First National Center Great Hall - a building with a sign on it
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First National Center Great Hall

4.2
·12 reviews·Oklahoma City, United States

Step into a stunning Art Deco masterpiece at the First National Center's Great Hall, offering opulent architecture and unique dining experiences.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
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First National Center Great Hall - a building with a sign on it

First National Center Great Hall

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step into a stunning Art Deco masterpiece at the First National Center's Great Hall, offering opulent architecture and unique dining experiences.

4.2
(12 reviews)

"It reminds me of The Continental in John Wick. You can sit down for a meal or grab a drink and view the art deco architecture."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Drop in for a Drink

You can usually just walk in for a drink at the bar or in the lobby area.

✨ Dress for the Occasion

While not strictly enforced for casual visits, dressing up enhances the fancy vibe for tea.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Great Hall Architecture

The Great Hall Architecture

First National Center

Marvel at the stunning Art Deco design and opulent interiors of this historic building. It's a visual feast!

Afternoon Tea Experience

Afternoon Tea Experience

Tellers

Indulge in a whimsical afternoon tea, often with themed menus like Alice in Wonderland. A luxurious treat!

Bank Vault Bar

Bank Vault Bar

Downstairs

Enjoy a unique cocktail experience in the historic bank vault. A truly memorable spot for a drink.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Ahead for Special Events

While you can often drop in for a drink, reservations are highly recommended for afternoon tea and special events like Holiday Afternoon Tea to secure your spot and avoid disappointment. Instagram

Understand the Gratuity Policy

Be aware that a 20% gratuity is automatically added to bills, even for smaller parties, which may differ from what's stated on some booking platforms. Clarify this upon arrival. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low
When
Early evenings
Why
Perfect for a drink
Crowd
Medium
When
Holiday season
Why
Festive decorations
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Galentine’s Date in OKC #OKC 📍Tellers - 120 N Robinson Ave, Oklahoma City 🫖 - Alice in Wonderland Tea at the Great Hall #okc #thingstodo #oklahoma #fy #fy #realtor #tea #afternoontea #GalentinesDay #AfternoonTea #AliceInWonderland #MadHatterVibes #LuxuryExperience #GirlsDayOut #OKCFoodie #HighTeaAesthetic #FancyVibes #TikTokEats #WhimsicalVibes”
@celynneacescott
44 likes • 569 views

🎯 Drop in for a Drink

You can usually just walk in for a drink at the bar or in the lobby area. Reddit

✨ Dress for the Occasion

While not strictly enforced for casual visits, dressing up enhances the fancy vibe for tea. Instagram

The perfect holiday activity is waiting for you at First National Center. Unwrap festive luxury with Holiday Afternoon Tea in The Great Hall. Reservations are available at the link in our bio. 📸 : @tellers_okc - - - - - #FirstNationalCenter #OKCLiving #HighRiseLiving #HistoricPreservation #ArtDecoDesign
firstnationalokc
96 likes • 1.6K views
Can you believe that this is a building in Oklahoma City?!? (It reminds me of The Continental in John Wick. 🤩) Welcome to The Great Hall in the First National Center. This is just one of the multiple cool rooms in this building, but it IS my favorite! You can sit down for a meal at @tellers_okc and/or grab a drink, view the art deco architecture and snap some elegant photos for your next profile ...
where.u.wander
32 likes • 788 views

📸 Bathroom Selfie Spot

Don't miss the chance for a glamorous selfie in the restrooms! Reddit

📅 Book Afternoon Tea

Reservations are essential for afternoon tea, especially for special themed events. Instagram

reddit.com

Great Hall bar

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Drop in for a Drink

You can usually just walk in for a drink at the bar or in the lobby area. Reddit

✨ Dress for the Occasion

While not strictly enforced for casual visits, dressing up enhances the fancy vibe for tea. Instagram

📸 Bathroom Selfie Spot

Don't miss the chance for a glamorous selfie in the restrooms! Reddit

📅 Book Afternoon Tea

Reservations are essential for afternoon tea, especially for special themed events. Instagram

🧐 Clarify Gratuity

Confirm the 20% automatic gratuity policy upon arrival to avoid surprises. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.2
(12 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors are captivated by the stunning Art Deco architecture of the First National Center's Great Hall, often calling it a must-see. However, dining experiences, particularly afternoon tea at Tellers, receive mixed reviews regarding food quality and service consistency, with some guests finding the automatic gratuity policy surprising.

"I have emailed and directly sent a message through The Great Hall website and received no reply. The food was okay. The tea was good. The service was subpar and how our situation was handled was completely unacceptable. I wish I would have stayed and asked to speak to a manager but honestly I was so taken aback that a manager wasn't even offered to come speak to us. On OpenTable, it stated that gratuity was only charged for tables 8 and over. We only had 6 people. When I brought this up, they said they were sorry their website was wrong but that everyone is charged 20% gratuity no matter their size. So we asked if the table of 2 girls next to us was charged 20% gratuity and she said yes. Which I'm sorry, I have a hard time believing. They told me it states that on OpenTable about gratuity being charged 20% for everyone. I pulled up my app and showed on my reservation that it clearly states gratuity is only charged for tables 8 and over. I had 6 people for tea. I said I don't mind paying the cost, this is a special occasion. But it is something I would have liked to be prepared for in the cost going in. Our original server also did not inform us that we could get plain water for free. She only offered sparkling or still. That was another added expense we were not expecting. We also ordered a charcuterie and cheese board. We were missing 5 items on the board. No apologies, no explanation, nothing. When we ordered the board, our server literally stated "Would you like crackers with it? It already comes with crackers but just wanted to make sure". So we said yes that would be great. Turns out, you can either have crackers OR the toasted focaccia . We were not informed of this. We weren't asked if we would prefer crackers INSTEAD of the toast. Because we would have said no. Now back to our OpenTable reservation. I stated that it was a special event, a birthday. The two girls sitting next to us also were celebrating a birthday. How did I know? They received a special birthday treat and candle. When I asked at the end she said well it need to be stated on OpenTable reservation. So once again I showed her where it stated "This is a birthday celebration". Once again, no apology, not even an attempt at an excuse. Just well she should have gotten a dessert. They didn't even offer to send us home with one. Needless to say, this was a one and done experience for us. At least at this establishment. I expected to pay around $350-360. But was astounded that we ended up spending over $100 more than expected due to the gratuity and water. Also the lack of caring from the servers. We did notice that a wedding was occurring behind us. I believe this took precedent. I don't like to complain. But for this experience and price point I was severely disappointed. I also have screenshots of my reservation where the gratuity statement was stated on tables of 8 and over, where it stated it was a birthday celebration, and I have a screenshot of what all should come on the charcuterie and cheese boards as well as what was actually given to us."

Miranda Colangelo

"For tellers, I truly expected far better than this. I am so disappointed. To start, it took 20 minutes to receive our tea pots and Prosecco. At one point I asked for water which took roughly an additional 30 minutes. The savories were disgusting. The chicken curry was a horrid flavor as well as the apple butter on the prosciutto and Brie. The breads were stale and the croissants were dry. There was also barely anything on each savory. However, the pimento was the best bite for the savory and not entirely off putting. Scones traditionally are served two per person. We were given two scones which were two separate flavors; therefore, we had to split them. We also had to share our clotted cream and mandarin jam… sad. Although, the scones were the best bite overall and the jam was quite good. The clotted cream was traditional and that was a great surprise. The sweets were far below standard. Once again, we were given two different flavored macarons which were already mini in size. We had to split these so we could both try each flavor. The raspberry one was quite good. I’m assuming these may not be made and are bought though, but I could be wrong here. The cannolis were a horrid flavor. My tea guest and I both could not take more than a bite. The chocolate on the strawberries was not good. The cocoa dusted flourless chocolate truffles were okay. The cocoa got all over our hands as we were not given any forks. My early grey tea was very delicious and my tea guest enjoyed her jasmine green tea. I appreciate that the Prosecco was complimentary, but we probably should have been carded for this as we are both in our early 20’s with my tea guest only recently being of age to drink alcohol. The atmosphere was very good, per usual. The holiday decorations were beautiful. The server was quite friendly although she did take forever and never gave us the extra glass of Prosecco we were promised as an apology for the untimely manner in which we received a part of our service, although I cannot remember particularly why this extra glass was offered by the server. I will say that she seemed to be the only one serving our reserved tea area and other guests were in attendance, so I believe the issue may be with staffing and not really her fault. However, if you are going to require your guests adhere to a dress code, your staff should as well. we frequent here for dinner and I really enjoy the previous times we’ve dined here. Also something to note is that according to Yelp we were to be charged an 18% gratuity automatically. However, when we were charged our bill, we ended up being charged 20%. I would love to come again in hopes that these issues may be remedied. The location is beautiful and typically a great place to dine. This is not the service we’ve come to except from this business."

Allie Lock

"My wife and I went here for the afternoon tea as part of our anniversary celebrations. The service was very good, when things were running behind for our food they gave us complementary drinks. The hall itself is immensely impressive but our seating, while comfortable, lacked intimacy, it felt like being at a business meeting. The food fell flat. It wasn't terrible but we've definitely had better for the same price. The scones were very plain, I'm not sure if they were supposed to have flavor but they tasted like slightly sweet biscuits. There was no clotted cream or lemon curd to go with the scones, only butter. We ordered the charcuterie board. It wasn't bad but a couple of the slices of toasted bread were stale. Overall I'd recommend The Great Hall for the experience but don't expect much from the food."

Joshua Chumbley

What People Like

Breathtaking architecture
Unique atmosphere
Whimsical tea themes

What People Dislike

Inconsistent food quality
Subpar service
Unexpected gratuity

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The First National Center is located at 120 N Robinson Ave, Oklahoma City. It's easily accessible by car, with nearby parking options. Public transport might also be an option depending on your starting point. TikTok

Yes, there are typically parking garages and street parking available near the First National Center. It's advisable to check local parking apps for real-time availability and rates. Instagram

You can usually visit the Great Hall to admire the architecture and grab a drink without a reservation. However, for afternoon tea or specific events, booking in advance is highly recommended. Reddit

For an evening visit, consider ride-sharing services or taxis for convenience, especially if you plan to enjoy drinks at the bar. Reddit

As a historic building, accessibility can vary. It's best to contact the venue directly to inquire about specific accommodations for mobility challenges. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets are generally not required to enter the Great Hall to see the architecture or have a drink. However, afternoon tea and special events often require advance reservations or ticket purchases. Instagram

The Great Hall and Tellers restaurant typically have operating hours that vary. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information on hours for dining and general access. Instagram

The cost of afternoon tea can vary, especially for themed events. Expect it to be a premium experience. It's advisable to check the menu or contact Tellers directly for current pricing. Reddit

While there isn't a strict dress code for general entry, many visitors dress up for afternoon tea to match the elegant atmosphere. Some reviews suggest staff should also adhere to a dress code. TikTokReddit

Reservations for the bar are usually not required, but it's always a good idea to call ahead, especially during peak times, to ensure availability. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Tellers offers afternoon tea with a set menu, often featuring whimsical themes. They also serve other dining options and drinks. Reviews suggest mixed experiences with the food quality. Reddit

Yes, the venue is reportedly accommodating for gluten-free and allergen guests, so be sure to mention any dietary needs when booking. Reddit

Reviews on food quality are mixed. Some find the tea and scones enjoyable, while others describe savories and sweets as disappointing or stale. Reddit

Yes, you can order drinks at Tellers, including cocktails and tea, without necessarily ordering a full afternoon tea service. Reddit

Dining at Tellers, especially for afternoon tea, is considered a premium experience and can be quite expensive, with unexpected costs like gratuity adding to the bill. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally allowed, and the stunning Art Deco architecture provides a fantastic backdrop. Many visitors capture photos of the hall and themselves. Instagram

The main Great Hall itself, the bank vault bar, and even the restrooms are popular spots for photos due to their unique and opulent designs. InstagramReddit

For professional photoshoots or filming, it's best to contact the venue management in advance to inquire about their policies and any potential fees. Instagram

While generally permitted, be mindful of other guests' privacy when taking photos during your dining experience. TikTok

Both smartphones and dedicated cameras can capture the beauty of the Great Hall. Good lighting is key, especially in the evening. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Great Hall itself can be a fascinating place for children to explore, with its grand architecture and unique atmosphere. While afternoon tea might be a bit formal for very young children, the sheer visual spectacle of the building can capture their imagination. Instagram

Consider visiting during the day to admire the architecture without the evening crowds. If you plan on dining, inquire about any kid-friendly menu options or if the afternoon tea can be adapted. The Bank Vault Bar might be less suitable for families with young children due to its bar setting. Reddit

🥂 Couples & Special Occasions

The First National Center Great Hall provides a stunning backdrop for romantic outings and celebrations. The afternoon tea at Tellers is a popular choice for anniversaries and special dates, offering a touch of luxury and whimsy. TikTokReddit

For a more intimate experience, consider a cocktail at the Bank Vault Bar or a dinner reservation at Tellers. The opulent Art Deco setting ensures a memorable and elegant evening. Be sure to mention any special occasions when booking to see if any special arrangements can be made. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

While the First National Center Great Hall can be an expensive destination, especially for afternoon tea, there are ways to experience its charm on a budget. You can often visit the Great Hall to admire the architecture and take photos for free. Instagram

Opting for a drink at the Bank Vault Bar is a more affordable way to experience the unique ambiance compared to a full dining experience. Reddit If you do decide on afternoon tea, be mindful of the automatic 20% gratuity and any additional charges for items like still water, which can significantly increase the final bill. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art Deco Splendor

The First National Center in Oklahoma City is a marvel of Art Deco architecture, and its Great Hall is the crown jewel. Designed in the 1930s, the building boasts intricate detailing, soaring ceilings, and a sense of grandeur that transports visitors back in time. Instagram The opulent interiors feature geometric patterns, polished metals, and dramatic lighting, creating a truly immersive experience. Many visitors are struck by the sheer beauty and historical significance of the space, often comparing it to iconic movie sets. Instagram

When visiting, take your time to appreciate the craftsmanship. Look up at the ornate ceilings, admire the decorative elements on the walls, and soak in the atmosphere. It’s a photographer’s dream, with every angle offering a new perspective on its stunning design. The building has been meticulously preserved, allowing guests to experience its original splendor. Instagram

Beyond the visual appeal, the Great Hall often hosts events and dining experiences, such as afternoon tea at Tellers, which further enhances the feeling of stepping into a different era. The combination of historical architecture and modern amenities makes it a unique destination within Oklahoma City. TikTok

Afternoon Tea at Tellers

For a truly special occasion, afternoon tea at Tellers within the First National Center's Great Hall is a popular choice. This experience aims to be whimsical and luxurious, often featuring themed menus that evoke a sense of fantasy, such as an 'Alice in Wonderland' tea. TikTok It's an opportunity to feel pampered and enjoy a curated selection of teas, savories, scones, and sweets. Reddit

However, reviews suggest that while the experience can be delightful, the execution of the food and service can be inconsistent. Some guests have reported issues with the quality of the food, such as stale breads or uninspired sweets, and subpar service, including long waits and miscommunication regarding billing. Reddit It's important to manage expectations and be prepared for potential discrepancies, especially concerning the automatic gratuity policy. Reddit

Despite some criticisms, many still find the afternoon tea a memorable event, particularly for celebrations like birthdays or Galentine's Day. The ambiance of the Great Hall significantly contributes to the overall enjoyment. If you opt for afternoon tea, it's highly recommended to book well in advance and clarify all details, including pricing and inclusions, upon arrival. InstagramReddit

The Bank Vault Bar Experience

For a more casual yet equally unique experience, the Bank Vault Bar located downstairs in the First National Center offers a distinct atmosphere. This bar is situated within the building's original bank vault, providing a truly memorable setting for enjoying a cocktail. Reddit

The ambiance of the vault is often described as intimate and historic, offering a different vibe from the grandiosity of the Great Hall. It's a great spot to explore if you're interested in the building's past as a financial institution. Visitors can simply drop in for a drink and soak in the unique surroundings. Reddit

While the focus is on the atmosphere, the bar also serves a selection of drinks. It's a perfect place for a pre-dinner cocktail or a relaxed evening drink, offering a conversation-starting location that stands out from typical bars. Reddit

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