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Late night drink and dining options in OKC
First let me make it clear the scope of this thread is all late night businesses... the existing threads are more or less food-focused and I was hoping to start a new thread covering broader topics.
So if you've read the latest Kevin Durant interview again outsiders are complaining that there isn't enough to do here late at night. Rather than perpetuate the "no there isn't / yes there is," I wanted to try and identify things that people do in other cities that you might like to do here. Also, if there are late night dining or entertainment options already available this would be a good thread to discuss those in.
Dining - I think we all agree that we have many breakfast-serving late night options. We also have one or two sushi restaurants that are open and serving until midnight (Sushi Neko, In the Raw), and there are lots of bars open until 2 a.m. that serve a "late night menu" (e.g. fried foods) from midnight to about 1:30 a.m. What other options do we have? Is the Chinese place on 15th in Edmond that does Karaoke until like 4 a.m. still there? I guess there's Pita Pit. I have been to cities that had 24 hour Jewish delis, sushi, even fine dining. Anyone know of any options like this?
Gambling - No we're not Vegas, but you know often times people completely ignore the fact that we have several Vegas-like casinos (including restaurants) in the metro which are open 24/7. For someone flying in, they might actually have fun going someplace like this. I wonder why it is never mentioned... it's almost as if city leaders and politicians view them as the city's dirty secret.
Movies - I used to visit friends in Chicago and we would go to these late-night (after midnight) movie festivals all the time. Nothing bad, although I'm sure those were to be found somewhere too. More like anime festivals, weird cult classics, true classic movies and so on. Most of these places served beer and liquor. I know of only the Warren that serves alcohol and I am not aware of any theaters in the metro that run shows past midnight (except the occasional Warren or AMC showing that goes late, or special new blockbuster release). Do we have those? What about cultish movie theaters? Are they open late?
Arcades - Well we have Dave and Busters now, they are open until midnight, 1:00 a.m. on the weekends. There's Hey Day but that is more little kid focused and it isn't open that late. At one time there were many pool halls around the metro but there don't seem to be many left now... but maybe someone knows of some that are open late whose clients don't look like something out of Zombieland. Yes I realize there are bars which happen to have pool tables in them around town. What about nostalgic 80's arcades like Einstein's in Austin? Do we have anything like that here, and is it open late? I hear Norman used to long ago.
Other Entertainment/Live Shows - Excluding strip clubs, are there any performances, poetry readings, or live music venues that operate after 2 a.m.? I guess the new "burlesque" place in Bricktown is open until 1:30ish like everything else down there. What else do we have?
Museums - Anything remotely like a museum open past 10 p.m. in the metro? When I've been to LA I know that I have been to many weird places late at night along the Hollywood strip, including a wax museum. Anything at all here?
Bars/Clubs - I think we have that one covered in Oklahoma. Although it is surprisingly hard to find "bottle service" here compared to other metropolitan areas and just generally upscale stuff.
Lively Districts - In Illinois, Florida, California, actually even in Texas, I have been out long past midnight and there are districts that are absolutely alive and bustling with people, there are food vendors everywhere, there are trinket shops and record stores open, etc. Do we have anything like this after 2 a.m., or even after midnight? Bricktown is sort of a valid answer, but only really on weekends... sort of. Midtown has bars and places open, but it seems like there are never people walking around, they're all inside drinking. The Paseo is sometimes like this, but very infrequently and usually just following an art show night. Any places regularly like this?
Bookstores/weird coffee shops/etc. - I know at one point we had some of these. I am guessing there must be at least some coffee places that are open very late in the OCU area. What are they?
I wanted to start this thread because it seems like, with the NBA now here, we are constantly seeing articles about how there is nothing to do in OKC late at night. I also see city leaders or just randoms constantly saying we have things to do you just have to look harder. So I am taking a hard look. I agree we have bars and some restaurants open late. So let's talk about everything else. It'd be great if there are some hidden gems out there that I and others are not aware of... let's talk about them here.
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Re: All Late Night Options in OKC
Cactus Jacks for arcades. I think it's still around. It's off of 10th and Council.
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Re: All Late Night Options in OKC
I'm interested in this thread for my own personal use as well. The last few years of arch school have really screwed up my sleep schedule, so my prime-time is pretty much around 10 pm-3 am. The only North American places I've been lately where that is really accommodated are Austin and Vancouver. I bet Dallas, too..haven't "been out on the town" there in a long time though.
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Re: All Late Night Options in OKC
I mentioned this in another thread but the presumption is that places in OKC close earlier than in bigger cities. I don't think that is necessarily true; I think it's more the case of in bigger cities there are simply more places, so while the percentage of places staying open late isn't higher, the raw number is -- which is hardly a revelation.
Having said that, Red Pin Bowling is open until 11PM on Thursday and 1AM on Fri/Sat.
And there are lots of food / hang-out options such as:
McNellie's is open until 2AM every night of the week.
Not sure about the new location on 9th but the S&B on N. May is open until midnight on the weekends.
Iguana's site says they are open at least until 10PM on weekdays and 11PM on weekends.
And what about the late-night food truck event on Hudson?
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Re: All Late Night Options in OKC
These are great, keep them coming.
I've been talking to some friends about the H&8th food truck event but as I understand it, the thing is on hiatus until spring.
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Re: All Late Night Options in OKC
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Spartan
I bet Dallas, too..
It seems like many of their fun areas have sort of declined recently. It's hard to say precisely how. It's just not what it was.
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Re: All Late Night Options in OKC
Harkins Theater has some 11PM start times on Fri and Sat. They also premier some blockbusters at midnight on Thursday.
This hardly gets mentioned but the old Kamps (Kamps Lounge) at 25th & Classen has raging dance parties Wed through Saturday -- our own Ed Crunk spins Robotic Wednesday. The place is packed and people stay very late.
Angles on 39th used to be really busy on certain weekdays (and always on the weekends) but I'm not sure about what is happening there now. It's always been a pretty mixed crowd as opposed to strictly gay.
There are also various raves that move around; I know they've done them at the old Farmer's Market and elsewhere. Ed would know more.
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Re: All Late Night Options in OKC
BTW, Republic is open every night until midnight and until 1AM on Thu - Sat.
In addition to food, drinks and hanging out, it's a great sports bar with a soon to be expanded patio.
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Re: All Late Night Options in OKC
You know, it occurred to me that when I was a young adult in OKC, throughout the 80's my friends and I never had a shortage of places to go late at night.
Back then, we'd usually start at the T-Bar or the Sunset Serenade at the Waterford maybe have dinner at Tony's Italian Specialties, Mamasita's or similar, then move on to one of many clubs, like Dax, Russell's at the Marriott, Confetti or even The Varsity. I don't ever remember running out of options... And there are literally hundreds more places now versus then.
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Re: All Late Night Options in OKC
Michael Murphy's Dueling Pianos is open until 2AM Thu - Sat.
Starbucks in LB is open until 10:30PM every night and 11PM Fri/Sat.
Toby Keith's is open until midnight Fri/Sat.
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Re: All Late Night Options in OKC
Baker Street has karaoke every Monday until 1:30AM.
Russell's has karaoke as well but their website seems to be down.
The Fox & Hound is open every night until 2AM and has a bunch of pool tables (I'm sure there are bunch of other places that fit this category as well).
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Re: All Late Night Options in OKC
The Bobo's Chicken food truck is open at least until 3AM on Fri/Sat at NE 23rd & Hood.
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Re: All Late Night Options in OKC
VZD is open every night until midnight and 2AM Fri/Sat. They have a lot of live music and have even done movie screenings in the past.
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Re: All Late Night Options in OKC
The Loony Bin has 10:30PM shows Fri/Sat (as well as 8PM) and a 9PM show on Sunday. Wed/Thu shows are 8PM.
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Re: All Late Night Options in OKC
In addition to all the dance clubs and live music venues, I noticed that the Blue Note routinely has shows on Sunday that start at 9:30PM and feature multiple acts.
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Re: All Late Night Options in OKC
On Sundays at 10PM, the Drunken Fry features the Oh No Variety Show which is part sideshow, part comedy, part magic.
They also have Punk Rock Tuesdays starting at 10PM.
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Re: All Late Night Options in OKC
For those who like to wear boots late at night, Grahams is open until 2AM on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. Cowboys/Club Rodeo is open until 2AM on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights.
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Re: All Late Night Options in OKC
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Pete Brzycki
Harkins Theater has some 11PM start times on Fri and Sat. They also premier some blockbusters at midnight on Thursday.
The last show actually starts 12:30am or later on Friday and Saturday nights at Harkins. They've gone as late as 1:00am starts (but that's not often).
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Re: All Late Night Options in OKC
1492 serves until 11 on friday and Sat night .. and louies midtown is open until 2 every night but sunday (12) also ludivine bar is open until 2 6 nights a week
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Re: All Late Night Options in OKC
Jamil's on N Lincoln is open until 10 pm Mon-Thu and open until 11 pm on Fri & Sat.
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Re: All Late Night Options in OKC
Turns out several places in Campus are now open until 4 a.m.
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Re: All Late Night Options in OKC
Like someone else mentioned Harkins has movie premier's late Thursday nights/ Friday mornings at 12am. Now Tinseltown, AMC Quail Springs, and Warren Theatre also does this.
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Re: All Late Night Options in OKC
I think that the problem is that Bricktown gets way too much attention nationally. I know that the city is trying to turn Bricktown into "the spot", but honestly its still gonna take a few more years for it to transition away from it's slow-paced family fun image. Even the chains (Hooters, Falcones, Zios, etc...) are so much worse in Bricktown than their sister locations. I always tell my out of state friends that you really need to get out of Bricktown to have fun here.
Sorry for the rant, I just heard the Bill Hader/Bill Simmons podcast on ESPN and he was talking about how everyone told Simmons that Mickey Mantles is the only place open after the game. But It's good to hear that restaurants in Bricktown are starting to stay open later now.
Anyways, Most of the places on Paseo stay open late, but I know for sure Picasso's stays open till 2 on weekends. The Paseo District is a seriously underrated area. It's totally designed for late night hangouts.
Side thought, if anyone's a really good web designer, it would be pretty cool to turn all this info into a cool website. Like an unbiased, unabridged reference of things to do in OKC.
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Re: All Late Night Options in OKC
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mike_M
Anyways, Most of the places on Paseo stay open late, but I know for sure Picasso's stays open till 2 on weekends. The Paseo District is a seriously underrated area. It's totally designed for late night hangouts.
From what I remember when driving through the Paseo a while back (last year sometime) looking for a new neighborhood to move to, we didn't see a coffee shop in the Paseo district itself. Did we miss them or are there any in the Paseo (not nearby, but actually in the district)?
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Re: All Late Night Options in OKC
Bill Simmons of ESPN was interviewing Bill Hader on his podcast and Simmons was making fun of how after Thunder games everyone has to go to Mickey Mantle's because it's the only place open. Not good publicity.
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Re: All Late Night Options in OKC
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mike_M
Side thought, if anyone's a really good web designer, it would be pretty cool to turn all this info into a cool website. Like an unbiased, unabridged reference of things to do in OKC.
This. If you make it easy for people to find good places to go then maybe the stereotype would subside.
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Re: All Late Night Options in OKC
Quote:
Originally Posted by
KilgoreTrout
This. If you make it easy for people to find good places to go then maybe the stereotype would subside.
I agree, but that's only true for people who spend extensive time in OKC. The truth is that OKC is not a long term or final destination for most travelers and visitors. For every forum that provides positive feedback, there are 10 more with people just venting how bored they are here. And also not being pedestrian friendly, I wouldn't expect someone to run into Paseo on accident, or take a chance and randomly drive 15 miles north or south to find edmond or norman.
Unless you have a really good tour guide, you'd probably just google it and unfortunately most of the "what to do in OKC" sites are made by the city and tell you to follow the sky-scraper. Anyway, just a thought, maybe I'll take a shot at it.
And Sauced used to make great coffee, but from what I've heard, it changed a lot and really declined in quality, but my favorite coffee place (Cuppies and Joe) and another good shop (Red Cup) are pretty close to Paseo. They don't stay open very late anymore though.
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Re: All Late Night Options in OKC
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mike_M
And Sauced used to make great coffee, but from what I've heard, it changed a lot and really declined in quality, but my favorite coffee place (Cuppies and Joe) and another good shop (Red Cup) are pretty close to Paseo. They don't stay open very late anymore though.
Isn't there another Sauced location?
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Re: All Late Night Options in OKC
Quote:
Originally Posted by
soonermike81
Isn't there another Sauced location?
http://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=28626
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Re: All Late Night Options in OKC
Quote:
Originally Posted by
KilgoreTrout
This. If you make it easy for people to find good places to go then maybe the stereotype would subside.
Actually. I might just tackle this idea. Anyone interested in helping me out or giving some ideas?
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Re: All Late Night Options in OKC
Since this is a late night spot website, I would try to contrast it from any of the other Chamber of Commerce sites. Dark but bold colors. Something that screams night life.
Not sure exactly how committed you feel to this, but the best thing would be to get some great high quality pictures to go with each spot. A cool thing would be to add some local music (Denver Duncan, Jabee, Sean Johnson, etc...) to play in the background once you visit the site. I'm a musician whose studio is currently in a box while I'm between permanent residences, but I'd like to submit some music later on if you wanted.
Also it would probably be good to separate each place by region (Bricktown, Memorial, Edmond, Norman, South OKC).
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Re: All Late Night Options in OKC
Other than the mention of Harkins doing some midnight openings, do any local theaters still do "Midnight Movies?" I remeber back in the mid-80's, we would often go to the midnight movies at the theater next to Quail Springs. They usually had Rocky Horror showing in one and at least one or two other options. If I can remember correctly through the haze of time, the Rocky Horror crowd seemed to be of drinking age, and the other options drew the younger crowd. Similarly, the theater right off campus in Norman next to Mr. Bills had midnight movies on the weekends too.
I still see this when I'm travelling around, for instance, E-Street cinema in DC does two midnight movies every Friday and Saturday night. (Of course, they also sell beer, wine and coffee drinks in their general seating areas as well...)
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Re: All Late Night Options in OKC
Quote:
Originally Posted by
ThomPaine
Other than the mention of Harkins doing some midnight openings, do any local theaters still do "Midnight Movies?" I remeber back in the mid-80's, we would often go to the midnight movies at the theater next to Quail Springs. They usually had Rocky Horror showing in one and at least one or two other options. If I can remember correctly through the haze of time, the Rocky Horror crowd seemed to be of drinking age, and the other options drew the younger crowd. Similarly, the theater right off campus in Norman next to Mr. Bills had midnight movies on the weekends too.
I still see this when I'm travelling around, for instance, E-Street cinema in DC does two midnight movies every Friday and Saturday night. (Of course, they also sell beer, wine and coffee drinks in their general seating areas as well...)
I don't know of anyone regularly showing Rocky Horror-type cult classics late night, but, again, Harkins doesn't just have midnight openings on Thursdays. They regularly show movies starting as late as 1:00am on Fridays and Saturdays.
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Re: All Late Night Options in OKC
Mike - thanks for the offer! We're in the middle of designing the website as well as trying to figure out how to structure it appropriately. We can definitely look into the music idea at a later time.
High quality photos and content are definitely a must! I'd love to get feedback from you guys once we have something going!
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Re: All Late Night Options in OKC
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Ginkasa
... Harkins doesn't just have midnight openings on Thursdays. They regularly show movies starting as late as 1:00am on Fridays and Saturdays.
I dinna realize that. I thought the only place starting movies in the wee hours was Winchester Drive-in on the weekends. Not that I have any real hankering for being in BT at 3 am these days.
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Re: All Late Night Options in OKC
All the bars close down at 2AM here in other places around the country they stay open till 4 or 5 AM.
Does anyone know of somewhere to go after 2AM other than a house party??
Also you think one could make a living giving drunks and their vehicles a ride home from downtown??
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Re: Aloft Hotel
Why not bring in a real retro diner? These are extremely popular in other cities. Upon moving to OKC I was very surprised something like this wasn't already here because I thought every major city had at least one.
http://www.modulardiners.com/sitebui...g.w560h336.jpg
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Re: Aloft Hotel
Quote:
Originally Posted by
bchris02
Why not bring in a real retro diner? These are extremely popular in other cities. Upon moving to OKC I was very surprised something like this wasn't already here because I thought every major city had at least one.
There is one in Mustang, so it must be a major city ?
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Re: Aloft Hotel
Are you guys sure there are no 24 hour places in OKC? I've always had a hard time believing that when people mention it here.
Late Night Eating Out in Oklahoma City: OKC Restaurants
5 of the places on the 24 hour list I linked are local spots.
The narratives that some people continue to stick is so odd.
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Re: Aloft Hotel
Quote:
Originally Posted by
AP
Are you guys sure there are no 24 hour places in OKC? I've always had a hard time believing that when people mention it here.
Late Night Eating Out in Oklahoma City: OKC Restaurants
5 of the places on the 24 hour list I linked are local spots.
The narratives that some people continue to stick is so odd.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe IHOP is pretty much it for the urban core. Beverly's Pancake House is probably "the" 24-hour diner in OKC but it's way out on NW Expressway. I think if there isn't a market for a locally owned diner with character in the core yet there soon will be.
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Re: Aloft Hotel
There are several new late-night dining places and more to come.
Personally, I don't care about eating at 3 or 4AM. As long as there are places serving to 1AM (and they are increasing), there are tons of options open very early in the morning.
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Re: Aloft Hotel
The Denny's on Meridian just north of Reno is 24/7. I know the owner, and he's a really nice guy. It's a good Denny's. Maybe a ten-minute drive from downtown, if you are wanting/needing a middle-of-the-night meal.
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Re: Aloft Hotel
Quote:
Originally Posted by
turnpup
The Denny's on Meridian just north of Reno is 24/7. I know the owner, and he's a really nice guy. It's a good Denny's. Maybe a ten-minute drive from downtown, if you are wanting/needing a middle-of-the-night meal.
Really? In a city that tries to bill itself as a "city on the rise" I would expect a little more than a Denny's 15 minutes from downtown by car. Sorry but this comment really shows how far this city has to go.
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Re: Aloft Hotel
Quote:
Originally Posted by
bchris02
Really? In a city that tries to bill itself as a "city on the rise" I would expect a little more than a Denny's 15 minutes from downtown by car. Sorry but this comment really shows how far this city has to go.
This is THE measure of where OKC's at. Compelling stuff.
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Re: Aloft Hotel
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Re: Aloft Hotel
BChris, once again you're being condescending. You have no idea who I am, or what tax bracket I'm in. All I was doing was putting it out there that there's a good Denny's that's open 24/7. Nobody's making any kind of statement about OKC or where it's at. Just naming the places people can get food in the middle of the night. Wasn't that what somebody was asking about? And frankly, there's nothing wrong with eating at Denny's. It's a freaking Denny's. So what?
I will say that there might possibly be something wrong with somebody who feels they have to make arrogant comments about a person who happens to like a particular Denny's. Snotty, snotty, snotty. Nouveau Riche wannabe, much?
(Damn it, I said I wasn't going to get adversarial here on OKCTalk, but I guess I just did...)
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Re: Aloft Hotel
Quote:
Originally Posted by
bchris02
Really? In a city that tries to bill itself as a "city on the rise" I would expect a little more than a Denny's 15 minutes from downtown by car. Sorry but this comment really shows how far this city has to go.
Was just pointing out another option in addition all those mentioned.
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Re: Aloft Hotel
I am not trying to be condescending. Also nothing wrong with liking Denny's but it isn't any substitute for a real 24-hour diner downtown. Also, a real diner is usually pretty low-cost, many times cheaper than Denny's or at least the ones in Charlotte were. Sorry if I came off as condescending and it wasn't personal at all.
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Re: Aloft Hotel
Quote:
Originally Posted by
turnpup
The Denny's on Meridian just north of Reno is 24/7. I know the owner, and he's a really nice guy. It's a good Denny's. Maybe a ten-minute drive from downtown, if you are wanting/needing a middle-of-the-night meal.
If you like Denny's, next time you're in Dallas check out the one at Preston and Plano Parkway. It's almost like a five star joint. Really really nice and upscale. I know the manager and he is really cool.
:)
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Re: Aloft Hotel
Quote:
Originally Posted by
bchris02
I am not trying to be condescending. Also nothing wrong with liking Denny's but it isn't any substitute for a real 24-hour diner downtown. Also, a real diner is usually pretty low-cost, many times cheaper than Denny's or at least the ones in Charlotte were. Sorry if I came off as condescending and it wasn't personal at all.
Thank you. Just remember that the same people who enjoy and frequent the trendy in-spots can certainly coincide with those who enjoy the chains. It happens. We like to call it diversity. :)
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Re: Criterion Concert Hall
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Originally Posted by
Tundra
Waffle House would kill it down there.....
Possibly a 24 hour establishment like Waffle House. IHOP 24hrs, (E. California Ave.,) has made an established presence along with McDonalds & Sonic.
Wouldn't be surprised to see a few more fast food restaurants like Chick-fil-A, Whataburger, Steak 'n Shake &/or a dual combination of YUM brands--KFC-Taco Bell-Pizza Hut-Long John Silver's and A&W Restaurants.
OKC has some great fine dine restaurants established on the canal, you don't want to kill it with too many fast food restaurants in the area.
Bring back a Dairy Queen if you want to see something really take off.
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Re: Criterion Concert Hall
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Tundra
Waffle House would kill it down there.....
Would like to see a similar concept but locally owned. OKC needs a locally-owned 24-hour diner. Something like this.
http://assets3.thrillist.com/v1/imag...night-cravings
Bricktown needs to avoid having fast food restaurants with drive throughs. There definitely is a place for fast food, but it can't be their standard format.
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Re: Criterion Concert Hall
As more housing comes in that is more likely. It really wouldn't quite work yet.
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Re: Criterion Concert Hall
Quote:
Originally Posted by
ljbab728
As more housing comes in that is more likely. It really wouldn't quite work yet.
Bricktown would be perfect for it. Those kind of establishments are very popular with clubgoers after the clubs let out.
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Re: Criterion Concert Hall
Quote:
Originally Posted by
ljbab728
As more housing comes in that is more likely. It really wouldn't quite work yet.
Denton, Texas -- a city with a population of 125,000 (albeit a college town) -- has a 24 hour diner on the Square. A well run one would survive in the core of OKC.
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Re: Criterion Concert Hall
Quote:
Originally Posted by
dankrutka
Denton, Texas -- a city with a population of 125,000 (albeit a college town) -- has a 24 hour diner on the Square. A well run one would survive in the core of OKC.
Weatherford, Oklahoma -- a city with a population of 12,000 (albeit a small college town) -- has a 24 hour diner downtown as well.
I won't claim that Jerry's is a poster child for great food, but I do remember spending quite a few drunken college nights in that place.
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Re: Late night drink and dining options in OKC
College towns are a completely different breed of cat.
When I was at OU, there were a couple of all-night places, don't know if any remain.
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Re: Late night drink and dining options in OKC
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Pete
When I was at OU, there were a couple of all-night places, don't know if any remain.
It's called Waffle House, Denny's, or IHOP.... Which is something Jerry's, mentioned above, in Weatherford isn't competing against.
Not saying a 24 hour diner serving better than good food couldn't, and wouldn't, make it here, but they do have some competition in the area where the bar closers already congregate.
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Re: Late night drink and dining options in OKC
I would love a local 24 diner .. something like Magnolia café which has several locations in Austin.. or Café Brazil in Dallas which also has several locations but not sure how many are 24 hours.
also 24 Diner in Austin is top notch and more than just late night drunk food.
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Re: Late night drink and dining options in OKC
I wonder how well IHOP does between 2AM and 6AM, especially during the week?
Otherwise there are 24-hour places outside of downtown and a bunch of places that serve until 2AM or start at 6AM.
We have Hatch, Sunnyside Diner and Nic's Diner all opening soon and none of them are going to open 24 hours; in fact the first two will not even be open for dinner.
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Re: Late night drink and dining options in OKC
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Pete
I wonder how well IHOP does between 2AM and 6AM, especially during the week?
There was a time I could have told you...... But then I got old. ;)
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Re: Late night drink and dining options in OKC
One concern with 24 hour places, especially in areas like Bricktown with clubs (although less than there used to be) is overnight crime. The IHOP in Bricktown has seen overnight stabbings, assaults, and more in the past few years. A sheriff's deputy who was working security was assaulted as well. When I ran a convention downtown, we had a couple of guests who came in from out of town late and went to IHOP to eat (at like 2 am) and while they were there a large fight broke out, and one of our guests got arrested in the sweep (they were released later as they weren't involved).
I'm not opposed to 24 hour places. Spent some time in them when I was younger. Kettle, Waffle House, etc. I just think location matters.
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Re: Late night drink and dining options in OKC
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Pete
I wonder how well IHOP does between 2AM and 6AM, especially during the week?
Probably not great, but they probably make up for it on the weekends. Most, if not all IHOPS are 24-hours though. It helps that it has no competition anywhere downtown.
Having to deal with the drunk crowd is a definite downside to opening a 24-hour diner, especially in an area like Bricktown. With that said, I am not sure any of the other urban neighborhoods could support it yet. Midtown might be able to because of St Anthony's employees but the others simply don't have the critical mass. Maybe in five years though.
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Re: Late night drink and dining options in OKC
Even with more rooftops, is there really that much demand from 2:00-7:00 am 7 days a week? I understand feeding the bar crowd on a Friday or Saturday... but even then staying open past 3:00-3:30 seems like that would keep that covered. 24/7 restaurants seem like the cons outweigh the pros for the owners/waiters/waitresses, etc.
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Re: Late night drink and dining options in OKC
Quote:
Originally Posted by
sooner88
Even with more rooftops, is there really that much demand from 2:00-7:00 am 7 days a week? I understand feeding the bar crowd on a Friday or Saturday... but even then staying open past 3:00-3:30 seems like that would keep that covered. 24/7 restaurants seem like the cons outweigh the pros for the owners/waiters/waitresses, etc.
This is definitely a legitimate question. Charlotte has a couple of 24-hour diners and a 24-hour french bakery as well. The college crowd from UNCC helps keep these places in business on weeknights. A lot of people questioned Charlotte's ability to support a 24-hour french bakery (this isn't New York!), but it ended up being a huge hit. You could go to Amilie's French Bakery at 2 or 3AM and you would see people there studying. The key is having a concentration of people age 18-27ish, preferably students, as that is the demographic that is most likely to frequent these late night establishments on nights the clubs are closed. Does OKC have this?
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Re: Late night drink and dining options in OKC
Beverly's is 24 hours. Not sure if there are any others.
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Re: Late night drink and dining options in OKC
IHOP holds its own from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. They close off sections of the restaurant for cleaning and reopen as soon as they prep the area for the next day. Love their breakfast.
Other area 24hr restaurants are Mamma Lou's (I-35, SE 30th) and Iron Skillet (Reno/MLK) Petro Truck Stop draw a rough looking crowd (Iron Skillet does have visible security guards). The Petro Truck Stop does have a fenced in security area for trucks--it keeps the lot lizards out.
I believe the old Skyline Restaurant is closed--they use to serve up some decent meals; however, there were too many lot lizards frequenting the area because of the truckers who stopped there.
Area truck stops can be a concern if undercover law enforcement doesn't get a handle on the area :wink: (no pun intended).
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Re: Late night drink and dining options in OKC
Did not know Mama Lou's was 24 hours. Thanks for that.
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Re: Late night drink and dining options in OKC
Perry's over off I240 and May is 24hrs, and it is packed from 12am on....
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Re: Late night drink and dining options in OKC
Beverly's on NW Expressway is open 24 hours.
There are more places than people realize.
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Re: Late night drink and dining options in OKC
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Pete
Beverly's on NW Expressway is open 24 hours.
There are more places than people realize.
I think it's because this discussion is mostly centered around the urban core. I agree, there are plenty of 24-hour places in the suburbs.
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Re: Criterion Concert Hall
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Originally Posted by
bchris02
Bricktown would be perfect for it. Those kind of establishments are very popular with clubgoers after the clubs let out.
When we used to hit the clubs we usually went for breakfast or something afterwards. No hangover (usually) in the morn if you get a good meal in the night before.
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Re: Late night drink and dining options in OKC
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Originally Posted by
bchris02
I think it's because this discussion is mostly centered around the urban core. I agree, there are plenty of 24-hour places in the suburbs.
So now Beverly's at NW Expressway and May is in the suburbs?
It's 5 miles from the middle of downtown and only a couple of miles from the places on Western.
Pump, Guyutes, Knucks and several places serve food until 2AM which is plenty late for 99% of people.
I don't get the obsession with 24-hour places when I doubt hardly anybody pining for them would go with any regularity anyway. and IHOP is good enough for anyone drunk enough needing to eat at 3AM.
Just seems like yet another to bitch about not having.
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Re: Late night drink and dining options in OKC
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Pete
So now Beverly's at NW Expressway and May is in the suburbs?
It's 5 miles from the middle of downtown and only a couple of miles from the places on Western.
Pump, Guyutes, Knucks and several places serve food until 2AM which is plenty late for 99% of people.
I don't get the obsession with 24-hour places when I doubt hardly anybody pining for them would go with any regularity anyway. and IHOP is good enough for anyone drunk enough needing to eat at 3AM.
Just seems like yet another to bitch about not having.
We used to go over to Beverlys after a night out at Groovies and Russell's
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Re: Criterion Concert Hall
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Originally Posted by
OKCRT
When we used to hit the clubs we usually went for breakfast or something afterwards. No hangover (usually) in the morn if you get a good meal in the night before.
Yep, definitely a good thing to eat a meal after getting dehydrated/hungry dancing your ass off until 3-4 AM (the "underground" clubs in Bricktown and on Classen stayed open late (or early, depending on your POV)), our diner of choice was Girlie Pancake House (yeah, I'm old)... Be nice if today's club kids had something besides IHOP (waaaaaaaay too expensive for the quality of food, we literally get the same thing at Jimmy's for $10 less).
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Re: Criterion Concert Hall
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Originally Posted by
TheTravellers
Yep, definitely a good thing to eat a meal after getting dehydrated/hungry dancing your ass off until 3-4 AM (the "underground" clubs in Bricktown and on Classen stayed open late (or early, depending on your POV)), our diner of choice was Girlie Pancake House (yeah, I'm old)... Be nice if today's club kids had something besides IHOP (waaaaaaaay too expensive for the quality of food, we literally get the same thing at Jimmy's for $10 less).
And as we both know, "They're Stacked Better"!
C. T.
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Re: Late night drink and dining options in OKC
FWIW, it isn't just the stay to closing time imbibers who enjoy breakfast in the wee hours. I am often back not long after 2:30 or 3. I tend to fix for myself more these days rather than go out and about. IHoP is not horrid by any means, but it's also not all that inviting a place. Food is ok, but the decor of most in the metro remind me of medical office waiting rooms. So I putter around quietly to avoid waking my lovely. I miss having places to pop into, socialize a bit, grab a bite and then either get on with the day or go back and sleep another hour or three, depending on what the morning holds.
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Re: Late night drink and dining options in OKC
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Originally Posted by
Pete
So now Beverly's at NW Expressway and May is in the suburbs?
Looks suburban to me.
http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o...pseyfmpmhk.jpg
Quote:
Originally Posted by
kevinpate
FWIW, it isn't just the stay to closing time imbibers who enjoy breakfast in the wee hours. I am often back not long after 2:30 or 3. I tend to fix for myself more these days rather than go out and about. IHoP is not horrid by any means, but it's also not all that inviting a place. Food is ok, but the decor of most in the metro remind me of medical office waiting rooms. So I putter around quietly to avoid waking my lovely. I miss having places to pop into, socialize a bit, grab a bite and then either get on with the day or go back and sleep another hour or three, depending on what the morning holds.
This. IHOP works fine for imbibers who just need something after the club lets out and don't care what. In my younger days I've partied in small towns that had nothing open late but a Waffle House and that worked fine for the occasion. However, it would be nice if there was something a little more authentic and inviting in downtown OKC. Given how prevalent such places are in other cities, I don't think its that unrealistic to wish for that here. It would be surprising if something doesn't open up within the next 5-10 years as the urban core continues to grow and come into its own.
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Re: Late night drink and dining options in OKC
The Belle Isle IHOP has had quite a few after hours security issues too. Staying open 24 hrs is definitely a commitment. I do think that a more upscale place would have fewer of those types of issues.
For instance, Hatch, when open, will probably have an upscale feel and menu. That type of place is less likely to attract brawlers, and if they chose to do late nights they would probably have fewer issues than IHOP.
A lot of people obsess on price, and think every breakfast place should be a $5.99 eggs and bacon type place. But there is a reason some places are pricier, and it's not always about making more profit.
It's the same reason I'm often drawn to bars with pricier drinks. I sometimes love a good dive bar too, but have to be in the right mood to keep my head in a swivel in case someone acts up. Like many, I'd usually just prefer not to put up with the BS that often accompanies a budget crowd.
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Re: Late night drink and dining options in OKC
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Originally Posted by
Urbanized
The Belle Isle IHOP has had quite a few after hours security issues too. Staying open 24 hrs is definitely a commitment. I do think that a more upscale place would have fewer of those types of issues.
For instance, Hatch, when open, will probably have an upscale feel and menu. That type of place is less likely to attract brawlers, and if they chose to do late nights they would probably have fewer issues than IHOP.
I agree with this.
Amelie's French Bakery in Charlotte has a more upscale atmosphere and is more popular with college students and people who work third shift than it is with late night brawlers. My best experiences there were not drunk experiences. It's a genuinely cool place, especially very late at night. I personally think All About Cha could easily become that kind of place, especially since its already the most popular later at night.
Mattie's Diner on the other hand has a lot more security issues because its one of those cheap places that appeals to imbibers.
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Re: Late night drink and dining options in OKC
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Urbanized
...
A lot of people obsess on price, and think every breakfast place should be a $5.99 eggs and bacon type place. But there is a reason some places are pricier, and it's not always about making more profit.
...
The only reason I mentioned price WRT IHOP is that you get no better food there than at Jimmy's, and you pay more, so why go to IHOP (unless it's the only place open)... We go to lotsa places and pay more for better food (and cocktails too), it's just gotta be, um, better. :)
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Re: Late night drink and dining options in OKC
^^^^^^^
No, I understood what you meant. My post was a generalized one.
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Re: Late night drink and dining options in OKC
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Originally Posted by
TheTravellers
The only reason I mentioned price WRT IHOP is that you get no better food there than at Jimmy's, and you pay more, so why go to IHOP (unless it's the only place open)... We go to lotsa places and pay more for better food (and cocktails too), it's just gotta be, um, better. :)
Do you ever turn the TV on and see Jimmys Egg advertising ? No but you do see a lot of IHOP commercials that usually ends up costing the end user more at the register.