Skinny Slim's, the pocket-sized Bricktown pub that has long been Oklahoma City's go-to for soccer watch parties and late-night pints, was named one of USA TODAY's Bars of the Year for 2026. The national shoutout drops this tiny downtown hangout into a coast-to-coast roundup that mixes polished cocktail rooms with well-loved neighborhood dives.
The Oklahoman's Janae Williams reported the pick this week, highlighting the bar's loyal following and easygoing, locals-first vibe. According to The Oklahoman, the honor is part of the USA TODAY Network's annual Bars of the Year feature.
Fans, Photos and the Watch-Party Crowd
Recent coverage from the USA TODAY Network captured Skinny Slim's the way regulars know it best: packed shoulder to shoulder during World Cup matches, with pints in hand and eyes locked on the screens. The photos show fans erupting in cheers inside the snug barroom, underscoring that Skinny Slim's reputation rests as much on its game-night electricity as on what is poured behind the bar, according to Reuters Connect.
What Bricktown Regulars Already Know
Longtime patrons describe Skinny Slim's as compact, convivial, and firmly beer-forward, with an intimate indoor bar and an outdoor area that swells with jerseys and chants on match days. The Downtown OKC directory tags the pub as a Bricktown mainstay and notes its popularity with both visitors passing through and locals who treat it like a second living room. Downtown OKC.
How USA TODAY Picks Its Bars of the Year
USA TODAY Network food journalists across the country nominate and select Bars of the Year, zeroing in on places that capture a city's drinking culture, from low-lit cocktail dens to no-frills dives. The list has historically featured 27 bars in all, which is part of why a small local favorite like Skinny Slim's can suddenly find itself in the national spotlight instead of buried in a generic travel roundup. WISN.
Why the Nod Matters
National recognition typically brings a fresh wave of out-of-town visitors and a welcome bump in visibility for small operators, and Oklahoma City has been racking up those kinds of mentions lately. In April, one report noted that OKC's dining scene had scored a hat trick of James Beard finalists, a streak of praise that this USA TODAY mention only extends.
For anyone planning a visit, expect a loud, lively room on big-game nights and consider getting there early if you want a good spot at the bar. For hours and updates, the Downtown OKC and Visit OKC listings are solid places to start. Visit OKC.
