Experience all Guthrie, Oklahoma, has to offer during your stay for the Barrel Futurities of America World Championships in its inaugural year at the Lazy E Arena.
Photos courtesy Justin Fortney/City Of Guthrie
The spacious Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Oklahoma, has become host to several major barrel racing events in recent years, such as the Lance Graves International Barrel Racing Championships, the Pink Buckle Futurity, the World Champions Rodeo Alliance Semifinals, and now the Barrel Futurities of America World Championships for its first year in Guthrie after 33 years in Oklahoma City.
Justin Fortney, tourism director for the City of Guthrie, says the charming small town features convenience and ease of access to dining and shopping without the headache of the big city.
“You can drive a few minutes up I-35, park one time, eat dinner, grab drinks, go shopping, stop in an art gallery or listen to live music—you don’t have to constantly fight traffic or look for parking spaces,” Fortney said. “Downtown Guthrie has everything you need within walking distance of your parking space. Plus if you need various supplies, we have Walmart, Tractor Supply, O’Reilly’s Auto Parts, Auto Zone and NAPA all within a few minutes of downtown, making it super convenient for participants and spectators.”
Fortney shared his top picks for restaurants, coffee, cocktails, brews and more so you can make the most of your time in Guthrie during the BFA from November 18–23.
But First, Coffee
Hoboken Coffee Roasters
What: Local roasts, tea, scratch-baked pastries, outdoor seating
Where: 224 1/2 S. Division St
Hours: 7 a.m.–6 p.m. M–F; 8 a.m.–7 p.m. Sat
Fortney’s Take: “We don’t have a Starbucks, but we have even better options in my humble opinion. Hoboken is one of the best coffee shops in Oklahoma. They roast their own coffee, have a large outdoor patio, bake incredible pastries daily, and the owners are wonderful local Guthrie folks.”
Rick’s Fine Chocolates and Coffee
What: Coffee, house-made chocolates, truffles, candy
Where: 109 W Oklahoma Ave Unit A
Hours: 8 a.m.–6 p.m. M–Th; 8 a.m.–8 p.m. F–Sat;
10 a.m.–6 p.m. Sun
Fortney’s Take: “Along with great coffee, Rick’s features an incredible assortment of chocolates and candies made in-house right in downtown Guthrie.”
Casual Eats
Stacy’s Place
What: Comfort food, lunch, dinner, dessert, large group seating
Where: 113 W. Harrison Ave
Hours: 11 a.m.–8 p.m. M–W; 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Th–Sat
Fortney’s Take: “Probably the highlight at Stacy’s is the ridiculous selection of desserts made from scratch. They also have a large dining room, with an additional space that can be utilized by large groups.”
Señor López Mexican Grill
What: Mexican, Tex Mex, margaritas, lunch, dinner
Where: 2130 S. Division St
Hours: 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m. M–Th;
11 a.m.–10 p.m. F–Sat; 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m. Sun
El Rodeo
What: Tex Mex, lunch, dinner
Where: 2015 E. Oklahoma Ave
Hours: 11 a.m.–9 p.m. M–Th, Sun;
11 a.m.–9:30 p.m. F–Sat
Dinnertime Dining
602 Bistro at the Dominion House
What: Dinner, steaks, seafood, pizza, full bar and craft cocktails, brunch
Where: 602 E. College Ave
Hours: 5:30 p.m.–10 p.m. W–Sat;
11 a.m.–2 p.m. Sun
Note: Reservations preferred but walk-ins welcome. Last seating is 9:30 p.m. Th–Sat. Reserve online at dominionhouseguthrie.com/602-bistro.
Fortney’s Take: “602 Bistro is fairly new and has one of the best menus and atmospheres in Oklahoma. If you want upscale dining, it’s perfect. If you want relaxed with pizza and drinks, it’s perfect—best of both worlds. Plus they have an unbelievably gorgeous patio and bocce ball courts.”
Stables Café
What: Dinner, weekday lunch specials, weekend buffets, craft beer
Where: 223 North Division St
Hours: 11 a.m.–9 p.m. M–Th; 1
1 a.m.–10 p.m. F–Sat; 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Sun
Note: Be sure to call ahead one hour for parties of nine or more—405/282-0893
Fortney’s Take: “Stables Café is a destination restaurant with great steaks, barbecue, and a huge list of Oklahoma craft beers. Stables is one of those fun places with great memorabilia covering the walls from by-gone eras.”
Gage’s Steakhouse
What: Dinner, steaks, seafood, full bar
Where: 409 W. Oklahoma Ave
Hours: 5 p.m.–10 p.m. Tues–Sat
Note: Reservations available online at gagessteakhouse.com
Fortney’s Take: “Located in the old train depot, they have a fantastic menu of steaks, seafood, pastas, plus a lovely bar, and it’s such a fun experience to watch the train roll by while you eat.”
Family Fun
The Boarding House
What: Game lounge, coffee, tea, snacks, bakery, WiFi
Where: 124 W. Oklahoma Ave
Hours: 3:30 p.m.–10:30 p.m. Tues–Th;
3:30 p.m.–12 a.m. F; 12 p.m.–12 a.m. Sat
Fortney’s Take: “The Boarding House is a board game lounge that’s wonderful for both kids and grownups. Thousands of games, plus a cool snack bar and WiFi.”