Restaurant to offer same venue, Irish menu
Daily Oklahoman

A local restaurant owner is closing the doors of one restaurant to reopen under a different chef's hat.

Sean Cummings, owner of Boca Boca, 9610 N May Ave., said the business will close Aug. 2 after nine years of serving seafood and steak. But Cummings will open Sean Cummings' Irish Restaurant & Pub on Aug. 15.

"I grew up with fun and laughter and singing,” Cummings said. "So I want other people to just see it.”

Cummings wanted to open an authentic Irish pub in Oklahoma City to bring a bit of Ireland to Oklahoma.

Cummings grew up in Kansas City, Mo., where there is a large Irish population, he said. He owned a restaurant there that was one of the top 100 in America.

Cummings has family in Ireland who also own restaurants and pubs, so he is modeling his restaurant after those. He has already made many of the interior changes to give it an Irish feel and he plans to decorate with old family photos and "Irishisms” or sayings that Cummings grew up with.

Cummings will serve seafood, burgers, reubens and authentic Irish dishes including boxty, Irish fish stew and shepherd's pie.

"Cheaper food, Boca quality,” Cummings said. "I'd like people to come give it a shot.”

From Staff Reports

what's up with this irish pub trend? must be the in thing.

-M

OKC is just very late to this party, as every other town seems to have dozens.

Also, I'm sure the huge success of McNellie's had a lot to do with this.

what's up with this irish pub trend? must be the in thing.

-M

I don't care as long as the Shepard's Pie and Bangers & Mash are as good as Dan McGuinness' fare.

Irish pubs are big all over the place...

I was in Madrid a few years ago and I swear there was an Irish pub on damned near every corner.

Kilkenny's in Tulsa is (so far) the best Irish pub in Oklahoma. Go visit and you'll see why the rest are trying to capture the same essence.

Kilkenny's in Tulsa is (so far) the best Irish pub in Oklahoma. Go visit and you'll see why the rest are trying to capture the same essence.

here, here!
I couldn't have said it better.

When we have a weekender in Tulsa, we always make it there on Sundays, after checking out of the hotel, before the church crowd arrives ... the decor and food and ambiance are matched by no other place.

"guinness bloody mary" MMMM
BOXTY!
SCOTCH EGGS!
I don't see those items on the other menus.

I agree with Midtowner on this one. OKC is just late to the party as far as Irish pubs are concerned.

I've lived in three other cities (Monterrey, Ca., Fort Lauderdale, FL, and Clermont-Ferrand, France) at different times in my adult life. All three had Irish pubs that were not only very popular, but were a big part of the "local" culture.

I had my first Guinness draught at "The Peacock" in Monterrey and was privy to a serenade of "Old Danny Boy" by a young man who was then a fellow student, but is now a touring opera tenor. He brought tears even to the old sea crustaceans who held fort at the bar every night.

In Ft. La, that pub had a traditional drums and flute/fiddle band that played every Friday. They were amazing.

And in France, of all places, the Halloween party that was held at the local Irish pub (where all the American ex-pats hung out, surprisingly), was one of the best Halloween bashes I've ever attended.

I think Irish pubs in general attract a certain type of person. Not your usual barfly, or evey party bud, but someone who wants to go for the sense of community they bring, and the "neighborhood" feel of the place.

They are a unique culture unto themselves. I'm glad our population is growing.

here, here!
I couldn't have said it better.

When we have a weekender in Tulsa, we always make it there on Sundays, after checking out of the hotel, before the church crowd arrives ... the decor and food and ambiance are matched by no other place.

"guinness bloody mary" MMMM
BOXTY!
SCOTCH EGGS!
I don't see those items on the other menus.

I haven't noticed boxty, but I know that Dan McGuinness has Scotch Eggs.

Or as I like to call them..."Artery plugs".

Restaurant owner seeing green
Journal Record
July 29, 2008

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sean Cummings is hoping for the luck of the Irish. Cummings, an Oklahoma City restaurateur who has found success with his steak and seafood restaurant, Boca Boca, on North May Avenue, is closing the doors of the restaurant this week with plans to reopen it as an Irish restaurant and pub Aug. 15.

After nine years of success with Boca Boca, Cummings said it was time to retool the restaurant, rather drastically, and return to his family’s Irish roots.“About every five years you need to remake your business to keep it exciting,” he said.

And while many restaurant owners will slap on a new coat of paint or reupholster the furniture, Cummings said he wanted to try a whole new concept, but without alienating his longtime customers. “I have a pretty darn good reputation here in town and I’m not going to risk that just because I’m doing Irish food,” he said. “It’s going to be phenomenal Irish food.”

With the change in name, from Boca Boca to Sean Cummings’ Irish Restaurant & Pub, he plans to stay in the existing space, at 9610 N. May Ave., which seats about 40.

Cummings will join two other Irish pubs in the metro area, including James E. McNellies Public House in Oklahoma City’s Midtown and Dan McGuinness Pub in Moore. One thing that won’t change is Cummings’ hands-on approach to every aspect of the restaurant, from helping with food preparation to greeting customers.

“In this small of a place everything goes through me,” he said. Cummings also wants his customers to know just what exactly constitutes an Irish pub.“You don’t necessarily go to a pub in Ireland to drink,” he said. “You go to grab a bite to eat and see your friends.”

The restaurant will also shift from a menu weighted with steak and seafood to dishes like soda bread, Irish stew with lamb and beef, fish and chips and hamburgers.

At Boca Boca the average price per diner is about $50. Cummings said diners will generally be able to get out of the new restaurant for less than $20 for a meal and a Guinness or two.

The restaurant will be open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to midnight. Boca has been a dinner-only spot Tuesdays through Saturdays.

Cummings grew up in an Irish household in Kansas City and plans for the pub to look like one owned by his cousin in Ireland. The decor will include black-and-white photos of Cummings’ family members over the years in the Emerald Isle. It will also have not one lucky penny, but 10,000 pennies – $100 worth – affixed to the bar surface and back wall.

Keith Paul, co-founder of A Good Egg Dining Group and owner of several Oklahoma City restaurants, said freshening up a restaurant is one thing, but changing a concept is about twice as much work. He said it is a real risk to stray from a tried-and-true concept, but that it can also pay off for the owner.“It’s quite a change from what he’s been doing,” Paul said. “But who’s to say that they don’t need something like that on the north side of town.”

Shannon Moad, industry communications representative with the Oklahoma Restaurant Association, said she does not often see restaurants make such a dramatic change, but thinks Cummings will probably do just fine. “Sean is a veteran of the restaurant industry and he probably knows what he’s doing,” she said. “He’s got a big fan base and a big customer base that he knows well.”But Cummings knows he is taking a big chance, and that many restaurants fail in their first year of business.

Nevertheless, he is staying optimistic that if this doesn’t work that something else will.“If by chance this nose-dives I always have a contingency plan,” he said. “There were a lot of things working against us with Boca Boca, but it was quite successful.”

http://journalrecord.com/_images/articles/t_labskc-irish%20pub2-CA.jpg

Sean Cummings stands Monday with kids, Gabriel, left, and Kyle, at his restaurant, Boca Boca, on May Avenue in Oklahoma City. Sean is closing down the restaurant and reopening it as an Irish pub. (Photo by Chris Albers)

Sounds like Cummings is focusing a lot more on the food than the beer. Both news articles call the place a "restaurant and pub" but there's only one mention of beer - Guinness, naturally - in the two articles.

Whereas McNellie's is touting its huge selection of 60 draft and 300 bottled beers, as well as a place where you can grab a quality Irish meal, Cummings seems to be taking the opposite approach: A place where you can grab a good Irish dish as well as a drink on the side. I just can't see this becoming a hotspot if Cummings is going to focus this much on the food and this little on the beer selection. McNellie's has both great beer and great food; why go anywhere else?

It's also funny how the article talks about Boca Boca being so successful, and then he completely changes the look and concept to Irish food with a little beer. If it is so successful, stick with a winner.

The thing is that Boca Boca was NOT very successful. I went in one night and ordered the signature dish... I was told, "This dish is the one that keeps us open." Eh, no --- the dish was VERY bland and boring, and I would not order it again. That seemed to be the problem with Boca Boca... the food just was not that great. It was only so-so and I can get better for cheaper, too, of the same sort of thing elsewhere.

Grand opening tomorrow at 11:00. . . with apparently a bagpipe procession at 5:00. Should be interesting.

Home (http://seancummingsirishpub.com/)

can't wait to try it!

Went opening night. It was packed.

Here's a brief review:

Atmosphere - CASUAL and FRIENDLY! It's very SMALL, so gives off a true neighborhood vibe. A few design choices were a bit strange ("street lamp" at a table) - but otherwise - a fun, comfortable spot that could be a great "neighborhood" hangout - even if it is in what equates to a glorified strip mall.

Drinks: I'm not a huge drinker, but do know that those who are huge beer fans will probably be a bit disappointed. They have a standard "Irish" beer selection (Guinness and a few others whose names escape me now), but NOTHING like McNellies or even TapWerks. No ciders, either, which kind of bummed me out. They do ask if you want your beer served "proper" (20 oz. - "traditional") or "American" (16 oz.). I had two black and tans. I think they also had a few malts. Again, I didn't really pay attention to this part of the menu, so can't really say.

Food: Food was quite good. There were 7 at our table at one point, so we shared a lot.

Tried two appetizers: potato cakes and "Guinness" wings. The potato cakes were quite good. Had nice flavor and a nice spice to them. They came out a bit on the cold side which I attribute to the slower service on opening night. I'll definitely order them again. I'm not a huge wings fan in general, so these - at least to me - were nothing to write home about. They were much larger and meatier than wings in other restaurants I've been to.

Entrees: Got to try several entrees. I ordered the fish and chips. Pretty typical pub fare. Fish and chips are fish and chips. Served up with malted vinegar, you really can't go wrong.

Husband had the shepard's pie. Nice spice to it, and all-around tasty.

The star of the evening was the "Boxty," which is a tradtional Irish "crepe" served up with stewed, spiced meat and veggies. This was delicious, and what I wish I had really ordered. Certainly something different and a nice take on what you normally find in a "pub."

The best part of the night - aside from the "public house" atmosphere - was the traditional Irish Band brought in to entertain that night. They played the traditional instruments, including fiddle, flute and the bohdran (Irish drum), mixed with guitar. I don't remember the group's name, but they were very good. The only drawback is that the noise level was so high from all of the talking that we couldn't really hear them. Would also have liked it if they had engaged the audience more by asking us to participate - sing a chorus or two!

Overall, for an opening night, it was great fun!!! Of course, we'll have to give it time to get its feet under it a bit before we try it again.

I understand they plan to have traditional Irish / Celtic music on a regular basis, so this should be something unique and fun to go there for!

Erin go bragh!

what a nice well written review!

I had high hopes for Sean Cummings but in my two recent visits those hopes have been dashed. I will say that the drinks and atmosphere are very good, but the service, or rather lack of, is enough to keep me away from this establishment. I would like to have spoken about the food, but I have been unable to try it. Today the service was so poor that my family and I walked out of the establishment. Hopefully the service issue lines itself out, otherwise this place will be short lived.

bronchograd05 has obviously never been to Ireland. You'd never find a pub with 60 draft beers, you'd be lucky to find one that has more than just Guinness on tap.

jbkrems do you know anything about how restaurants work? If a place is open for 9 years like Boca Boca was then it IS considered VERY successful seeing as most places don't even make it past their first. Lets get our facts straight next time shall we?

hung out with Sean this past saturday for about 4 hours with two of my buddies.

great service and conversation.

perfect pint of Guinness, right size and temperature. (for a change, pay attention rest of OKC!)


great comfort food that would change how my scottish ancestors felt about the irish.

guesswhoo: Yeah, I do know how restaurants work. I have lots of friends in the restaurant industry, and I eat out pretty much every night, somewhere different. I know what works, and what does not work, and where there are areas needing improvement.

As regards to Boca Boca, I was told I was getting a signature dish that had made the restaurant successful, and that if people did not like the dish, then the restaurant would have failed. Well, I did not like the dish, personally. It was bland and boring, and had culinary issues. The vegetables that it was served with was bland, the seabass itself was bland. Also, the dessert I ordered was terrible and not worth the price. Seriously, the dish, which was described as a "signature dish," was pretty much one of the worst specials I have ever ordered anywhere. I do not understand or know how they can survive or thrive on this dish.

I take it, Guesswhoo, that you liked that dish, and that you have NO culinary background at all. Why do you not get YOUR facts, straight - ???

On the contrary I was born into the restaurant business and I think over 25 years of experience qualifies me as having a culinary background.

You seem to still be having trouble though with the definition of opinion and fact. In your opinion the food was bland and not worth the price, but the fact still remains that in the restaurant business being open for 9 years is considered a success. Just ask one of your industry friends.

I hope its better than their other restaurant Vito's. I definitely was not impressed by it to say the least.

Guesswho:

Where is Tuck when I need him?

What restaurants do you or have you worked at, Guesswho - ?

Tough argument...If you don't like the place, then you just don't like it. Maybe you will never go back. There are many ways to define success in this business. Some are happy working 80 hours a week and being there own boss make the long hours worth while...considered a success. Also, just because you have a successful restaurant, this doesn't mean you have a great restaurant.

Boca was never the busiest place in town, but; being open 9 years is a huge accomplishment in this biz. I do know restaurants that are exremely busy with larger than normal seating capacity that are literally operating on close to zero cashflow...they will stay open and keep operating as long as customers keep coming. I would rather be somewhere in the middle.

Tuck,

Of course you are not in the middle. As a restaurant guest, and one who has patronized your restaurants (Red Prime is the best steakhouse in town!) I think that the way food tastes, i.e. your recipes is the key to success. If you make good food, and you are able to satisfy the appetites of your guests, with good atmosphere and excellent service, then you will do well. Just because a restaurant has been around for 9 years... it might be a "success," but that is not necessarily how I as a guest patron would define success. From my perspective, success is defined as quality food, good atmosphere, and excellent service, and being consistent in all three of those areas. Unfortunately, not every restaurant meets those criteria. I might still go. However, if the food is not cooked right, then I am not going to come back.

A good case in point is Boca. I ordered the seabass, because it is one of my all times favorite fish. It was bland. So were the vegetables it was served with. I would say kudos for the mashed potatoes creation they had that night at Boca. However, a side dish does not save an entree. Needless to say, the seabass was supposed to be potato-encrusted. I had better for less at Carrabbas before. Also, the seabass was served on top of this creamy-vinegar paste. Very bad idea. The flavor combinations just did not work. Yes, this is a subjective comment. However, this dish was boasted as their "signature" dish. I was sorely disappointed, and not surprised they wanted to change course.

I had also heard, when I was there that night, that they had changed chefs many times during their 9 years turnover. That concerned me, because Boca was not a more established restaurant such as Cheevers or The Metro, where a change of chef has NEVER been a bad thing.

Alright, that's enough to chew on for now. LOL.

Its amusing you've become so invested in this blog. Its especially funny BECAUSE ITS A BLOG! It means nothing! The restaurant you didn't like isn't even there anymore! I think its time to move on, I'm sure there are more important blogs that require your vast knowledge of how the world works.

Its amusing you've become so invested in this blog. Its especially funny BECAUSE ITS A BLOG! It means nothing! The restaurant you didn't like isn't even there anymore! I think its time to move on, I'm sure there are more important blogs that require your vast knowledge of how the world works.

This isn't a blog, and it does mean something to quite a few people. But thanks for your condescension towards people's opinions based on where they present it.:tiphat:

This isn't a blog, and it does mean something to quite a few people. But thanks for your condescension towards people's opinions based on where they present it.:tiphat:

Hah! Excuse me.. uh forum? Get real. Any way you twist it.. its a blog. But thanks for playing. I did nothing more than state facts, if you're taking that as condescension.. well that sounds like a personal problem.

Reviving this thread and bringing it back on topic... went to Sean Cummings for the first time last night. After I found it --which took forever! Went in and was sorely disappointed in the beer list but that was the only disappointment of the night. Wait, no it wasn't -- because our bread was served in a bowl (where most of the other tables had baskets from what I could tell) and there was water in the bottom of the bowl. Not like condensation, but an actual measurable amount of water. Ewwww. Food was excellent. I had the salmon club and my companion had the fishermans pie - or stew - but I think it was called pie. We were both impressed and are talking about a return trip.

I like the food and the live music at Sean Cumming's Irish Pub. Sean is always really nice and friendly to me. Shannon who works there is nice also. I always feel welcome there.

Bigray in Ok

If it's anything like their sister restaurant Vito's, I won't be impressed.

Reviving this thread and bringing it back on topic... went to Sean Cummings for the first time last night. After I found it --which took forever! .

I agree....I drove up and down that strip mall and finally saw it on the 3rd pass and I was looking for it. It is something that OKC doesnt have so it was a nice change. I had the seafood shepards pie. Sounds gross I know, but the waitress recommended it and it was delicious. Not sure how often I will go but I hope I can remeber to throw it in the mix.

As somebody that gets dragged there (kicking and screaming) once every other week I feel that I have to comment.

I eat here and I don't want to. I'd much rather go somewhere else. Unfortunately my friends think it's the greatest place ever so they always insist on meeting up there.

The food is good, but it's not exceptional. The Shepards Pie isn't bad, the Fishermans Pie is pretty good. The Reuben is decent. The Lamb is decent. That's four dishes on the entire menu that are decent. The fish & chips used to be up there but the last two times I ordered them they were undercooked. Nothing ruins an appetite quicker than raw fish (when it's not supposed to be!) and doughy batter.

The beer list makes Baby Jesus cry. It's tiny. The beer on it is all decent but a little more variety would be spiffy.

Shannon and a few of the waitresses rock. They're the highlight of the trip and the ONLY reason I haven't told my friends to shove it and gone somewhere else when they want to meet up.

I agree....I drove up and down that strip mall and finally saw it on the 3rd pass and I was looking for it. It is something that OKC doesnt have so it was a nice change. I had the seafood shepards pie. Sounds gross I know, but the waitress recommended it and it was delicious. Not sure how often I will go but I hope I can remeber to throw it in the mix.

How is it something that OKC doesn't have? There is McNellies which is similar in concept, as there are Dan McGuinness and a few other places.

How is it something that OKC doesn't have? There is McNellies which is similar in concept, as there are Dan McGuinness and a few other places.

I guess I can not speak about Dan McGuinness since I have never been there but Sean Cummings and McNellies are nothing alike. I was speaking of more of a small type irish pub feeling with a dude playing some drab music.

Have to profess my love for Sean cummings. But I am probably more atune to the beer list because I am perfectly capable of having a 6 hour black & tan session. The food is good, and traditional which I like. And the bartenders will be your best friend so even a solo trip is sensational.

Definitely the closest thing to a real pub in OKC. Haven't tried vito's yet but I had a couple at my bartop last week that raved. Personally I've been dying for a pasta dish that's not sauced in a tomato or cream based sauce. Maybe a little squid or fish is that too much to ask?

Sean Cummings Irish Pub set to resurface on N. May (http://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=473-Sean-Cummings-Irish-Pub-set-to-resurface-on-N-May)

When the original Sean Cummings Irish Pub closed in 2014, it had proven to be very successful albeit in quite a small space, and its loss was mourned by many.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/cummingspub3b.jpg


Soon, it will resurface as Sean Cummings Irish Restaurant in the old Sophabella's space at 7628 N. May, almost directly across the street from the old location.

Work has already started and Sean hopes to be up and running in 1 to 2 months.

Cummings told OKCTalk the space lends itself well to an pub concept and they are busy putting on their unique touches.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/cummingspub4.jpg


Like a traditional Irish pub, Cummings and his wife Cathy will offer guests Guinness,stout Smithwick's red ale and Harp lager on tap but also 10-15 local beers.

Larger kitchen and dining spaces will allow for not only bangers and mash, fish and chips and shepherd's pie but also fresh seafood.

Cummings said he has been looking for a new location since his previous spot closed after not being able to come to terms with the landlord.

After several attempts, he was finally able to nail down a lease on the former Sophabella's after tracking down the Texas landlords.

The new operation will eventually offer lunch and brunch in addition to dinner and late night hours.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/cummingspub5.jpg

I still can't believe the dearth of real Irish pubs in this town.

Very much looking forward to this and N. May and that general area is very underserved IMO.

On a related note, the Garage at Britton and May seems to be absolutely killing it. Being hearing about huge numbers there.

all the garage locations do really well HSRG hit a home run on that concept

all the garage locations do really well HSRG hit a home run on that concept

I believe the May & Britton location is their top performer, which says a lot.

they don't struggle, thats for sure

Pete, what will become of the Bacon operation and space?

Pete,
Have you forgotten Sean's original Irish pub was located where his Boca Boca restaurant was, next door to Caffe Pranzo? Then he opened the second one next door to Vito's which I think is the one you are referring to.
C. T.
p.s. Yes, I suppose I'm nitpicking, but I really enjoyed both of his Irish pubs. Pleased that he is going finally have one with more space.

Pete,
Have you forgotten Sean's original Irish pub was located where his Boca Boca restaurant was, next door to Caffe Pranzo? Then he opened the second one next door to Vito's which I think is the one you are referring to.
C. T.
p.s. Yes, I suppose I'm nitpicking, but I really enjoyed both of his Irish pubs. Pleased that he is going finally have one with more space.

You are correct.

I'm also very happy he's getting more space. I'm not a huge fan of really small spaces filled with people, so this will be great. I'm really looking forward to this.

Glad to see Sean getting back in the pub game. Always loved the Guinness wings. Never had an issue with the beer selection (it's an irish pub, not an irish themed gastropub) but those $6 pints could add up quickly!

Yes, that Garage is always jam packed. We really like walking over there from the house, just wish there was a crosswalk there at Britton and May.

Also, Pete, don't know if you know anything about it, but the old bank immediately west of that Garage is finally getting worked on. Or at least they were tearing down the drive-thru structure when I saw it the other night. The sign out front says 'Coming in 2017' and has what amounts to a small strip center for a rendering.

Also, Pete, don't know if you know anything about it, but the old bank immediately west of that Garage is finally getting worked on. Or at least they were tearing down the drive-thru structure when I saw it the other night. The sign out front says 'Coming in 2017' and has what amounts to a small strip center for a rendering.

Been meaning to post this and thanks for the reminder:

http://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=44036&p=1024589#post1024589

Glad to see Sean getting back in the pub game. Always loved the Guinness wings. Never had an issue with the beer selection (it's an irish pub, not an irish themed gastropub) but those $6 pints could add up quickly!


I always appreciated it's one of the few places to get a good Guinness draft.

Seeing Cathy Cummings' Facebook post, a few days ago, announcing this put a smile on my face that still remains. Sean's Irish Pub was one of our favorite places to enjoy some good food, good beverages and good music. Hard to believe it's been gone for something like four years. I hope that the food will be as good as it was. I tried just about everything on the menu and not once was I displeased with what hit the plate.

I always appreciated it's one of the few places to get a good Guinness draft.

Depending on who's bartending, Pub W does a pretty good Guinness pour (most of the time).

Depending on who's bartending, Pub W does a pretty good Guinness pour (most of the time).

I don't disagree with that. In fact, that's what I typically get at Pub W. On that subject, I really wish they'd put beer prices on their beer menu. That makes me crazy.

Seeing Cathy Cummings' Facebook post, a few days ago, announcing this put a smile on my face that still remains. Sean's Irish Pub was one of our favorite places to enjoy some good food, good beverages and good music. Hard to believe it's been gone for something like four years. I hope that the food will be as good as it was. I tried just about everything on the menu and not once was I displeased with what hit the plate.

I'm sure the food will still be good. He has kept himself busy cooking and making up new stuff for the past several years. I hope they get up and running quickly!

I don't disagree with that. In fact, that's what I typically get at Pub W. On that subject, I really wish they'd put beer prices on their beer menu. That makes me crazy.

I agree. But, just add $1 to the listed alcohol % and you'll get a good approximation. ;)

I don't disagree with that. In fact, that's what I typically get at Pub W. On that subject, I really wish they'd put beer prices on their beer menu. That makes me crazy.

PubW in Norman keeps the Guinness too cold. Really bothers me.

PubW in Norman keeps the Guinness too cold. Really bothers me.

I haven't been to that one, only the one on Memorial. I don't remember theirs being really cold, though.

They expect to open later this week:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/seancummings042218.jpg

Opens tomorrow (Wed 4/25) at 5PM.

Opens tomorrow (Wed 4/25) at 5PM.
What is the location please?

What is the location please?

Just North of May & Grand: 7628 N May

(Former Sophabella's location)