I have never heard anyone talk about this place and I've personally never been in -- mainly because I always forget about it.

Looks like a really cool spot and I know it's been there since 1937.



Does anybody go and if so, what's the food and atmosphere like??


http://redroosterokc.com/

It's been awhile since I've been there, but it was definitely a dive when I was. However, I'm not saying that's a bad thing. There are times when you want to go to a dive, and the Red Rooster would certainly fill that bill.

I also wouldn't wear anything that requires dry cleaning, as it's quite saturated with a decades-old smell of smoke, but they have cheap beer. And sometimes, cheap beer is all you need, my friend.

Popped in there late a few months back to catch up with friends and it was definitely a dive...Seemed to be ok but didn't have anything that stood out at all

When I lived in OKC I used to go there all the time. Great little neighborhood beer bar, no liquor. Great jukebox. Divey, smokey.

Was there just a couple weeks ago. Took a cousin of mine from Austin on somewhat of a pub crawl. We went to Republic, McNellie's, Saints, and finally Red Rooster that night, and I think he actually wound up liking Red Rooster the best out of all of them.

It's a laid back kind of place that let a buddy of mine do this a few years ago:

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I'd be there every night if I lived in the area.

"Smokey" is all I need to know, and I'll leave it at that.

"Smokey" is all I need to know, and I'll leave it at that.

Frequenting the Rooster will turn you into beef jerky after a while. So if that's not your thing...

The Red Rooster is sort of the extended living room for a lot of Paseo, Jeff Park and Edgemere. It supports a great sense of community and I think a lot of folks would be quite surprised at how many professional folks from the area frequent the Rooster daily. It's just a great little dive bar in the best sense and they sling some pretty awesome burgers and sandwiches.

The Red Rooster is sort of the extended living room for a lot of Paseo, Jeff Park and Edgemere. It supports a great sense of community and I think a lot of folks would be quite surprised at how many professional folks from the area frequent the Rooster daily. It's just a great little dive bar in the best sense and they sling some pretty awesome burgers and sandwiches.

Do they still allow smoking?

Yep. However they have completely revamped the smoke eater machines and it is noticeably less smokey. And because they are no serving food until 1:00' dogs have been relegated to the patio out front.

I don't understand how bars that only offer 3.2 beers stay in business. I love the vibe of the Rooster, but I have no reason to go and drink watery beer and smell like smoke.

Unfortunately, the Rooster is about three feet too close to Edgemere Elementary for liquor. I understand that if they can get their food sales up enough they will pursue a high point beer and wine license.

Schools can give permission to allow ABC-3 can they not? It's only churches that create a hard-lined, no exceptions ban on any ABC-3 license.

I don't believe schools can. The only exception I know of is OCU-ACM and that required a change to state law.

Schools can give permission to allow ABC-3 can they not? It's only churches that create a hard-lined, no exceptions ban on any ABC-3 license.

A college or a university can give their permission to allow a bar to operate under an ABC3 permit, but not an Elementary School.

If they could get food sales to greater than 50% they could be licensed ABC-2 with a full bar (strong beer, wine, liquor), and there would be no school setback restriction.

If they could get food sales to greater than 50% they could be licensed ABC-2 with a full bar (strong beer, wine, liquor), and there would be no school setback restriction.

Correct. If they are not currently zoned for ABC2, then they would have to apply for the Zoning. They are then liable to get audited at any time to check their food sales.

The part that no one could really answer was, what would happen if you weren't meeting 51% food sales and instead 50% or more came from alcohol sales...

I'm not sure if they didn't know or didn't want to tell me. I suspect they don't have enough people employed to truly regulate this. And I'm curious what would really happen, do they shut you down or give you a fine???

Anyone know what's going on with the remodel here? I believe they have been closed for about a month. This is my favorite dive bar in OKC, but they've never been particularly busy when I've been there, so I'm hoping the remodel doesn't turn into a permanent closure.

Anyone know what's going on with the remodel here? I believe they have been closed for about a month. This is my favorite dive bar in OKC, but they've never been particularly busy when I've been there, so I'm hoping the remodel doesn't turn into a permanent closure.

I spoke with the new proprietor this week and they told me they are renovating the space. Apparently they are obtaining an ABC-2 license and it will be non-smoking once they open.

When I lived nearby I found Red Rooster to be a little too unwelcoming. There are always "regulars" at any bar, but the Rooster's regulars were unwelcoming. Also the smokiness. I hope the new proprietor makes some changes! I love the location and I love a good dive. I'm just not one for sitting in a smoke-filled dive.

nm

I spoke with the new proprietor this week and they told me they are renovating the space. Apparently they are obtaining an ABC-2 license and it will be non-smoking once they open.

Thanks for the answer! Glad to hear that the renovation is going forward. Always felt that the Rooster has been one of the most laid-back bars in OKC, so hopefully once they reopen they can maintain a relaxed environment while also drawing in some more business (which certainly seems possible, as the location is well within walking distance of the main Paseo drag). Do you have any idea on an approximate timeframe for the remodel to be completed?

https://freepressokc.com/red-rooster-redo-promises-to-revive-neighborhood-tavern-near-paseo/


The Red Rooster Bar has been a neighborhood institution at 3100 N. Walker since 1937 and it’s about to get a long-overdue remodeling.

I expect the new build out to be quality. Gautreaux's home remodeling company, Revive, does great work restoring historic homes.

I'm very excited about this because I've always loved the look and vibe of that little neighborhood place, but wouldn't even walk in due to the smoke.

Now, it will be yet another local place in the Paseo, which is starting to become my district of choice.

I'm very excited about this because I've always loved the look and vibe of that little neighborhood place, but wouldn't even walk in due to the smoke.

Now, it will be yet another local place in the Paseo, which is starting to become my district of choice.

I've always been drawn to little neighborhood bars too but have avoided this one for the exact same reason. Glad to see change coming.

I've always been drawn to little neighborhood bars too but have avoided this one for the exact same reason. Glad to see change coming.

It really does have a unique ambiance about it relative to most of the other bars in OKC, so I'm happy to hear that one of the new owners has a good reputation for renovating old houses. I'm just about a two-minute walk from this bar, and the smoke was the only thing I didn't like about it, so if they can pull off this remodel successfully, it'll instantly become my "go-to" bar.

The Rooster has been closed for approximately six months now, has anyone heard of an estimated timeframe for them to reopen?

The Rooster has been closed for approximately six months now, has anyone heard of an estimated timeframe for them to reopen?

My understanding is they just received their financing.

Build permits should be filed soon. But even after that, it takes a couple of months for approval... So you won't see any real movement here for a while longer.

But, this is still going forward, just at a slow pace.

They have started work:


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/redrooster100518.jpg

They are aiming for a March 2019 opening. I have seen the approved architectural renderings and they look fantastic.

They are aiming for a March 2019 opening. I have seen the approved architectural renderings and they look fantastic.

Awesome to hear this!

They are aiming for a March 2019 opening. I have seen the approved architectural renderings and they look fantastic.

Any chance of them being posted on OKCTalk?

Any chance of them being posted on OKCTalk?

I cannot post them as they were not given to me. I am sure Pete will post once he has them. I can say the awnings are going away.

I was just sent this. It can also be found on their Instagram - @theredroosterokc. More info to come hopefully.

15083

Making good progress.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/redrooster030419.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/redrooster030419b.jpg

Dive bar to hipster paradise?

Dive bar to hipster paradise?

How about dirty, smoke-filled, smoke-stained place long overdue for a thorough cleaning now to get a completely new interior and all disguisting, smoky furniture and old kitchen equipment replaced?

I simply can't believe in this day and age that people order food in these places that still allow smoking.

I really look forward to the new Red Rooster, a spot that has always been full of character but one that I will now be able to go in without getting sick to my stomach.

They've installed windows all around that really open up the place, looking forward to seeing the finished product.

Per their Instagram today, they are now hiring, so the (re)opening can't be too far out at this point.

Going to the soft opening tonight and I cannot wait! Red Rooster is officially opening to the public on Monday.

As of yesterday, they are officially open for business.

Absolutely nothing like the previous Red Rooster. Much more of a restaurant than a bar.

Beautiful space.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/redrooster043019a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/redrooster043019b.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/redrooster043019c.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/redrooster043019d.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/redrooster043019e.jpg

Anyone know if it's 21+ only? Wanting to go with a buddy on Thursday but he's going to have to bring his twins.

Anyone know if it's 21+ only? Wanting to go with a buddy on Thursday but he's going to have to bring his twins.

I'm sure it's open to all ages.

As I mentioned, it's really more of a restaurant now.

I am going to have to try this out! It looks great. And all of those veggie options too. Thanks for posting.

Went to the soft opening last weekend and got to try the pork tacos, trout dip, lamb, asparagus and the banana split. All were good, as were the cocktails. They did a great job with everything.

Swung by with a group last night and echo all the other positive comments. It's amazing what they've done with the place - it looks (and smells) great. We ordered a bunch of the shareable plates. Nothing was bad, most everything was very good. The frito misto and charred asparagus were both great - the frito misto had very thinly sliced tempura lemon slices included which was something I had never had before but found very tasty, especially with all of the other included vegetables. The hatch chile wings were very good though we were all expecting a bit more spice. Also, the wings were pretty small - not a knock though as they had very good flavor and we had more than enough food. The grit cakes and corn dog were both fantastic. I'm not a big trout fan (though I do like catching and releasing them) but those that had the trout dip said it was good and the pasta was also good. The fried potatoes may have been everyone's favorite though - smashed fingerling potatoes fried until crispy. Hard to go wrong.

The service was very good, especially for a new restaurant, and the cocktails we tried were very tasty. They were out of a few things, including those scallion pancakes which look awesome, but I look forward to going back soon and don't mind a restaurant running out of dishes as long as its a result of a commitment to freshness and quality. It was busy the entire time we were there but never awful - we had about a 10 minute wait. It was fun to see so many cars and people at that corner though! We were talking about how we wish they would have a dish of "pizza rolls" as an homage to the old bar - but probably best that they don't!

The Mayan continued to look ominously empty, hopefully the resurgence of the RR will spur someone to make a real investment across the street.

Swung by with a group last night and echo all the other positive comments. It's amazing what they've done with the place - it looks (and smells) great. We ordered a bunch of the shareable plates. Nothing was bad, most everything was very good. The frito misto and charred asparagus were both great - the frito misto had very thinly sliced tempura lemon slices included which was something I had never had before but found very tasty, especially with all of the other included vegetables. The hatch chile wings were very good though we were all expecting a bit more spice. Also, the wings were pretty small - not a knock though as they had very good flavor and we had more than enough food. The grit cakes and corn dog were both fantastic. I'm not a big trout fan (though I do like catching and releasing them) but those that had the trout dip said it was good and the pasta was also good. The fried potatoes may have been everyone's favorite though - smashed fingerling potatoes fried until crispy. Hard to go wrong.

The service was very good, especially for a new restaurant, and the cocktails we tried were very tasty. They were out of a few things, including those scallion pancakes which look awesome, but I look forward to going back soon and don't mind a restaurant running out of dishes as long as its a result of a commitment to freshness and quality. It was busy the entire time we were there but never awful - we had about a 10 minute wait. It was fun to see so many cars and people at that corner though! We were talking about how we wish they would have a dish of "pizza rolls" as an homage to the old bar - but probably best that they don't!

The Mayan continued to look ominously empty, hopefully the resurgence of the RR will spur someone to make a real investment across the street.

I've been twice and I echo your positive comments. The space is amazing -- and quite a departure from the Paseo norm. I would characterize it as a classy urban neighborhood pub, or, egads, gastropub. I didn't eat either time but the wings looked amazing and the choices on the menu looked interesting and reasonable.

Notably, the crowd was definitely more on the upscale yuppie side of the equation, and very, very white. Not criticizing, just an observation. It seemed like a "shiny happy people" reunion. Again, not a critique, just an observation.

I had very good service both times and this looks like a very competent operator. I would expect this place to do very well.

But it's not a pub -- it's a restaurant.

All the tables and booths apart from the bar itself are set with a cloth napkin, flatware and menus.

Wow! Gonna have to check this out. Sounds like we'll be the only non-white people in the place but what's new, LOL.

This is done by the same people who do Holey Rollers, so I am definitely excited about going here. Everything looks great!