FOOD: GameDay Faves

There’s no denying it. Something comes over you when you hear that first  stadium cheer, feel the electricity pulse through the crowd or chatter with friends excitedly in front of the big screen. Football is more American than mom’s apple pie and just as much a warm and welcomed tradition. It ushers in a season of sweatshirts and saucy foods that only those coveted gridiron weekends can condone.

Whether you savor the day with a hotdog in hand amidst roaring thousands or gab with your girlfriends over queso dip at the kitchen island, football season sparks a fun food line-up that signals the kick-off of fall. Dig in and relish some winning options from locals who’ve definitely got game!

BBQ. Bring it.

By tailgate or TV, BBQ never fails to fire up hungry sports fans. The smoky aroma alone is enough to make anyone ditch their weekday diet plan without a second thought. It’s hearty, tangy and served in abundance—what’s not to love about this saucy mainstay? Whether you plan your game day gathering in advance or at the last minute, Earl’s Rib Palace rises to the occasion with fast service and sumptuous fare no self-respecting fan can resist.

At this celebrated BBQ joint, meats are slow-smoked on premise for that one-of-a-kind, deep hickory flavor. Ordered by the pound, favorites like ribs, pulled pork, brisket, turkey, polish sausage and hot links are always a hit. Try mild or fiery chicken wings, too. Pair your choice meats with exceptional sides that eat like a main attraction—baked beans loaded with brisket, green beans with smoky bacon and plump fried okra nuggets perfect for munching. Catch the games on TV at Earl’s six metro locations, too!

Greek is GameDay Chic

Bring something new to the huddle when it’s your turn to host the game day festivities. Ethnic foods like Let’s Do Greek’s Mediterranean specialties are a tasty trend. Fresh veggies, succulent meats and spot-on spices have taken Middle Eastern fare mainstream, in a big way. Kick-start the party with spicy Thunder Hummus and pita bread or to-die-for Spanakopita—flaky Filo dough stuffed with spinach and Feta cheese.

With more than 30 years of expertise, this award-winning family restaurant takes appetites of all tastes on a global adventure. The Oregano Chicken—sliced, breaded chicken tossed with grilled onions, virgin olive oil, herbs and lemon juice—is sensational atop a Greek salad, stuffed in cornmeal bread or piled on a sandwich or basmati rice plate. Order the Oregano Chicken or famous Gyros meat by the pound with a bag of pita bread and tasty sides like Feta Fries or Tabouleh for the ultimate to-go party fare.

Game On The Go

Get ready for a unique adventure! The Bricktown Bike Bar—a 100% pedal-powered mobile party on a giant bicycle—offers the ultimate game day or special event excitement. Led by a party facilitator who steers a group of 10 pedalers and six loungers around downtown OKC, the tour or beer-tasting tour is “a great way to see Bricktown from a unique perspective,” says manager, Nick Oxford. “Passengers love the looks they get from people on the street. It almost feels like you’re in a parade.”

The standard tour lasts two hours and the beer tasting tour lasts two and a half hours. Groups can bring their own 3.2 beer and snacks on board the bike. The beer tasting tour includes a stop at Bricktown Brewery and two other bars on the Bike Bar beer plan. Oxford notes that it’s a great way to enjoy time with friends before watching a game at a bar in Bricktown. An on-board stereo also allows guests to enjoy the game as they tour the city.

For more information, visit earlsribpalace.com, letsdogreek.com and bricktownbikebar.com.