Choosing Your Stops
The three recommended venues each fill a different niche. Flint, located inside the Colcord Hotel at 15 N Robinson Ave, offers contemporary American dishes with a simple, high‑quality approach and a small‑bites menu from 2 to 5 PM. Vast, at 333 W Sheridan Ave, emphasizes fresh, locally sourced fare, craft cocktails, and expansive city views, making it a strong choice for a relaxed lunch or a date‑night dinner. Mickey Mantle’s Steakhouse in Bricktown (7 S Mickey Mantle Dr) provides a lively bar atmosphere with $1.50 domestic beers and hors d’oeuvres during a 4‑7 PM weekday happy‑hour. Selecting all three gives a balanced experience of upscale brunch, modern local cuisine, and affordable evening drinks.
Suggested Flexible Visit Sequence
Start the afternoon at Flint’s small‑bites window (2‑5 PM). After a light snack, walk a short distance east to Bricktown and arrive at Mickey Mantle’s for its happy‑hour (4‑7 PM weekdays). This overlap allows you to enjoy drinks while still having time for a second bite at Flint if desired. When happy‑hour ends, head back toward downtown’s core for dinner at Vast, which can accommodate a later evening service. The sequence respects each venue’s typical service windows and keeps travel time to a 5‑10 minute walk between stops.
Practical Booking and Access Checks
Before you set out, verify each restaurant’s current address and entrance, as the source notes the need for confirmation. Check operating hours for the day you plan to travel, especially Flint’s small‑bites and Vast’s dinner service, which are not listed in the data. Determine whether reservations are required – Flint and Vast often benefit from a reservation for dinner, while Mickey Mantle’s may need a table for the bar during peak happy‑hour. Confirm Flint’s valet parking validation policy and any associated fees, and review any parking‑garage validation partnerships for the other venues.
Transportation, Parking, and Neighborhood Context
Interstate 40 runs along downtown’s southern edge and I‑235 lies just east, making driving the most convenient option for reaching all three stops, especially if you have luggage or plan multiple visits. City‑operated parking garages charge $2 per hour with a $10 daily maximum (as of 2018); these are budget‑friendly compared with valet fees. Public buses run more frequently downtown than elsewhere, so you could use them for short hops between Bricktown, the Plaza District, and Midtown. Walking between Flint and Vast is a pleasant stroll along Sheridan Avenue, while Bricktown’s canal area offers a scenic backdrop after your happy‑hour.
Timing and Meal Planning Across the Three Venues
Flint’s small‑bites menu is available from 2‑5 PM, making it ideal for an early afternoon snack. Mickey Mantle’s happy‑hour runs 4‑7 PM on weekdays, so you can transition directly from Flint to Bricktown for drinks. Because Vast’s specific meal times are not listed, plan to arrive after happy‑hour, allowing a buffer of 30‑45 minutes for travel and a relaxed dinner. This staggered timing prevents overlap, gives you time to enjoy each venue’s atmosphere, and leaves room for a post‑dinner walk to the Plaza District or Midtown for dessert or a nightcap.
Traveler Trade‑offs and Tips
Driving offers the most flexibility and quick access to parking validation at Flint, but budget travelers may prefer city garages to avoid valet costs. Public transit reduces parking fees and can add a local feel, though it may increase travel time between stops. If you value a quieter setting, choose Flint’s lounge for a relaxed brunch and Vast for a low‑key dinner; for a lively evening, prioritize Mickey Mantle’s bar. Consider your budget: Flint and Vast are mid‑range to splurge options, while Mickey Mantle’s happy‑hour provides affordable drinks. Adjust the sequence based on personal energy levels – a light bite first, drinks second, and a fuller meal last.
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