Editor's note: This story is featured in OU Daily's Best of Norman Guide, which will be available in print beginning Sept. 30. Racks can be found around Norman and campus. Check out the other featured stories at the bottom of this article.
Located in the heart of Oklahoma City, Automobile Alley is a historic district home to locally owned businesses and public art. While the district was once home to a thriving local automobile industry, it fell into decline in the ’70s and ’80s, leading to revitalization efforts by city officials.
One such effort is the Door Tour, a beautification project that began in 2020, encouraging local artists to create street art to revitalize the area. The Automobile Alley Association works to promote and market businesses in the area. Various events are held in the district throughout the year.
Dining
Eôté Coffee Co.
Short for Ends of the Earth Coffee Co., Eôté Coffee specializes in freshly roasted, in-house coffee. This company seeks to bring the best coffee from all over the world straight to Oklahoma City, believing that coffee is not just a drink but an experience. Coffee lovers can buy premium beans or stop by the cafe for classics like drip coffee, lattes and americanos, plus freshly brewed tea.
Eôté Coffee is open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday in The Central Exchange Building at 7 NE Sixth St.
Nashbird
Founded in 2017 by Marc and Jenny Dunham, Nashbird serves hot chicken in a casual, family-friendly setting. Favorites include classics like fried pickles, jumbo tenders and house specials like Hot! Chick, Hottie Tottie or the Nashvillian.
Nashbird is open 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday at 1 NW Ninth St.
Zamzam Mediterranean Grill
Zamzam Mediterranean Grill offers authentic Mediterranean food. Established in 2007 by brothers Yousef Elyassin and Mahmoud Abuobead alongside brother-in-law Mahmoud Khader, Zamzam is family owned and family run. Dedicated to good food and a welcoming atmosphere, Zamzam is the perfect place for the family to stop for a bite to eat. Menu items include stuffed falafel, chicken shawarma and butter chicken. Desserts include baklava and sticky date cake.
Zamzam Mediterranean Grill is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday at 714 N. Broadway Ave.
Shopping
Plenty Mercantile
Plenty Mercantile, a mother-daughter owned gift shop, is dedicated to providing unique, eco-friendly and sustainable products. Ethically sourced and sustainable goods are often pricey and difficult to create, but Plenty has found a way to create them at a range of prices. These items are “plentiful” because they achieve at least one of the following criteria: handcrafted production, reused resource, philanthropic support, biodegradable packaging, or biodegradable disposal. Customers can find toys for kids, household items, unique jewelry or seasonal decorations.
Plenty Mercantile is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at 807 N. Broadway Ave.
Patted
From its signature pink shipping container storefront, Patted offers curated vintage clothing and accessories with ’90s and Y2K aesthetics. Owner Stephanie Espolt also co-founded OK Vintage Market in 2022 with Britt Phillips, owner of Saint Paloma Vintage, to build community among the thrifting community. Check Patted’s Instagram for event announcements.
Patted is open 1 to 6 p.m. Thursday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at 14 NW Ninth St.
Good Earth Rocks Gallery
Geologist Dave Clupper opened Good Earth Rocks Gallery after retiring from a 40-year career, turning his passion into a shop for fellow geology lovers. Find fossils, crystals, minerals and decor, each with their own unique stories. Each rock is hand selected, often in their raw state.
Good Earth Rocks Gallery is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at 824 N. Broadway Ave.
Activities
Baker Street Escapes
Baker Street Escapes offers hour-long immersive escape rooms designed by owner Dan Arnett, who draws inspiration from books, horror films and travel. Guests can choose from three escape rooms available year round, “The Time Travelers,” “Blast from the Past” or “A Ghost Story.” Walk-ins are welcome.
Tickets start at $30 for adults and $25 for children. Baker Street Escapes is open 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 9:30 p.m. Sunday at 8 NW Eighth St.
Factory Obscura
Factory Obscura is a 60,000-square-foot, handcrafted art experience created by a collection of artists. Instead of simply viewing art, visitors will engage all five senses while interacting with each exhibit. This art collaboration seeks to bring together community, provide artists with steady income and prompt wonder in each visitor. The exhibits change themes periodically, with past experiences like “Cosmic Callback” and “Seed Reef.”
General admission starts at $35 for adults and $20 for children ages 4-17. Factory Obscura is open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday and Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p. m. Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday at 25 NW Ninth St.
Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center
The Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center offers free admission to a multitude of exhibits and its Art Garden, where plants are grown to produce paint, dye and ink. Exhibits include galleries, sculptures and installations.
Free public tours are offered at 1 p.m. Saturday and are first come, first served. Private, hour-long tours can be scheduled from 1 to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday for $60 for groups of 10 or fewer.
The Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Monday at 11 NW 11th St.
This story was edited by Madisson Cameron. Ryan Little, Sophie Hemker and Mary Ann Livingood copy edited this story.
