Empire Slice House in Oklahoma City: Wine Bar Meets Pizzeria on Plaza District

Empire Slice House operates as a casual wine bar anchored to pizza in the Plaza District, offering by-the-glass selections alongside thin-crust pies and small plates in a neighborhood setting that prioritizes accessibility over formality.

What Empire Slice House Actually Is

The space functions as a dual-purpose restaurant and wine bar rather than a wine-focused bar that happens to serve food. The pizza takes equal billing with the wine program. Seating spans a modest dining room and counter area in a converted retail space on NW 23rd Street, the commercial spine of the Plaza District. The vibe reads casual and social, suited to both solo wine drinkers at the bar and groups gathering for a meal. This positioning distinguishes it from Oklahoma City's full-service wine bars, which tend to prioritize tasting flights and charcuterie over substantive food.

Wine List and By-the-Glass Range

The wine program emphasizes affordability and drinkability. By-the-glass pours typically range from $6 to $12, with bottles starting around $30 and climbing to the $60 to $80 range for more specialized selections. The list leans toward approachable varietals and regions rather than rare or allocated bottles. Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and Italian whites appear regularly. Because wine inventory and pricing shift seasonally, current selections and pricing should be confirmed directly. The bar staff can pair wines with individual slices rather than requiring a full-bottle purchase, a practical detail for casual diners.

Pizza, Small Plates, and Pricing

Thin-crust pizzas form the core menu and range from $14 to $22 per pie, depending on toppings and size. Slices sell individually for $3 to $5, making this an option for customers who want wine and a single bite rather than a full meal. Small plates and appetizers typically fall in the $8 to $14 range and include items like burrata, cured meats, and roasted vegetables. This price tier positions Empire Slice House between casual pizza chains and upscale wine lounges, accessible for weeknight visits but not budget-driven.

How It Compares to Other Oklahoma City Wine Bars

In Oklahoma City, wine bars cluster into two categories: wine-focused establishments where food is secondary, and casual neighborhood spots that pair wine with eating. Winecry Cellars, located downtown, maintains a deeper, more technical wine list and operates more formally, suiting customers seeking rare varietals and structured tastings. Pearl Wine Bar in Midtown emphasizes wine education and curated selections at higher price points. Empire Slice House trades depth of wine knowledge for immediacy of access. If you want a $8 glass of Pinot and a fresh pizza slice without a reservation or pretense, Empire Slice House fits. If you're pursuing a specific Burgundy producer or a blind tasting flight, downtown and midtown alternatives serve that better.

Who This Suits and Who It Does Not

The space works well for Plaza District residents and workers who want a casual drop-in for lunch or happy hour, date nights that prioritize food over wine theater, and groups splitting slices and glasses. It does not suit customers seeking rare-wine expertise, those looking for a quiet wine-focused experience without significant food-culture noise, or anyone avoiding casual or counter-service setups. The environment is social and moderately loud during peak hours.

What the First Visit Involves

Entering, you will see the order counter or hostess station immediately. Seating is first-come, first-served at the bar or at tables; reservations are not typical for this format. Order pizza by the pie or slice and wines by the glass at the counter, or a server will take a table order if you settle into a booth. Expect a 10 to 15-minute wait for hot pizza during lunch or evening rush. Wine arrives promptly. No dress code applies.

Hours, Parking, and Logistics

Empire Slice House operates seven days a week; specific hours should be verified directly, as pizzeria and bar hours sometimes shift seasonally. The Plaza District location on NW 23rd Street includes street parking and nearby municipal lots, both typically available. The bar is wheelchair accessible from the street entrance. No private events or reservations are standard, though the staff can accommodate questions about group arrangements.

Empire Slice House holds a clear niche in Oklahoma City's wine and food landscape: a place to combine modest wine exploration with uncomplicated eating in a neighborhood context. It succeeds because it does not try to be both a serious wine destination and a casual pizzeria but rather acknowledges that many diners want both, without fuss.