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.

Whether it’s a quick cup before heading to the Lazy E to feed horses or refueling on the patio after morning exhibitions, Hoboken Coffee Roasters is a delicious start to your day.

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.”

Stacy’s Place is a must for hearty, home-cooked comfort food after a long day at the arena, topped off with some scratch-made dessert.

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

Located in the gorgeous Dominion House event space, 602 Bistro features upscale dining and craft cocktails or more low-key options like delicious pizza, burgers and local beer.

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.”

Oklahoma Avenue and Division Street in the heart of downtown Guthrie is home to many dining, shopping and entertainment options.

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.”

pizza

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.”

Author

Blanche Schaefer is an avid barrel racer and managing editor of Barrel Horse News. Email comments or questions to [email protected]

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