If you’ve lived in Oklahoma City for more than a week, you know the Paseo. It’s that curvy, colorful stretch of stucco and Spanish revival architecture that feels like a fever dream in the middle of the Great Plains. And right at the heart of it sits Sauced on Paseo Oklahoma City OK. People call it a pizza joint. Honestly, that’s like calling the Grand Canyon a hole in the ground. It’s a community hub, a patio-dweller's paradise, and a place where you can get a massive slice of pie while a local musician plays a set three feet away from your table.
Most folks head there for the crust. It’s thin, foldable, and has that specific New York-style flop that makes it impossible to eat without a napkin tucked into your shirt. But there’s a weird magic to this place that goes beyond the dough.
The Evolution of Sauced on Paseo Oklahoma City OK
The history of this spot is actually kinda dramatic. A few years back, the original owners decided it was time to move on. For a minute, the neighborhood held its collective breath. You don't just "replace" Sauced. It’s the anchor of the Paseo Arts District. Thankfully, the Humankind Hospitality group—the same people behind places like Frida Southwest and Picasso on Paseo—stepped in to save the day.
They didn't just keep the lights on. They gutted the place and gave it a facelift that it desperately needed. Before the renovation, the interior was... let's call it "well-loved." It was dark and a bit cramped. Now? It’s bright, modern, and actually has a functioning bar that makes you want to hang out for two hours instead of grabbing a box and running.
What actually changed?
The biggest shift wasn't the toppings. It was the flow. They opened up the space so you don't feel like you're standing in a hallway while waiting for your order. They also leaned heavily into the outdoor seating. In Oklahoma, patio weather lasts about three weeks total—split between the spring storms and the fall chill—but Sauced makes you want to sit outside even when it's 95 degrees. They’ve got the misters. They’ve got the shade.
They also updated the drink menu. You aren't just stuck with lukewarm soda anymore. They have a solid selection of local craft beers and cocktails that actually taste like someone put effort into the bitters-to-bourbon ratio.
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Is the Pizza Still Good?
Look, I’m picky about pizza. Most people in OKC are used to the heavy, thick-crust stuff that sits in your stomach like a brick. Sauced on Paseo Oklahoma City OK does things differently.
The "Swayze" is a classic for a reason. It’s basically their version of a supreme, loaded with pepperoni, sausage, peppers, and onions. It’s messy. It’s greasy in the way a good pizza should be. If you want something a bit weirder, the "Paseo" pizza features artichokes and feta, which feels very on-brand for an arts district.
- Order by the slice if you're alone. The slices are huge—like, bigger than your face.
- If you're with a group, get the 18-inch. It’s cheaper in the long run and the leftovers are elite.
- Don't skip the garlic knots. They are basically doughy clouds of butter and vampires’ nightmares.
What's cool is they kept the "by the slice" model. In a world where every new restaurant wants you to sit down for a three-course meal, being able to walk up to a counter, drop a few bucks, and get a hot slice in five minutes is a vibe we need to protect at all costs.
The Gluten-Free and Vegan Situation
Honestly, a lot of pizza places treat vegans like an afterthought. "Here, have some dough with tomato sauce and no soul." Sauced actually tries. They have vegan cheese options and a gluten-free crust that doesn't taste like cardboard. It’s not quite as good as the gluten-heavy original, but for people with dietary restrictions, it’s a solid 8 out of 10.
The Patio Culture and the Paseo Vibe
You can't talk about Sauced on Paseo Oklahoma City OK without talking about the patio. It’s the crossroads of the city. On any given Friday night, you’ll see:
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- Art students from OCU sketching in the corner.
- Families with toddlers who are currently smeared in marinara.
- First dates that are either going incredibly well or are a total train wreck (great for people-watching).
- Local artists taking a break from the galleries.
It’s one of the few places in Oklahoma City that feels truly walkable. You can park your car blocks away, wander through the galleries, grab a drink at The Pump or Guyutes, and then end up at Sauced for a late-night bite.
Live Music and Events
They do live music. A lot. The stage is right there on the patio. Sometimes it’s a singer-songwriter with an acoustic guitar, other times it’s a full band that makes it hard to hear your friend across the table. But that’s the point. It’s loud, it’s alive, and it feels like the heartbeat of the neighborhood.
During the Paseo Arts Festival, this place is the epicenter of the chaos. If you're planning to go during Memorial Day weekend, just know you’re going to be waiting in line. It’s worth it, though. There is something about eating a slice of pizza while looking at local pottery and listening to a drum circle that just feels right.
Things People Get Wrong About Sauced
A common misconception is that it's just a "college spot." Sure, the prices are accessible and the atmosphere is casual, but the quality of the ingredients has jumped significantly since the Humankind takeover. They use better flour. The cheese is higher quality. It’s a "grown-up" version of the divey pizza shop we all loved ten years ago.
Another thing? People think it’s only for dinner. Wrong. It’s a killer lunch spot. Because the Paseo is relatively quiet during the day, you can get in and out quickly, and the patio is actually peaceful before the evening rush hits.
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Why the Location Matters
Paseo is one of the oldest arts districts in the country. It was built in 1929. When you sit at Sauced, you're surrounded by history. The buildings have character that you just can't manufacture in a new suburban development. The stucco is cracking in places, the colors are vibrant, and the trees are huge. Sauced on Paseo Oklahoma City OK fits into this landscape perfectly because it doesn't try too hard. It’s cool without being pretentious.
Actionable Advice for Your Visit
If you're planning to head down there, keep these tips in mind to make the most of it.
- Parking is a nightmare: Don't even try to park on the main Paseo curve. You'll just get frustrated. Park a few blocks north or south in the residential areas and walk in. It’s a beautiful walk anyway.
- Check the weather: If it's raining, the indoor seating fills up instantly. If it’s a nice night, the patio will be packed. Plan accordingly.
- Try the dipping sauces: Their ranch is legit. I know, putting ranch on pizza is a polarizing topic, but this is Oklahoma. We put ranch on everything. Their spicy marinara is also a sleeper hit.
- Happy Hour: They often have drink specials that coincide with the "First Friday" gallery walks. Keep an eye on their social media for those.
- Don't rush: This isn't a fast-food joint. Even if you're just getting a slice, the service is "neighborhood speed." Relax. Enjoy the music.
Whether you're a local who hasn't been back since the remodel or a visitor looking for the "real" Oklahoma City, Sauced is a mandatory stop. It represents the best version of our city: diverse, creative, a little bit messy, and really, really welcoming.
Go for the "Swayze" slice. Stay for the people-watching. Just make sure you grab extra napkins. You're going to need them.