My boss recently requested a recommendation on where to take his wife out for dinner. I recommended Jazmo'z. While it probably wouldn't have been my first pick (he had a few qualifiers on which restaurants would be acceptable), I was confident he and his wife would have a nice time there. Unfortunately, he had something of a poor experience and said he probably wouldn't go again. I was a little surprised. Has the restaurant seen a drop in quality lately, or was his experience an anomaly? I'm hoping for the latter.

Several years ago I dated a girl who worked there as a hostess. We never ate there once even with her 50% off discount. If she wouldn't eat the food at half price neither would I. She also said management was pretty bad and unorganized.

it has been years since I have ate there.. and there is a reason. I always found it to be poor quality and bad service

Their neon sign has several 'burnt out' letters.

But hey, that's better than Spaghetti Warehouse.

it has been years since I have ate there.. and there is a reason. I always found it to be poor quality and bad service

Same, haven't been there since about 2006

I've only been a couple of times, but I enjoyed each visit. I guess my experiences were the anomaly then :(

The old gray mare, she ain't what she used to be...

I feel like the only reason it is busy is because it is on the canal, can take reservations and can accomodate large parties. Same thing with Chileno's except for the whole taking reservations thing.

Laura and I have a gift card. Going on this upcoming date with dim foodie hopes after this thread. We'll let ya'll know. lol

Meh. It's usually pretty greasy and not terribly good. Sad, because they have an awesome location and great patio. I do love Cajun food, so I try it about once a year. I'm about due, maybe I'll try it this weekend and offer a more recent review.

Meh. It's usually pretty greasy and not terribly good. Sad, because they have an awesome location and great patio. I do love Cajun food, so I try it about once a year. I'm about due, maybe I'll try it this weekend and offer a more recent review.

The bigger shame is how the canal has been open for almost 15 years now and its still one of the only restaurants that offers canal-side patio dining.

Every restaurant located on the canal offers patio dining other than Hooters and Toby Keith's. Mickey Mantle's, which overlooks but doesn't really front the canal made an earnest effort at outside cocktail tables, but due to the tiny shared sidewalk and aggressive liquor law enforcement they ultimately had to give up.

Currently patio dining is offered at:


Chelino's
Zio's
Bourbon Street Cafe
Yucatan Taco Stand
Knuck's Wheelhouse (very little due to sidewalk configuration, but they also serve at Captain Norm's Dockside Bar)
Starbucks
Red Pin
Bolero
In The Raw
Fuzzy's Tacos
Earl's Rib Palace
KD's

Also worth noting is the fact that both Pinot's Palette and Put A Cork In It Winery make seating available for patrons on their patios, and Captain Norm's Dockside Bar puts live music on the canal 7 nights a week with hundreds of people hanging on that patio on weekends and good crowds during the week, and as previously mentioned serves the full Knuck's Wheelhouse menu.

Brickopolis will also feature patio dining.

Another thing that bears mentioning is that other than Starbucks and Hooters (national), MM's (Dallas, but fiercely loyal to OKC market) and Zio's (Tulsa), every place mentioned is locally-owned and many are one-offs.

Would more patio dining be welcome? Absolutely. But suggesting there are few patio dining options there is inaccurate and misleading. It remains the largest concentration of outdoor dining anywhere in the city.

Every restaurant located on the canal offers patio dining other than Hooters and Toby Keith's. Mickey Mantle's, which overlooks but doesn't really front the canal made an earnest effort at outside cocktail tables, but due to the tiny shared sidewalk and aggressive liquor law enforcement they ultimately had to give up.

Currently patio dining is offered at:


Chelino's
Zio's
Bourbon Street Cafe
Yucatan Taco Stand
Knuck's Wheelhouse (very little due to sidewalk configuration, but they also serve at Captain Norm's Dockside Bar)
Starbucks
Red Pin
Bolero
In The Raw
Fuzzy's Tacos
Earl's Rib Palace
KD's

Also worth noting is the fact that both Pinot's Palette and Put A Cork In It Winery make seating available for patrons on their patios, and Captain Norm's Dockside Bar puts live music on the canal 7 nights a week with hundreds of people hanging on that patio on weekends and good crowds during the week, and as previously mentioned serves the full Knuck's Wheelhouse menu.

Brickopolis will also feature patio dining.

Another thing that bears mentioning is that other than Starbucks and Hooters (national), MM's (Dallas, but fiercely loyal to OKC market) and Zio's (Tulsa), every place mentioned is locally-owned and many are one-offs.

Would more patio dining be welcome? Absolutely. But suggesting there are few patio dining options there is inaccurate and misleading. It remains the largest concentration of outdoor dining anywhere in the city.

Your recent posts have really brought to light (at least for me) the severity of the perception problem Bricktown seems to have.

This restaurant was really good about 5 years ago, and my wife and I went recently, and you can tell the quality dropped. I was honest when the waiter asked if our food was good, and I said no, it was tasteless. The waiter then stated they were under new management and had new chef. Needless to say, they ended up not charging us for the meal. But they lost a loyal customer, as this was one of my fav restaurants, but we have not be back since!

Every restaurant located on the canal offers patio dining other than Hooters and Toby Keith's. Mickey Mantle's, which overlooks but doesn't really front the canal made an earnest effort at outside cocktail tables, but due to the tiny shared sidewalk and aggressive liquor law enforcement they ultimately had to give up.

Currently patio dining is offered at:


Chelino's
Zio's
Bourbon Street Cafe
Yucatan Taco Stand
Knuck's Wheelhouse (very little due to sidewalk configuration, but they also serve at Captain Norm's Dockside Bar)
Starbucks
Red Pin
Bolero
In The Raw
Fuzzy's Tacos
Earl's Rib Palace
KD's

Also worth noting is the fact that both Pinot's Palette and Put A Cork In It Winery make seating available for patrons on their patios, and Captain Norm's Dockside Bar puts live music on the canal 7 nights a week with hundreds of people hanging on that patio on weekends and good crowds during the week, and as previously mentioned serves the full Knuck's Wheelhouse menu.

Brickopolis will also feature patio dining.

Another thing that bears mentioning is that other than Starbucks and Hooters (national), MM's (Dallas, but fiercely loyal to OKC market) and Zio's (Tulsa), every place mentioned is locally-owned and many are one-offs.

Would more patio dining be welcome? Absolutely. But suggesting there are few patio dining options there is inaccurate and misleading. It remains the largest concentration of outdoor dining anywhere in the city.


Your recent posts have really brought to light (at least for me) the severity of the perception problem Bricktown seems to have.

Eh I think that perception is based in reality. Maybe not in the narrow form of the argument of lack of patios but in a broader sense Bricktown isn't really the place to eat. It's way too cluttered with restaurants you can get anywhere else in the city. Leaving just a few options that Bricktown has all to itself. On top of that half of the unique concepts have terrible food or way overpriced and sometimes both (looking at you red pin) Of the places he listed here's the reality of them.

Chelino's is mexican food available anywhere in the city and it's pretty gross overall.
Zio's is a chain. Good but there's other locations and there isn't anything unique about it.
Jazzy's is meh.
Yucatan Taco is pretty good and has great deals for Thunder games.
Knuck's I haven't had.
Red Pin is insanely expensive bowling, with bowling alley quality food.
In the raw is good but there are better places in the city.
Fuzzy's is a huge texas chain.
Earl's also a chain.
KD's is pretty good.

Some places that I'd consider a true draw to Bricktown that are on the level of the mule, empire, paseo grill, guernesey park, republic, whiskey cake, packards, ludavine, red rock, sushi neko, red prime, etc.

Mickey Mantles.
Nonnas.
The Mantle.
^Problem with those is they aren't exactly everyday eating options. Nonna's of those is by far my favorite. Their rooftop is gold.

Everywhere else in Bricktown is either a chain or has average food at best.

if this place was bought out by Papa Deux's then we are talking.. the food is just crap.

Some places that I'd consider a true draw to Bricktown that are on the level of the mule, empire, paseo grill, guernesey park, republic, whiskey cake, packards, ludavine, red rock, sushi neko, red prime, etc.

Mickey Mantles.
Nonnas.
The Mantle.
^Problem with those is they aren't exactly everyday eating options. Nonna's of those is by far my favorite. Their rooftop is gold.

Everywhere else in Bricktown is either a chain or has average food at best.

Yes, this. I have not been to all the Bricktown restaurants, but pretty much every one except Nonna's has left me just "meh, bleah, whatever". An Irma's or S&B or would probably do really well in Bricktown (bring Piggy's back, heh).

OK, but back to kind of the topic - if Jazmo'z ain't great, and we've now discovered Pearl's ain't great no more, where is the best place to get Cajun food in the metro?

Yes, this. I have not been to all the Bricktown restaurants, but pretty much every one except Nonna's has left me just "meh, bleah, whatever". An Irma's or S&B or would probably do really well in Bricktown (bring Piggy's back, heh).

OK, but back to kind of the topic - if Jazmo'z ain't great, and we've now discovered Pearl's ain't great no more, where is the best place to get Cajun food in the metro?

There is the problem! I always prefered Pearls over this place but both have really crashed in my opinion.
Cajun King has some good dishes but I am not a fan of buffets.

if this place was bought out by Papa Deux's then we are talking.. the food is just crap.

The absolute last thing Bricktown needs is another national chain.

The absolute last thing Bricktown needs is another national chain.

I am not a big fan of chains either.. but if it was between those two.. I will take Papas.

I always assumed the reason chains were in Bricktown was the high rent costs. I doubt small places like the Mule or Empire Slice House can afford it.

I always assumed the reason chains were in Bricktown was the high rent costs. I doubt small places like the Mule or Empire Slice House can afford it.

But our local restaurant groups who could afford it have taken a pass for the most part. Don't get me wrong, I really like Bricktown, but its reputation for not having great food is pretty well deserved. Can always improve though.

BTW it's probably heaven for the people from small towns who come in for a little mini vacation to eat and watch a Thunder game.

BTW it's probably heaven for the people from small towns who come in for a little mini vacation to eat and watch a Thunder game.

you are correct there.. it breaks my heart when I hear someone say how they came into the city and ate at Zio's ::: face palm::: there is far too much good local food in the city to waste your evening like that.. in my opinion I am sure some folks are just happy to go to Zios

you are correct there.. it breaks my heart when I hear someone say how they came into the city and ate at Zio's ::: face palm::: there is far too much good local food in the city to waste your evening like that.. in my opinion I am sure some folks are just happy to go to Zios

Eh look at it from their perspective. It's food they NEVER get unless they are in a city. It's like in-n-out burger before it went to Texas, or white castle.

The Mantle is our favorite non-chain restaurant in Bricktown. When the Mayoral Convention was here, that was what they zeroed in on. Very good food. If Jazmoz is that mediocre, their manager should go have a visit and learn a few things.

Please. All of this talk about "chains" is talking out of both sides of your mouth, folks. I'm not going to suggest that Bricktown is currently the cutting edge of the local food scene. There is no question that it is not. Would I love to see some more daring options emerge? Absolutely. Yet there are still several excellent dining options and a number of fine casual places.

But as far as chains are concerned, I get really tired of - for instance - people dismissing Earl's as a chain but giving a pass to Iguana (love Iguana, BTW), which is owned by the same guy. S&B? Chain (and one of my favorite places in OKC). Owned by the same people who own Bricktown Brewery and Henry Hudson's in Bricktown. Hideaway? Chain. Garage? Chain. Same people who own KD's (a one-off) and Toby Keith's (first of its kind). McNellie's? Chain. Fassler Hall? Chain. Louie's? Chain. Irma's? Chain. Ambassador Hotel and associated bar/restaurant? Chain. Urban Johnnie? Part of a chain. WXYZ at Aloft? Chain. The soon-to-land Mahogany? Chain.

Mule us opening a place in OKSea? Will that make it part of a chain? Will that make the ORIGINAL Mule now part of a chain? Doubtful, actually, because everyone downtown OTHER THAN Bricktown is apparently immune to "chain" status. When Waffle Champion opens new locations (they plan to, and have hopes to become a brand that extends beyond Oklahoma), will the Midtown location now be dismissed as a chain? But Bricktown Brewery is DEFINITELY a chain, right? We all know that. Never mind that it STARTED at that location.

Great places like Red Prime and Kitchen 324? Part of a (great) restaurant group. Packard's? It's a (really great) Interurban. Cafe 7? Chain. Coolgreens? Chain. Ice House/Park House? Restaurant group, with Ice House's burgers based on another restaurant. Big Truck/Mutts/Back Door? All the same group. Guess what? When restauranteurs succeed the often open new locations with the same concept, and restaurants have a better chance of survival when they are part of a group.

Downtown OKC Incorporated recently counted up businesses in Bricktown and found that independent and locally-owned restaurants and retailers outnumber out-of-town chains by more than 2-1 in Bricktown. Call or tweet them about that if you doubt it. Fact is, Bricktown has more locally-owned places than any TWO other downtown districts.

People act like everyplace in Bricktown is Hooters and every place OUTSIDE of Bricktown is Ludivine.

Speaking for myself only.. when I refer to something as a Chain i mean large national brands. I would rather crap a knife than eat at a Chili's or Red Lobster or Outback steakhouse.. that is just me. I love that many of our local brands have developed into "chains" and that isn't a complaint I have at all. when I travel I won't eat anywhere I can eat "anywhere". I prefer to find local flavor even if that happens to be a local Chain.. or perhaps even a chain that just isn't in Oklahoma. just my personal preference.
that is why I said i'd rather see Pappa Deux's in the space where Jazmo's is.. because I think their food is much better.. I wouldn't however want to see a Chili's

I think there's a difference between a "chain" of 2 Irma's locations vs. a "chain" of 10 Earl's locations vs. a "chain" of a billions *$ locations. And a bunch of separate restaurants with separate names/menus/ideologies/concepts owned by the same restaurant group isn't quite the same as a bunch of McDonald's. I know these are probably glaringly obvious points, I don't really consider Irma's or Cafe 7 a "chain", but I guess all a chain needs is 2 links and it's a chain...

Shouldn't this thread be in the main restaurants and bars forum and not the subforum of general food and drinks. It is a specific restaurant, afterall, and not a general discussion of food.

I think there's a difference between a "chain" of 2 Irma's locations vs. a "chain" of 10 Earl's locations vs. a "chain" of a billions *$ locations. And a bunch of separate restaurants with separate names/menus/ideologies/concepts owned by the same restaurant group isn't quite the same as a bunch of McDonald's. I know these are probably glaringly obvious points, I don't really consider Irma's or Cafe 7 a "chain", but I guess all a chain needs is 2 links and it's a chain...

Had this debate with a few followers when I included Steve's Rib in my 16 non-chain Q-raunt rib tour this spring...... I don't consider two links a chain.

When it comes to Q though, two links barely even be a sammywich

Shouldn't this thread be in the main restaurants and bars forum and not the subforum of general food and drinks. It is a specific restaurant, afterall, and not a general discussion of food.

I didn't want my first post to be an article and was more just asking a question then trying to create the "main" Bourbon St. thread.

When Waffle Champion opens new locations (they plan to, and have hopes to become a brand that extends beyond Oklahoma), will the Midtown location now be dismissed as a chain?

So can we assume that Waffle Champion has no intention of having normal people hours, or is this just a (5) year plan type of deal?

I am actually sitting canal-side here at this moment and had a great bowl of gumbo and some sourdough bread for lunch.

This is such great space! Wonderful canal-level setting right on the water and the interior is really slick as well.

One of those places that gets forgotten about I fear, but is pretty darn cool.

The mini-golf and Brickopolis opening directly east should help bring more people by.

Fun to watch the water taxi go by. :)

I recall when one opened in Tulsa I had a terrible experience. That location has long been gone by restaurants that have also long been gone. I went to the one in OKC for lunch at another time and it was average to slightly above average.

The setting alone is worth it. The outside space is really great, as it's water level and has a big covered area (even some upholstered booths) and then some spots right on the water that get a bit of sun.

The bar area is very nice and the inside space is huge; some large rooms that can divided off for private dining or events.

I was impressed; my food was good and the service was very prompt and courteous.

I totally agree, Pete. When my parents and my wife's parents met for the first time we ate here along the canal. It was such a great experience that I don't think it would have mattered whether our food was good anyway. ;) I'm sure the food was good, but I remember the experience still 4 years later.

I really like Bourbon Street Cafe because of how well it utilizes the canal. Such a thing is still rare, even 15 years after the canal opened. Hopefully it doesn't get forgotten amid the flood of new options downtown.

There were quite a few people there at lunch today.

Also, I notice more people walking along the canal than usual, no doubt due to Brickopolis. I watched several people walk by, stop, then decide to go in this restaurant.

It's one of those places to take out of towners you want to impress because the setting is cool and unique, especially with the water taxis going by.

From my seat yesterday.

This is really a great, under appreciated spot.

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

You should check it out in the evening when the new strung lights come on overhead. They have an amazing impact for what amounts to sofa cushion money.

^

I will get down there in the evening and check it out.

String lights make every single place look cool and charming; and certainly draws people in once the sun goes down.

Tweet today from https://twitter.com/_Bricktown:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CPw9QFqUAAADcOr.jpg:large

looks so charming. and LOOK - people dining along the canal!!!

come on OKC, get in more canal side amenities!!

So if someone has been to NOLA about 5-6 times, eaten at tons of places there, would Jazmo'z be acceptable Cajun/Creole? We've been to Pearl's (disappointed since they moved to the Graveside location), Trapper's (decent, but not much more than that), Crabtown (bleah), haven't been to the Cajun buffet place due to us not liking catfish almondine, or to The Big Easy, but have been to a few other Cajun/Creole places in other cities (Redfish, Pappadeaux (a long time ago, I believe), etc.) and none just really measure up, wondering if Jazmo'z did...

I just had a bowl of gumbo and thought it was good but gumbo is pretty hard to mess up and I don't have a trained cajun palate.

The space is so great, though, drinks and appetizers would be well worth it... As would be happy hour.

I send a lot of people to Jazmo's and Its always gotten positive feedback. I also enjoyed the meal I had when I went to test them out. The atmosphere of their patio is my favorite part of the canal.

The last two times I've eaten in Bricktown, it's been at Jazmo'z. The food is fine but it's not why I like it. As others say, it's the location and atmosphere. I also sometimes just stop there to have a glass of wine next to the canal.

So if someone has been to NOLA about 5-6 times, eaten at tons of places there, would Jazmo'z be acceptable Cajun/Creole? We've been to Pearl's (disappointed since they moved to the Graveside location), Trapper's (decent, but not much more than that), Crabtown (bleah), haven't been to the Cajun buffet place due to us not liking catfish almondine, or to The Big Easy, but have been to a few other Cajun/Creole places in other cities (Redfish, Pappadeaux (a long time ago, I believe), etc.) and none just really measure up, wondering if Jazmo'z did...
I spend a fair amount of time in NOLA and love Cajun/Creole food. Many of the places you listed that you didn't feel measured up come a lot closer than Jazmo's in my opinion. the location and décor are charming and wonderful but I have never been a big fan of their food.

For future references, where would a good place to eat be given being in NOLA a few times?

I spend a fair amount of time in NOLA and love Cajun/Creole food. Many of the places you listed that you didn't feel measured up come a lot closer than Jazmo's in my opinion. the location and décor are charming and wonderful but I have never been a big fan of their food.

Exactly this.

Thanks for all the replies, guess we'll keep searching for Cajun/Creole that we like...

Thanks for all the replies, guess we'll keep searching for Cajun/Creole that we like...

Have you been to Bayou Grill and Bakery in Edmond? It's at Danforth and Bryant. I'm no expert but I have been to NOLA several times, and this place is pretty good. I think it's tough to find authentic NOLA style food here in Oklahoma but you might give them a try.
C. T.

Have you been to Bayou Grill and Bakery in Edmond? It's at Danforth and Bryant. I'm no expert but I have been to NOLA several times, and this place is pretty good. I think it's tough to find authentic NOLA style food here in Oklahoma but you might give them a try.
C. T.

Have never heard of them (odd, since I keep up with pretty much all the new places, but could be because of the location), but will definitely check them out, thanks for the tip!

... haven't been to the Cajun buffet place due to us not liking catfish almandine...

You mean Cajun King? They're as good as any Cajun/Creole in town, IMO. But I don't think they have catfish amandine.

Those fried catfish/red beans and rice/beignets though...

Have you been to Bayou Grill and Bakery in Edmond? It's at Danforth and Bryant. I'm no expert but I have been to NOLA several times, and this place is pretty good. I think it's tough to find authentic NOLA style food here in Oklahoma but you might give them a try.
C. T.

But it is incredibly hard to go there and not reach for the door of Signature Grill...

You mean Cajun King? They're as good as any Cajun/Creole in town, IMO. But I don't think they have catfish amandine.

Those fried catfish/red beans and rice/beignets though...

2Lanez,
Sorry, check their menu and catfish almondine is the first item listed after beignets, file gumbo, soup and salad. I think their food is average at best. What other Cajun/Creole places have you visited? I have been to every place in town with the exception of Jazmo'z and they are all better than Cajun King. And that's not a criticism, but I think it's typical of buffets, lots of good stuff, but nothing outstanding. I think it's the old "Jack of all trades, master of none" syndrome.
C. T.

2Lanez,
Sorry, check their menu and catfish almondine is the first item listed after beignets, file gumbo, soup and salad. I think their food is average at best. What other Cajun/Creole places have you visited? I have been to every place in town with the exception of Jazmo'z and they are all better than Cajun King. And that's not a criticism, but I think it's typical of buffets, lots of good stuff, but nothing outstanding. I think it's the old "Jack of all trades, master of none" syndrome.
C. T.


CT, most of that other stuff is there so other folks don't eat up all your catfish. It's some decent catfish. I miss the one that was here in Norman. But I get by, because catfish at Libby's down in Goldsby is oh mah gawd so good. Totally different than Cajun King, but as good, indeed, even better in my mind.

Kevin,
I will have to try it. I've never been to Goldsby, I've taken the exit often, I used to have an aunt and uncle in Washington. How about the chicken fried steak at Libby's?
C. T.