Ted's is in a different holding group but that's another 7 restaurants as well.

Interestingly, the residents of the adjacent lofts are quite critical of The Garage. They're bothered by the "crowd of hillbillies" milling about the entrance to their space, poorly color matched picnic tables and the low rent menu.

Also, in trying to guess what that plan might be, it occurs to me that they might be wanting to try and establish it first as a neighborhood place before bringing in too many outside customers. After the newness wears off for outsiders they will want the neighborhood folks to still be there as an established customer base.

I know I have been run off from a few downtown places that I originally thought would be my neighborhood hang by a huge rapid wave of people following a trend. McNellie's comes to mind. For the first month or two it felt really neighborhood to me, and then for a while it was overwhelmed by people who were probably at Bakers Street Pub or wherever the night before. Now that it's no longer as trendy, now that the crowds have settled down and the crowd TYPE has improved, I still make it in from time to time, but probably not as much as if I had been in the habit of going there all along.

The Garage is more carefully integrated into urban residential than almost anyplace downtown. They want to have the neighbors on their side.

And certainly, Hal Smith knows what he's doing when it comes to both operating and promoting restaurants, so I'm sure this is all part of a bigger plan.

Have any of his restaurants ever closed?

Just went to their website and totaled up all their operations... That's 45 (!) restaurants plus 5 Krispy Kreme's:

Charleston's (17)
Garage (5)
Louie's (5)
Mahogany (3)
Red Rock (3)
Toby Keith's (3)
Upper Crust (3)
Wes Welker's (1)
Kd's (1)
Mama Roja (1)
Hollies (1)
Hefner Grill (1)
Pub W (1)

No doubt successful, but certainly a handful have not made it. Boomerangs, Red River Ranch, a venture with Pearls (Ed Noble Parkway) in addition to some Pearls-esque place that went in afterwards, Big Tuna, and a few others.

Isn't there still a Boomerangs on S western at 89th?

I believe there was an ice cream concept next to Louie's on campus corner that didn't last long, its now the space occupied by Louie's 2. crimson and creamery or something like that.

Interestingly, the residents of the adjacent lofts are quite critical of The Garage. They're bothered by the "crowd of hillbillies" milling about the entrance to their space, poorly color matched picnic tables and the low rent menu.

We have at least two residents on this site. Interested to hear what they have to say but everyone has known the Garage was going in a long time ago.

Also, since these are just apartments it's easy to move if you don't like the setting. Plenty of people would love to get a unit in that development.

Interestingly, the residents of the adjacent lofts are quite critical of The Garage. They're bothered by the "crowd of hillbillies" milling about the entrance to their space, poorly color matched picnic tables and the low rent menu.

Not surprised. Terrible choice for the building.

My waitress mentioned that they haven't really promoted the place. So it seems to be strategic. Again, I love the location, patio, interior... Exceptional place to watch a game. Lots of huge TVs. I think it'll be a big hit long term.

Interestingly, the residents of the adjacent lofts are quite critical of The Garage. They're bothered by the "crowd of hillbillies" milling about the entrance to their space, poorly color matched picnic tables and the low rent menu.
When I went on Saturday, I didn't notice any "crowd of hillbillies" but I did see plenty of hipsters and "Paseo-types."

I've been there a couple times since it opened. My girlfriend lives at Hadden Hall. I don't think I ever noticed a crowd of hillbillies, but what do I know. I think it's great, and I know a couple of people in the Guardian that agree. Maybe I just don't know the right people. I don't think it is ever a good idea to speak for a whole group of people though.

The last time I had a NoName burger at Irma's I was completely underwhelmed.

Burger was smallish, not much juice or flavor... Absolutely nothing that made me want to return, especially given all the other options in the central core.

I'm sure it was just a bad day, but it was the first and only time I had eaten at their Midtown location.

I agree 100%. Because i live in the area, I keep trying Irma's. I keep thinking maybe I just ordered the wrong thing...Maybe if I try something else...

And nada. I'm done with Irma's. Not much flavor. Everything just sorta average. Not keeping up with the Hamburger Arms Race of downtown OKC.

I don't live there, but my son does. I might choose to go to Packards over the Garage but it certainly adds vibrancy to the street. When the law school opens (supposedly in January I'm told) it will definitely be a good option for the students.

We finally tried the Garage located over near NW Rockwell and while the food was good, we hated the physical layout. My biggest gripe is the high tables and chairs. Why? Sure it looks more "sporty" but they are hard to get up on, hard to get off and can be uncomfortable if your legs aren't the exact right length to reach the braces on the chairs.

Went to Red Dirt Burrito for lunch today and saw a sign for The Garage next to the Ted's sign at The Shoppe's of Del City. Looked like it was going to anchor the south end of the building the Ted's went into.

We finally tried the Garage located over near NW Rockwell and while the food was good, we hated the physical layout. My biggest gripe is the high tables and chairs. Why? Sure it looks more "sporty" but they are hard to get up on, hard to get off and can be uncomfortable if your legs aren't the exact right length to reach the braces on the chairs.

Such varied tastes on the board. I love the high table chairs because they're easier to get on and off of. I have heard some of my friends say they can be uncomfortable if your legs are too short to reach the braces.

Walking by the other night, I was really disappointed to see televisions hanging up in that beautiful patio area that has such tremendous potential.

Walking by the other night, I was really disappointed to see televisions hanging up in that beautiful patio area that has such tremendous potential.

I believe you are the second person to voice this. What is wrong with the TVs and how are they limiting the potential of the patio?

I believe you are the second person to voice this. What is wrong with the TVs and how are they limiting the potential of the patio?

I can understand the perspective, but I loved catching some NBA games on the patio on Saturday.

Are these the TVs that everyone is grousing about? If so, I just don't understand the objection:

http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/restaurants-bars/7462d1397574297-garage-burgers-beer-garagenew5.jpg

At least it's somewhat unique...

How many nice restaurant/bars in OKC have patios with TV's?

Republic is the only one that leaps to mind, and although I'm sure there are more, it can't be a very long list.

Captain Norm's has five TVs, three behind the (outside) bar and two larger ones on the wall facing the canal. Deep Deuce Grill has several, including a pretty large one behind the outdoor stage area.

At least it's somewhat unique...

How many nice restaurant/bars in OKC have patios with TV's?

Republic is the only one that leaps to mind, and although I'm sure there are more, it can't be a very long list.

Urban Johnnie too! Plan on being there tonight!

UJ's has TV's on their patio??

UJ's has TV's on their patio??

Hell yes - I'll try to take a pic tonight!

UJ's has TV's on their patio??

Yep, they drop down from the awning.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Are these the TVs that everyone is grousing about? If so, I just don't understand the objection:

http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/restaurants-bars/7462d1397574297-garage-burgers-beer-garagenew5.jpg

I don't either. They were actually pretty awesome the other night when the game was on.

Only two people have said they don't like them.

Seems like the huge majority feel the opposite.

I'd report on the TV's, but I'm not about to go sit alone outside and watch TV with my burger.

So if any of you OKCTalk Hot Momma's want a date -- howdy.

PluPan is looking. Can you pass for an older woman?

Lol.



No.

Sorry, I prefer to eat alone at my table while other people eat alone at theirs.

We can be brothers and sisters in solitude. From a distance, that is.

I ate here last night, and the place was packed. Really cool place, and definitely great for sports watching!

One thing that stuck out for me was how DARK the street is at night. The only lighting came from the neon in the Garage's windows (very cool, btw), and there were no street lights on that stretch. The Frontline church across the street had lights, but they weren't lit. It's a minor gripe, but it can be kind of unnerving when you're walking alone. End rant.

I would hate additional light coming in from the street. Believe me, the dark street makes the church dome lighting really stand out and the ambient light from the patio bulbs is plenty. On the Guardian parking side, the darkness hides the cars from view, but a little bit more lighting wouldn't hurt if it was done correctly. Any more than that, and you would be raising all of your blinds at night to be able to sleep.

I would hate additional light coming in from the street. Believe me, the dark street makes the church dome lighting really stand out and the ambient light from the patio bulbs is plenty. On the Guardian parking side, the darkness hides the cars from view, but a little bit more lighting wouldn't hurt if it was done correctly. Any more than that, and you would be raising all of your blinds at night to be able to sleep.

UP, what are your thoughts about the Garage going in?

And what is the general temperature of the other residents?

I would hate additional light coming in from the street. Believe me, the dark street makes the church dome lighting really stand out and the ambient light from the patio bulbs is plenty. On the Guardian parking side, the darkness hides the cars from view, but a little bit more lighting wouldn't hurt if it was done correctly. Any more than that, and you would be raising all of your blinds at night to be able to sleep.

UP, with all due respect, this is a bit of a MP/HH type of gripe. The street is for those using it, not for those asleep in their rooms. Those using it need at the very least, enough light to feel comfortable and at the very most, enough to feel a vibrant street at night. Robinson fits the bill of the former and 10th the bill of the latter.

I'm not saying there's not a happy medium there, but preference ought to be given to the walkers and not the residents.

DD's 2nd Street is another example of a street that's going to need more lighting from the tracks to Perry.

Only two people have said they don't like them.

Seems like the huge majority feel the opposite.

We don't like TVs in places we go out to eat, we like to concentrate on the meal and the people at our table (usually just me and the wife, but still). Yeah, we're also in the minority, we're used to it...

Robert Irvine makes a point of removing TVs from every restaurant he "rescue"s. I never really noticed them before, but since I saw him make a big fuss out of it on his TV show (irony, right?), have noticed them and noticed that they seem to detract from the dining out experience. On the other hand, it's a bar-like patio ... I'd say they're OK.

Robert Irvine makes a point of removing TVs from every restaurant he "rescue"s. I never really noticed them before, but since I saw him make a big fuss out of it on his TV show (irony, right?), have noticed them and noticed that they seem to detract from the dining out experience. On the other hand, it's a bar-like patio ... I'd say they're OK.

Yep, they have their place in sports bars/restaurants, and others of that ilk, but we're not big sports fans, so will most likely never hit up Republic, Garage, UJ, Twin Peaks, Hooters, any "sports bar", etc. Just not our thing, and yes, agreed, many times I've personally noticed they detract - you're trying to hold a conversation with someone at the table and they're staring over your head at whatever's on the TV, it's magical, the pull that the glowing screen has on people... Even places like Church's and Wendy's have TVs now, crazy!

Good grief it is a hamburger place with Mexican Cokes and root beer in a metal ice tub, a serve-yourself soda fountain, old enameled service station advertising signs, and a patio with unpainted picnic tables and 50's-style metal lawn chairs. It's not fine dining.

I went there today for the first time (at that location) and the space is great, the bar is better than I expected, and the patio looks like a place I'd like to hang out. The TVs behind the bar and even the ones outside will probably ensure that, especially during Thunder away games and other similar events. There is a place for this type of establishment in every community, and in fact it is probably more inline with the public's tastes than a candle-lit white-linen tablecloth steakhouse. I'm going to one of those tonight, by the way. I personally can move freely within and appreciate both types of establishments. People need to get over themselves.

Yep, they have their place in sports bars/restaurants, and others of that ilk, but we're not big sports fans, so will most likely never hit up Republic, Garage, UJ, Twin Peaks, Hooters, any "sports bar", etc. Just not our thing, and yes, agreed, many times I've personally noticed they detract - you're trying to hold a conversation with someone at the table and they're staring over your head at whatever's on the TV, it's magical, the pull that the glowing screen has on people... Even places like Church's and Wendy's have TVs now, crazy!

While I can empathize with what you are saying, do you not experience the same problems with cell phones? Instead of staring over your head, someone is staring at the little glowing screen and pounding out a reply to a text or an email. At least the TV is communal and you can all talk about what is on, not so much a cell phone.

Or just have a talk about where you and others are focusing your attention. Metacognition is a powerful thing.

Eh, it was mainly work lunches that I went with cow-orkers where there were TVs, not too big a deal. For dinners, we just choose to go places where there aren't TVs, just seems to be more the atmosphere we prefer most of the time.

Good grief it is a hamburger place with Mexican Cokes and root beer in a metal ice tub, a serve-yourself soda fountain, old enameled service station advertising signs, and a patio with unpainted picnic tables and 50's-style metal lawn chairs. It's not fine dining.

I went there today for the first time (at that location) and the space is great, the bar is better than I expected, and the patio looks like a place I'd like to hang out. The TVs behind the bar and even the ones outside will probably ensure that, especially during Thunder away games and other similar events. There is a place for this type of establishment in every community, and in fact it is probably more inline with the public's tastes than a candle-lit white-linen tablecloth steakhouse. I'm going to one of those tonight, by the way. I personally can move freely within and appreciate both types of establishments. People need to get over themselves.

Like

Good grief it is a hamburger place with Mexican Cokes and root beer in a metal ice tub, a serve-yourself soda fountain, old enameled service station advertising signs, and a patio with unpainted picnic tables and 50's-style metal lawn chairs. It's not fine dining.

I went there today for the first time (at that location) and the space is great, the bar is better than I expected, and the patio looks like a place I'd like to hang out. The TVs behind the bar and even the ones outside will probably ensure that, especially during Thunder away games and other similar events. There is a place for this type of establishment in every community, and in fact it is probably more inline with the public's tastes than a candle-lit white-linen tablecloth steakhouse. I'm going to one of those tonight, by the way. I personally can move freely within and appreciate both types of establishments. People need to get over themselves.


Like
Ditto

Ditto

Agreed. This isn't Vast or an upscale dining option. TV's are good at a fast casual place.

I watched mondays playoff game there. I had the Green CHili burger. it was really good and I like the garlic parm fries. great place to watch the game as there are huge TV's everywhere you look.. hardest decision was deciding which TV to watch on.. the place was not that busy when we got there a little after 6 but by game time was pretty packed.. they need some beer specials during games and they said they should have eventually but currently no drink specials.. was fun and good food.

Lol.



No.damn.. I was hoping to have wingman go with me to Red Rock with me ;)

Some of the minority responses in this thread are hilarious. Take a trip to DC, Philly, Austin, etc and you will find many of these types of establishments in urban districts. I just don't understand the hypocrisy of wanting a vibrant downtown and then griping about things that provide entertainment value.

Some of the minority responses in this thread are hilarious. Take a trip to DC, Philly, Austin, etc and you will find many of these types of establishments in urban districts. I just don't understand the hypocrisy of wanting a vibrant downtown and then griping about things that provide entertainment value.

Seriously! Especially when said TVs are hopefully showing games featuring some local basketball team - for hopefully the next few weeks or so.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7499/15420222933_3f0dfe425a_b.jpg

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7547/15417601974_ab3b4461a8_b.jpg

If you look at the left side of the first picture you can see that the patio is torn up for a resurfacing project.

If you look at the left side of the first picture you can see that the patio is torn up for a resurfacing project.



and by resurfacing.. you mean they are working on the sewage as the entire building smells like $#^$. they have a sewage problem and the line runs through that alley.. so all the pavers had to be pulled up so they could work on it.. its pretty smelly in the common areas especially in the building.

If you look at the left side of the first picture you can see that the patio is torn up for a resurfacing project.

Massive city project. For I believe a sewer line

Yes, sewer line.

They posted on Facebook about it a week ago.

Thanks for letting me know what is going on.

The project started December 5th and is supposed to take 90 days.

If you look at the left side of the first picture you can see that the patio is torn up for a resurfacing project.


Massive city project. For I believe a sewer line


Yes, sewer line.

They posted on Facebook about it a week ago.


I'm blaming it on the TV's

I didn't really notice it until just now when me and best friend got together and we ate here.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7540/15910597180_77eef21650_b.jpg

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7482/16072098846_1b01f1edab_b.jpg

Finally ate here (never had been to any of the Garages) and really liked my burger.

It was perfectly cooked, juicy and just the right amount of meat. Bun was very good as well (held up against the juice without being chewy).

Pretty darn good $5 burger and great setting as well.