I think it is quite alright for Hal Smith to be politically involved as such. No one makes the same complaint against Barry Switzer and others I could name. Mr. Smith is a private citizen, and he is entitled to do what he did.

For the record Dan my post wasn't directed at you.

Amazing they would risk their business reputation for someone who is almost assuredly going to lose.

Amazing they would risk their business reputation for someone who is almost assuredly going to lose.

Without turning this into a political thread, associating yourself with Trump alienates a lot more potential customers in ways associating with, for example, Romney or McCain would not.

I am not sure why you're saying Trump is "assuredly going to lose." I've heard a few people say this recently and I wondered if they have been following polling. This election is not at all decided.

Amazing they would risk their business reputation for someone who is almost assuredly going to lose.

This belongs in the political section - anyways, some polls have it 'even'...

I think it is quite alright for Hal Smith to be politically involved as such. No one makes the same complaint against Barry Switzer and others I could name. Mr. Smith is a private citizen, and he is entitled to do what he did.

I agree. What a person does on their own time is their business. I draw the line at using the business for promoting a politician. If Louie's starts putting Trump or Clinton signs in their window...I'll stop going there. I'm paying for a service or product and not for your campaigning. I have Parrothead friends who have boycotted Buffett because he played a private fundraiser concert for Obama and again for Clinton. People that went knew what it was for and the where the money was going. Never once in the 30 plus times I have seen him has he ever campaigned for a candidate. I paid to be entertained and I was.

What date are they trying to open? May and Britton location.

I have previously posted that we havent been impressed with the Garage Midtown for lunch takeout. We tried it again today and they got the order right. I had the Bison Taco Salad and it was great with fresh lettuce and the bison was on the side as to not wilt lettuce.

I have previously posted that we havent been impressed with the Garage Midtown for lunch takeout. We tried it again today and they got the order right. I had the Bison Taco Salad and it was great with fresh lettuce and the bison was on the side as to not wilt lettuce.

JeepnOKC,
But wilted lettuce salad is fantastic! I know, it's not the same, but a salad drizzled with bacon bits and grease is really great.
C. T.

You were probably there when I was, Jeep.

What date are they trying to open? May and Britton location.We were in the 122nd store last night. I didn't think to ask a date. But a lot of that stores staff trains every new stores staff and they're training the May staff. They usually don't start training until a couple weeks before a new store opens so I expect it open any day now.

I agree. What a person does on their own time is their business. I draw the line at using the business for promoting a politician. If Louie's starts putting Trump or Clinton signs in their window...I'll stop going there. I'm paying for a service or product and not for your campaigning. I have Parrothead friends who have boycotted Buffett because he played a private fundraiser concert for Obama and again for Clinton. People that went knew what it was for and the where the money was going. Never once in the 30 plus times I have seen him has he ever campaigned for a candidate. I paid to be entertained and I was.

I don't care what the owner of a business believes or supports. I only care when they use the business as a platform for those beliefs. Then I'll opt not to patronize them. I can't see Hal Smith ruining the atmosphere of his restaurants by turning them into political platforms, so he can support Trump in his private time all he likes.

We've been going to the Garage as our primary burger joint for a while now, and I think it's ruined me. We had S&B recently for the first time in ages, and the meat was just flavorless. Toppings were fine, but they were lackluster compared to the Garage's offerings. I quite liked S&B before the Garage came along, but I think the Garage's flavors have ruined burgers for me.

Tried the one on 122nd and it was just as fabulous as the others. The decor inside is amazing. They must've spent a fortune on all the old memorabilia in that place.

Tried the one on 122nd and it was just as fabulous as the others. The decor inside is amazing. They must've spent a fortune on all the old memorabilia in that place.

From the ones I've been too, which is 3 or 4, most all of the decor appears to be reproduction, so I doubt it's very expensive.

The ceiling fans are impressive.

The ceiling fans are impressive.

ALmost as impressive as their mustard onion burger. Omigosh. As in yum.

Not sure if this has been posted but the Garage is building a new location on Covell just west of Kelly near Uptown Market.

Earlier in this thread, I posted about the Garage in Del City being a terrible experience. But I have to give credit where it's due and the Garage in Del City has turned things around. My family decided to have dinner here recently and it was just great. My earlier complaints about the service and quality of the food have all been resolved. It was a great experience. The burgers were deliciously cooked how they were ordered, the sides were great, and the staff was very nice. I can now recommend them like the other Garage locations.

any update on the Garage on britton and may?

kind of surprised they aren't open yet

any update on the Garage on britton and may?

kind of surprised they aren't open yet

Just saw on FB that they open next Monday, the 14th.

Is there a soft opening tonight? I live right down the street from the Britton/May location and it is PACKED tonight. All the TV's are in inside and there are a ton of people in there. Currently not a single spot is available in the parking lot. People are even parking in front of Woodcraft, Sherwin Williams and Grand Cru. Pretty cool to see.

Went to the one on May/britton for the 1st time last night.

Completely changed the inside from el chico.

Was very crowded, people were being told since no more tables were open they were only taking to-go orders. Had not heard of that before.

I need to take back what I said about the Garage location in Del City. I previously had ranted and said I'd never return because of the poor service and quality. However, we recently tried it again because we had a number of people over for dinner and we wanted burgers so we called in an order to the Garage. Not only were they very nice, the order was ready promptly and everything was correct. We got home and the food was delicious. They've really turned things around and I'd recommend giving them a try if you're in the area.

Went to the one on May/britton for the 1st time last night.

Completely changed the inside from el chico.

Was very crowded, people were being told since no more tables were open they were only taking to-go orders. Had not heard of that before.
The one on 122nd & Rockwell does that occasionally. Like the OU vs Clemson playoff game or the Superbowl when there are no open tables and it's not likely any are going to open up soon.

The one on 122nd & Rockwell does that occasionally. Like the OU vs Clemson playoff game or the Superbowl when there are no open tables and it's not likely any are going to open up soon.

I went in there last Friday and the line was out the door and almost every table was full. Our group decided to go to Fuzzy's.

I went in there last Friday and the line was out the door and almost every table was full. Our group decided to go to Fuzzy's.We went last night. We're regulars there. We wondered what effect the new store would have on their volume. It's had none. From 6 to 8ish they were pretty much full.

Good grief, the Midtown location absolutely kills it. Seemingly every place downtown is slow tonight and I'm here now and it's absolutely packed. It's the best sports bar in the urban core.

Good grief, the Midtown location absolutely kills it. Seemingly every place downtown is slow tonight and I'm here now and it's absolutely packed. It's the best sports bar in the urban core.

It's a great spot. I'd still love to see a Buffalo Wild Wings in the stadium space as another option in the core. :)

It's a great spot. I'd still love to see a Buffalo Wild Wings in the stadium space as another option in the core. :)

BWW made a run at the old Coaches space in the Brick but corporate denied the local franchisee, so it's not going to happen unfortunately.

The new HeyDay will have a good focus on TV's and sports so that will help in Lower Bricktown.

Still, this Garage is the closest thing to a real sports bar in OKC other than Republic (and the smokey BWW's), and that's a bit ridiculous given the sports culture in this town.

The Henry Hudson's in Bricktown is pretty much a sports bar. Louie's usually do okay as a sports bar too. But I agree that it's surprising there aren't a few more options.

The Henry Hudson's in Bricktown is pretty much a sports bar. Louie's usually do okay as a sports bar too. But I agree that it's surprising there aren't a few more options.

I don't disagree but the fact both those places are about as close as we come says much about the lack of real, full-on sports bars in OKC.

Not to get sidetracked, but for me sports bars also need to include at least one of the following:

- shuffleboard
- darts
- Golden Tee (I know Garage has this)
- but not necessarily pool tables

Those are just some of the things I think of when I think sports bars.

Heck, the old Varsity at 63rd and Western was more of a true sports bar than we've ever had.

Heck, the old Varsity at 63rd and Western was more of a true sports bar than we've ever had.

I loved that old Varsity. Used play bozo jackpot bingo there!

Good grief, the Midtown location absolutely kills it. Seemingly every place downtown is slow tonight and I'm here now and it's absolutely packed. It's the best sports bar in the urban core.

Whats weird is I always forget about the midtown Garage, and I live in the area. Possibly because I dont drive on Robinson, maybe that also stems from the fact that if I go somewhere in the evening, especially to watch a game, I want full service. When I finish a beer, I want a waiter to bring me another. I guess you get that at the bar but not at a table top thats right near the bar, do I have that right? Just doesnt seem to makes sense. Plus, I dont always want a burger and Garage has limited options otherwise.

To your point of lack of sports bars in downtown area, you are very correct. There are few options that also serve good food. If I want good food options, going to Louies is a non starter, and almost the same with Garage because its primarily burgers. I guess I forget about Hudsons, but again, Im looking for good food most of the time. Urban Johnnies is a decent option, they have a little more than just burgers. But there really arent many clean and good food sports bar options in the core.

I have seen some Legacy Grill commercials lately, is that a good spot for watching a game, specifically at their bar?

^

Once you take your seat at The Garage, you do have table service and they'll bring you beer or anything else you want even if you aren't at the bar. But you are right, it's a bit confusing.

And Urban Johnnies really is a sports bar in many ways and I place I tend for forget about.

BWW made a run at the old Coaches space in the Brick but corporate denied the local franchisee, so it's not going to happen unfortunately.

The new HeyDay will have a good focus on TV's and sports so that will help in Lower Bricktown.

Still, this Garage is the closest thing to a real sports bar in OKC other than Republic (and the smokey BWW's), and that's a bit ridiculous given the sports culture in this town.

My good friend is the owner/operator of numerous BWW's across the state, including several in the OKC area. He is doing a fantastic job at changing his stores to accommodate both those who smoke and do not. The best example of this is his newly expanded location on NW Expressway. It has practically doubled in size with separate smoking and non-smoking sections. Check it out!

My good friend is the owner/operator of numerous BWW's across the state, including several in the OKC area. He is doing a fantastic job at changing his stores to accommodate both those who smoke and do not. The best example of this is his newly expanded location on NW Expressway. It has practically doubled in size with separate smoking and non-smoking sections. Check it out!

I know Ed very well!

I've been waiting for the non-smoking area on NW Ex and will be sure to check it out.

Deep Deuce is also a pretty good sports bar (especially outside when the weather is nice) that serves good food.

I know Ed very well!

I've been waiting for the non-smoking area on NW Ex and will be sure to check it out.

Ed and family are great people and great contributors to our area.

It's very nice and well done.

Deep Deuce is also a pretty good sports bar (especially outside when the weather is nice) that serves good food.

Agreed. Deep Deuce is a great place. It is rather small though.

I know Ed very well!

I've been waiting for the non-smoking area on NW Ex and will be sure to check it out.

Went there last week with the wife and kid and although they are still under construction, it still is a night and day difference. First of all, the space to the east of the old BWW was leased by Ed and he opened several concepts that failed. So, they expanded BWW into that space and that is where the new non-smoking bar and other seating are. The old space remains relatively unchanged, but, the entrance is to the left of the old entrance, so it is split into two areas. Food was great as usual. Ed daughter went to school with my wife and her family and they all still remain good friends.

guys, sounds like there's an opportunity for someone to start a 'real' sports bar - since there obviously seems to be a market (demand) but it's not being filled according to the past few posts.

Just got done eating at the Britton & May location. It is very open, but like my mom says "the Midtown location has the best ambiance".

guys, sounds like there's an opportunity for someone to start a 'real' sports bar - since there obviously seems to be a market (demand) but it's not being filled according to the past few posts. I can't claim to be an expert on "real sports bars" but where does the Henry Hudson's pub in Bricktown rank? In this posters opinion it has the beer and sports. It's one of just a handful of places that has the NFL ticket, NBA season pass, etc. But I'm not keen on going to Bricktown on busy nights and their food consists of the deep fried freezer section from SAMS club(harsh I know, but I hate fake food). I do like the place, there's a great view from every seat and the always have the game you want to see. Drinks are on par with the chain places, beer choices might even be a little better.

I think the sports bar is just a difficult market. Just about everyone has a 90" 4K HDR UHD at home these days. And what are these clubs supposed to sell in the off season besides fried food and light beer? I mean, we all appreciate the convenience and awesomeness of a stellar sports bar...but how often do we indulge? And is that enough to sustain?

Whats weird is I always forget about the midtown Garage, and I live in the area. Possibly because I dont drive on Robinson, maybe that also stems from the fact that if I go somewhere in the evening, especially to watch a game, I want full service. When I finish a beer, I want a waiter to bring me another. I guess you get that at the bar but not at a table top thats right near the bar, do I have that right? Just doesnt seem to makes sense. Plus, I dont always want a burger and Garage has limited options otherwise.

To your point of lack of sports bars in downtown area, you are very correct. There are few options that also serve good food. If I want good food options, going to Louies is a non starter, and almost the same with Garage because its primarily burgers. I guess I forget about Hudsons, but again, Im looking for good food most of the time. Urban Johnnies is a decent option, they have a little more than just burgers. But there really arent many clean and good food sports bar options in the core.

I have seen some Legacy Grill commercials lately, is that a good spot for watching a game, specifically at their bar?

I guess I'm not understanding what people want in a sports bar. Do you want a restaurant or a sports bar. Because typically, bar/pub food is limited to not much more than burgers and fries. Are you wanting a menu like Mary Eddy's or Red Prime but with a ton of TVs and beer? I haven't been to a lot of sports bars outside of Oklahoma so maybe I'm not versed in this.

Republic is a good spot to catch a game. Same with Twin Peaks

I guess I'm not understanding what people want in a sports bar. Do you want a restaurant or a sports bar. Because typically, bar/pub food is limited to not much more than burgers and fries. Are you wanting a menu like Mary Eddy's or Red Prime but with a ton of TVs and beer? I haven't been to a lot of sports bars outside of Oklahoma so maybe I'm not versed in this.

A true sports bar is where sports and games come first and everything else is oriented around that.

Usually the food selection is basic but the beer choices are broad.

What we have in OKC are bars and restaurants with a lot of TV's, which is not the same thing. Also, in a full-fledged sports bar, the BAR is the biggest part of the space, not dining room seating.

Zipp's in Gilbert, AZ is to this day mine and my wife's favorite sports bar.

A true sports bar is where sports and games come first and everything else is oriented around that.

Usually the food selection is basic but the beer choices are broad.

What we have in OKC are bars and restaurants with a lot of TV's, which is not the same thing. Also, in a full-fledged sports bar, the BAR is the biggest part of the space, not dining room seating.Very well put. And also very accurate.

A true sports bar is where sports and games come first and everything else is oriented around that.

Usually the food selection is basic but the beer choices are broad.

What we have in OKC are bars and restaurants with a lot of TV's, which is not the same thing. Also, in a full-fledged sports bar, the BAR is the biggest part of the space, not dining room seating.
Well that's kinda what I thought, but it seems that others on here that are complaining about no good sports bras are working from a different definition. I never thought the food or the variety of food was a main focus of a sports bar.

My criteria are:

Does it have TVs?
Will they have my game on?
Is there beer etc?
Can I get something to eat?

I guess I'm not understanding what people want in a sports bar. Do you want a restaurant or a sports bar. Because typically, bar/pub food is limited to not much more than burgers and fries. Are you wanting a menu like Mary Eddy's or Red Prime but with a ton of TVs and beer? I haven't been to a lot of sports bars outside of Oklahoma so maybe I'm not versed in this.

While Republic is the obvious standard bearer of sports bar with good food, they all dont have to have as good as food as Republic. But many times at dinner I want more options than burgers and fried pickles, and thats what you seem to mostly get at places in downtown that are considered good places to watch a game.

wife and i +/- friends usually make 2 stops if we want dinner and a game - dinner depends on the mood - could be fuzzy's or could be mohagany

then we'll move to anywhere with TVs if we want to watch the game - we used to go to yucatan quite a bit cause they had great specials during the thunder game