La Brasa – Where Fusion Meets OKC History
La Brasa isn’t just a restaurant, it’s a vibrant chapter in Oklahoma City’s culinary and cultural tapestry. Nestled in the iconic Kamps building, this hotspot offers more than fusion fare; it's an immersive journey through history, art, and flavor.
A Storied Beginning: The Kamps Building Legacy
The building housing La Brasa has been a cornerstone of OKC since 1910, originally serving as Kamps meat market and deli, a local staple for decades. Later, it reinvented itself as Kamp’s nightclub, notably hosting the beloved Robotic Wednesday dance parties, nights that helped transition the city away from mainstream Top 40 and into something more eclectic.
Chef-owner James Vu decided to transform the space, he didn’t erase the past. Instead, he layered his vision atop it, creating a venue that carefully marries historic resonance with modern energy
Here’s an image that captures the bold, eclectic exterior of La Brasa in its historic Kamps building. It sets the perfect tone for the story we're about to tell.
Fusion That Speaks Journeys
Since opening on September 20, 2013, La Brasa began as a Peruvian-inspired eatery, soon expanding into a bold South American–Asian fusion concept
Vu’s menu draws inspiration from his Vietnamese-American roots and personal travels—Miami, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Latin America, and celebrates Peruvian dishes enriched by Chinese and Japanese heritage like ceviche and lomo saltado
Synthesizing influences, Vu riffed on classics like pollo a la brasa—charcoal-roasted Peruvian chicken marinated with over 20 spices, and reimagined dishes like dolsot bibimbap, Korean Kalbi tacos, and miso-glazed sea bass to reflect this global narrative
Ambience: A "Clusteraunt" in the Heart of OKC
Step inside and you’re in more than a restaurant. Dramatic lighting, street-art adorned walls, chandeliers, and themed rooms, one even with an octopus motif—morph the space into a stylish, club-like environment
Vu aimed to cultivate a “clusteraunt”,a dining concept that evolved into nightlife. True to that vision, on weekends after around 9 pm, the restaurant transitions into a lively lounge and dance venue, complete with DJs, cocktail service, and live music until midnight
Strawberry Jalopeño Margarita and Millionaire Mango Margarita
Community Buzz & Local Love
La Brasa didn’t just win hearts through food—it earned accolades. It received honorable mentions in Oklahoma Gazette’s Best of OKC, recognized for being the Best Place to Experience Something Different, Best Latin Restaurant, and Best New Restaurant Oklahoma Gazette.
The Man Behind the Magic: Chef James Vu
Vu’s journey shaped La Brasa. Raised in a Vietnamese immigrant family, his mother’s home cooking ingrained in him rich flavors and resourcefulness. After purchasing Kamps from a family connection in the neighborhood, he transformed the historic deli into La Brasa, bringing fresh, made-from-scratch Latin fusion to life.
Opening wasn’t easy, his original partner and staff left, leaving Vu and one line cook to handle 70 guests. Undeterred, Vu learned the most popular dishes, powered through, and built the restaurant’s rhythm himself.
What Makes It Special
A living tribute to OKC’s history—a deli-turned-club turned vibrant fusion hotspot
Bold, global, and handcrafted—merging Peruvian staples with Asian flair
A dynamic, art‑filled “clusteraunt” serving dinner, drinks, and late-night vibes
Chef Vu’s passion, resilience, and cultural storytelling drive the experience
From readers to regulars, La Brasa consistently wins over customers and critics alike
When fusion meets OKC history
Why La Brasa Resonates
La Brasa is more than a meal, it’s an experience where history, culture, and innovation converge. It stands as a testament to Oklahoma City’s evolving spirit, honoring the past while ushering in the future.
Whether you're craving charcoal‑roasted chicken, exotic cocktails, or the city’s best fusion vibes, La Brasa delivers. And when the sun sets, it transforms into a late‑night lounge, where dinner transitions into a celebration.
If OKC had a heartbeat in a building, it pulses right there, where Kamps' legacy meets Chef Vu’s fusion vision.
