I would have been down there after work... but I got to enjoy the views of Amarillo for St. Patrick's Day. I did get to drive through Shamrock Tuesday, so that is fun.

Yup OKC did St Patricks last Saturday. I was downtown the entire day and it was packed.

Every major club/bar downtown had a line at 11pm.

Even with the big weekend, Tuesday at McNellies and Fassler Hall saw massive receipts.

Can't share them publicly, but they were pretty jaw-dropping.

Ours in Seattle was the weekend and so was Vancouver's.

There is some dirt work going on at Park & Hudson.

Also, the empty lot to the North of BG 'fenced' in the lot to charge for parking. Walking by Saturday morning, I saw a couple cars that were left over night. All of them had a 'Illegally Parked' sticker on them. I talked with the lot attendant, who I figured just so happened to be there, and he informed me it was a city ordinance. The ordinance referred was "All rented property (parking spots) had to be vacated within 4 hours of the last nearby business closing". Is this a city ordinance? I feel this defeats the purpose of someone being responsible and leaving their car to not drink and drive.

There is some dirt work going on at Park & Hudson.

Also, the empty lot to the North of BG 'fenced' in the lot to charge for parking. Walking by Saturday morning, I saw a couple cars that were left over night. All of them had a 'Illegally Parked' sticker on them. I talked with the lot attendant, who I figured just so happened to be there, and he informed me it was a city ordinance. The ordinance referred was "All rented property (parking spots) had to be vacated within 4 hours of the last nearby business closing". Is this a city ordinance? I feel this defeats the purpose of someone being responsible and leaving their car to not drink and drive.

Yep. If you're going to allow people to park near a bunch of drinking establishments in the first place then the city really shouldn't then require them to move them within 4 hours of a business closing. That's just encouraging drunk driving.

Also, it's not like those spaces are going to be needed in the morning. I could see a 24-hour limit.

The bigger issue IMO is the parking on unpaved lots. I thought that was against code?

thats no good. but people should really think ahead. if you plan on drinking why not Uber to your spot as well and ubering home. Think ahead people. If I am going out and plan on having drinks I get a ride to and from and then there is no worry.

thats no good. but people should really think ahead. if you plan on drinking why not Uber to your spot as well and ubering home. Think ahead people. If I am going out and plan on having drinks I get a ride to and from and then there is no worry.

Or just park in a regular street or business spot. If you're willing to walk a block or two there are plenty of spots in the area where you can leave your car. I definitely wouldn't have left my car in a field, but the city also needs to be smarter.

If someone's plan includes driving to a place where they are going to, or even potentially going to, consume alcohol at a level rendering him or her unable to safely drive home, it isn't the city who has a planning failure.

Spend a bit on Uber, Lyft, taxi, or other hired transport. Arrange for a designated driver and be kind enough to foot his or her club soda or soft drink or juice tab. None of this is terribly expensive, and the expense pales in comparison to the expense and hassle of a tow/impound bill, or worse, a few hours in jail, followed by bail expense, attorney expense, and all the various fees and costs and programs that go along with too much to drink (or other certain other activities), or still worse, the above plus medical fees and repair fees if there is a minor accident ... or worse.

Few people find themselves several drinks in completely by surprise. So, plan. Just plan. It isn't that hard, nor does it take very much time.

If planning in advance is too much, feel free to learn my number and tuck it away in your wallet or purse, and perhaps I can help you plan your way out of the mess that can result from not planning.

If this state really wanted to crack down on DUI's, they spend less money on roads and more on mass transit. I had a friend tell me the other day that bars really shouldn't even have parking lots and he is kind of right.

I plan in advance. Depending on the time, I will drive to an area and plan on leaving my vehicle. Uber/Lyft home with buddies. Then have my roommate or friend drive to pick up my vehicle. That isn't irresponsible. This saves me money, only having to pay for a ride once.

I have been to places with intentions of driving my vehicle home. Plans change, for multitude of reasons, and I end up getting a ride home.

I don't think it would be much of a problem to require them pick up their vehicle by noon the next day.

If this state really wanted to crack down on DUI's, they spend less money on roads and more on mass transit.

We should tell PluPan that somebody is logged on with his account and is suggesting spending money on mass transit instead of big, beautiful freeways and flyovers. He'll be pretty upset.



;)

We can all make lots of plans. But a lot of times, especially in situations like BG and Pump, a drop in to see what's on the menu and a can of beer easily leads to getting uber home. We went by a service industry tequila event last night not knowing what to expect and were offered 13 (different kinds of mixology recipes and ultra-premium spirit) drinks. Even the food had tequila in it. We left the truck at Devon tower and Ubered home. The hangover was EPIC. What if Devon had told me "no sir we need this vehicle moved now or it gets towed"?

On the other topic, my patrons have been ticked by code enforcement and okcpd every day since Friday for parking in the grass lot to the north of 24th. Citation: parking on grass in a residential zone. $100. I put a sign up in the pump, but they just don't listen.

Other than bob Howard owning the whole district. I dont see how designating that dirt lot as parking and charging for it meets code.

Talked with hunter today. He said if you accidentally have way too much to drink Bleugarten will order and pay for an uber to get you home. They just want you to be safe and careful. Cheers to that, that's awesome.

There was a very nice segment about Bleu Garten on the latest episode of "Discover Oklahoma".

Episodes (http://discoveroklahomatv.com/episodes)

Click on the April 25th episode to find the video.

Talked with hunter today. He said if you accidentally have way too much to drink Bleugarten will order and pay for an uber to get you home. They just want you to be safe and careful. Cheers to that, that's awesome.

Smart. Real Smart.
:tiphat: :tiphat: :tiphat:

Went last night around 9PM and although the place wasn't packed, I'd say 3/4 of the tables were full.

They had an excellent live jazz band, tons of dogs were about and lots of people were playing cornhole.

I love the dog-friendly aspect of the place. Not only do I love dogs but it causes people to interact more and makes for a very friendly environment.

Stayed until about 10:30 and the place was still relatively busy.

I may be wrong, but I think it is the only place in OKC where you can have a mixed drink with children around. Probably due to the food trucks? Great atmosphere!

I may be wrong, but I think it is the only place in OKC where you can have a mixed drink with children around. Probably due to the food trucks? Great atmosphere!

Every other restaurant in OKC

I may be wrong, but I think it is the only place in OKC where you can have a mixed drink with children around. Probably due to the food trucks? Great atmosphere!

Soonerinfiniti,
Children aren't allowed in the bar area, go to places like Louie's, Old Chicago, Charleston's, Chili's, any place where a large percentage of their sales is food (I don't know the percentage).
C. T.
p.s. Oops, I just spotted BoulderSooner's post, and he pretty well said it all with a lot less words!

I think he was getting confused with 21+ bars and clubs that don't allow kids. Not allowing under 21 means they can also allow smoking -- at least for now. That law will change in the near future.

They reopen this Thursday at 4PM.

Taking advantage of the early spring-like days. Good move.

Does anyone else think that Bleu Garten looks sloppy and just thrown together? Maybe I'm being to critical but it just doesn't look good IMO

Does anyone else think that Bleu Garten looks sloppy and just thrown together? Maybe I'm being to critical but it just doesn't look good IMO

Looks good to me. It was not built to be permanent. It's a placeholder to activate the lot, while plans for a larger building or development come to fruition in the future.

Does anyone else think that Bleu Garten looks sloppy and just thrown together? Maybe I'm being to critical but it just doesn't look good IMO

Perhaps you should compare it to what was there before being built (dirt and gravel -- see image below). Personally, I find it a fantastic use of the space.


12250

Does anyone else think that Bleu Garten looks sloppy and just thrown together? Maybe I'm being to critical but it just doesn't look good IMO

No.

Nah, it looks fine to me.

Does anyone else think that Bleu Garten looks sloppy and just thrown together? Maybe I'm being to critical but it just doesn't look good IMO

I thought that my first and only visit there, but I chalked that up to being there at the wrong time. What first came to mind was a flow over for H&8th. A lot with a truck for food and another for drinks.

Does anyone else think that Bleu Garten looks sloppy and just thrown together? Maybe I'm being to critical but it just doesn't look good IMO

Don't know when you were by and developed this opinion - but - I do think there is a vast difference between how it looks during the day (and empty) as opposed to at night, when its open.

During the day I don't find it much to look at and I feel compelled to explain it when I drive by with people unfamiliar with it. However, at night its a completely different atmosphere that doesn't need explained because it just draws you in.

Don't know when you were by and developed this opinion - but - I do think there is a vast difference between how it looks during the day (and empty) as opposed to at night, when its open.

During the day I don't find it much to look at and I feel compelled to explain it when I drive by with people unfamiliar with it. However, at night its a completely different atmosphere that doesn't need explained because it just draws you in.

I would agree, night time does change it, I entertain a lot of out of town sales reps and every time we drive by I get asked what and why that's there, but that usually during the day, when it's vacant.

Is this the last year of their lease? I seem to remember it being 3 years. Pete seems to think they'll put an uptown grocers there.

Is this the last year of their lease? I seem to remember it being 3 years. Pete seems to think they'll put an uptown grocers there.

They opened in fall of 2014, right? Not sure when their actual lease started... but it was 3 years with the option to extend. I'm sure they'll stay there until MidtownR decides to move forward on that lot, and I think they're 2-3+ years from a grocery store.

Yes, this will be their 3rd season and their base lease was for 3 years.

I'd be shocked if they weren't there at least two more years. Both sides will keep renewing until the site is ready for full development and MidtownR still has plenty of empty lots to fill in the immediate area.

Kind of an odd question, but we walked by Bleu Garten on our way to R&J last night around 6:00, and saw a sheriff's car, as well as the driver of it, and I think at least one OKCPD officer hanging around there, just keeping an eye on things, it looked like. Is that usual for them? Do things get out of hand (or have they in the past), or is it just preventative? Seemed strange to see...

Kind of an odd question, but we walked by Bleu Garten on our way to R&J last night around 6:00, and saw a sheriff's car, as well as the driver of it, and I think at least one OKCPD officer hanging around there, just keeping an eye on things, it looked like. Is that usual for them? Do things get out of hand (or have they in the past), or is it just preventative? Seemed strange to see...

Preventive. They hire off duty cops on weekends

I've been there 5-10 times and never seen a problem.

Midtown Renaissance just bought the Northcare building just to the north, giving them the entire block.

Northcare will be soon be moving to their new campus on Pershing near the fairgrounds.

I asked Chris Fleming about their plans but he said they don't have any plans they can share at this time.

Is that the one-story graffiti building?

Is that the one-story graffiti building?

It's the large 2-story building to the immediate west.

MidtownR already owns the graffiti building.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/northcare072516.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/northcare072516a.jpg

Gotcha. Thanks!

Bleu Garten announced today on Twitter that they have signed a new lease for their current location that extends through 2020:
https://twitter.com/BleuGarten/status/774283334792777728

Wow...that's pretty substantial.

Can't help but think that means this big lot is going to sit empty for at least 2 or 3 more years.

Yes, interesting since MidtownR just recently closed on the remaining property on that block.

That's not a bad thing as BG really is a great place maker. I'm perfectly fine with their lease being renewed for that spot. It probably makes sense to let demand build up a little more instead of forcing a development on the lot just for the sake of having a building there. We need build-able lots for the future too.

MidtownR also has other properties it will develop first, like Memory Lane and the large block directly west of GoGo Sushi.

BTW, the construction fencing and materials are all now completely gone from the latter, and I think we'll see a design submitted soon for that parcel. No doubt more housing plus some retail along 10th.

Well, that's bittersweet. Bleu Garten is a great placemaker like catch said, but this lot would be incredible with a grocery and homes and some other shops.

No surprise given the money that is pulled in there on weekends. It is absolutely insane how crowded it gets on a nice evening.

MidtownR also has other properties it will develop first, like Memory Lane and the large block directly west of GoGo Sushi.

BTW, the construction fencing and materials are all now completely gone from the latter, and I think we'll see a design submitted soon for that parcel. No doubt more housing plus some retail along 10th.

Any chance they'd consider my recommendation of diagonally bisecting the lot and making the bisection from 10th/Walker to 9th/Hudson a pedestrian zone?

It's not 100% necessary that Bleu Garten leave for the area to develop, it just makes it less likely. You can be sure that whatever happens here, they will take into account how successful a large outdoor space has been when they come up with plans for the site.

Any chance they'd consider my recommendation of diagonally bisecting the lot and making the bisection from 10th/Walker to 9th/Hudson a pedestrian zone?

I love this idea! I hope they strongly consider it.

I really love Bleu Garten but I really wish this lot was being developed earlier.

If they were in fact targeting a grocery store for part of this space I'm curious if the announcement for one on EKG as a part of the Times Square development had any effect.

I think this is great. Whatever replaces Bleu Garten will likely bring far less pedestrian activity, AND, there are so many lots that need to be developed in the area. In short, upcoming developments will continue to benefit from Bleu Garten's success. Once the surrounding lots are developed and there's a real demand for more dense development, then I could see Bleu Garten moving. Just doesn't seem necessary yet.

I think this is great. Whatever replaces Bleu Garten will likely bring far less pedestrian activity, AND, there are so many lots that need to be developed in the area. In short, upcoming developments will continue to benefit from Bleu Garten's success. Once the surrounding lots are developed and there's a real demand for more dense development, then I could see Bleu Garten moving. Just doesn't seem necessary yet.

Beyond that, there's no reason Bleu Garten shouldn't be seriously considered as a permanent fixture if they continue to absolutely crush it over the next few years.

As it is, it provides one of the few developed outdoor spaces in the district, and really has a great feel to it.

I agree. OKC just isn't dense enough to justify displacing a business that brings such life to the Midtown. Of course, Bleu Garten could be moved to another location, but there's no guarantee of the same success. Right now, it's one of the top gathering places for members of the OKC community and a real boon to making Midtown a walkable neighborhood.

Starting this weekend, Buttermilk Sliders will be a permanent fixture at Bleu Garten for lunch and dinner every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Buttermilk Sliders is a food truck operated by Todd Woodruff of Waffle Champion fame (and soon to be Maples BBQ fame).

One of the great things about this is that Woodruff & Co. can always use the kitchen at Waffle Champion if there is strong demand and thus, should be able to consistently serve even very large crowds.

Most trucks on busy days run out of food and have to shut down, but with this arrangement that should almost never happen.


Really a smart idea for both sides plus really good food.

Funny characterization of the Bleu Garten atmosphere: https://www.thelostogle.com/2017/06/08/tlo-food-truck-review-the-flying-pig/

Funny characterization of the Bleu Garten atmosphere: https://www.thelostogle.com/2017/06/08/tlo-food-truck-review-the-flying-pig/

Ha Ha. The best humor has a grain or two of truth to it. Thanks for the link.

They just announced through social media that when they reopen for 2018 the entire facility inside their fence will be non-smoking.

Very glad to hear this.