Address: 733 NW 4th Street
Phone: 405.236.2222
Hours: Mon - Fri: 11 a.m. - 12 midnight.
Sat - Sun: 11 a.m. - 2 a.m.

Hey everyone! My name is Larry Jenkins, and I am the owner of the So Fine Eatery and Pub. I am wanting to reach out to the community to get new and fresh ideas, and OKCTALK seems like a great place to get good advice. What do all of you think that I should bring to the corner of 4th and Shartel? Happy hour ideas? Late night specials? Good live music to offer? Daily Specials? I love Oklahoma City, but I feel like I am too old to figure all of you young guns out. I just thought that I should ask!

Things that have changed over the past two years :

-We installed LCD TV's.
-We installed WI-FI.
-We went smokefree.
-We have Coop F5 on tap.
-We built and opened a patio.
-We are now serving specialty cocktails.
-We offer karaoke and the infamous thursday night limbo.

What would make you all come to the So Fine Eatery and Pub?

Thank you all and lets go Thunder!

Perhaps a new name for the establishment? Something about an eatery/pub being called So Fine makes me less than thrilled to visit.

I don't mind the new name but my question is why the new name?

Get on Facebook and tell me what those specials are! I've eaten your entire standard menu and well, it's very good but limited. I know you had specials going, but darned if I'm gonna drive over there to find out the special is tuna fish casserole! Entice me and I'll be there. Make us Blue Plate Specials. Momma food those of that live alone crave, but can't economically make for one. I'll send ya a girl that recently managed Cookies from the dead zone to a packed house every night with a new young crowd until the owners son got outta hand (again). Look for her. Her name is Rachel. She'll be dressed in black.

Perhaps a new name for the establishment? Something about an eatery/pub being called So Fine makes me less than thrilled to visit.

It's the old Neighborhood Lounge. They just changed their name.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It's the old Neighborhood Lounge. They just changed their name.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That's exactly the problem. I don't like the new name and it doesn't make me want to eat there in the least. I had never heard of the Neighborhood Lounge.

That's exactly the problem. I don't like the new name and it doesn't make me want to eat there in the least. I had never heard of the Neighborhood Lounge.

A little history for you:
Downtown Oklahoma City 'dive' resurfaces with varied clientele | News OK (http://newsok.com/downtown-oklahoma-city-dive-resurfaces-with-varied-clientele/article/3761421)

Larry Jenkins and his ex wife, Judy, operated the "So Fine" Club back in the 80's. This may tell you a bit more:

Drug court answered Oklahoma woman?s prayer | News OK (http://newsok.com/drug-court-answered-oklahoma-womans-prayer/article/3415572)

I just think of the 80's movie So Fine...It's all about jeans with clear windows in the butt.

I changed the name from Neighborhood Lounge to the So Fine Eatery and Pub. The Neighborhood Lounge was getting a bad reputation, and it was definitely time for a change.

Also, I did forgot to mention that we are serving food!

Change the color of the exterior? Maybe even have a cool mural painted on a couple of the walls. Put some planter boxes around the patio and fill them with plants. String lights over the patio ( if you haven't already). Those are all things that would indicate this is a different type of establishment from what it was.

Wish they hadn't changed the name. I always wanted to check out the "Cocktails and Dancing" at the Neighborhood Lounge.

The interior lighting is strange... Bright and harsh in some parts but darkish in others.

I actually think toning down the lights -- especially at night -- would help the ambiance.

Make the patio pup-friendly!

Ween on the Scene (http://weenonthescene.blogspot.com/)

...

Also, I did forgot to mention that we are serving food!



care to share more about the food?

Do you have pool tables?

I've been looking for a smoke free place to practice at lunch time close to work. You are practically walking distance for me.

Name seems odd. I liked Neighborhood Lounge better. Name kind of gives me the vibe that it isn't so fine. Like when places overly claim to have the best _________, it's probably the worst.

Name seems odd. I liked Neighborhood Lounge better. Name kind of gives me the vibe that it isn't so fine. Like when places overly claim to have the best _________, it's probably the worst.

You said it better than I did, but that's exactly how I felt about it.

kevinpate, The menu is attached. Also, we have added hot wings and fried pickles.

The menu will be updated soon with new and improved items, and it will be printed in a much higher quality. And remember, we are always open to suggestions!
7799

OK BBQ Eater Anonymous, we do have a pool table. We even used to have pool tournaments on a weekly basis.

I want to thank everyone for the input! Your opinions have been very helpful.

I have decided to make various improvements to the pub, and they are listed below.

-Installation of vertical steel supports to attach outdoor string lighting above for the patio.
-Planters will be added to the patio and near the front door.

I want to ask you all for some more help. I am wanting to buy games to have at the pub. Any suggestions? (Cards against humanity, Big Jenga, etc.)

We also talked about a lot of other updates that we want to make to the So Fine Pub and there will be plenty more of these changes to come. I will keep you all posted.

OK BBQ Eater Anonymous, we do have a pool table. We even used to have pool tournaments on a weekly basis.

Great..... I will probably come take advantage of having a place to practice at lunch.

Looking at your menu... Are you burgers hand made patties or pre-made?

Larry, I'm not sure if you follow other threads on this site, but FYI there is a proposal to build an apartment block directly across the street from your place to the south. I suspect that will have an impact on your business!

As far as other suggestions, I would say to put some focus on Thunder game watching during the season, with some game night specials. Initially it might not do much, but once there is more infill around you, if people have a decent option to walk across the street, they will do it vs driving or walking elsewhere. I've enjoyed karaoke night there. Haven't tried the food but will at some point. Have you considered a roof-top seating area for that view of downtown? Seems to be all the rage these days...

About the name... I get why you did it... but when hearing "So Fine Club" a newcomer might think more of a place like "Club Social" where it's more about dancing (e.g. "clubbing"). "Neighborhood Lounge" seems more inviting... come stay, hang out with your neighbors, everybody knows you here. Maybe a compromise? "So Fine Neighborhood Lounge"? I don't know, just my thoughts.

Thanks for providing the menu. Will likely be seeing you before long.

Glad to hear you are looking at making some changes with the lights on patio and planter boxes.. that would be my main thing is to change the appearance some. I pass your place all the time and it always looked like kind of a beer joint. didn't realize you had food. I definately judged a book by its cover. I love that you went smoke free and I will be in soon and bring some friends maybe for a Thunder game and check it out.

Forgot about the smoke-free thing. That's huge. People in this town are definitely clamoring for smoke-free karaoke. I don't know how many times my group wanted to karaoke but it got vetoed due to smoky environments. Maybe put a giant banner outside and use social media to promote the "NOW SMOKE FREE" angle until the message gets out... your place could easily rival the crowds at Cookies if you competed with them toe-to-toe with the karaoke nights.

Larry, I'm not sure if you follow other threads on this site, but FYI there is a proposal to build an apartment block directly across the street from your place to the south. I suspect that will have an impact on your business!

As far as other suggestions, I would say to put some focus on Thunder game watching during the season, with some game night specials. Initially it might not do much, but once there is more infill around you, if people have a decent option to walk across the street, they will do it vs driving or walking elsewhere. I've enjoyed karaoke night there. Haven't tried the food but will at some point. Have you considered a roof-top seating area for that view of downtown? Seems to be all the rage these days...

About the name... I get why you did it... but when hearing "So Fine Club" a newcomer might think more of a place like "Club Social" where it's more about dancing (e.g. "clubbing"). "Neighborhood Lounge" seems more inviting... come stay, hang out with your neighbors, everybody knows you here. Maybe a compromise? "So Fine Neighborhood Lounge"? I don't know, just my thoughts.

Drop the "fine". It just sounds like a trashy club from the 70's that's still hanging on somehow or a restaurant that I don't want to eat at.

It's his business of course, but I am more likely to go to Neighborhood Lounge than So Fine Eatery. Name and brand means a lot...perception is very much reality when it comes to restaurants and bars.

Drop the "fine". It just sounds like a trashy club from the 70's that's still hanging on somehow or a restaurant that I don't want to eat at.

It's his business of course, but I am more likely to go to Neighborhood Lounge than So Fine Eatery. Name and brand means a lot...perception is very much reality when it comes to restaurants and bars.

"So Fine" sounds like a strip club. Could this be zoned?

Drop the "fine". It just sounds like a trashy club from the 70's that's still hanging on somehow or a restaurant that I don't want to eat at.

It's his business of course, but I am more likely to go to Neighborhood Lounge than So Fine Eatery. Name and brand means a lot...perception is very much reality when it comes to restaurants and bars.

Did there used to be a club in OKC called So Fine? I got the same negative connotation when I heard the name but not sure why. Nothing about the name made me think...I need to check this place out some time. They are doing a great job cleaning it up though

yes

yes

Where was it located?

Not sure, I just know it's been referenced and that there is some relation to this place.

Where was it located?

Steve's article from last year gives the answer.

Downtown Oklahoma City 'dive' resurfaces with varied clientele | News OK (http://newsok.com/downtown-oklahoma-city-dive-resurfaces-with-varied-clientele/article/3761421)


If the So Fine Club at 8200 SW 3 was one of city's livelier night clubs, the opposite could be said about another longtime venue, The Neighborhood Lounge, 733 NW 4.

I noticed they added some paint to the West side of the building that stated lunch starts at 11 AM and that they are serving the best burger in Oklahoma City.

Hmmmm.... That's pretty bold talk considering that Nic's Grill just showed up at #2 on a Best Burger in the nation list.

I noticed they added some paint to the West side of the building that stated lunch starts at 11 AM and that they are serving the best burger in Oklahoma City.

Hmmmm.... That's pretty bold talk considering that Nic's Grill just showed up at #2 on a Best Burger in the nation list.

So they should put up a sign saying that they serve the "second best" burger in OKC? :eek:

So they should put up a sign saying that they serve the "second best" burger in OKC? :eek:

Or that they have the #1 burger in the nation. ;+)

As a food blogger I'm always leary of any place that toots their own horn to much.... Walked into way to many Q-raunts that claim to be the greatest and walk out very underwhelmed.....

Oklahoma Joe's in Broken Arrow is a great example. You walk in there and see all the awards from competitions and bold claims about their Q. While their Q isn't terrible it wouldn't score well at all in a contest and contest Q is what they claim to be famous for.

This place should have saved the money they spent on that fancy new outdoor patio and instead bought some foundation piers to prop up their western facing wall, it tilts big time and looks like it is about to fall over onto Shartel Ave.

I just don't like when businesses reach out and claim to be something they aren't.

Average bar with average food? That's no problem. Just don't promise the world, do run a few specials, build up some regulars, and be the neighborhood lounge. (See what I did there?)

I suspect once the housing across the street is built this place will, by nature of the demand, will change dramatically for the better (it already has, but then some).

From cheeseburgers to fresh tortilla chips, it?s all So Fine | okgazette.com (http://okgazette.com/2014/08/18/from-cheeseburgers-to-fresh-tortilla-chips-its-all-so-fine/)

I suspect once the housing across the street is built this place will, by nature of the demand, will change dramatically for the better (it already has, but then some).

Yeah like fixing the wall that's about to fall over. It surely can't be up to city code/regulations.

There's a big enough parking lot. Maybe someday he can afford to build a new structure, still connect it to the new patio just on the other side, and then tear down the existing building restoring his parking lot space. You'd still have 4th street frontage but you'd lose frontage on the other street, which I know is not desirable, but I don't think it would reasonable to ask him to shut down, demo, and rebuild on the same spot...

Wanted a Nic's burger for lunch but the line was around the building so I decided to go give So Fine a try. Pulled into the parking lot and it was empty. Looked up at the building and one of the 1's in the 11 was painted over. So they apparently don't start serving lunch until 1 PM now.

Dang.

I was wondering if the blue paint could be sandblasted off this building. Seems like it would look so much nicer with the original brick, and a neon sign. Probably suggested before.

The So Fine is my favorite bar in town. Thursday night karaoke just gave me a good persuasion.

The owners of downtown's So Fine bar and restaurant – formerly known as Neighborhood Lounge -- have sold to a local investment group and have ceased operations.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/sofine1.jpg

The nearly half-acre parcel and 2,600 square foot building at NW 4th & Shartel were purchased last week but an LLC headed by David Box for a purchase price of $800,000. It had previously sold in 2011 for just $200,000.

The new owners are seeking a new operator and have already received plenty of interest, as the property is on the northwest edge of downtown which is seeing rapid change.

Immediately to the southeast large Avana apartment complex and Sycamore Square condominiums.

To the southwest is the Civic Center area and the under-renovation 21c Museum Hotel and the proposed Residences at 21c as well as the Jones Assembly.

To the north is Saint Anthony Hospital and booming South of Saint Anthony (SoSA) residential community.

So Fine's Facebook page indicated the owners are hoping to re-open in a new location.


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

Good luck to them. I know they had good intentions. But they got so locked in on reviving the So Fine brand - which is fondly remembered only by folks in their 50s, 60s and even 70s - that they completely missed the solid traction that the Neighborhood Lounge brand was getting from the young, professional crowd flooding into the surrounding neighborhoods. The So Fine brand might have a future, but this definitely wasn't the place for it.

I was hoping it would stick and be a future hot spot for Civic dwellers (and that they would remove the blue paint).

A better place will be going into that spot.

There are already several good operators interested.

That's too bad. The Neighborhood Lounge was a great place to go. The beer was cheap, and it wasn't that crowded. It wasn't "trendy". It was mostly lawyers from the courthouse, and people who just got out of jail. :)

I used to drink there before it was so fine and agree that I liked it more before, the patio was a good addition though. It was a weird dive in a good way. I never had to see anyone I knew. People released from county would routinely stop in to use the phone and wait for a ride while enjoying a complimentary 3.2 and two smokes. The kind gesture created regulars, not always the kind you want hanging around.

That's too bad. The Neighborhood Lounge was a great place to go. The beer was cheap, and it wasn't that crowded. It wasn't "trendy". It was mostly lawyers from the courthouse, and people who just got out of jail. :)

Hoyasooner,
And may I ask, which group you belong to?
C. T.
p.s. I belong in the latter!

Hoyasooner,
And may I ask, which group you belong to?
C. T.
p.s. I belong in the latter!

Ha! I'm a former public defender, so I would often come from the jail and go right to the Neighborhood. :)