You’re standing on the sidewalk in downtown Oklahoma City, looking up at a giant glass needle that seems to pierce the clouds. That’s the Devon Energy Center. It’s the tallest building in the state, a shimmering 844-foot monument to the natural gas industry. But for most of us who don't work in energy, the real draw isn't the office space. It's the 49th floor. That is where you find Vast restaurant Devon Tower Oklahoma City, a place that has basically become the default setting for every anniversary, proposal, and high-stakes business lunch in the region since it opened in 2012.
It’s high. Really high.
If you’ve lived in the plains your whole life, the perspective is jarring. You aren't just looking at buildings; you’re looking at the curvature of the earth and the way the weather rolls in from the west. But here is the thing: a lot of "view restaurants" are tourist traps with mediocre steaks and frozen cheesecake. Vast tries to be something else. It tries to be a legitimate culinary destination that happens to have a world-class view. Whether it actually pulls that off depends entirely on what you’re looking for and when you show up.
The Reality of Dining at 726 Feet
Let’s talk about the elevator. It’s fast. Your ears might pop. When those doors open on the 49th floor, the first thing that hits you isn't the smell of food, it's the light. The floor-to-ceiling windows wrap around the entire perimeter. On a clear day, you can see the University of Oklahoma’s Memorial Stadium in Norman, nearly 20 miles to the south.
Honestly, the layout of Vast restaurant Devon Tower Oklahoma City is pretty clever. It’s broken up into different "moods." You’ve got the main dining room, which feels formal and a bit hushed. Then there’s the bar and lounge area, which is way more relaxed and—pro tip—is usually where the locals hang out because you can get the view without the triple-digit bill.
The interior design doesn't try to compete with the windows. It’s lots of earth tones, dark woods, and stone. It feels very "Oklahoma oil money," but in a way that’s polished rather than gaudy. If you’re seated by the window, you’re golden. If you’re in a booth in the middle of the room, you still get the view, but you might find yourself leaning over your shoulder a lot.
The Menu: Hard-Core Localism or Just Fancy Words?
Executive Chef Kurt Fleischfresser is a name that carries a lot of weight in the OKC food scene. He’s basically the godfather of fine dining in this town. The philosophy at Vast is "Fresh, Everyday." They lean heavily into the "New American" category, which basically means they take local ingredients—think Oklahoma beef, seasonal greens, and regional grains—and apply French or contemporary techniques to them.
Lunch is a different beast than dinner.
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During the day, they do a "Daily Table" buffet. Usually, "buffet" is a dirty word in fine dining. But here, it’s actually how they handle the massive influx of business professionals who need to eat something better than a sandwich but only have 45 minutes. It’s upscale—think roasted meats, complex salads, and artisanal breads. It’s probably the most cost-effective way to experience the space.
Dinner is where things get serious. You’re looking at dishes like Beef Tenderloin with marrow butter, or Seared Scallops with seasonal purees. They change the menu frequently based on what the local farmers have. It’s good. Sometimes it’s great. But you are paying for the altitude. Expect the bill to reflect the fact that someone has to maintain a kitchen at the top of a skyscraper.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Dress Code
There is this persistent myth that you need a tuxedo or a ballgown to step foot in the Devon Tower. That’s just not true. This is Oklahoma.
While the website says "business casual," you will see people in everything from full suits to nice jeans and a button-down. The "Vast restaurant Devon Tower Oklahoma City" experience is meant to be accessible, though you’ll definitely feel out of place in flip-flops and a tank top. If you’re going for dinner, most people level up. A blazer for men and a nice dress or slacks for women is the sweet spot.
The bar area is even more relaxed. You’ll see people who just finished a shift at a law firm nearby alongside tourists who are just there to snap a photo of the sunset with a cocktail in hand.
Timing Your Visit: The Sunset Strategy
If you want the best experience, you have to time it. Don't just book a random 7:00 PM slot.
- Look up the sunset time for the day of your reservation.
- Book your table for 30 minutes before that time.
- Watch the city transition from golden hour to the "Blue Hour," and finally to the twinkling lights of the downtown grid.
Seeing the Myriad Botanical Gardens lit up from directly above is a trip. The Skirvin Hotel, the Paycom Center—it all looks like a miniature toy set.
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The Bar Scene and the "Vast" Drink List
The cocktail program is surprisingly robust. They don't just lean on the classics. They do a lot of infusions and house-made bitters. The wine list is massive, focusing heavily on West Coast cabs and some interesting Old World finds.
If you aren't hungry, just go to the bar. Seriously. You can grab a "Vast Martini" or a local craft beer and sit in the lounge. It’s first-come, first-served. It’s the ultimate "I have a friend visiting from out of town and I want to impress them without spending $200" move.
Is It Actually Worth the Price?
This is the question everyone asks.
If you are a hardcore foodie who only cares about the molecular gastronomy or the latest culinary trends, you might find Vast a bit "safe." The food is high quality, but it isn't always experimental. It’s designed to please a broad audience—from the CEO to the couple celebrating their 50th anniversary.
However, if you factor in the atmosphere, the service (which is usually impeccable), and the fact that there is literally nowhere else in a five-state radius where you can eat at this height, the value proposition changes. You’re paying for a memory.
Logistics: Parking and Getting There
Parking in downtown OKC can be a nightmare if you don't know the trick. For Vast, you’ve got a few options:
- Valet: It’s available at the main entrance of the Devon Tower on Hudson Avenue. It’s the easiest, but it’ll cost you.
- Park Avenue Garage: Located just across the street. It’s a short walk and usually has plenty of space.
- The Street: Good luck. If it’s after 6:00 PM, meters are free, but spots are rare.
Once you enter the lobby, you’ll see a dedicated desk for Vast. They’ll check your reservation and point you toward the specific elevators that go straight to the top.
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Beyond the Food: The Architectural Impact
The Devon Tower itself changed Oklahoma City. Before it was built, the skyline was... modest. The tower was a statement of intent. It said that OKC was no longer just a "flyover" town. Vast is the public-facing heart of that statement.
When you sit there, you see the sprawl of the city—the scars of the 1995 bombing memorial, the revitalization of the Bricktown canal, and the dusty horizon that leads toward the Texas panhandle. It’s a lesson in geography and history while you eat your salad.
The Nuance of Service
One thing to note: because it’s a "special occasion" place, the staff is used to dealing with high-stress moments. Engagement rings hidden in desserts are a weekly occurrence. If you’re planning something big, call ahead. They are incredibly accommodating with table requests (ask for the West side if you want the sunset) and dietary restrictions.
They also handle large groups well. There are private dining rooms that are basically glass boxes hanging over the city. If you have a board meeting or a rehearsal dinner, it’s hard to beat the "wow" factor.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
Don't just wing it. To get the most out of Vast restaurant Devon Tower Oklahoma City, follow this checklist:
- Make a reservation at least two weeks out if you want a window seat on a Friday or Saturday night. Use OpenTable or call them directly.
- Check the weather. A cloudy day is fine, but a stormy day is actually incredible. Seeing lightning from the 49th floor is a bucket-list experience.
- Budget for the "View Tax." Expect to spend $60–$100 per person for a full dinner with drinks.
- Visit the bar first. Even if you have a dinner reservation, arriving 20 minutes early to grab a drink in the lounge lets you soak in the atmosphere without the pressure of a ticking dinner clock.
- Take the "long way" out. After dinner, walk through the Devon Rotunda on the ground floor. It’s a massive, six-story glass atrium that is an architectural marvel in its own right.
The reality of Vast is that it’s a hybrid. It’s part tourist attraction, part high-end steakhouse, and part community living room. It’s not just about the food, and it’s not just about the height. It’s about the intersection of the two. Even if you only go once, it’s a perspective on Oklahoma that you simply can't get from the ground.