What is the most needed restaurant concept in OKC? What is the place that you wish we had but we don't have?

I figure this thread could be a good storehouse of ideas for restauranteurs. I am not one but surely there are some out there who are looking to fill our city's culinary voids.

I would say a good source for quality wine and good cheeses.

A good Jewish delicatessen.

Sports bar.

You should move to Norman, land of the sports bar. I kid you not.

I would like a restaurant with a uniquely urban appearance, an eclectic menu and a great central location. Two of the more interesting places I've eaten recently in Atlanta characterize that description: Float Away Cafe and Two Urban Lick. They're both located in old warehouses, but offer interesting and unique dining experiences.

Maybe a gastro pub (whatever that is). I would like to see Yia Yia's open here, too. We need a greater variety of restaurants. Even Tulsa has more options.

I agree with Betts. We were recently in Kansas City, and I was amazed by the number of mid- to high-end locally-owned establishments, many with an "urban" twist.

We ate at BlueBird, housed in an old 3-story house about two blocks from the new Performing Arts Center site near KC's CBD. It offered modern yet casual fare featuring locally-grown organic produce and meats. Each Thursday they had a "farmer's tasting" event, where you could sign up for a fixed price and enjoy a complete meal based on what the chef was working on for the weekend.

While they had their menu "standards," their specials changed weekly based upon what was locally available from the growers and farmers they worked with to supply the bulk of their food.

In fact, several restaurants we researched offered "prix fixe" menus and chef's tastings events.

In the case of BlueBird, our meal came to just over $100, including salads, entrees, a shared dessert and a bottle of wine - before tip. It was our anniversary so we splurged a bit.

I think like with many other things in OKC, we find it hard to step away from what is tried and true. We have fabulous steaks here, but do we really need another steak place? We have fabulous Mexican and Tex-Mex, but do we really need another one of those? Of course, I'm not a restauranteur (just an expert eater!) :smile:, so don't know exactly what it takes to put a new concept together. I also know that in the past some of those concepts failed miserably (I'm still mourning the disappearance of Cafe del Sol).

I like the idea of a Deep Fork, Metro or similar concept, but with an urban kick - and it would be really cool if it were somehow connected to a local food coop, or one of our farmer's markets, where the chefs could really play with what is local and seasonal. A nice location along Broadway a la Red Prime would be really cool.

I'd also like to see a REAL Italian deli, if at all possible, with a variety of cheeses and salamis and other specialty products. Falcone's doesn't even come close to what I am talking about.

I don't know if there is a "most needed" as much as there is desires for certain restaurants our market is lacking. Here are a few ideas:

1.) Lots more of local food movement restaurants (using only local ingredients and changing menu depending on season). Oklahoma is way behind the times with this movement.
2.) A Brasilian Churriscaria (Cafe Do Brasil was in bad location and poorly advertised). I think another one could do well if located properly, planned better and advertised better.
3.) Moto restaurant in Chicago is on the leading edge of edgy restaurant concepts with their edible menu's, liquid nitrogen frozen desserts that look like main courses, custom dinners and more. m o t o | c u i s i n e : 2007 (http://www.motorestaurant.com/flash/index.html)
4.) Upscale Cupcake restaurant. See Sprinkles or Kara's
5.) Waterside restaurant on the Oklahoma River
6.) True tapas only bars
7.) Upscale celebrity chef restaurant, Emeril's, Wolfgang Pucks, etc.
8.) Many more full time food vendor carts in downtown
9.) Cuban restaurant

Move Cuban restaurant up the list. This has to be the largest city in the US with no cuban food.

2.) A Brasilian Churriscaria (Cafe Do Brasil was in bad location and poorly advertised). I think another one could do well if located properly, planned better and advertised better.

You mean Gaucho's Grill.

I think we need a chain effort for our churrascaria, such as Texas de Brazil or Fogo de Chao.


4.) Upscale Cupcake restaurant. See Sprinkles or Kara's


I think there are legs to the Sprinkles rumor regarding the 'new' Nichols Hills Plaza.

I agree with Betts. We were recently in Kansas City, and I was amazed by the number of mid- to high-end locally-owned establishments, many with an "urban" twist.

I agree FritterGirl. KC is loaded with some really "urban" restaurants. I love Kansas City.

John, thanks for correcting me. Brain freeze, yes I meant Gaucho's Grill. Unfortunately, I agree it's going to take a larger chain for that concept to take off unless a local has the money to properly put into it.

Yes, I know their are fairly solid legs under the "Sprinkles" rumor for Nichols Hills Plaza. We're at least 2 years out on that, if not more. I'm not counting on having that concept for at least a few years if that's all we're putting our hopes on. I'd like to see that concept come to OKC well before then.

lpecan, my list wasn't in order of neccessity as stated in my original post. I stated not necessarily needed as much as our market is lacking these sorts of concepts.

I would like a restaurant with a uniquely urban appearance, an eclectic menu and a great central location. Two of the more interesting places I've eaten recently in Atlanta characterize that description: Float Away Cafe and Two Urban Lick. They're both located in old warehouses, but offer interesting and unique dining experiences.

I'm not sure exactly what you mean by "uniquely urban", but I will assume it means a renovated older building that has original, upscale food.

I agree that more local "urban" restaurants would be great, but are you supporting the ones that we already have like:

Rococo
Cafe Nova
Red Prime
Trattoria Il Centro
Cheevers
Iron Starr
1492
Park Ave Grill
Soleil
Paseo Grill
Galileo
Prohibition Room

I vote Tapas!

I wish we had Tony's Italian Specialties back (as it was under its original ownership). I'd never eat anywhere else.

We are in dire need of:
1 Sports Bar
2 Tapas Bar
3 A new and better urban breakfast joint

I'd like to see more local "fast-food"... not necessarily unhealthy food, but more local drive-thrus would be nice when in a hurry.

We also need more seafood restaurants and 24-hour choices.

Shabu-shabu would be nice too.

I am really surprised by the need for another sports bar. I haven't been out in a while, but the last time I did some serious bar-hopping it seemed like every third bar was a sports bar here.

A restaurant with a treadmill and a scale with limited front door parking ... jk..

I'd like to see a TOGO's - my favorite Deli sandwiches ever .. Hot Pastrami or Hot Roast Beef... yeah.

I would love to see a Fat Sandwich Company open in Bricktown so I wouldnt have to drive to Norman all the time

I'm not sure exactly what you mean by "uniquely urban", but I will assume it means a renovated older building that has original, upscale food.

I agree that more local "urban" restaurants would be great, but are you supporting the ones that we already have like:

Rococo
Cafe Nova
Red Prime
Trattoria Il Centro
Cheevers
Iron Starr
1492
Park Ave Grill
Soleil
Paseo Grill
Galileo
Prohibition Room

great list!

If you haven't visited all of them, you should.

Agree with kane...Jewish Deli.
Kreplach soup yumm.

Truthfully, I'd like to see more delis in general.

Also some real coney places would be nice.

I just moved back from Dallas and I ate at Taco Diner/Mi Cocina a few times a month and truly miss it! OKC needs to tap in to that idea and it would do fantastic.. brisket tacos are by far my fav!

Also, we could use a "CRU" which is known for their cheese flights (as was earlier mentioned in this post). They only serve wine, beer, iced tea, and water...

About the only things I miss about living in Dallas are The Ticket and all those places to eat crawdads and blackend fish...

Someone to revive Between the bread for their kabobs and pasta sauce.. can't find anywhere like theirs. Also, someone to revive Last Thai as it was on 23rd. Can't find it anywhere either.

ooooo, some good hot dog joints would be nice, like a Cupid Dawg's or a good Chicago style hot dog place. I miss my cheese dog/cheese fry fix!

I saw an article in last week's Gazette that someone is opening a tapas restaurant in lower Bricktown. The Centennial i think.

A good Jewish delicatessen.

agreed!!

2 things OKC area needs are: Boston Market, I love that place, and a Brazilian Bar-b-que(churrasco). I have loved eating at Brazilian restaurants. How can you go wrong with servers walking around with different types of food to your table. Here is one I have ate at and loved Tucanos Brazilian Grill (http://www.tucanos.com/)

I would also like to request a Ruby Tuesdays. Although a chain, we did enjoy it.

. . . I can't resist. . . .Central Market "Cafe on the Run" or Whole Foods equivalent.

I would also like to request a Ruby Tuesdays. Although a chain, we did enjoy it.

My wife and I like to eat at Ruby Tuesday's when we see one on the road. We like their salad bar and they make a pretty good hamburger too. I emailed them a couple of years ago or so asking if they considered bringing their restaurant to OKC. They responded by saying that they had no plans at that time to do so. I wouldn't be surprised if they do come here eventually with all the growth that's going on.

Mexican is sorely underrepresented in the metro.

2 things OKC area needs are: Boston Market, I love that place, and a Brazilian Bar-b-que(churrasco). I have loved eating at Brazilian restaurants. How can you go wrong with servers walking around with different types of food to your table. Here is one I have ate at and loved Tucanos Brazilian Grill (http://www.tucanos.com/)

We had a churrascaria, but it closed a year or two ago. The food was excellent however the location not so great and they did not advertise. I think this led to it's demise. One downtown or on Memorial would do very well.

One thing I realized last night, is that there is no major pizza chain downtown (Mazzio's, Pizza Hut, Domino's, PapaJohns). Although I'm not that big on chains, we all eat at them from time to time. I know there is Pizza Town and Falcone's downtown, but Pizza Town is mediocre and Falcone's is overpriced. I think it would serve downtown well to have Papa Johns or Oklahoma's own Mazzio's. Something with delivery service and longer hours than the other two currently downtown.

We need a Ray's Pizzeria (NYC) downtown. Not going to happen, just a thought.

I think we need true a true cajun establishment. I would also like to see a brazilian establishment. The biggest thing is I wish the restaurants we have now would get some help advertising.

Chefdavies, in your opinion is Crawdaddyz not Cajun? I know Bourbon Street has some cajun dishes and influences. I believe there is one or two Cajun restaurants on the NE side of town as well. We do have a Brasilian establishment, it's called Cafe Do Brasil. As far as a churrascaria, I'd like one to return to OKC and I imagine someone will open one after the NBA comes (hopefully). As far as the advertising goes, well you have my contact info and we've talked about advertising before, I'd be glad to help any of your restaurant buddies out.

I bet Texas De Brazil takes a serious look at OKC now that we have an NBA team. Their stores average close to $8 million per unit...way above anything in the state. They also do an outstanding job.

We definitely need more 24 hour places. If you go to a concert you're stuck with fast food or IHOP or Denny's. I wish Toby Keith's was open later. I do know Fridays and Applebee's are open a little later, but more open till at least midnight.

My son would love a Fuddruckers here. I'd like to have a Bob Evans. I wish Marie Calender's would put a location here in Oklahoma City. I love their pies.

I'm not vegetarian myself, but I was hard pressed recently to give a restaurant recommendation to someone who was. I came up empty handed.

Her response was, "I guess Oklahoma City's not much of a foodie town." And I said, "well, I guess not for vegetarians."

We need a late night place like this downtown for the late night crowd:

http://www.popburger.com/

Also a high-end japanese restaurant like this would be welcome:

MEGU (http://www.megunyc.com/)

I think it would be nice for OKC to have a LaMadeleines French Bakery.They are a chain but currently only have stores in Dallas, Atlanta, Houston, New Orleans, Washington DC. They have excellent pastries, Napoleans, Strawberry Romanoff, fruit tarts etc.. Also excellent tomato basil soup and ceasar salads. I think it would go over well in OKC.

I think it would be nice for OKC to have a LaMadeleines French Bakery.They are a chain but currently only have stores in Dallas, Atlanta, Houston, New Orleans, Washington DC. They have excellent pastries, Napoleans, Strawberry Romanoff, fruit tarts etc.. Also excellent tomato basil soup and ceasar salads. I think it would go over well in OKC.

My wife and I love that place. Every time we go to Dallas we make a point of eating there.

la Madeleine has opened up here in Austin in the past few years, they have had one on North Lamar for quite awhile but have recently opened up new locations. They are now up to five here.

I always saw La Baguette (North May location) as a "similar" type of place, not a copy but enough commonality between them to see them in the same kind of light.

I think it would be nice for OKC to have a LaMadeleines French Bakery.They are a chain but currently only have stores in Dallas, Atlanta, Houston, New Orleans, Washington DC. They have excellent pastries, Napoleans, Strawberry Romanoff, fruit tarts etc.. Also excellent tomato basil soup and ceasar salads. I think it would go over well in OKC.

That would be nice, but we already have a few very nice French Bakeries. La Baguette comes to mind.

That would be nice, but we already have a few very nice French Bakeries. La Baguette comes to mind.

. . .what are the "others' you mentioned? I do love La Baguette, but I also love La Madeline's, and with it's "cafeteria" style food line, it's a very different venue than La Baguette. Bring 'em on!! Along with WF and/or CM!!

oops!! forgot to mention PTBC. . .fantastic breads and food. . . but not nearly as complete a menu as La M.

. . .what are the "others' you mentioned? I do love La Baguette, but I also love La Madeline's, and with it's "cafeteria" style food line, it's a very different venue than La Baguette. Bring 'em on!! Along with WF and/or CM!!

Raspberries and Creme has a decent bakery/french brunch on weekends. There is another one closer to La Baguette but the name escapes me.

la Madeleine has opened up here in Austin in the past few years, they have had one on North Lamar for quite awhile but have recently opened up new locations. They are now up to five here.

I always saw La Baguette (North May location) as a "similar" type of place, not a copy but enough commonality between them to see them in the same kind of light.

Remember Ground Floor Cafe? I still think they have one location left in Leadership Square. They were trying to pull off a La Madeline...Nicholls Hills Plaza did a pretty good job of it until they sold. La madeline is nowhere near the same quality they were in the mid-1990's.

Remember Ground Floor Cafe? I still think they have one location left in Leadership Square. They were trying to pull off a La Madeline...Nicholls Hills Plaza did a pretty good job of it until they sold. La madeline is nowhere near the same quality they were in the mid-1990's.
Yep, I knew some of the people involved in Ground Floor back then. I agree that la Madelaine seems a bit different than when I ate there when I lived in Dallas in the early 90's. We just don't really think of it that often, in fact the first time that my wife ate there is when we had breakfast at one in Plano when we were up there visiting her cousin in the hospital in Frisco.

Yes, Ground Floor Cafe is still in Leadership Square and their food is awesome. Some of it they get from La Baguette daily. I love their Chicken Salad on a Croissant and their chocolate cigars (pastry item).

You mean Gaucho's Grill.

I think we need a chain effort for our churrascaria, such as Texas de Brazil or Fogo de Chao.


Gaucho's was nowhere near the quality of Texas de Brazil or Fogo de Chao.

Most desired wants in OKC:
Vegan/Vegetarian restaurants
Raw Foods Restaurant
Upscale French Dining
Late night dessert bars
Sprinkles Cupcakes
Chocolate Buffet

We drastically need more open late places.

A 1940s concept with big band music, Bogart and Bacall on the wall, the lounge could even be Rick's Redux (from Casablanca). I've been to some in other cities and have often thought about how this would be big in OKC.

Dumpling & Noodle joint.