You’re walking through the Paseo Arts District in Oklahoma City, past the galleries with their bright stucco walls and the smell of oil paint, and you see Picasso’s Cafe. Most people stop there. They sit on the patio, grab a hummus plate, and call it a day. But if you know where to look—specifically, tucked away toward the back with an entrance that feels like a secret handshake—you find The Other Room OKC. It isn’t trying to be the loudest bar in the city. Honestly, it’s better because it isn’t.
It's dark. The lighting is low enough that you can actually relax without feeling like you’re on stage. It’s a dive bar, but a "Paseo dive," which means it has a certain artistic grit that you won't find in the sterile bars downtown or the rowdy spots in Midtown.
The Vibe at The Other Room OKC
The first thing you’ll notice is the red lighting. It gives everything a sort of cinematic, noir feel. While the rest of the world is obsessed with "Instagrammable" neon signs and flower walls, The Other Room stays stubbornly true to its roots. It’s small. If you show up with a group of twelve on a Friday night, you’re probably going to be standing, or at least squeezing into a booth in a way that makes everyone very well-acquainted.
There is no pretension here. You can order a fancy cocktail if that’s your speed, but nobody is going to judge you for ordering a cheap domestic beer. It’s the kind of place where the bartenders actually know how to pour a drink. They aren't trying to perform chemistry experiments behind the bar; they're just making sure you have what you need.
The crowd is a weird, beautiful mix. You’ll see artists who just finished a gallery opening, neighborhood regulars who have been coming here for a decade, and the occasional traveler who stumbled in because they heard the music from the street. It’s one of those rare spots where a 22-year-old and a 60-year-old can sit at the same bar and actually have a conversation without it being weird.
The Smoking Patio Situation
We have to talk about the patio. In Oklahoma City, finding a good outdoor spot that doesn't feel like a parking lot is a challenge. The patio at The Other Room OKC is legendary, mostly because it feels like a private courtyard. It is one of the few places left where people can still smoke—which, depending on your habits, is either a massive selling point or a reason to stay inside.
Even if you don’t smoke, the patio is worth it for the people-watching. It's enclosed, cozy, and heated during the winter months. There’s something about the way the sound bounces off the walls in the Paseo that makes the night feel more alive out there.
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What to Drink (and Eat)
While The Other Room OKC is technically the bar side of Picasso's Cafe, it has its own identity. You can get food from the Picasso's menu, which is a lifesaver. If you haven't had the Quinoa 5 properly, or their vegan chicken fried steak, you’re missing out on the staples of OKC’s vegetarian-friendly scene.
- The Beer List: They keep a solid rotation of local Oklahoma brews. Think Stonecloud, Coop, and Vanessa House.
- The Cocktails: They do the classics well. Don't expect a 15-minute preparation with a smoked glass, but expect a stiff pour.
- The Food: Seriously, order the nachos. They’re massive. They’re messy. They’re exactly what you want at 11:00 PM on a Tuesday.
Most people don't realize that the kitchen stays open reasonably late compared to other spots in the district. Having access to a full, high-quality kitchen while sitting in a dimly lit bar is a luxury most dive bars can't offer.
Why the Location Matters
The Paseo is OKC’s oldest arts district. It was built in 1929 and designed to look like a Spanish village. Because of that architecture, the layout of The Other Room OKC is slightly unconventional. It’s curvy. It’s tucked away. It feels like it was carved out of the building rather than planned on a blueprint.
When you leave the bar, you’re right in the middle of those winding streets. Walking through the Paseo at midnight after a couple of drinks at The Other Room is a vibe that can't be replicated in Bricktown. It’s quiet, it’s slightly eerie in a cool way, and it feels like "old" Oklahoma City.
How to Find It Without Looking Like a Tourist
Finding the entrance can be a little tricky if it’s your first time. Basically, you want to head toward Picasso’s Cafe. Instead of going through the main front doors, look for the side entrance or go through the cafe toward the back.
- Park where you can. Parking in the Paseo is notoriously difficult. If you find a spot on 28th or 29th street, take it and walk.
- Look for the red glow. The signage isn't flashy.
- Check the hours. They generally open in the late afternoon and run until 2:00 AM, but the vibe shifts significantly after 10:00 PM.
The bar is a "first-come, first-served" kind of place. They don't take reservations. If it’s First Friday (the monthly art walk), expect it to be packed to the rafters. If you want a quiet drink, go on a Monday or Wednesday.
The Evolution of the Paseo Bar Scene
For a long time, the Paseo was the only place to go if you wanted something "alternative" in OKC. Now, with the Rise on 23rd and the Plaza District blowing up, there’s more competition. Yet, The Other Room OKC hasn't changed its formula. It didn't try to become a high-end cocktail lounge to compete with the new spots. It stayed a bar.
That consistency is why locals love it. In a city that is rapidly gentrifying and changing its skyline every five minutes, there is a deep comfort in knowing that the red lights at The Other Room are still going to be there, the beer is still going to be cold, and the atmosphere is still going to be thick with conversation.
Misconceptions About The Other Room
One thing people get wrong is thinking it’s just an "overflow" room for the restaurant. It isn't. While the connection to Picasso's is there, the staff and the regulars treat it as its own entity.
Another misconception is that it’s strictly a "hipster" bar. While you’ll definitely see some beanies and thick-rimmed glasses, you’ll also see people in suits who just left the office and bikers who have been riding all day. It’s an equalizer.
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- Is it loud? Sometimes. If there's a crowd, the acoustics of the small space mean it gets buzzy.
- Is it expensive? Not really. It’s mid-range for the area. You aren't paying "hotel bar" prices.
- Is it safe? The Paseo is generally very safe, and the bar has a "neighborhood watch" feel where everyone looks out for each other.
The Expert Take on Why It Works
I’ve spent years exploring the nightlife in the Midwest, and the spots that survive are the ones that have "soul." You can’t manufacture soul with a big budget and a PR firm. The Other Room OKC has it because it’s a product of its environment. It reflects the artistic, slightly rebellious nature of the Paseo.
The bartenders are often artists or musicians themselves. They aren't just "serving"; they’re part of the community. When you ask for a recommendation, they’ll actually tell you what’s good, not just what’s most expensive on the menu.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you’re planning to head to The Other Room OKC, here is how to do it right. Don't just show up and hope for the best.
- Timing: Arrive before 8:00 PM if you want a booth. If you’re okay with standing or leaning against the bar, 10:30 PM is when the energy really peaks.
- Food Strategy: If you’re hungry, order food early. The kitchen is great, but when the bar gets slammed, the wait times for a table at the restaurant side can crawl. You can often bypass the wait by eating at the bar in The Other Room.
- Cash/Card: They take cards, but having cash for tips is always a classy move in a dive-adjacent spot.
- The "Secret" Drink: Ask the bartender what they’re currently into. They often have a specific whiskey or a local brew that isn't highlighted on the main board.
- Explore the District: Make a night of it. Start at a gallery, have dinner at Picasso’s, and "transition" into The Other Room for the late-night hours.
The beauty of this place is that it doesn't require a plan. It’s the kind of spot where you go for "one drink" and end up staying until closing time because you met someone interesting or got sucked into the jukebox.
Final Practical Insight
For those visiting from out of town, the Paseo is located just north of downtown. It’s a quick Uber or Lyft ride from the Paycom Center or the Omni. Don't try to drive if you’re planning on having more than one; the police presence in the surrounding residential neighborhoods is consistent, and the streets are narrow and confusing at night.
The Other Room OKC remains a cornerstone of the Oklahoma City underground for a reason. It’s authentic. In 2026, when everything feels like it’s been processed through an AI filter or a corporate branding machine, a dark room with red lights and good people is exactly what you need.
Next Steps:
- Check the weather; if it's over 60 degrees, the patio is the place to be.
- Review the Picasso's Cafe menu online before you go so you know which snacks to grab.
- Park a few blocks away in the residential area to avoid the headache of the main Paseo loop.