit too superficial. I know I would. My wife and I did Haunted House *years* ago with some friends, and I either donned a jacket and tie or perhaps my suit (don't recall), and while it was very nice, I have a hard time thinking I'd enjoy something even *more* formal on a regular basis. That's just me.

Having sophistication, class and style is not the same as being superficial. Superficial is what lies beneath the suit. If you are dressing just to impress someone else and make them think you are something you are not, then it is superficial and vain. Enjoying a fine dining experience and celebrating it with appropriate dress and behavior is a completely legitimate experience.

I'm just barely old enough to remember people dressing up to go to the movies...

I grew up on army posts and you always stood while they play the national anthem at the beginning of the movie. It was very odd seeing movies in a civilian theater after Dad retired.

when I was a kid you used to dress up to fly on an airplane too.... especially first class, which was always a suit and tie affair. Times change. Sunday we ran some errands after church, and my son complained he was overdressed to do shopping. I tried to explain you can't ever "overdress". He didn't get it.

I still "dress up" almost anytime I fly.

I had a job which required a full suit every business day and when I traveled for business -- which I often did -- I was treated like a king: frequent upgrades, better service, etc.

So few people dress up now that if you do, you really stand out in a good way.

I had a job which required a full suit every business day and when I traveled for business -- which I often did -- I was treated like a king: frequent upgrades, better service, etc.

So few people dress up now that if you do, you really stand out in a good way.

+1 That's exactly why I do it. Plus you just feel better. It gives you a lot of confidence to dress well. Or does for me.

I still "dress up" almost anytime I fly.

"Dressing up" in that context just means not wearing flip-flops, a tank top, and shorts, lol.... But yeah, I get what you're saying, I try to dress respectably, but comfortably when I fly, and I bemoan the casual dress that soooooooooooooo many people think is OK - I really don't want to see armpit hair (men *or* women) when I go out to eat at any place that's "fancier" than Chili's, et al (at Chili's-level and below, whatever goes, that's what it's become, so I gave in and accepted that).

Where's Tony when you need him?


https://youtu.be/Hqp1bGuiHHs

Do people actually frown upon those who wear sweats and a hoodie when flying for comfort? (I say this as someone who has only ever flown in coach... I'm sure first/business class is a different ballgame).

I generally frown upon anyone who wears sweats in public.

I agree some people take casual to a new level on flights.. however comfort is important when you have to basically undress to get on a plane.

When I travel lately, I don't wear a belt and I wear slip off dress shoes in order to get through security easier, but I still wear slacks and a polo typically. I also make sure the only thing in my pockets is my wallet. Everything else, including phone and keys are in my carryon before I get to security.

Of course, I grew up with airline employees in the family, and so when we flew, we were required by policy to dress up (suit, tie, etc).

I generally frown upon anyone who wears sweats in public.

This. If you can't be bothered to zip up and button pants, man, just ..............

How you comport yourself in public (including dressing) goes more to self respect than respect from others.

I fly a lot for business purposes, and at the very least.....wear a suit coat even if its paired with jeans. From fine dining, traveling, or just out and about running errands...it is my belief that "Okie's....whether it be OKC natives, Tulsa natives..etc...typically lack self awareness in regards to fashion, and/or clothing trends. It becomes even more glaringly obvious when traveling and returning with connecting flights, that there is ZERO sense of fashion from the majority of Oklahomans. (Obviously, it's a VERY SMALL sample size, to form such an opinion or stereo type based solely on travelers in an airport. But the contrast makes it stand out that much more).....but it never fails. When coming back from the East Coast it seems as if individuals fashion sense, and/or self awareness infinitely decreases the closer you get to Oklahoma. I'm fairly certain at this point in time, I could probably guess which gate my flight into OKC will be, without looking at the lighted kiosks/flight boards...and based solely on the attire of all the people waiting at the gate.

But since this thread is supposed to be about food/dining,...... I ate Chicken for lunch.

Heck I look back in amazement at photos of old OU football games from the 50's and 60's - guys wearing slacks and ties!?!?!? Are you serious?? :)

still happens in the SEC

I'm a long time season ticket holder to OU football and I still remember my first game in 1973 against Iowa State. There was a couple and the man wore a tie and sport coat and his wife wore a mink coat. At first I felt under dressed, but then I looked around and they were definitely the exception. They didn't attend another game. They were older, 70's I would guess and had apparently purchased their tickets from another season ticket holder.
C. T.

As far as travel by air goes and attire. First, years ago when men wore slacks and or a sport coat and women wore similar attire, one must also keep in mind that flying was not a routine thing and before deregulation, flying was more the domain of the well to do and not for the masses. Just look at the difference in the way the passengers were treated by the flight personnel and amenities that were provided. The airlines catered to their clientele. Deregulation drove the prices down and the folks who had previously travelled by bus or in some instances rail were now able to fly. Secondly there has been a gradual change in what is deemed acceptable attire in general and what societal norms of attire are. I don't think this phenomena is particular to Oklahomans, or those from other geographic areas.

I'd definitely challenge the assertion that Okies dressing patterns are much different than the entire region. I doubt a flight to Wichita, Little Rock, or anywhere in the region is filled with a more fashion conscious population.

Again, Okies on this board tend to identify negatives in their fashion, legislature, and everything else and think they're uniquely bad. It's not true. The region is similar.

still happens in the SEC

I've seen pictures of the LSU stadium during the game and it looked like they had a prom going on.

I've seen pictures of the LSU stadium during the game and it looked like they had a prom going on.

LSU is probably one of the ones I don't think of, Ole Miss is definitely the top.

And I'll just say that when I've been around SEC fans, particularly young ones, who dress up for a college game, I'm not a fan at all. There just seems to be such an aura of classism and privilege that permeates the environment. But that's just me. I'm fine with wearing a shirt and shorts to a football game.

So, being lax or sloppy is because we are fighting class distinctions? We want everyone to be slobs?

And I'll just say that when I've been around SEC fans, particularly young ones, who dress up for a college game, I'm not a fan at all. There just seems to be such an aura of classism and privilege that permeates the environment. But that's just me. I'm fine with wearing a shirt and shorts to a football game.

Was waiting for that. It's probably true for some, others are just playing along. When I went to an Ole Miss homecoming game as a friend's date it was cool dressing up for the game. Not something I would make a habit of but was cool once.

So, being lax or sloppy is because we are fighting class distinctions? We want everyone to be slobs?

Lol. Get off your high horse. You realize it is possible to not be wearing a suit at a football game and also not be a slob, right? Is everything in your world so black and white? Do you wear a suit when you go to sleep at night or just dress as a slob?

Was waiting for that. It's probably true for some, others are just playing along. When I went to an Ole Miss homecoming game as a friend's date it was cool dressing up for the game. Not something I would make a habit of but was cool once.

I could see it being fun. It's not my thing, especially when the heat for OU games is in the 90s. And I'm certainly not saying everyone who dresses up fits in the same category, but there is a noticeable feel about SEC games I've never liked personally.