Oklahoma City has many great districts, but few can compare to what you’ll experience in the Deep Deuce District. This district is chock-full of jazz sounds and flavors that connect to a rich Oklahoma heritage. Deep Deuce is nestled in between the Bricktown and Flatiron districts, with the main attractions primarily on Second Street.

Rich Heritage

The neighborhood used to be mostly African American and has gone by many names, starting at “Deep Second” to “The Deuce” to “The 2” to its current name, Deep Deuce. From the 1930s through 1960s, many prodigies visited the district. Among those who dropped by to perform were Nat King Cole, Duke Ellington, and Sarah Vaughan.

Several big names were from Deep Deuce or spent some time living there, including Pulitzer Prize-winner Ralph Ellison, famous jazz guitarist Charlie Christian, blues singer Jimmy Rushing and OKC native band, The Oklahoma City Blue Devils. Not only were entertainment sensations flocking to the area, but to keep up with the hype, businesses of all kinds were opening up shop.

Continued Legacy

This district continues to shine and draw many to visit and make a home there. In the summer of 2013, Kevin Durant bought a home in the Deep Deuce area. He bought two townhomes in the Hill Community and wanted to turn them into one 7,400-square-foot residence.

So what keeps the generations flocking to this neighborhood? This guide will give you some insight as why this neighborhood is one of OKC’s best.

Things to do and places to go in Deep Deuce

Coffee

LEAF + BEAN

Leaf + Bean is no ordinary coffee shop. You can walk up, drive through or go inside to hang out and get your coffee. Don’t miss out on trying their yummy pastries, like their killer vegan pumpkin donut. You can also use your Keep It Local card to get 15 percent off coffee beans and merchandise. Be sure to keep an eye out for events where they sell local art, like from the OKC-famous Erin Cooper.

Food

(Photos: Anchor Down Bar and Grill)

Anchor Down Bar and Grill

Anchor Down Bar and Grill is a part of the OKsea project (development using shipping containers) and provides a Deep Deuce experience like no other. Many say this restaurant has the best corndogs in all of OKC. They’re also famous for their beer cocktails, with concoctions like the Ironside, made of Ace Pineapple Cider and a shot of Sailor Jerry’s. They’re open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday. Be sure to also check out the other restaurant they own, The Mule in the Plaza District.

Deep Deuce Grill

A Deep Deuce staple, Deep Deuce Grill is connected to the very heart of the neighborhood. This building used to be the office of the African-American physician W.L. Haywood in the early 1900s . When Deep Deuce Grill designed their building, they kept the history of it alive by repurposing some things, like the original red door that was their entryway for Dr. Haywood’s patients. Aside from its historical roots, Deep Deuce Grill also has yummy food and a great atmosphere. When you visit there for a night out on the town be sure to try the Blueberry Mule, and their lobster roll sandwich.

The Wedge Pizzeria

Pizza made with local, fresh ingredients – sometimes even pulled right from the garden – is what you’ll get when you go to The Wedge Pizzeria. They not only serve pizza but have local beer and vegan options as well. What tethers this restaurant to the area is the fact that it started out as a train station. You can see the original train tracks on the south side of the building.

Slaughter’s Hall

Slaughter’s Hall is yet another classic building carried to the present. This sandwich shop was built by architect Dr. Wyatt H. Slaughter. He was the first African-American doctor to live in Oklahoma, and his building was once used as a popular dance hall. Now the shop makes sandwiches and appetizers. It’s a perfect place to watch a Thunder game or to catch the shows of the latest jazz sensations. The must-try menu items are the beer cheese soup, tomato basil soup, veggie burger and deviled eggs.

Live Music, Drinks & Entertainment

(photo: Artspace at Untitled: artwork Skyline Ink)

Skinny Slims

While walking through Deep Deuce, you must grab a drink British style at Skinny Slims. This quaint little bar may be a skinny building, but their drink menu is hefty. With 60-plus beers and generous selections of liquor, you’ll be sure to find something you love.

Urban Johnnie Bar & Grille

Urban Johnnie Bar & Grille was re-vamped in 2013 from an old Johnnie’s Charcoal Broiler. They’re famous for serving good old’ American Cuisine and drinks and hosting live jazz bands. Some of the favorite dishes are their fried apples, burger bar, and kale salad.

WSKY Lounge

Known for the best-in-class live jazz music, an exceptional variety of cigars and a 250-plus variety of whiskey choices, WSKY is a great spot to check out this weekend. Try their small plate options, like fried mac and cheese, or one of their many slider sandwiches.

Urban Roots

At Urban Roots , you’ll experience watching raw talented artists while getting some good eats and drinks. Chef Robert Irvine, the culinary mastermind on Food Network’s Restaurant: Impossible, recently did a renovation to this restaurant. While there, be sure to try the fish tacos and classic grits.

Artspace at Untitled

Artspace at Untitled takes art to a whole new level. Artspace at Untitled is a gallery that is always filled with culture and breath-taking talent. Most exhibits and events are completely free. Check out their Facebook page to see their latest events. They offer everything from live poetry to professional studio art classes.

Events

Deep Deuce has a ton of events that bring people through to try its rich culture. From home tours to bar dives to live music fests, the Deep Deuce district has so much to offer. One of the most popular events is the Deep Deuce Music Festival. On that day, the district is filled with rich jazz sounds – for free! Come and discover new talent and fresh-off-the-grill food that will leave you coming back for more.

Shopping

(Photo: Slim Menswear)

Bella Vici

There are many neat shops where you can find interesting things in the district. To start, make sure to browse Bella Vici, an award-winning interior design shop. Designers are in the store to help you shop for the things you need to add extra pizazz to your home. Make sure to check out their blog, where they share insider decorating tips from the designers themselves.

Native Roots

If you’re looking a snack or something healthy to cook up for dinner, visit Native Roots. This little grocery shop is truly the place to buy local. Not only do they have local products, they also have organic staples. Their spice bar has selections from all over the world.

Slim Menswear

Are you looking for a wardrobe upgrade? Look no further than Slim Menswear. Personal fashion consultants offer one-on-one help. They can teach you how to rock a bow tie and give you a designer look. If you join their style club you can get specials on designer shirts and jeans packages.

Living in Deep Deuce

(Photo: Deep Deuce Apartments)

Many people love visiting Deep Deuce so much that decide to move there. There are several trendy apartments, and this neighborhood has everything a place any resident would want.

There are four apartment complexes within the Deep Deuce district:

Deep Deuce Apartments: They have a pool that is shaped like a guitar, opera-style balconies and a 24-hour fitness center.

The Lofts at Maywood Park: You can rent these apartments or own them. They offer by-the-hour car rental and concierge services.

Level Urban Apartments: A heated swimming pool, two courtyards, Bizzebox dry cleaning and upgraded appliances are just a few of the amenities you will experience when you live in this community.

Mosaic Apartments: A lazy pool, a gated parking garage, upgraded appliances and an on-site grocery store at are just some of the perks of living at Mosaic.

When you live in Deep Deuce you’ll have perks like:

(Photo: Aloft Hotel)

A world class hotel, Aloft, within walking distance to where you live, just in case out-of-town guests wanted to stay close when they visit. Be sure to stop by their WXYZ restaurant and bar, which has great food choices and live Jazz on Tuesday nights.

A place to catch some rays even in the wintertime at Lumen Light Bar and Boutique.

Access to Dental 32, a dentist office with all of the latest and greatest technology.

T OKC branch of Oklahoma Baptist University down the street from where you live.

A unique fitness club called Koko fit club, whose machines are controlled from a computer and provide you a daily routine you can stick to. This digital technology is also used by Olympic athletes and celebrities.

A professional dog walker you can leave your furry friend with when you go out of town.

Whether you are visiting the Deep Deuce area or you want to move there to call it your home, there’s no doubt that this area in among one of the best neighborhoods in OKC. If you want to know more about renting an apartment in the Deep Deuce or Bricktown area, check out our available apartments or give us a call with any questions.