If you haven’t been to Cloud Puncher yet, it’s time. If you have, it’s time to go back.Perched atop the Lively Hotel, the rooftop bar and lounge looks out over Heartwood Park and the surrounding OAK development, offering a perspective of the city that feels both relaxed and slightly removed f rom the activity below. It’s the kind of place where guests arrive for a drink and the sunset, only to realize an hour later they’ve settled in for the evening. Now there’s another reason to stay longer. Cloud Puncher recently introduced a refreshed menu built around bold flavors, inventive small plates, and elevated comfort classics. The new offerings lean heavily into shareable dishes — plates designed for the middle of the table that turn dinner into a small tasting experience. General Manager Matt Cowden oversees the operation alongside Kitchen Manager Richard Persky and Food Beverage Manager Tracy Loyd. Together, the team has created a menu that feels approachable while still bringing enough creativity to keep guests coming back.The atmosphere itself plays a big role in the experience. During the day, Cloud Puncher feels relaxed and airy, an easy place to enjoy the view over OAK’s Heartwood Park. By evening, the rooftop becomes more energetic as groups gather for drinks and conversation. It’s lively without feeling crowded and polished without feeling formal. Both indoor and outdoor seating makes the space especially inviting during Oklahoma’s spring and summer months. Guests can settle into the interior lounge or step outside onto the open patio, where the breeze creates the perfect backdrop for a relaxing evening.But right now, the focus is on the food. Among the shareable standouts are the chipotle lime deviled eggs, which bring a playful twist to the classic appetizer. The eggs arrive delicately piped with a creamy filling brightened by lime and layered with smoky chipotle heat, topped with Tajín-dusted chicharrónes that add a bright citrus kick and a satisfying crunch. The smoked salmon dip is equally memorable. Smooth and savory, the dip carries the gentle smokiness of the salmon balanced with fresh herbs. Served with crisp accompaniments for dipping, it’s the kind of plate that quietly disappears as the table keeps reaching back for another bite. Another standout from the shareables section is the bourbon butter spiced chicken wings. Tossed in a rich, spicy brown butter sauce, the wings arrive glossy and aromatic, with just enough heat to keep things interesting while the bourbon undertones add warmth and complexity. For something more substantial, Cloud Puncher’s sandwich lineup delivers re-imagined takes on familiar favorites. The prosciutto and fig panini is wonderful. Served on rustic sourdough bread, the sandwich layers fresh mozzarella, sweet fig jam, delicate slices of prosciutto, and peppery arugula. Pressed until warm and crisp, it strikes a perfect balance between savory and sweet.The buttermilk fried chicken sandwich leans more indulgent. The chicken arrives golden and crisp, glazed with a hot honey sauce that brings a gentle sweetness followed by a slow-building heat. It’s messy in the best way and exactly the kind of sandwich that feels right at home on a rooftop patio. For guests looking for a full entrée, Cloud Puncher offers a range of heartier dishes including gnocchi alla vodka, pork tenderloin medallions, ancho honey-glazed salmon, and southwest chicken. The steak frites deserve special mention. A bistro-cut steak arrives prepared with a tasty mushroom glaze and perfectly paired with a generous side of Parmesan-dusted frites. The dish is straightforward and satisfying. The classic combination that never goes out of style.Lighter fare is also available, including Caesar and harvest salads alongside seasonal soups.And then there’s dessert, the unexpected, but undeniable, star of the show. The bourbon tres leches is exceptional. A sponge cake soaked in bourbon-infused milk arrives layered with vanilla cream, finished with caramel sauce and fresh strawberries. The bourbon adds a subtle warmth that deepens the sweetness without overwhelming the dessert. It’s the kind of dish that makes a table pause after the first bite. In fact, it rivals any tres leches you’ll find not just in Oklahoma City, but perhaps anywhere in the state. Of course, no rooftop experience would be complete without the bar. Cloud Puncher continues to offer a rotating selection of specialty cocktails alongside a full range of spirits, wine, and beer — perfect companions for the menu’s shareable plates. Cloud Puncher already had one advantage: the view. Now, with a strong new menu and a lively rooftop atmosphere to match, Cloud Puncher is quickly becoming one of the most enjoyable places in the city to gather above it all. The post Elevated Plates with a View appeared first on Oklahoma Gazette. ...read more read less