The long line yesterday sent a great message to trucks about demand, thus them being booked for the next week.

Hunter was and is very aware of the "less than stellar word of mouth" which is why yesterday he handed out free drink tickets to people due to the line being so long. BBates I'm sure you were flawless on your first day of work. Please teach Hunter more.

Boo Hoo, stop wearing it on your sleeve. Mine or anyone else's 'first day of work' is absolutely meaningless in this conversation and unless you're a teenager you should already know that.

I'm sure Hunter knows what went well and what could have been done or planned better. None of which matters at this point. Fortunately its a great location, great concept and takes advantage of an already popular activity. It was a missed opportunity - nothing more, nothing less and won't matter much in the coming weeks.

Hunter was and is very aware of the "less than stellar word of mouth" which is why yesterday he handed out free drink tickets to people due to the line being so long. BBates I'm sure you were flawless on your first day of work. Please teach Hunter more.

We're talking about free cokes and pepsi's right? There are ABLE no-nos...

Not all food truck operators do this as their only income. Some have full time or part time jobs and this is a side project they hope can become their main source of income. Hunter is giving them that place that will help them get closer to that freedom. I went to the soft open and even though there was only one food truck, we had a great time and got to try a cocktail for free. Once all the food truck operators see the success of this place, they will be able to start scheduling with Hunter.

Also, with the remark of someone parking near the Bleu Garten to be competition, Hunter is not making money of the percentage he gets from the food trucks, he gets it from the liquor sales. So I bet he doesn't mind a few food trucks down the road from him, as long as those people bring the food in and have a seat and buy a beer.

If someone goes to H&8th take some pics of Bleu. I'm sure it will just be insanely packed.

As for me I think I will wait a few weeks for the new to wear off and avoid H&8th nights

It's been stated before but in the cities where food truck parks have opened, they generally see a pretty big jump in trucks operating in the area soon thereafter.

Will be interesting to see how BG affects the overall food truck scene and how long it takes until another park or two pops up.

Haven't heard of anything imminent but you can bet some others will try and cash in soon.

Just left. There were three trucks and a guy with some sort of grill/street meat setup. Two bar areas, plenty of seating. Full, but not crazy, though H&8th may have mitigated the crowds a bit. Place is awesome, great attention to detail, fantastic atmosphere. I'm very happy for the owners, it's a hit, for sure. Oh,the bathrooms are clean and large as well, better than I expected. Random thought, but some people might have expected less.

Street meat? I believe I will pass.

Ultimately, the success of this place will depend on how it can handle cold/rainy/windy days. Any one of those alone is a manageable factor, but if you add a second of those factors in or God forbid all 3, it's going to be a bit more difficult to handle. There will be days where they do horrible and days they just kill it (like tonight). It's not a labor intensive operation by any stretch and the atmosphere lends itself to self-service which they would do well to maximize (i.e. don't make table service a standard and find ways to encourage more movement around the site, which the food trucks would like anyway).

My only real complaint about tonight was the lack of diversity in the crowd. I'd really like this to be a place where you get a great cross-section of the city's populace. I personally like this concept, quite a bit indeed. There are some quirks to the site layout, but those quirks really only provide a small inconvenience to the overall experience which is best described as a massive backyard party with a German Biergarten theme and of course Food Trucks.

Street meat? I believe I will pass.

I didn't go, but I think that was Frank's Wurst, which is top shelf. My tip when ordering from him: order backwards and let him select condiments. Tell him up front if you want onions, cheese, etc.. Order the wurst (or Italian sausage if that's what you want and he has it), then pick out any sauces you DON'T want (although unless something actually offends you don't eliminate any of them), and then ask him to sauce it up the way HE would recommend, no restrictions or input from you. You're welcome in advance.

People are overreacting.

1. This is the first food truck venue in OKC (the state?)

2. Thursday afternoon in midtown -- I wouldn't guess that so many people would show up. Could understand Friday or Saturday night launch.

3. Trucks may have been a little hesitant because they were unsure of how many people would show up, and/or had better opportunities somewhere else in the city.

This is uncharted territory, they are literally figuring out the demand as they go. It will probably take an entire year (as the seasons change so does the demand) to get the number and types of trucks matched up to the demand.

And again, as with anything, you're better off having long lines for limited product on opening day, instead of way more product than people. There is no single greatest advertisement than a line of people waiting for something.

Exactly. Obviously BBates disagrees here, but I maintain 400 for an opening lunch - midweek in Downtown - has probably not happened anywhere, ever, other than Nebu.

Street meat? I believe I will pass.


I am sure it would be safe. Somewhat different than my sis in law's experience while in Africa with her daddy on a mission trip. She was to aid in hosting a dinner. Looked somewhat like a typical church buffet, right up to the point where she was asked to help serve from the trays of animal protein. As the local person with her explained, pointing to the three trays in turn - This is beef , chicken, and ...... meat.

The meat tray was very popular with the locals. Sis and her daddy were not feeling particularly adventurous and did not partake.

Anthony Bourdain has a good point on that topic. On one of his shows he showed a guy in some third world slum cooking on a street corner, obviously VERY popular, and said he has no reservations (pardon the pun) eating such fare, because that guy was on that corner every night, selling to HIS NEIGHBORS, who would not be coming back eagerly if he were poisoning them, and in fact would probably run him off or worse.

I didn't go, but I think that was Frank's Wurst, which is top shelf. My tip when ordering from him: order backwards and let him select condiments. Tell him up front if you want onions, cheese, etc.. Order the wurst (or Italian sausage if that's what you want and he has it), then pick out any sauces you DON'T want (although unless something actually offends you don't eliminate any of them), and then ask him to sauce it up the way HE would recommend, no restrictions or input from you. You're welcome in advance.

Haha I was kidding :) Street meat sounds like some leftover roadkill put in a sausage casing, or something sexual. I'm sure it's safe.

Went last night and absolutely loved it. Perfect weather and a large but totally manageable crowd. Drinks are a bit more expensive than I anticipated (not prohibitively so) though I guess it isn't shocking especially if the space is being run primarily off of bar profits. Drink I had was good and was decently strong, too. I'm curious as to how it'll do in winter. Overall, midtown was hopping last night like I've never seen it. Live bands, Bleu Garten, packed bars at Packards, H&8th and tons of people everywhere. While much smaller in scale it honestly felt like I was visiting Austin which is not something I expected to feel. Very exciting stuff.

Went last night and absolutely loved it. Perfect weather and a large but totally manageable crowd. Drinks are a bit more expensive than I anticipated (not prohibitively so) though I guess it isn't shocking especially if the space is being run primarily off of bar profits. Drink I had was good and was decently strong, too. I'm curious as to how it'll do in winter. Overall, midtown was hopping last night like I've never seen it. Live bands, Bleu Garten, packed bars at Packards, H&8th and tons of people everywhere. While much smaller in scale it honestly felt like I was visiting Austin which is not something I expected to feel. Very exciting stuff.

Very cool.

Just wait until Fassler Hall, Dust Bowl, Broadway 10 and Sidecar get open in the next few months.

By the time H & 8th resumes in 2015 (I know they run through Halloween this year then go on hiatus) that area will have made another huge leap forward.


I've been saying it for a while but Midtown is on the verge of greatness.

Haha I was kidding :) Street meat sounds like some leftover roadkill put in a sausage casing, or something sexual. I'm sure it's safe.

Oh I figured. Saw via Twitter that it definitely was Frank's Wurst. I reiterate: that trailer DEFINITELY has the Urbanized seal of approval.

Very cool.

Just wait until Fassler Hall, Dust Bowl, Broadway 10 and Sidecar get open in the next few months.

By the time H & 8th resumes in 2015 (I know they run through Halloween this year then go on hiatus) that area will have made another huge leap forward.


I've been saying it for a while but Midtown is on the verge of greatness.

Midtown was nuts last night. Parking was difficult, but the vibe was awesome, so many people out with their families, dogs, etc. Very cool.

Oh I figured. Saw via Twitter that it definitely was Frank's Wurst. I reiterate: that trailer DEFINITELY has the Urbanized seal of approval.

Is that what it was? I just smelled it, didn't really go check it out. I didn't mean street meat in a derogatory sense.

I just got back from my second visit to BG. What I love most about it is that it is a great place to sit and hang out with friends/family. I only had a drink and did not even eat anything but my friends did. It has plenty of comfortable seating that allows for just hanging out for a long period of time. Also just like Thursday night another truck that was not on the calendar showed up long after they opened.

I am there right now. It's a nice spot to just sit and chill. The option for a drink is there, the option for food is there -- and you aren't pressured into either. Something that is not available at bars or restaurants where you feel bad for not ordering something if hanging out with friends or family.

This is too notch. I wish it were permanent. It's in the perfect location between Midtown and AA.

I suspect it probably IS permanent...just not necessarily in that exact location LOL.

I suspect it probably IS permanent...just not necessarily in that exact location LOL.

Haha! That's what I was getting at. This is the perfect location! It's not a tall structure so fits perfect between the hearts of two emerging districts. Ties them together perfectly. This wolill be my new Saturday afternoon hangout for sure.

Yeah, but I'll bet what goes there eventually is even better than Bleu Garten...hard to believe I know...

BG will have lots for the next 15+ years in Midtown to which they can relocate.

Yeah, but I'll bet what goes there eventually is even better than Bleu Garten...hard to believe I know...

Agreed. Steve is pretty convinced that Buy For Less is wanting to put an Uptown Grocery at that location once Bleu Garten's lease runs out. He has said it in multiple chats. The timing should be right as at that time there should be enough people living downtown to support a full-service grocery store.

Walked over to visit the Sugar Shack; happened to notice that Phill Me Up wasn't there though the calendar said otherwise. Did they run out of food again or was there some other issue? Anywho, if you're curious, I opted for the Mississippi mud brownie pie. Five dollars later, I had this:

9223

Walked over to visit the Sugar Shack; happened to notice that Phill Me Up wasn't there though the calendar said otherwise. Did they run out of food again or was there some other issue? Anywho, if you're curious, I opted for the Mississippi mud brownie pie. Five dollars later, I had this:

9223

Phill Me Up had a fridge stop working. Legally they can't serve food to you if that happens, that is my understanding. Hunter posted via twitter to update people. He keeps the twitter pretty current, so I would suggest following that if you need to know who will be there and if there are any changes.

Walked over to visit the Sugar Shack; happened to notice that Phill Me Up wasn't there though the calendar said otherwise. Did they run out of food again or was there some other issue? Anywho, if you're curious, I opted for the Mississippi mud brownie pie. Five dollars later, I had this:

9223

My goodness, that looks like a bargain for five dollars.

I have been a couple times at lunch and was impressed with the atmosphere, although there were not very many people there. What I wasn't impressed with was the food trucks. Both times I spent 10$ for just food and no drink and received a very small portion of subpar food. The first time I got a BBQ pork sandwich and a small bag of lays chips and the second time I got a grilled cheese and tiny cup of soup. Both were from different trucks and were nothing special and the tables around me were very disappointed as well. Maybe as the place gets busier and more trucks can attend, this will work itself out. I can walk to GOGO Sushi, The Garage, Waffle Champion, etc. at lunch and spend under 10$ bucks and get quality food and a normal portion.

I assume that the bigger name food trucks come in the evenings and weekends and likely have better quality food and portions.

The food truck scene in OKC is really in it's infancy and in cities where they open food truck parks, it is usually a catalyst to many more trucks.

I suspect by next spring we'll see a bunch more trucks in general and by that time Bleu Garten will no doubt be cranking.

I have been a couple times at lunch and was impressed with the atmosphere, although there were not very many people there. What I wasn't impressed with was the food trucks. Both times I spent 10$ for just food and no drink and received a very small portion of subpar food. The first time I got a BBQ pork sandwich and a small bag of lays chips and the second time I got a grilled cheese and tiny cup of soup. Both were from different trucks and were nothing special and the tables around me were very disappointed as well. Maybe as the place gets busier and more trucks can attend, this will work itself out. I can walk to GOGO Sushi, The Garage, Waffle Champion, etc. at lunch and spend under 10$ bucks and get quality food and a normal portion.

I assume that the bigger name food trucks come in the evenings and weekends and likely have better quality food and portions.

I've been twice now.. Once on Friday night and once during the OU game on Saturday. The place was packed both nights with a varied group of people, from families with kids to people my grandparents age and everywhere in between. This has quickly become one of my group of friends favorite places. I did eat there once and it was ~$8 for a BBQ sandwich and both trucks were sold out by 8:30 pm. However, especially one the weekends, Bleu Garten has become a place to gather with friends first and eat later... at least from what I have seen. And like Pete said, the food trucks will figure out the demand and make adjustments for this in addition to the new food trucks we are sure to see.

Is the overhead that high to justify those prices? You wouldn't think they would be. Ive had a few items from trucks around town and I am always hungry afterwards after spending ~$10-14 on an item

Is the overhead that high to justify those prices? You wouldn't think they would be. Ive had a few items from trucks around town and I am always hungry afterwards after spending ~$10-14 on an item

My thoughts are that you have a few huge construction projects going on next door (St Anthony's, Fassler Hall, 123 Garage, 1100 and 1101 Broadway, Marion, etc.), and I bet many of those workers would walk over for some lunch and those that brought there lunch could eat over there as well and purchase a couple drinks. Word will spread quick with those guys. Seems like large lunch crowd and a missed opportunity. I agree that this place will be great in the evenings and weekends, and I will be sure to give it a few more tries, since I know this falls on the trucks and not Blue Garten.

Is the overhead that high to justify those prices? You wouldn't think they would be. Ive had a few items from trucks around town and I am always hungry afterwards after spending ~$10-14 on an item

I completely agree with this and the whole food truck craze. I have not found a truck that I think is a good value for the food portion.

I have been a couple times at lunch and was impressed with the atmosphere, although there were not very many people there. What I wasn't impressed with was the food trucks. Both times I spent 10$ for just food and no drink and received a very small portion of subpar food. The first time I got a BBQ pork sandwich and a small bag of lays chips and the second time I got a grilled cheese and tiny cup of soup. Both were from different trucks and were nothing special and the tables around me were very disappointed as well. Maybe as the place gets busier and more trucks can attend, this will work itself out. I can walk to GOGO Sushi, The Garage, Waffle Champion, etc. at lunch and spend under 10$ bucks and get quality food and a normal portion.

I assume that the bigger name food trucks come in the evenings and weekends and likely have better quality food and portions.


Is the overhead that high to justify those prices? You wouldn't think they would be. Ive had a few items from trucks around town and I am always hungry afterwards after spending ~$10-14 on an item


I completely agree with this and the whole food truck craze. I have not found a truck that I think is a good value for the food portion.

Ya for whatever reason, food truck operators have been able to get away with fairly high prices. And there are some good ones that can get away with it, but for every good one there seems to be 5 average trucks charging $10 for not good food. Maybe its things like H&8th and some other events that are artificially propping them up when they probably wouldnt survive elsewhere.

Pretty big operational mistake. For a bar (which is what bleu is). To not take AMEX

Also short sighted. Heck most mobile food trucks take AMEX

Went Saturday with extended family and found the food options lacking. The atmosphere was fun, but there were a lot of extremely loud drunks hurling obscenities. We don't have delicate sensibilities, so no biggie, but it seems more like a biergarten than a food truck park.

but it seems more like a biergarten than a food truck park.

That's exactly what I thought it was going to be...a biergarten with food trucks.

That's exactly what I thought it was going to be...a biergarten with food trucks.

That is how it is described on the website. "we plan on modeling our ambiance after some of the cleanest and entertaining bier gartens in America."

Went Saturday with extended family and found the food options lacking. The atmosphere was fun, but there were a lot of extremely loud drunks hurling obscenities. We don't have delicate sensibilities, so no biggie, but it seems more like a biergarten than a food truck park.

The only think that can hurt this place is uncontrolled overly drunk people. I've been down their over the weekend. The atmosphere was great...the view is great. Hope a few asses don't spoil it for the rest.

The only think that can hurt this place is uncontrolled overly drunk people. I've been down their over the weekend. The atmosphere was great...the view is great. Hope a few asses don't spoil it for the rest.

That was definitely the case during the OU game... It was a great time, but not as family friendly as the night before. The place is large enough you can most likely avoid it, but as has been said this is first and foremost a biergarten. The reality of this happening, especially during an OU/OSU game, is fairly likely.

That was definitely the case during the OU game... It was a great time, but not as family friendly as the night before. The place is large enough you can most likely avoid it, but as has been said this is first and foremost a biergarten. The reality of this happening, especially during an OU/OSU game, is fairly likely.

For the record, we went there after the game. People were probably liquored up and still mad about the loss.

Ya for whatever reason, food truck operators have been able to get away with fairly high prices. And there are some good ones that can get away with it, but for every good one there seems to be 5 average trucks charging $10 for not good food. Maybe its things like H&8th and some other events that are artificially propping them up when they probably wouldnt survive elsewhere.

I think it's the novelty of it. Food trucks are at their peak in the fad. They won't ever go away, but while business is booming it supports the higher prices. When their popularity declines so will prices.

There are also not that many trucks around.

I'm sure competition will soon be much stiffer.

I have been a couple times at lunch and was impressed with the atmosphere, although there were not very many people there. What I wasn't impressed with was the food trucks. Both times I spent 10$ for just food and no drink and received a very small portion of subpar food. The first time I got a BBQ pork sandwich and a small bag of lays chips and the second time I got a grilled cheese and tiny cup of soup. Both were from different trucks and were nothing special and the tables around me were very disappointed as well. Maybe as the place gets busier and more trucks can attend, this will work itself out. I can walk to GOGO Sushi, The Garage, Waffle Champion, etc. at lunch and spend under 10$ bucks and get quality food and a normal portion.

I assume that the bigger name food trucks come in the evenings and weekends and likely have better quality food and portions.


Exactly this. I had some BBQ and it cost me $8 for a pork sandwich and a small side of potato salad. The food was good, the portion wasn't. I was hungry again around 4, and I normally don't eat again until 7.

You also left out The Garage. No sense in paying $8 for a plain cheeseburger when you can walk a block and have whatever you can imagine for the same price.

Food trucks have to be making a killing. Hardly zero overhead and charging high prices. I know the volume is low, but I know there have been multiple times trucks sell out at the Garten.

Went last night with my wife and we loved it. Definitely going to be heading back. Twist pretzels was there and they were the best pretzels I've ever had. Had a few drinks. It was a little windy but all in all an excellent venue. Dallas Cowboys game was on and there was a decent crowd.

Would anyone be interested in a OKCTalk.com meet up at this establishment on Friday?

Up to bat for today's Bleu Garten visit: Crepe Brewers

9294

I had the ham and cheese crepe, which was more than Oscar Mayer and Kraft singles. I wasn't expecting the bold flavor of the fancy cheese, but it was a welcome surprise. The black forest ham and greens that went with it also didn't disappoint. Choice of chips or grapes for a side; you can see what I chose. $6 for that plus another $6 for a backyard iced tea equals a pretty tasty lunch.

9295

That looks very, very good.

How many people were there for lunch?

I talked to some of the people who work there and with the colder weather approaching they're planning on making a few additions to keep people coming in. They have a fair amount of heaters already, but they said they planned on adding a significant amount. They also talked about adding a temporary tarp/tent over part of the area so rain/snow wouldn't make the area unusable. These were all hypotheticals, but seemed like they have a gameplan for the winter. They also said they were going to start adjusting some of the bar prices (mainly mixed drinks) based on feedback from the customers.

I talked to some of the people who work there and with the colder weather approaching they're planning on making a few additions to keep people coming in. They have a fair amount of heaters already, but they said they planned on adding a significant amount. They also talked about adding a temporary tarp/tent over part of the area so rain/snow wouldn't make the area unusable. These were all hypotheticals, but seemed like they have a gameplan for the winter. They also said they were going to start adjusting some of the bar prices (mainly mixed drinks) based on feedback from the customers.

I think they started out at $10/drink. I went last weekend and they were charging $8.

I talked to some of the people who work there and with the colder weather approaching they're planning on making a few additions to keep people coming in. They have a fair amount of heaters already, but they said they planned on adding a significant amount. They also talked about adding a temporary tarp/tent over part of the area so rain/snow wouldn't make the area unusable. These were all hypotheticals, but seemed like they have a gameplan for the winter. They also said they were going to start adjusting some of the bar prices (mainly mixed drinks) based on feedback from the customers.

I could see them holding snow man building contests and such during the winter to entice people to come out. :)

The pop-up shops will be directly west during late November all December and that will help them tremendously.

That looks very, very good.

How many people were there for lunch?

I went around 12:30 the first time, but had to leave to take care of something. At that time, there were lines of 5-10 people for both trucks and probably 15-20 people already eating. Got back closer to 2:00 and I was the first of three that I saw order from the crepe truck. Probably around 10 were already eating.

Just came back from Bleu Garten. We didn't eat because a few of the food trucks didn't show up and the lines were pretty long. But I will say, the place looks really awesome. Absolutely perfect hangout spot for a place like OKC. Also great proximity to Midtown Court, Fassler Hall, Packards, and the Garage. The makings of a complete district. Hopefully we can see the whole area staying open till at least 1am once it's in full swing.

I talked to some of the people who work there and with the colder weather approaching they're planning on making a few additions to keep people coming in. They have a fair amount of heaters already, but they said they planned on adding a significant amount. They also talked about adding a temporary tarp/tent over part of the area so rain/snow wouldn't make the area unusable. These were all hypotheticals, but seemed like they have a gameplan for the winter. They also said they were going to start adjusting some of the bar prices (mainly mixed drinks) based on feedback from the customers.

It's great they are listening to feedback. I didn't mention my bar experience there because I didn't want to seem like a total wet blanket, but I was just trying to get two beers and it was a ridiculously long wait because of their inefficiency. The prices also were high. I only bought one round.

My main complaint is the quality of food trucks. I was there on a weekend and having only two or three mediocre choices (one of the trucks' items were just so bad they weren't even a viable choice; another was a dessert-only venue) was disappointing. I settled on the BBQ truck, Smoking Okies, which was actually pretty good, but i had a very bizarre experience with one of the owners that makes me question whether I want to continue to support their business going forward.

Just came back from Bleu Garten. We didn't eat because a few of the food trucks didn't show up and the lines were pretty long. But I will say, the place looks really awesome. Absolutely perfect hangout spot for a place like OKC. Also great proximity to Midtown Court, Fassler Hall, Packards, and the Garage. The makings of a complete district. Hopefully we can see the whole area staying open till at least 1am once it's in full swing.

What food trucks were operating?

It's great they are listening to feedback. I didn't mention my bar experience there because I didn't want to seem like a total wet blanket, but I was just trying to get two beers and it was a ridiculously long wait because of their inefficiency. The prices were also high. I only bought one round.

My main complaint is the quality of food trucks. I was there on a weekend and having only two or three mediocre choices (one of the trucks' items were just so bad they weren't even a viable choice; another was a dessert-only venue) was disappointing. I settled on the BBQ truck, which was actually pretty good, but i had a very bizarre experience with one of the owners that makes me question whether I want to support their business going forward.

I was there tonight and have experienced the same thing twice. On weekends, the dinner trucks run out around 8:00-8:30. They had another truck show up for late night, but it seems like they have not planned accordingly for the demand. The bar is run well.... it is just hit or miss on if you will get dinner past that time. And the wait will be 30 min plus. That being said, it is still a beer garden first restaurant second. We ended up eating cheaper and faster at the Garage and came back.

I was there tonight and have experienced the same thing twice. On weekends, the dinner trucks run out around 8:00-8:30. They had another truck show up for late night, but it seems like they have not planned accordingly for the demand. The bar is run well.... it is just hit or miss on if you will get dinner past that time. And the wait will be 30 min plus. That being said, it is still a beer garden first restaurant second. We ended up eating cheaper and faster at the Garage and came back.

They should just have a hot dog and bratwurst cart that doesn't run out at all times. This seems poorly managed. They need to have food available when people are hungry or this will begin to fade. It's in the honeymoon phase right now. That won't last unless they improve their offerings.