Style Across America: Exploring The Big Friendly

This spring, the editors of Esquire set off on a cross-country journey to discover the best of what the United States has to offer. From style to food and drink and other distinctly American oddities, we scoured this land by car from New York to L.A. Here is a sampling of what we encountered on our journey from Memphis, TN, to The Cinderella City.

After a pit stop in WalMart's hometown, we cruised into Oklahoma City just in time to hear the tornado sirens wail, a phenomenon that didn't seem to faze anyone but us out-of-towners. A cowering lunch later, we surmised it was just a drill and ventured forth into the sprawling brick metropolis. OKC is artsy, funky, and just the right balance of dirty and sophisticated so that, like most cities in the South, a visitor is made to feel right at home. The ring of urban sprawl that encircles downtown is a moat of cool local shops and antique stores, along with a some of the most intensely stocked convenience stores you'll ever see. Oklahoma City is a southern city, but not in a stereotypical "aw-shucks" way, but instead in a fashion that shows the south is alive, well, and as refined as any northern metropolis. Hell, more so, since everyone is just so damn nice all the time. With a place like this to call home, why wouldn't you be?

MY BLUE SEVEN

With a huge selection of fine goods that skew local but include stylish classic such as Clarks, Redwing, Penguin, loads of top end designer denim, and even RVCA and Altamont, you're bound to come out looking better than when you went it. Couple this with kitschy accessories and home goods—think of it as a privately-owned, much cooler version of Urban Outfitters with Western flair—and even if your accomplices don't feel like watching you shop, there're plenty to keep 'em entertained while you do. And shop you will.

7818 North May Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK; myblueseven.com.

MR. OOLEY'S

Class. That's the word that comes to mind when you walk into this fine apparel institution: class, classy, and classic. Made-to-measure suits, custom tailoring, footwear, and sportswear from brands like Armani, Canali, Brioni, and Zegna in a refined and elegant setting, plus, if you're travelling with that significant other, they have an arsenal of items for the fairer sex.

1901 NW Expressway, Suite 1023, Oklahoma City; mrooleys.com.

NIC'S GRILL

If the fact that Nic's is the number one rated restaurant in all of Oklahoma City according to tripadvisor.com isn't enough to sway you, then maybe the menu will. Everything from chicken fried steak to epic burgers to delicious breakfasts, served in what can only be called an ultra-authentic diner vibe. While the menu spans classic diner fare, if you really want to have the full experience you're getting the burger and hand-cut, made-to-order fries.

1201 North Pennsylvania Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK.

EDNA'S BAR

Home of the original "Lunch Box," a proprietary cocktail of Coors Light, Amaretto, and orange juice, Edna's is a classic dive bar that makes you feel at home the second you walk in the door. If the Lunch Box, which has reportedly sold an astounding 1.23 million, isn't your jam – and there are several other varietals to choose from – you can always just get loose with the 75 cent draft beer special from 4 – 7 P.M. Oh yeah, and they have food, too.

5137 North Classen, Oklahoma City, OK; ednasokc.com.

GUESTROOM RECORDS

Isn't there some universal law about how every city or large town has to have at least one great place to cop music that doesn't start with "i" and live in the cloud? If there isn't, there definitely should be. And Guestroom Records is a prime example as to why. Started by a couple pizza delivery guys who loved music so much they donated their own thousands of CDs and LPs to the shop to create inventory, Guestroom is still going strong over a decade later with three locations to choose from. With a huge selection of new and used music storage devices of all kinds—even cassettes!—bolstered by a knowledgeable staff that won't get all High Fidelity on you for asking questions, get your hands on a visceral musical treasure hunt the likes of which can't be duplicated from a glowing screen.

3701 North Western Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK; guestroom-records.com.

BRICKTOWN DISTRICT

Once a shabby mass of derelict warehouses, a revitalization project transformed this downtown neighborhood into a shopping and dining paradise. Wander well-worn brick avenues and discover everything from local artisans and tons of bars and restaurants to attractions like festivals, The American Banjo Museum, and multiple sports and music venues.

Oklahoma City; welcometobricktown.com.