Ya the food thing is gonna be a problem. They need minimum 4 trucks at peak time. We had a group of 12 and decided to go to the Garage. The spot is absolutely awesome. Has a very Pacific NW type of feel, I really like the vibe and the TV's are a great addition. If they can figure out the food, this is will be a flawless spot.

Anyone have thoughts on why more trucks are not showing? Reading here it sounds like there is ample business available if folks are walking off elsewhere to eat and then roaming back rather than wait on food or deal with sold out vendors.

The owner/operator is on this forum so hopefully he could address that.

I see this fall and winter as a test run for Bleu Garten.

It's an entirely new concept, the OKC food truck scene is still developing and the immediate area around BG (walking distance) is still relatively sparse.

Soon the Pontiac and Buick buildings will be fully occupied, the Edge will be open, the Marion, etc. And of course when Fassler Hall & Dust Bowl open -- plus tons of other places in the immediate area -- more people will be drawn to the area.

Also, it has to be said OKC has some sort of district / food truck event every single week and only, what, 20 or so active trucks? I suspect that number will grow rapidly in the next year.

I'll also say that - having been a half-dozen times or so now - the place is serving much more as an outdoor bar, especially in the evenings, and the food trucks are really just a sideline. That's how it feels to me, anyway. I don't get the feeling that most people there are there for dinner.

I'll also say that - having been a half-dozen times or so now - the place is serving much more as an outdoor bar, especially in the evenings, and the food trucks are really just a sideline. That's how it feels to me, anyway. I don't get the feeling that most people there are there for dinner.

I have that same impression. I was there last night...went in with the idea of "see what is being offered and how long the wait is for food -- otherwise just go somewhere else". Ended up getting Backdoor BBQ pulled pork sandwich with only a few minute's wait. Then had a beer and chatted with some fine folks from Yukon for a bit before migrating over to R&J's (which is also uber-amazing).

It's more about the beer and the atmosphere than the food trucks....finding food in OKC is no difficult feat. So, you aren't really going there for food. You are there with the idea that you will be drinking, and when you need a bite to eat you can wander over to a truck.

Man. This board has become extremely whiny. Does no one here realize that bleu garten doesn't own or operate the food trucks? He can certainly put pressure on them but they'll bring what they bring. I went to a food truck court in Dallas this weekend. Guess what? They all were out of food at 830. It's a truck. There's only so much food they can hold.

It's more about the beer and the atmosphere than the food trucks....finding food in OKC is no difficult feat. So, you aren't really going there for food. You are there with the idea that you will be drinking, and when you need a bite to eat you can wander over to a truck.

That may be true in the evening but not so much during the day.

Other than the first complaint from the first day of operation by BBates, I haven't heard anyone say they went over at lunch and were unable to get food. By the way in my observation lunchtimes typically see customer counts in the dozens, while evenings are routinely in the many hundreds hanging out at once. Big difference.

I went there during the OSU game Saturday and thought the experience was great. Everyone once in awhile I would have to wait a couple minutes in the beer line but it wasn't crazy. I thought there were plenty of food trucks. Had to wait about 10 minutes for my food but I went to the busiest food truck at the time. I've just also come to expect that if I eat at the food truck there is going to be a little wait.

I'll also say that - having been a half-dozen times or so now - the place is serving much more as an outdoor bar, especially in the evenings, and the food trucks are really just a sideline. That's how it feels to me, anyway. I don't get the feeling that most people there are there for dinner.

Part of that is layout. The food trucks quite literally are on the side line.

The concept will do well and they've only been open a couple weeks and they're working with other businesses. There are a lot of moving parts in the issue that people are most apt to complain about, and it really can't be pinned to Bleu Garten as much as it can be the actual food trucks that come and go. If this does well, at the very least we might see several of these more popular trucks start a second one.

^

There is already another food truck park planned for the Farmer's Market area and they want to do one at Chisholm Creek as well.


The food truck scene in OKC is still in it's infancy and not only will there be many more new concepts, you'll see more of the brick and mortar establishments go that route as well.

Nic's, for example.

Part of that is layout. The food trucks quite literally are on the side line.

The concept will do well and they've only been open a couple weeks and they're working with other businesses. There are a lot of moving parts in the issue that people are most apt to complain about, and it really can't be pinned to Bleu Garten as much as it can be the actual food trucks that come and go. If this does well, at the very least we might see several of these more popular trucks start a second one.

My point was only that it turns out food trucks are not the critical component that makes Bleu Garten great. I think most people are going for the location and the outside biergarten feel. Of the times I've gone there I've only gone once with the intention of eating there. If you don't want to wait in line or run the risk of a truck running out of something, eat elsewhere and then come have a beer with the literally hundreds of people out enjoying the weather at a great outdoor spot. You won't upset anybody if you choose this route. I just think too much is being made of these issues, which as has been pointed out Bleu Garten has no real control over. The things they do control are pretty flawless so far in my experience.

Four of us went tonight around 6 before the Thunder game. Two had never been and two are frequent visitors. I was really glad to see BTT there! Lots of people. I think I agree it's the place more than the trucks. I had a great time eating a BTT taco, drinking a glass of wine on a beautiful evening. The owner came by and said he hadn't been able to go on the OKCTalk site for some reason.

I know people are going to burn me at the stake for this, but I was not impressed by Big Truck Tacos.

I know people are going to burn me at the stake for this, but I was not impressed by Big Truck Tacos.

9344

I know people are going to burn me at the stake for this, but I was not impressed by Big Truck Tacos.

Great breakfast, meh on everything else.

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I know people are going to burn me at the stake for this, but I was not impressed by Big Truck Tacos.

I actually agree with you. Never been too impressed with their tacos. If you've ever had torchys tacos in Texas, their tacos are awesome. However, I will say that I love BTT's hot sauce

I know people are going to burn me at the stake for this, but I was not impressed by Big Truck Tacos.

Ehhhh.... Probably not... Most people I talk to feel the same way.

.... However, I will say that I love BTT's hot sauce

Yep... Those exact same words have left my mouth as well.

I actually agree with you. Never been too impressed with their tacos. If you've ever had torchys tacos in Texas, their tacos are awesome. However, I will say that I love BTT's hot sauce

Yes! every time I go to Houston I make sure to stop by Torchys

I wish the space on the SW corner of 25th and Walker were a food truck court. Who knows how long that piece of land will take to develop. It would create a nice bridge between the Paseo, the Rise development, and Uptown 23rd.

I wish the space on the SW corner of 25th and Walker were a food truck court. Who knows how long that piece of land will take to develop. It would create a nice bridge between the Paseo, the Rise development, and Uptown 23rd.

I think he looked at putting Bleu Garten in the Paseo, but it didn't work out (or someone did). The fact that this is probably zoned residential and right next to a bunch of houses would probably have made that an extremely difficult location for a food truck court. You can hear the music from bleu Garten at least a block or two from it, definitely would have been an issue that close to a bunch of houses.

Right, but I live on the opposite corner and its far from quiet over here. I can hear the music from Sauced and noise from most near-by businesses. Not a complaint, I love living in all the mix. I just want to see an awesome use of that space!

Right, but I live on the opposite corner and its far from quiet over here. I can hear the music from Sauced and noise from most near-by businesses. Not a complaint, I love living in all the mix. I just want to see an awesome use of that space!

Agreed

Today's choice: Frank's Wurst. Bratwurst or a hot dog can be had for $4. Chips and drinks are $1. Sauces are free. I think the toppings are as well, save for cheese. I may have misread the sign, though, so there's that. I had a brat with garlic and herb mayo. Thought about sauerkraut, but decided against it to avoid having the breath of the ancient dragon. In summation: good stuff. Now I'll have to visit a cart in New York or Chicago to see how Frank's compares...

9380

I know people are going to burn me at the stake for this, but I was not impressed by Big Truck Tacos.

The Rancher is excellent, particularly with the OMFG sauce. The Verde Pork is decent and pairs nicely with OMG.

I agree, though, that their breakfast is my fave.

The Rancher is excellent, particularly with the OMFG sauce. The Verde Pork is decent and pairs nicely with OMG.

I agree, though, that their breakfast is my fave.

These are my favorites as well. Good stuff

I think he looked at putting Bleu Garten in the Paseo, but it didn't work out (or someone did). The fact that this is probably zoned residential and right next to a bunch of houses would probably have made that an extremely difficult location for a food truck court. You can hear the music from bleu Garten at least a block or two from it, definitely would have been an issue that close to a bunch of houses.

LOL, you need to check out the Paseo "Farmers Market" then. Not so much "farmers market", and more of a crappy live band or 90's music blaring from busted speakers loudly. Can hear it blocks away at night. Oh, and it's in someones side yard.

LOL, you need to check out the Paseo "Farmers Market" then. Not so much "farmers market", and more of a crappy live band or 90's music blaring from busted speakers loudly. Can hear it blocks away at night. Oh, and it's in someones side yard.

How many nights a year is that open? Is it open every day of the week for the majority of the year? Is it open until 2 AM three nights a week?

I know people are going to burn me at the stake for this, but I was not impressed by Big Truck Tacos.

I wouldn't, although better than most local places, I think the initial hype has worn off, but they still have a lot of newbie customers. There are more options now that are just as good than there were when they opened. BTT is only a mile from Bleu Garten, nothing special by them coming to Bleu. I'm enjoying the 30-40 or so new trucks that have popped up the last year or so.

How many nights a year is that open? Is it open every day of the week for the majority of the year? Is it open until 2 AM three nights a week?

I think it's once a week.

Finally got to go here last night to watch the Saints game and i thought it was awesome. Place was packed. I had a brisket sandwich from the BBQ place (name is escaping me) but it was very good. Regret not coming here sooner when the weather was better.

Only thing bad was the dude playing live music last night. he just wasn't very good and was playing slow and not lively songs (think radiohead) and was killing the mood.

I had a brisket sandwich from the BBQ place (name is escaping me) but it was very good. Regret not coming here sooner when the weather was better.

Klemm's Smokehaus was supposed to be there last night. Was that it?

I've had one of their sandwiches and I have to agree they make a good sandwich.

Yes thats it. fries were also very good

They are in the process of winterizing; will be open year round:

https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/10653733_352722794889880_8155237056935327852_n.jpg ?oh=5a3f86e782dfb43e5509191a30ff81e8&oe=551EB1FC

That is one expensive tent. Now the beer prices make sense.

Good luck to them. I'm not sure any outdoor area can winterize enough for people to want to hang out for long in our current weather.

Good luck to them. I'm not sure any outdoor area can winterize enough for people to want to hang out for long in our current weather.

Probably not 'today's' weather, but keeping in mind the normal temp should be around 60 during the day this time of year, I think a structure such as this will definitely help encourage patrons on nights they otherwise would pass on the idea.

I give them a lot of credit for continuing to invest and committing to staying open year-round.

Beats the heck out of a vacant place 6 months out of the year.

Probably not 'today's' weather, but keeping in mind the normal temp should be around 60 during the day this time of year, I think a structure such as this will definitely help encourage patrons on nights they otherwise would pass on the idea.

I agree. Winters in OKC are really hit and miss. you have a couple of horrible windy and cold days and then days that aren't bad at all to be out in. I think it is smart to winterize for year round because I would say more days in winter are bearable than not here.

Looks like they have their tent up:

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10711025_353079488187544_4865705257679738250_n.jpg ?oh=a2a7e60fbdba972ba777b1e1e709d1d5&oe=54ECAC1E&__gda__=1423015874_1c0093b2db20e234b3cf8af08e93ffd 7

Curious to see how this reviews..... Will it be cool and cozy or feel like 'plan b' for a previously scheduled outdoor event?

Curious to see how this reviews..... Will it be cool and cozy or feel like 'plan b' for a previously scheduled outdoor event?
I think it will be what people make of it. If patrons keep showing up in droves like they did when the weather was nice, it should still be a great atmosphere.

I attended an event the evening of 11/15 and was there for about 3 hours, mostly in the tent. It wasn't the warmest of days, but I was fine under the tent. Granted my jacket never came off. That said it was disappointing to learn their other heating efforts were stymied (fire pit, etc) by the fire marshal. I think they're looking at running gas lines now.

From the Journal Record:

These Walls: Bleu Garten

By: Molly M. Fleming The Journal Record January 2, 2015

OKLAHOMA CITY – When the Bleu Garten food truck park opened in late September, the concept was met with resounding fanfare. Food truck fans could easily find their favorite restaurants-on-wheels and enjoy the cuisine in an open atmosphere.

The park consists of two four-walled buildings that were built off-site. The wooden bathroom building was constructed in the Trilink Restoration warehouse. It was constructed in four separate pieces, allowing it to easily be broken apart if the park ever moves to a different site.

The bar building on the east was built in Las Vegas. It is equipped with the Perfect Pour System. The bar guns can be connected to up to 12 different liquors. They pour an ounce-and-a-half each time, speeding up the drink-making process. By day’s end, owner Hunter Wheat can look at the liquor that was used and see if it equates to the amount that is missing.

The site also has two wall-less structures, a center alcohol-free drink kiosk, and a teepee-like area with table and chairs.

Bleu Garten was the perfect hangout spot, with its backyard-feel and locally made food. Yet as summer turned into fall, and then fall into winter, the temperatures dropped. Owner Hunter Wheat said he and his business partners knew they would have to do something to keep the place comfortable for customers.

“We had a couple of different options,” Wheat said. “We never really pulled the trigger because we were never sold that (putting up a large tent) was the best option.”

Then they found a large event-size tent for sale at Marianne’s Rentals, and their decision seemed to be made for them. They purchased the tent and installed it in early November. It encloses the main seating area on the property’s south end. Now, customers can watch television and enjoy their food truck fare inside the tent. However, as Wheat pointed out, even with a tent, Bleu Garten won’t be open on harsh winter days. The spot will close when the temperatures drop lower than 40 degrees.

“The hard truth of our venue is that we’re at the mercy of the weather no matter how we do it,” he said.

While things may seem a little slower at the lot, for Wheat and his team, this allows time to fine-tune their operations. In September and October, they were able to see what Bleu Garten looks like at full capacity and will be able to make the place even better come spring.

“Right now, we’re working on streamlining everything,” he said.

Wheat said he and his team have always envisioned Bleu Garten to be a community event place. They just didn’t have the time to make that happen in late summer, early fall. That won’t be the case some spring. He said he is already working with R&J Lounge and Supper Club owners Jonathan Stranger and Russ Johnson. To encourage pub crawls on the Midtown block, he wants Bleu Garten to have a jazz night on Wednesdays, the same as R&J’s.

Took a St. Patrick's excursion to the Garten today. Selection: Parking Lot Party and their St. Patty's Bowl. It was a nice and relaxing atmosphere and the food was tasty. Seen (with faces obscured to protect the guilty):

10454 10455 10456

That's a lot less crowded then it was Saturday afternoon

That's a lot less crowded then it was Saturday afternoon

Because it's a Tuesday...?

Because it's a Tuesday...?

It was St. Patrick's Day...

I've spent most of my adult life 21+ outside of OKC for St Paddys day (it being the same week as spring break & all). I was around downtown last night & I gotta admit I was extremely let down with the lack of activity for one of the biggest drinking/partying days of the year. Every other city I've been in has been hog wild for the holiday.

some people still have to work...

I've spent most of my adult life 21+ outside of OKC for St Paddys day (it being the same week as spring break & all). I was around downtown last night & I gotta admit I was extremely let down with the lack of activity for one of the biggest drinking/partying days of the year. Every other city I've been in has been hog wild for the holiday.

Where else have you lived?

I wonder how it would have been if St Patricks day was a Friday or Saturday? I was in Dallas this weekend so I am not sure what the scene was like in OKC but was it pretty hopping this weekend or was it about normal?

I too had to work, and wasnt out super late so i cant say what happened in to the later hours.

I haven't lived anywhere else, just visiting for spring break. Denver, multiple times and Dallas are 2 I've been too. At least once was on a Saturday, so that would explain that. I was probably too harsh in my original post, I know this passed weekend was pretty busy but I still expected it to be a little more hopping on the actual day. Most of that is driven by college aged students due to not having work by being on spring break and being drinking age. I guess okc isn't much of a spring break destination lol.

Most of that is driven by college aged students due to not having work by being on spring break and being drinking age. I guess okc isn't much of a spring break destination lol.

Probably this. Working young professionals probably did St Patricks Day this weekend and college students were probably not in OKC.

Even Dallas' big parade and party is on Saturday. I was out of town this weekend but live next to Bleu Garten and my neighbor said, quote, "it was an absolute ****show". All the empty grass lots were packed when I got back from work on Tuesday also... McNellies has a party the day of and I know most the bars in the area had St. Patrick's Day specials as well. That picture was taken early in the day so not a really good indicator.

I've spent most of my adult life 21+ outside of OKC for St Paddys day (it being the same week as spring break & all). I was around downtown last night & I gotta admit I was extremely let down with the lack of activity for one of the biggest drinking/partying days of the year. Every other city I've been in has been hog wild for the holiday.

There was a ton of stuff going on on Saturday.

That picture was taken early in the day so not a really good indicator.

To be a little more precise, the picture was taken a few minutes before 2:00 PM that day. Definitely wasn't surprised at the lack of people, as I figured they were either at McNellies (there were a bunch of cars parked over yonder) or at work. I'd have liked a sip of the sauce myself, but I too had to return to work.

Saturday was the day. The ****show extended throughout all of downtown.