By NO means should any guest be overlooked, or not served because the bartender is too busy flirting with the opposite sex. As a current bartender and soon to be a bar owner, I know that the train of thought amongst a majority of bartenders is that males tip female bartenders better and females tip male bartenders better, hence they focus their attention on them specifically. While the bartender should take responsibility for their actions, I would put more responsibility on management to make sure that situations like that don't take place. Sometimes bartenders don't realize that if they help make the establishment successful then in turn they will be successful because more clients will come in for a drink and they will make tips from both male or female. So my advice is that you notify the management about any issues that come up like not being served because a bartender was too busy flirting. Or you could not express your concerns, wait until FlashBack RetroPub opens up and go there instead ��.

By NO means should any guest be overlooked, or not served because the bartender is too busy flirting with the opposite sex. As a current bartender and soon to be a bar owner, I know that the train of thought amongst a majority of bartenders is that males tip female bartenders better and females tip male bartenders better, hence they focus their attention on them specifically. While the bartender should take responsibility for their actions, I would put more responsibility on management to make sure that situations like that don't take place. Sometimes bartenders don't realize that if they help make the establishment successful then in turn they will be successful because more clients will come in for a drink and they will make tips from both male or female. So my advice is that you notify the management about any issues that come up like not being served because a bartender was too busy flirting. Or you could not express your concerns, wait until FlashBack RetroPub opens up and go there instead ��.

Well I hope you train your bartenders out of that thought. I will tip a male bartender the same as a female bartender, if service is equal. I'm not there because of the genitals of the bartender. I'm there for a drink. Make a regular out of me, and I always tip north of 20%. Treat me like crap because I'm a male and am not tingling your bells, and I'll leave you pretty close to 0% tip. Bartenders need to get that crap out of their head. If your bartenders are there to flirt, they are more likely to cost you money by giving away your product as a tool to get a girl's number, either by "forgetting" to ring in a drink they poured, or by over-pouring on purpose. You are paying for their flirting. And they are stealing from you (the bar owner) to do that. Directly stealing -- by giving your product away; and indirectly stealing your future sales as they run off would-be regulars.

I hope you keep that in mind with your bartenders.

Edit: One last thought. You also do not want your bartenders "cockblocking" or becoming the competition with male patrons who are trying to meet girls. Guys have enough competition, and don't need to compete with the bartender. It will ensure guys don't come back, and it will ensure low tips from male patrons. If they want to flirt they need to come in on their day off, and not do it while serving drinks. It's a recipe for disaster.

Easy way to fix that, Catch. Hopefully one of your very good friends becomes a bartender and you hang out where they work. First class service always. At least, that's how it worked out for me.

I actually listened to a really interesting Freakonomics podcast on tipping (highly recommend) and the basic conclusion from numerous studies was that tipping is discriminatory. On the whole, people do not tip based on the quality of service, but actually tip based on demographics. In short, attractive, blonde, white women get the highest tips regardless of service. They also discussed whether tipping should even be legal. Very interesting.

Anyway, not sure how much this contributes to this discussion, but I found it interesting and it might be relevant to how waitresses/waiters act.

Even if tipping were illegal, people would still do it. Apparently, I was not part of that study, lol.

Here's the podcast for anyone interested: Freakonomics » Should Tipping Be Banned? A New Freakonomics Radio Podcast (http://freakonomics.com/2013/06/03/should-tipping-be-banned-a-new-freakonomics-radio-podcast/)

I actually listened to a really interesting Freakonomics podcast on tipping (highly recommend) and the basic conclusion from numerous studies was that tipping is discriminatory. On the whole, people do not tip based on the quality of service, but actually tip based on demographics. In short, attractive, blonde, white women get the highest tips regardless of service. They also discussed whether tipping should even be legal. Very interesting.

Anyway, not sure how much this contributes to this discussion, but I found it interesting and it might be relevant to how waitresses/waiters act.

Heh, in my experience waiting tables back in college, not only do attractive, blonde, white women get better tips they also tend to get better section assignments from the floor managers.

Beautiful women get favorable treatment in virtually every aspect of life, even by other women.

When it comes to something as completely arbitrary as tipping, you can bet the favoritism is even more substantial.

And it's not just attractive, white women. White people, irregardless of service quality, are tipped higher than other racial groups. Again, interesting research and podcast...

Dank, you should read/listen to Levitt's entire Freakonomics book. Amazingly capturing book for being about economics.

Word of the day: Cockblocking. I'm going to have to find a way to use that in a sentence sometime!

I've used the word, but not necessary in that context...

What other context have you used cock blocking?

What other context have you used cock blocking?
http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mc4oauZDYa1rf11kxo1_400.gif

On the way to the WXYZ bar at the Aloft Hotel, where I hoped to score some free drinks with the bartender, as I am a blonde, blue-eyed white female, a guy named Plu Pan cockblocked me when I had my turn signal on to get into the right-hand lane to exit. So I had to go to the next exit and double-back. By the time I got to the Aloft Hotel, the bar was pretty full. Lo and behold, there was Plu Pan, eyeing the hot women in their 40s.

Urban Dictionary: cock block (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=cock+block)

hot cougars.

On the way to the WXYZ bar at the Aloft Hotel, where I hoped to score some free drinks with the bartender, as I am a blonde, blue-eyed white female, a guy named Plu Pan cockblocked me when I had my turn signal on to get into the right-hand lane to exit. So I had to go to the next exit and double-back. By the time I got to the Aloft Hotel, the bar was pretty full. Lo and behold, there was Plu Pan, eyeing the hot women in their 40s.

Urban Dictionary: cock block (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=cock+block)Sounds about right. I was also thinking about getting my bartenders license, but I don't want to make Catch mad, so I'm becoming a pool boy instead!

hot cougars.http://cdn.meme.am/instances/500x/57586278.jpg

From the JR:

These Walls: Aloft Oklahoma City Downtown-Bricktown

By: Molly M. Fleming The Journal Record January 16, 2015

OKLAHOMA CITY – In downtown, NE Second Street has a modern look, with Level Urban Apartments rising on the north and the OK Sea shipping container development on the south. The contemporary feel continues as the street meets N. Walnut Avenue, where Aloft Oklahoma City Downtown-Bricktown sits.

The metal-clad building owned by New Century Investments owner Jim Thompson opened in April 2014 and has 136 sleeping rooms. The exterior is just the beginning of the design style that makes this building stand out from other hotels. The hotel’s marketing audience is people ages 25 to 40 years.

The Bricktown Aloft at 209 N. Walnut Ave. has features not seen in the chain’s other offerings. The hotel line is a smaller-sized brand for Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide Inc.

“(Aloft is) a modern twist on hospitality,” said Angela Smith, director of sales and marketing at Aloft Oklahoma City Downtown-Bricktown.

When guests enter the front doors, they are greeted with a center concourse that allows them to easily see the large open lobby, bar area to the right, and snack bar to the left. The light wood flooring and ceiling lead into a polished cement-floor lobby, where lime green, orange, and purple pop off the walls and furniture.

While the look is different than many hotels, customer service names are, as well. The snack area, which has breakfast items, is called re:fuel, and housekeeping is re:fresh. The elevators are called lifts. Meeting rooms are better known as exchange rooms.

People can take a lift to see features that make the Aloft different from other locations. On the sixth floor, guests can host a wedding, conference, or other event in the 9,000 square feet of meeting space. Space sizes range from a large ballroom that holds 200 to 250 people to a small meeting room. Each room offers views of the city, even the small meeting room.

“There’s not much we can’t do,” Smith said.

The hotel has long tables that can be set up when people might need desks, and round tables for banquets. A cocktail hour for events can be held outside on the furniture-filled patio. Smith said the hotel plans to host happy-hour events this spring and even bring in some soft, live music.

Another feature that sets the Oklahoma City location apart is the two-story WXYZ Bar. While every Aloft has the bar, it doesn’t have the same amount of space, as others are just on the ground floor. Smith said the bar hosts a disc jockey on Saturdays to make the place quite lively.

“The bar turns into almost a nightclub,” she said. “It gets hopping.”

When the DJ isn’t playing hot beats, people can watch the Oklahoma City Thunder or other sports event on one of the bar’s large TV screens. There is even a drop-down projector-size screen that can be seen from the second floor.

Other special features include a parking garage, as other Alofts have a parking lot. Also, the hotel has a two-story Celebrity Suite with a grand staircase. Yes, celebrities do stay in it, though Smith couldn’t disclose any names.

double post

wrong thread, oops!

very nice. for some reason, I've eagerly awaited the opening and reviews of this hotel. To me, it is a game changer for not only Deep Deuce but also downtown and OKC itself as it raised the bar for 'modern' hotels being built.

While I would have made it larger and covered the parking garage with rooms, meeting rooms, restaurant, and/or pool/fitness; it IS the ONLY downtown hotel to have its own parking GARAGE incorporated into the property and the style of Aloft can not be debated as are the other features exclusive to this OKC property. When I return to the city for a visit I definitely plan to experience this Aloft.

While I would have made it larger and covered the parking garage with rooms, meeting rooms, restaurant, and/or pool/fitness; it IS the ONLY downtown hotel to have its own parking GARAGE incorporated into the property and the style of Aloft can not be debated as are the other features exclusive to this OKC property. When I return to the city for a visit I definitely plan to experience this Aloft.

Hotel Parking: Downtown Oklahoma City Parking (http://www.skirvinhilton.com/downtown-oklahoma-city/parking-oklahoma-city.asp)

Do they have a nightly parking fee?

Do they have a nightly parking fee?

They advertise parking as $9.00 to $15.00 per day.

actually, Skirvin's parking is next door at the SantaFe garage (a city owned garage), right?

But I do recall that Sheraton has onside parking, so I stand corrected that Aloft and Sheraton are the only downtown hotels with onsite parking garages - though I still wish Aloft covered theirs with amenities.

actually, Skirvin's parking is next door at the SantaFe garage (a city owned garage), right?

But I do recall that Sheraton has onside parking, so I stand corrected that Aloft and Sheraton are the only downtown hotels with onsite parking garages - though I still wish Aloft covered theirs with amenities.

The parking for the Sheraton is city owned also. Even if you can't walk from the parking for the Skirvin directly into the hotel you also can't do that at the Aloft. There is basically no difference considering the valet service at both. You are required to used the valet service at Aloft if you want your car in their garage.

Roxy's Ice Cream Social Deep Deuce!

BTW, that parking structure at Aloft is disappointing.

They were supposed to provide some sort of screening, but I think that was later deleted. It's just gray, unfinished concrete.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/aloft040315.jpg

BTW, that parking structure at Aloft is disappointing.

They were supposed to provide some sort of screening, but I think that was later deleted. It's just gray, unfinished concrete.


Yeah I wish they would have put up a facade if not a small retail space or something, with that other building if this had been retail it could have made a decent strip if you include native roots...

Well it's not like there's any reason to walk down that bridge...

There is usually cars parked there from valet anyways, so you can't use the sidewalk.

I always see them parked there and it really pisses me off. How are they allowed to park right across the sidewalk there, even if it is part of their driveway? Also why did they put in the entrance/exit there if they are never going to use it?

You can call the City on them.

It's absolutely against City code to block a sidewalk at any time for any length of time.

If we are simply going off of nearby concepts, there are 6 bars (including restaurants with serious bars) within a block, and only 1 coffee shop.

Perhaps a breakfast diner with a lunch patio?

I like the idea of a diner. It's different that what's nearby.

Any closer to a tenant for the restaurant space in Aloft?

Here's my simple review of Aloft.

I've stayed at the property 3 separate occasions - all weekends. I travel down from Enid and choose the property because of the location and urban feel. We prefer walking to our destinations in deep deuce, bricktown and downtown. I typically travel with my wife and 3 young, well-behaved children.

I'll begin with the things I like: We enjoy the modern furnishings and style of the hotel. My kids enjoy the offerings in the food area for breakfast or a snack. My wife and I enjoy that we can get a drink from the bar and take it to the comfortable lobby or up to the room. The location is great. We like to go to Urban Johnnie, The Wedge, Deep Deuce Grill, Bricktown, Myriad Gardens, CHK Arena, etc. All are within a comfortable walking distance. I have yet to use the pool, nightclub or rooftop patio. We've never been bothered by the nightclub music.

Things I don't like: Each night we've stayed at the property, the hall traffic noise-level is obnoxious from 11pm-3am. Loud people, thin walls, slamming doors. This probably happens at most bricktown area properties, but the Aloft walls may be unusually thin. I've called the front desk about the issue and they don't seem to control it. I think the problem is the price range, location and modern feel attracts the late-night bar crowd. I was certainly in that category at one time, but I'd like to think I was more respectful when retiring to my room. The mandatory valet is annoying, but I simply tell the valet attendant that I'm dropping off and I use nearby street parking. I wouldn't mind paying $5 for the garage, but $18/day to park is foolish in Oklahoma.

Bottom line: I'll probably save my future visits to the property when I'm traveling during the weekdays or without my children. Location and price is tough to beat.

^

Thanks for that info -- very interesting.

I think if I was going to stay in that area and was looking for a good value, I'd stay at the Holiday Inn Express.

They have dedicated parking in the back but not sure the charge.

I moved a bunch of posts about the small brick building just to the south of Aloft to here:

205 N Walnut - OKCTalk (http://www.okctalk.com/showwiki.php?title=205%20N%20Walnut)

What's the hold up on the restaurant space on the west end of the hotel?

What's the hold up on the restaurant space on the west end of the hotel?

In the beginning, they talked with lots of people about it but could never come to terms with anyone.

Considering the number of deals done for downtown restaurants in the last couple of years, you can draw your own conclusions.

Someone said previously it was mostly about parking, that they didn't want to give any guaranteed spots in the garage to the restaurant. They shouldn't have built it so small to begin with, it could have been a moneymaker for them.

Someone said previously it was mostly about parking, that they didn't want to give any guaranteed spots in the garage to the restaurant. They shouldn't have built it so small to begin with, it could have been a moneymaker for them.

I work in chase building and look out to the east. Their parking garage always looks noticeably empty.

Oh I've noticed. I didn't say they kept it full. Just presume that they wanted it to be available to only their hotel guests for whatever reason.

In the beginning, they talked with lots of people about it but could never come to terms with anyone.

Considering the number of deals done for downtown restaurants in the last couple of years, you can draw your own conclusions.

So, they've just given up on using that space?

Several negotiations took place, and some restaurants landed elsewhere.

The owner seems to think it's worth much more than anyone is willing to pay.

It's so dumb…because we're closing in on 2 years worth of income at this point. So if people were offering you 75% of what you wanted for a 5-year lease, you now need 125% of what you were originally asking just to hit what you would have made by taking the "lowball" offer to begin with. And if oil does indeed cause a slow-down, your chances of getting even the 75% is way low.

Incredibly poor management for brand new space to be sitting vacant for 24 months.

Oh well…their loss, another development's gain.

For all the great residential in Deep Deuce, the last few times I've been in the area the streets have been completely dead. I'm not an expert here, but it seems Deep Deuce is just not a destination as a district. People probably go to Deep Deuce because they want to go to a specific restaurant/bar/coffee shop, but they don't walk around and check out various places much. Maybe this would have been different if Level had incorporated a bit more retail spaces. Maybe not. Or maybe my observations are off. Regardless, it seems like Anchor Down could benefit from that space being activated.

For all the great residential in Deep Deuce, the last few times I've been in the area the streets have been completely dead. I'm not an expert here, but it seems Deep Deuce is just not a destination as a district. People probably go to Deep Deuce because they want to go to a specific restaurant/bar/coffee shop, but they don't walk around and check out various places much. Maybe this would have been different if Level had incorporated a bit more retail spaces. Maybe not. Or maybe my observations are off. Regardless, it seems like Anchor Down could benefit from that space being activated.

The issue is OKC doesn't yet understand how retail corridors in urban areas are supposed to work. It's getting there, but city planners here should take a trip to places like San Francisco or NYC to see how retail is done there.

In OKC and especially in Deep Deuce, there needs to be specific corridors where retail is clustered as to create synergy. Doing this will not only make a specific street a retail destination but will also help bring in better quality retail that people wish downtown had. The remainder of the streets have no retail and are quiet, residential oriented. Throwing a retail space into every development with no real plan or vision isn't going to create that synergy. It has to be clustered.

OKC has an excellent opportunity to do this as Deep Deuce expands northward.

For all the great residential in Deep Deuce, the last few times I've been in the area the streets have been completely dead. I'm not an expert here, but it seems Deep Deuce is just not a destination as a district. People probably go to Deep Deuce because they want to go to a specific restaurant/bar/coffee shop, but they don't walk around and check out various places much. Maybe this would have been different if Level had incorporated a bit more retail spaces. Maybe not. Or maybe my observations are off. Regardless, it seems like Anchor Down could benefit from that space being activated.

DD is, to me, a residential space. I'm not sure a high-end spot would do well in the aloft space. Anchor Down and DD Grill do well, but Slaughters Hall is rarely busy, Urban Johnnie is hit or miss, and I rarely see the WXYZ busy. DD is where people live, not where people visit.

Slaughter's Hall has picked up significantly.

They are doing pretty well now and so is WSKY.

They've worked and tweaked both those concepts significantly and it's paid off.

^^^^^
With the exception of Powerhouse, nearly everyplace currently killing it in central OKC is on a heavily-traveled through street. Deep Duece (surprisingly) has a bit of a location challenge. ESPECIALLY east of Walnut. The restaurants in Maywood II will benefit from their Walnut frontage, however.

Slaughter's Hall has picked up significantly.

They are doing pretty well now and so is WSKY.

They've worked and tweaked both those concepts significantly and it's paid off.

I get to Slaughter 1-2x a week, and they're doing better, but not what I'd call busy. WSKY seems to be picking up.

Slaughter's is much busier on weekend nights and when they host live jazz.

^^^^^
With the exception of PowerhouseAre they not doing good? Last time I was there it was popping a little.. I really like that place.

Slaughter's is much busier on weekend nights and when they host live jazz.

I missed that last night, I'll make it next week.

Are they not doing good? Last time I was there it was popping a little.. I really like that place.

Re-read his post, he said they're doing well despite location.

Re-read his post, he said they're doing well despite location.

Thank you. I messed that up.

Bringing this thread up from the grave.

Does anyone know who to contact to help encourage Aloft to repair a noisy (maybe kitchen) exhaust fan on the north side of the building? It has been rattling nonstop for about a month and it is obnoxious at the street level. I would be surprised if Bar Cicchetti hasn't said something about it as it is directly across from their patio where they often have live music.

I tried the city action center to no avail. They don't really have any categories that deal with noise complaint items (that I could easily find).

Bringing this thread up from the grave.

Does anyone know who to contact to help encourage Aloft to repair a noisy (maybe kitchen) exhaust fan on the north side of the building? It has been rattling nonstop for about a month and it is obnoxious at the street level. I would be surprised if Bar Cicchetti hasn't said something about it as it is directly across from their patio where they often have live music.

I tried the city action center to no avail. They don't really have any categories that deal with noise complaint items (that I could easily find).

Why not just call/email and address it directly with the general manager?