The Mule

The Mule is a flagship gourmet sandwich shop, gastropub, and neighborhood bar located at 1800 NW 16th Street in the Plaza District of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Founded in 2012 by local restaurateurs Joeyigens, Cody Rowan, and Jeff Chanchaleune, the restaurant helped spark the culinary revitalization of NW 16th Street and moved into its current expanded corner space—a converted vintage pharmacy building—to accommodate growing crowds. Known across the metro for elevated hot melts, Oklahoma-inspired comfort starters, and an extensive tap list of Oklahoma craft beers, The Mule draws food lovers, local creatives, and evening bar-hoppers looking for hearty American fare in a lively, unpretentious setting.

What to Expect at The Mule

Stepping inside The Mule reveals a warm, industrial-tavern aesthetic featuring exposed brick walls, reclaimed wood accents, leather booths, and a long wrap-around bar lined with local tap handles. Large street-facing windows look out onto the pedestrian-friendly sidewalk of the Plaza District, while a covered sidewalk patio offers prime people-watching along NW 16th Street. The kitchen focuses on scratch-made sauces, locally baked breads, and regionally sourced cheeses, including curds from Watonga, Oklahoma. Every hot melt comes with a choice of side—such as beer-battered fries, sweet potato fries, tomato soup, or broccoli salad—making it an approachable mid-range dining stop (`$$`) for both lunch and late-night dinner.

Beyond its signature sandwiches, the kitchen turns out crowd-pleasing shareables and seasonal specials. Starters lean heavily into indulgent Midwestern and Southern comfort flavors, led by the famous Okie Poutine and house-made cheese fries. Behind the bar, the beverage program spotlights Oklahoma breweries alongside classic cocktails, house sangria, and ginger-beer-forward Moscow Mules served in traditional copper mugs. Vegetarian diners are well cared for with clearly marked menu items (`V`), gluten-free bread substitutions are available on request, and the afternoon happy hour from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM delivers strong value on drinks and bar snacks.

• Okie Poutine: A signature Oklahoma starter piling crisp beer-battered fries high with peppery country white gravy and squeaky Watonga cheddar cheese curds, with an optional upgrade to the “Big Ass Poutine” topped with pulled pork and a fried egg.
• Macaroni Pony: One of the kitchen’s most popular hot melts, layering chipotle barbecue pulled pork, rich three-cheese macaroni and cheese, and tangy pickles between thick slices of grilled jalapeno cornbread.
• Cortez & Fancy Pants Melts: Fan-favorite sandwiches ranging from the Cortez (braised carnitas, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on sourdough) to the Fancy Pants (fried goat cheese medallions, fig jam, arugula, and peppadew peppers on multigrain bread).
• Oklahoma Craft Beer & Mule Cocktails: A rotating draft and can roster featuring Oklahoma City breweries like COOP Ale Works, Stonecloud, Prairie Artisan Ales, and Vanessa House, paired with house Moscow Mules and $5 Happy Hour “Dad Mugs” of Coors, Yuengling, and Pacifico.
• 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM Happy Hour: An afternoon food-and-drink special offering half-price bar snacks, $5 sangria, $5 Dad Mugs, and discounted featured beers of the week.

The Mule at a Glance

Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings

Because The Mule anchors the main intersection of the Plaza District at NW 16th Street and N Indiana Avenue, Friday and Saturday evenings between 6:30 PM and 8:30 PM—as well as the second Friday of every month during the district’s LIVE! on the Plaza block party—bring high demand. Walk-ins are always welcome at the bar and dining room, though booking a table ahead through the official website is smart for groups or weekend dinners. For the most relaxed experience and the best value, arrive between 3:00 PM and 5:30 PM on a weekday to take advantage of half-price bar snacks and $5 drink specials. Free angled street parking lines NW 16th Street, supplemented by public surface lots behind the north and south storefronts of the Plaza District; visitors riding public transit can take EMBARK Bus Route 008 along Classen Boulevard or Route 007 along Pennsylvania Avenue, both within a 5-minute walk.

The restaurant occupies a single-story street-level storefront with step-free entry from the NW 16th Street sidewalk, wide main aisles, accessible restrooms, and ground-level patio seating suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. After finishing a meal, spend an hour exploring the immediate block: walk directly behind the building to view the rotating street art at the Plaza Walls mural alley, catch an independent theatrical production across the street at Lyric Theatre at the Plaza, browse Oklahoma-themed apparel and gifts at DNA Galleries, or cap off the evening with small-batch ice cream at Roxy’s Ice Cream Social and vintage arcade games at Up-Down OKC just a few doors away.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the operating hours and best times to visit The Mule?

The Mule is open Monday through Saturday from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Late afternoon from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM is the ideal window to beat the dinner rush while enjoying half-price bar snacks and $5 drink specials during Happy Hour.

How much does a meal cost at The Mule, and are reservations accepted?

The Mule falls into the moderate `$$` price tier, with appetizers and hot melts generally ranging from $10 to $18 and Happy Hour drinks starting at $5. Both walk-in seating and online table reservations are available, and advance online ordering is supported for takeout.

How much time should I budget for dining at The Mule?

Most guests spend 60 to 90 minutes enjoying appetizers, hot melts, and local craft beers. If you pair your meal with browsing the shops, vintage boutiques, and the Plaza Walls mural alley along NW 16th Street, budget two to three hours in the Plaza District.

Is The Mule wheelchair accessible and suitable for vegetarians or families?

Yes, the restaurant features a step-free entrance off NW 16th Street, ground-floor booth and table seating, and ADA-compliant restrooms. Families are welcome during lunch and dinner hours, and the menu clearly marks vegetarian options such as the Fancy Pants goat cheese melt, classic grilled cheese, and vegetarian soups and salads.

When planning your Oklahoma City travel guide or comparing verified nightlife and american restaurant in Oklahoma City, pair this stop with standout local spots including The Press, Paseo Grill, CAVA, and Ambassador Hotel Oklahoma City, Autograph Collection (1.9 km away).