Lots of good info and schedule in below link. If you want the best food with least amount of crowds I would say: Wed: Black Mesa @ Lobby Bar Thurs: Anthem@oak and oar Fri: Elk Valley@oak and oar, If you only check out one make it this. Get there early as this will be very busy. http://www.thirstybeaglebeerblog.com/2015/05/see-full-oklahoma-city-craft-beer-week.html
I still have yet to figure out why Oak & Ore gets so much hype. I hate how small that space is (feels like a sardine can), the 3 times I've been there the staff were all condescending asshole-hipsters, and I refuse to go to that part of town and deal with all the transients/homeless walking around after 7pm. Good luck getting into Roof Top Brew Hop unless you know someone in the business.
I think there's a couple of things missing on that week long schedule because, last I heard, McNellie's was suppose to have 2 pint nights & 2 firkins this week although that may have changed since Thursday night.
That's the vibe I picked up walking around that that area when I was there a few years ago. ( A lot people asking for a dollar )...
I have not spent much time in the Plaza District after 7pm, but I really enjoy the area in the afternoon. Oak and Ore does not appear or feel small. My family and I have always received good service there and the grandkids love the area. Roxy's is right next door and Empire Slice House always gives the kids a ball of pizza dough to play with.
It's changed immensely in the past two years. Plaza District is a great time with some excellent food for cheap.
I understand where you are coming from, I feel like when its not busy its a whole different place. I have had bad service and great service here. I think you should give it a few more tries before writing it off completely. They have a lot of offerings not found elsewhere. If you are from the burbs it certainly has an overwhelming "urban" feel but Ive never had any issues at all down there.
Just got back home and I was able to make a couple of the events. Hit up McNellie's on Wednesday, and Thursday popped into Bricktown Brewery after work ($2.75 pints for Happy Hour was a sweet deal). Then moved to Tapwerks and caught the Coop 2012 Barleywine tapping plus the Green Flash Silva Stout. Even scored glasses courtesy of the really nice bar staff. Wish I had more time to catch the Friday\Saturday events, but I was happy to get to a few. Cheers!
