My wife and I went walking by Lake Hefner last night and I saw a dumpster in front of the old Bahama Breeze and the railings on the gazebo had been torn out. Anyone know what is going on there? Did someone buy it and renovate it? Any help would be appreciated.

The word on the street is Hal Smith is turning it into a mexican joint. But it is just a rumor but I would welcome it

Hal Smith as in Red Rock? Or am I confusing him with someone else?

yup. same guy.

http://www.okctalk.com/okc-metro-area-talk/804-hal-smith-restaurant-update.html?highlight=bahama+breeze

http://www.okctalk.com/okc-metro-area-talk/10952-darden-restaurants-buy-two-new-franchises.html?highlight=bahama+breeze

http://www.okctalk.com/okc-metro-area-talk/10826-teds-moving-old-bahama-breeze.html?highlight=bahama+breeze

More Mexican in OKC? Allsome.

I still want a return of some "New Mexican" cuisine...Blue Corn was highly under appreciated...

I just hope it's not a freaking Ted's if it's going to be Mexican. That place is so over rated. That's the only Hal Smith place I'm not impressed with.

I still want a return of some "New Mexican" cuisine...Blue Corn was highly under appreciated...

I second that!

I just hope it's not a freaking Ted's if it's going to be Mexican. That place is so over rated. That's the only Hal Smith place I'm not impressed with.

It's not going to be Ted's. Check out the previous threads on this topic, links above.

There is a serious lack of gourmet mexican food in the city. And there is no mexican place with a fun, cool atmosphere.

There is a serious lack of gourmet mexican food in the city. And there is no mexican place with a fun, cool atmosphere.

stay tuned, summer 2009

Let's go with a high brow high class Mexican concept

Senor Frogs in OKC :bright_id

IMO mexican restaurants are all the same, beans, tortiillas, cheese, beef, chicken and chips and salsa till your blue in the face. We need a Houstons steak house over looking the lake.

There is a serious lack of gourmet mexican food in the city. And there is no mexican place with a fun, cool atmosphere.

You haven't been to Iguana Mexican Grill, apparently.

Have any of you tried Cantina Laredo in Penn Square? Their food is about as good as it gets in OKC if you want 'gourmet' Mexican. I used to go to Caba Del Sol when it was at the lake and I really liked it. Too bad more folks didn't.

I remember the Iquana (if it is the same) when they were on Western. The salsas were good, but their food delivered more presentation than taste. Same with the Adobe Grille.

I remember when the Blue Corn opened. I was all giddy because there was finally going to be a restaurant in OKC with real New Mexico cuisine. The chile was OK, but to me they didn't quite pull off the authentic New Mexico flavor. I also think the locals didn't like having to pay for chips and salsa.

I'll tell ya what would really fly at the lake: Outback Steakhouse. Great food and prices. The one on NW Expressway is always too busy. I used to go to the one on Reno and Meridian until they burned it down. If they put one in the old Bahama Breeze it would pack 'em nightly.

ugh. steak. steak. steak. How many steak places can we cram in one city? I like a good steak but geez. No, you can get a good steak at Red Rock. I personally don't want any kind of chain bland boring place going in on the lake. So far it's pretty unique places that you can't get all over town. They should stick with that concept.

I still want a return of some "New Mexican" cuisine...Blue Corn was highly under appreciated...

Never went to Blue Corn... but during Riverwind Casino's first year they had a place called Traditions that was pretty darn good...

Problem is is people walked in expecting the Mexican they are use too...

"Hey Jim Bob, why 'r my enchiladas flat and blue..... what the hell are calabsitas!?!?"

Thank Baby Jesus they turned it into Autographs... because as you all know Oklahoma is seriously lacking in spor..... *gag....'cuse me* .... sports bars.:dizzy:

I personally don't want any kind of chain bland boring place going in on the lake. So far it's pretty unique places that you can't get all over town. They should stick with that concept.

Word...

Never went to Blue Corn... but during Riverwind Casino's first year they had a place called Traditions that was pretty darn good...

Problem is is people walked in expecting the Mexican they are use too...

"Hey Jim Bob, why 'r my enchiladas flat and blue..... what the hell are calabsitas!?!?"


My dad and I love New Mexican food and we tried to go there once at lunch when we were down there and they said they weren't going to be open until dinner. The next time we went by, they were already shut down and converting to Autographs. Definitely not the best venue for that kind of food.

There is a serious lack of gourmet mexican food in the city. And there is no mexican place with a fun, cool atmosphere.

The new Iguana Lounge downtown is pretty hip and happening.

Too bad we can't get Rick Bayless to open up a Frontera Grill location here.

No kidding. He's a proud Oklahoman and a world renowned chef. Maybe we should get an email campaign going and encourage him to open a restaurant back in OKC again.

I believe its going to be called "mama rojos mexican kitchen."

Too bad we can't get Rick Bayless to open up a Frontera Grill location here.

He worked hand in hand with the opening of Cabo del Sol, which the commoners didn't like because everything didn't have cheese melted on top of it.

I guess if it was a Frontera Grill, and had Rick's name on it, it'd be more successful.

Not to get off the subject of "Mexican food" but I think the Bahama Breeze building should have gone with a "upscale" seafood restaurant. OKC loves their lard, cheese and fried tortillas so I guess that it why OKC has the distinction of being overweight and fat. Why can't we start eating healthy? Grilled fish and vegetables sound delicious in my opinion. Maybe a "Ralph and Kachoos" (Spelling)? would have done nicely. Any rebuttals???

progressive boy, I can agree with your sentiments, however Lakeside already has the seafood angle covered pretty well at Lake Hefner. Can Lake Hefner really support two seafood restaurants? Bahama Breeze closed afterall. The other two restaurants folded and are now office space. It's a shame the city of OKC allowed those buildings to be reused for office space and not retail or restaurant.

stay tuned, summer 2009
Could this be part of the 23rd street "shops" near Cheever's?

The other two restaurants folded and are now office space. It's a shame the city of OKC allowed those buildings to be reused for office space and not retail or restaurant.

Am I missing something here? What other two restaurants?

Casa del Sol/Mar (or whatever it was called) originated in the building currently occupied by Pearl's. It didn't catch on because at the time OKC was not ready for "upscale" authentic Mexican, which was what was served.

That restaurant transitioned into Barry Switzer's fish-fry disaster before Pearl's took over the space, which is now just "Lakeside."

Were there other restaurants that are now office space?

Were there other restaurants that are now office space?

No.

Yeah, I'm pretty sure those were built as offices Metro.

Could this be part of the 23rd street "shops" near Cheever's?

Not on 23rd...fairly close.

Just got home from taking Mini Me for a stroll at the lake. Looked like a complete makeover was going on at the old Bahama Breeze. We strolled over and I asked one of the workers if he knew what was going in. All he knew is that it will be a Mexican restaurant but did not know the name.

I hope its something new and fresh. Has anyone eaten at any of the Uncle Julio's in DFW? I've eaten at three different ones and really enjoyed their food and atmosphere. Anyone know what Mexican it is going to be?

[QUOTE=Patchy Proot;160358]Just got home from taking Mini Me for a stroll at the lake. Looked like a complete makeover was going on at the old Bahama Breeze. We strolled over and I asked one of the workers if he knew what was going in. All he knew is that it will be a Mexican restaurant but did not know the name.QUOTE]

I was getting ready to post the same thing. Went out there last night and it looks like they are reroofing the gazebo and another area that I can't identify. Also, they have torn out all the walls of the gazebo and the area next to it has all the walls torn out as well. Also the covered parkway was torn down.

Just got home from taking Mini Me for a stroll at the lake. Looked like a complete makeover was going on at the old Bahama Breeze. We strolled over and I asked one of the workers if he knew what was going in. All he knew is that it will be a Mexican restaurant but did not know the name.

I hope its something new and fresh. Has anyone eaten at any of the Uncle Julio's in DFW? I've eaten at three different ones and really enjoyed their food and atmosphere. Anyone know what Mexican it is going to be?

It is going to be a Hal Smith restaurant...pretty basic Tex-Mex. Of course, with any HSRG concept, the service and design will be superior to most other mexican food restaurants in the metro.

Uncle Julio's has always been one of my favorite places for mexican food. They have, by far, the best grilled items on the planet. They kinda copied Papasita's, based in Houston. You won't ever see one in our area...sorry for us.

.... Has anyone eaten at any of the Uncle Julio's in DFW? I've eaten at three different ones and really enjoyed their food and atmosphere...

The Uncle Julio's on Lemmon is by far my favorite Mexican restaurant!!!

I hope its something new and fresh. Has anyone eaten at any of the Uncle Julio's in DFW? I've eaten at three different ones and really enjoyed their food and atmosphere. Anyone know what Mexican it is going to be?

Yeah I've eaten there. Great place, I would love for us to get some of those Texas style Mexican restaurants up here.

Ever eaten one of their peppers? Wow.

There is a serious lack of gourmet mexican food in the city. And there is no mexican place with a fun, cool atmosphere.

You should check out Adobe grill on Shartel behind Bishop McGuinness. They have the best Mexican food in the city and a great atmosphere.

Yeah I've eaten there. Great place, I would love for us to get some of those Texas style Mexican restaurants up here.

Ever eaten one of their peppers? Wow.

Uncle Julios is great. I eat at the one on Lemmon Avenue. Food is outstanding. I now reside in the DFW area previously in OKC, Pappasitos is another great one in DFW area. As a native of OKC I would be rather skeptical if these concepts were successful in OKC because the average meal excluding tip is around $18.00 to $20.00. Me and a friend had fajitas, and one margarita a piece and the bill came to around $55.00 without tip. I just do not think 'most of OKC" has the disposable income to pay those prices. In Dallas, we can because of all the "extreme" wealth there is here. The average "lunch" price is around $11.99 excluding tip.

Uncle Julio's is good..
However, MICO takes the cake.. That restaurant group needs to make their way up here. I just moved back from Dallas a few months ago and got addicted to Taco Diner and the brisket tacos..
I am also a fan of Gloria's and their Mojitos!

If we're wishing, I'd like a Tacqueria del Sol. I don't know if they exist outside Atlanta, but it's a must visit when I'm there.

Uncle Julios is great. I eat at the one on Lemmon Avenue. Food is outstanding. I now reside in the DFW area previously in OKC, Pappasitos is another great one in DFW area. As a native of OKC I would be rather skeptical if these concepts were successful in OKC because the average meal excluding tip is around $18.00 to $20.00. Me and a friend had fajitas, and one margarita a piece and the bill came to around $55.00 without tip. I just do not think 'most of OKC" has the disposable income to pay those prices. In Dallas, we can because of all the "extreme" wealth there is here. The average "lunch" price is around $11.99 excluding tip.


progressiveboy = http://www.30kdm.com/images/products/10006/30kdmwhite_thumb.jpg

I always like this tshirt as well.

http://www.30kdm.com/images/products/10003/logo.jpg

Uncle Julio's is good..
....got addicted to Taco Diner and the brisket tacos...
I am also a fan of Gloria's and their Mojitos!

Taco Diner would be great here as well (love that mambo taxi!). I think OKC is in need and can certainly support any of these gourmet mexican food restaurants. And what a great place for one to be, right on the lake. However I think a Taco Diner type of place would be best suited in a more urban setting, i.e. downtown, bricktown, midtown.

progressiveboy = http://www.30kdm.com/images/products/10006/30kdmwhite_thumb.jpg

I always like this tshirt as well.

http://www.30kdm.com/images/products/10003/logo.jpg

LOL. Metro sorry for offending you, however, remember as I mentioned in a prev thread I am a native of OKC. I have been away for about 9 years but still have family in OKC so I still visit. I feel like I can make an opinion one way or another about the city. OKC is making great strides and has come a long way, however, it still has a lot to be desired. The incomes are lower in OKC than Dallas because they have a total of 32 Fortune 500 companies versus OKC has 3 Fortune 500 companies so it is quite obvious that Dallas has more disposable income to spend on more "upscale dining". So sorry for coming off pretentious but facts are facts. Lighten up man were just talking about food for God's sake :)

Disposable income is a tricky subject, OKC also has less commute times, a stronger economy (Forbes just ranked it #1 recession proof and #3 growing economy in US), we also have much lower cost of living so it doesn't cost as much to live here as Dallas. All I'm getting at is don't underestimate the buying power OKC has. OKC has been underserved for decades, we're playing catchup, not get ahead like Dallas. Dallas has a lot of speculation building, where we build as we grow, or grow before we build. See the difference?

In the Life section of todays Oklahoman, they have a write up that Hal Smith will open Mama Rojo Mexican Kitchen in late January. There will be seating for 300 and 2 bars, one inside and one outside overlooking the lake.

I am glad you resurrected this thread. I went running with the wife last week and noticed they were painting the outside, all the shingles are still sitting in their crates and the gazebo and other area were mostly gutted.

Thanks a lot for resurrecting this thread. Now I'm starving for Mexican food. I think a noisy Carlos 'n Charlies type place would be awesome at the lake. I'd like to see lots of alcohol, good music, spring break atmosphere, etc. But, we have an abundance of good Mexican food in OKC. The food must be great if this place is to be a success.

Anyone ever been to Gloria's in Dallas. It's my favorite. They have a unique mix of Tex-Mex and Salvadoran food. There is a location on Lemmon, across from Uncle Julios (which I think is just above average and over-priced).

Here is some inside scoop:

If anyone is a fan of Hal Smith's Lakeside Fish Grill (formerly Pearl's), then you will like the new, Mama Rojas (sp?) The management of this new restaurant will be taken from Lakeside, and it will have a more expansive menu than Ted's. It will be definitively Tex-Mex food, and the atmosphere will be half bar and half family-oriented. So, no worries about taking your kids (if you have them). The restaurant is set to open in late January. My friend who is an Assistant Manager at Lakeside, and who will be an Assistant Manager at Mama Roja's --- she has filled me in and is excited about the new place. Sounds like it will be great.

In the Life section of todays Oklahoman, they have a write up that Hal Smith will open Mama Rojo Mexican Kitchen in late January. There will be seating for 300 and 2 bars, one inside and one outside overlooking the lake.

Please post the article.....

These guys always do a great job...should be fun!!!

Please post the article.....

Here you go:

Mexican Restaurant Coming to Lake Hefner’s East Wharf

The Hal Smith Restaurant Group has leased the space previously held by Bahama Breeze overlooking Lake Hefner to open a Mexican eatery, the restaurant group’s Hank Kraft said. Mama Roja Mexican Kitchen is scheduled to open by the end of January.

The 8,000-square-foot-plus space has a capacity of about 300, Kraft said. The menu will feature border-style favorites such as fajitas, tacos and enchiladas and two bars — one inside and one overlooking the lake. Kraft said the group has made a substantial investment to make Mama Roja a festive, family-oriented restaurant.

Other Hal Smith restaurants include Mahogany Prime Steakhouse, Redrock Canyon Grill, Ted’s Cafe Escondido, Charleston’s and Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill.

Mama Roja’s will not be the first Mexican eatery at the East Wharf development. Cabo Del Sol opened in 2001 for a short time in the space now occupied by Pearl’s Lakeside.

Mobile Breaking Oklahoma News | NewsOK.com (http://newsok.com/mexican-restaurant-comes-to-lake-hefner-rib-crib-goes-to-edmond/article/3328923)

Please post the article.....

Mobile Breaking Oklahoma News | NewsOK.com (http://newsok.com/mexican-restaurant-comes-to-lake-hefner-rib-crib-goes-to-edmond/article/3328923)

It's great to hear that building will be occupied again soon. How long has it been since Bahama Breeze closed? I haven't been up there (East Wharf) for awhile. How are the other restaurants doing buisness wise?

Here is some inside scoop:

If anyone is a fan of Hal Smith's Lakeside Fish Grill (formerly Pearl's), then you will like the new, Mama Rojas (sp?) The management of this new restaurant will be taken from Lakeside, and it will have a more expansive menu than Ted's. It will be definitively Tex-Mex food, and the atmosphere will be half bar and half family-oriented. So, no worries about taking your kids (if you have them). The restaurant is set to open in late January. My friend who is an Assistant Manager at Lakeside, and who will be an Assistant Manager at Mama Roja's --- she has filled me in and is excited about the new place. Sounds like it will be great.

So what happens to Lakeside? I like that place.

Lakeside will remain; with its other managers and Matt Kobernus. It is just that two of the several managers there are going next door.

Okay good.