James Vu of La Brasa and his investment / development partner Shyon Keoppel have announced plans to remake the current Giggelz space in Midtown as Kong's Tavern.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/kong1.jpg

Kong's will be a sports bar featuring games, quality food, a full bar and a DJ on the weekends in the large space directly east of Saint Anthony Hospital at 1016 N. Walker.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/kong2.jpg


Vu & Keoppel recently announced they were taking over the space and bringing Chef Vuong Nguyen who provided a temporary menu with the new owners continued to operate as Gigglez in the short-term.

Chef Vuong is formerly of Guernsey Park and Bonjour and will be collaborating with Vu on the menu. Vu said of the food, “There will be Kong's craft milkshakes, street food gastronomy vs. freestyle culinary. Just two guys being creative and having lots of fun.”

Giggelz is operating for now but will close the first or second week of March then the grand-reopening will be St. Patrick's Day with a 3-day party feature live music and a DJ.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/kong4.jpg


The space is in the process of being fully updated with a large video wall, lots of TV's, games and a DJ booth above the bar.

RBA of Oklahoma City is doing the interior and Larry Pickering is designing the patio on the west side of the space which will be partially covered with ample lounge furniture.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/kong3.jpg


Kong's signature will be an 8' gorilla statue facing Walker.

Open every day 11-2, Sunday brunch.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/kong5.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/kong6.jpg

Sounds like a solid Rebrand. The location is great and Gigglez just made people think Comedy club not bar and Grill. this should do very well.

I've always liked the space and really enjoy Gigglez for the most part, but it always needed an experienced hand and a solid identity.

Also, the patio was always underutilized but that will change in a big way and create life on the street and help draw people in.

Should be one of the better sports bars around and you can bet the food will be good and interesting.

And they're bringing in a statue of the legendary HARAMBE!!!!

This is going to become a "spot" even moreso. The branding looks very cool.

What kind of "games" exactly? Would love to see a shuffleboard table.

What kind of "games" exactly? Would love to see a shuffleboard table.

I believe more interactive games. They have skeet ball, basketball, and a few others already.

Kong's Tavern? This place is cursed.

Kong's Tavern? This place is cursed.

They've already seen a huge increase in business just by the new owners promoting through social media.

I would be shocked if this wasn't a big success.

Yeah it was packed when I went and I didn't stick around for GS/OKC. I was there an hour before the game and people were there for NCAA basketball.

They've already seen a huge increase in business just by the new owners promoting through social media.

I would be shocked if this wasn't a big success.

Sarcasm, mostly. Not knocking the food, I trust it's good. Still not a fan of the name. An upgrade from Gigglez, but then again, anything is.

Sounds like a cool idea, hope they do well, but not my kind of place (not a sports bar guy), so I selfishly hope Chef Vuong gets this place going and then goes back to a Bonjour/Melange type of thing. :Smiley122

Sounds like a cool idea, hope they do well, but not my kind of place (not a sports bar guy), so I selfishly hope Chef Vuong gets this place going and then goes back to a Bonjour/Melange type of thing. :Smiley122

I meant to mention this in the other thread but it looks like Melange is dead dead. Shouldn't have to be a sports guy to like street food though.

FWIW I was also told that after Kongs they're re-doing the menu at La Brasa.

I meant to mention this in the other thread but it looks like Melange is dead dead. Shouldn't have to be a sports guy to like street food though.

FWIW I was also told that after Kongs they're re-doing the menu at La Brasa.

Yeah, I figured Melange was dead, just hoping he gets his own place to do his thing again instead of just being a hired gun, that's what I meant.

I just don't go for the whole sports bar ambiance/environment, we generally don't go out to bars anyway, just restaurants. Thx for the info about La Brasa, that's on our list, but we'll probably wait 'til they get done before going now.

Thx for the info about La Brasa, that's on our list, but we'll probably wait 'til they get done before going now.

I would go hit them up now, no need to wait. Their food is already excellent. I'm sure Chef Vuong being involved will help, but it's easily one of our top 5 restaurants in OKC. Miso glazed Chilean sea bass is amazing!

I would go hit them up now, no need to wait. Their food is already excellent. I'm sure Chef Vuong being involved will help, but it's easily one of our top 5 restaurants in OKC. Miso glazed Chilean sea bass is amazing!

Yeah, I've heard great things about them, but we're doing Sushi Neko this weekend for a late V-day celebration, so we can't go this weekend, and since we have about 50 other restaurants on our "need-to-try" list, not sure where La Brasa falls in priority (we only eat out about once a week). :)

Yeah, I've heard great things about them, but we're doing Sushi Neko this weekend for a late V-day celebration, so we can't go this weekend, and since we have about 50 other restaurants on our "need-to-try" list, not sure where La Brasa falls in priority (we only eat out about once a week). :)

If you have that list somewhere online I'd love to see it. I like going to new restaurants.

8' gorilla now on the patio:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/kong030517.jpg

They had a soft opening last night ahead of this weekend's opening.

This photo is of the space to the east, which they have opened up to the bar area to the west. Removing that wall makes a big difference.

I wasn't able to go and sample the food and drinks but have heard good things.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/kongs031517.jpg

Stopped by this afternoon. Met James and had a laugh about how many people asked if I knew him. Ordered the burger and one of their alcoholic shakes. Everything was pretty good. Will probably make my weekly rotation. Had a talk with Vuong too, and he mentioned something maybe in the works for himself as he'll be there for about another 2 weeks or so.

Their roasted chicken isn't available, but if you've had the chicken at La Brasa then you've had it.

1368313684

^

I was there too this afternoon... Wonder if we crossed paths and didn't know it.

*Very* different vibe than Gigglez. Lots more energy.

Ho-lee cow.

Went to Kong's yesterday around 4 just as things were starting to ramp up. They had a big stage in the parking lot to the south and then fences all around to control people coming in there and the restaurant and patio.

They also had a DJ inside. And I counted 6 bars.

When I left around 10PM there was a massive line to get in. And literally thousands and thousands of people there and at McNellies. I'm sure Fassler and Bleu Garten were crazy as well.

There had to be over 10,000 people down there last night.

And God Bless OKC. Despite the crowds people were super friendly and cool. Had just an awesome time and I'm sure those places all made tons of money.

Bricktown was lively as well. I think half the state was out last night since the weather was nice.

I went here and all the other Midtown venues on Friday and it was a blast!

The porta-potties @ Kongs were genius. $10 cover to get in and get good service and nice band performance was well worth it.

I assume Fassler and Bleu Garten were also packed?

Those 2 plus McNellie's street thing had to account for over 5,000 people alone.

Bleu was packed to the brim. It was 21+ with bagcheck. So they were even limiting the number of people and by 1am, the place was shoulder to shoulder. I think all the trucks sold out real early.

Fassler was crowded, and most people there were spillover from Kongs and Mcnellie's block parties. Seemed a lot of people didn't want to pay the cover charges, so they went to Bleu and Fassler.

I assume Fassler and Bleu Garten were also packed?

Those 2 plus McNellie's street thing had to account for over 5,000 people alone.

I wasn't there, but my friends said Bleu Garten had a 20+ minute wait for beer at the middle bar and seemed to be really understaffed. I know they were super packed, but they had that problem earliest this year it would seem like the easiest problem to fix would be to overstaff and have numerous bars to sell beer as fast as possible.

I was there as well. More staff would have helped but their is only so fast you can serve that many people. Getting drinks at their main bar the staff worked really quick but the time to have multiple people order and then pay on their systems while they make the drinks can only go so fast. A problem I noticed is they had 4 stations at the main bar( like normal I believe.) but their were at least 6 lines because people weren't paying attention or would step to the side and people would just follow and it would snowball from their. I know my line kept having to let people who were in no man lands alternate in to order and it just made things go even slower.
But all is all it was a lively crowd with it absolutely packed. It just shows how much money to be made and demand their is if you can run a decent set up. The area is thriving and will only continue to get better when the streetcar goes in.

Got a chance to check this place out this past weekend. Had a great time! It was pretty packed, but the place is huge so didn't feel like i was crowded. Didn't try any food (not sure if they're serving yet). My only gripe is that there wasn't any glassware. I'm too old to be drinking vodka out of a plastic cup.

I went last weekend as well. There was a good sized crowd and pretty diverse. I had a short rib taco and it was really good. We were there during some of the March Madness games and I think it would be a good place to come back to watch a game.

Walked in and right back out this weekend. First, the kitchen closes at 10pm. That was our main reason for leaving. Secondly, a little too much of a club-like atmosphere than my group was wanting.

But I guess its better than the ghost town that was Gigglez.

^

It's much more laid back during the day and early evening.

I've been surprised by the crowds there, even late Sunday night....

No happy hour which is disappointing, however, they do have a "Kong's Brew" draft (red ale) and a "grab bag" bottle option for $3 each so it might as well have been happy hour compared to other beer prices in midtown.
Was hesitant to eat there after the packed "club" feel of Saint Paddy's day but food was surprisingly good, I got the Korean short rib "Bombrito" and it was awesome- I've never had an asian-fusion burrito before.

Their kimchi fries are very good as well.

They are having their official grand opening tonight.

No happy hour which is disappointing, however, they do have a "Kong's Brew" draft (red ale) and a "grab bag" bottle option for $3 each so it might as well have been happy hour compared to other beer prices in midtown.
Was hesitant to eat there after the packed "club" feel of Saint Paddy's day but food was surprisingly good, I got the Korean short rib "Bombrito" and it was awesome- I've never had an asian-fusion burrito before.

I found it pretty good as well. Kind of irked that with the texture/consistency of the meat it fell out in one bite for me though =(

I walked by there last night and at 9PM on a Tuesday they were quite busy.

Complete turnaround from when it was Gigglez.

I go by there most nights and, except when they're closed, it's been kind of ridiculous around there. I mean, people parallel parking on Walker from just south of their lot down to 9th, which NEVER happened before...

This place is like a little slice of bricktown in midtown, which really isnt a good thing. Went back after first attempt and it was a madhouse. Couldnt even order a drink without waiting 10 mins at the bar. On top of that, the bar staff lost a member of our party's credit card. The place gave me the douche chills, and that doesnt help when the service is already terrible.

This place is like a little slice of bricktown in midtown, which really isnt a good thing. Went back after first attempt and it was a madhouse. Couldnt even order a drink without waiting 10 mins at the bar. On top of that, the bar staff lost a member of our party's credit card. The place gave me the douche chills, and that doesnt help when the service is already terrible.

Ugh. They lost a member of our party's credit card on st. Patrick's day. Then told that person they couldn't be served a drink because they couldn't pay...right...pay with what?

I haven't been back but I'm glad to hear it's busy?

This place is like a little slice of bricktown in midtown, which really isnt a good thing. Went back after first attempt and it was a madhouse. Couldnt even order a drink without waiting 10 mins at the bar. On top of that, the bar staff lost a member of our party's credit card. The place gave me the douche chills, and that doesnt help when the service is already terrible.

Slice of Bricktown in Midtown is a perfect way to put it, though I would add that with Fassler+Kong's it is becoming a relatively large slice (New York style slice?).

Honestly, I need to give Bricktown another chance. Aside from the occasional bike-bar, I haven't gone out in Bricktown at night since a group of my friends was randomly assaulted several years ago (we were leaving Skyy Bar if that is an indication of timeline). My friends took the elevator while I was in the bathroom so I had to catch the next lift down, by the time I got down it two of my friends were laying on the ground (one with a broken nose) and the other was helping his girlfriend who had been shoved into a brick pillar. We contacted the police who informed us we had likely been the victim of the "knockout game"?
I've managed to steer clear of the area since then but feel like it probably deserves another shot.

I need to back off my previous statement slightly. I went to Kong's last night to watch the thunder game. Was not super crowded during the game so I ate and watched the game in peace. However, by the end of the game it was completely packed and there were cars parallel parked on Walker. Also they were getting ready to start karaoke, they were doing tests on the mic. I'm glad I got out of there as soon as the game was over.

Also the addition of the west side garage door is a nice addition for decent weather nights.

I've gone once to Kong's and probably won't go back because of the target audience. That's not a knock against Kong's, which clearly had a lot of thought and effort put into it. I personally just don't like hanging out with the former crowd of Rok Bar. But everyone has their own preferences of course!

Am I the only one that giggled because King won't hang out at Kong's? Probably.... :-P

^^^^haha

Possible expansion to Norman?

Possible expansion to Norman?

Did you see something that led you to ask this?

I was there Friday night and the owner got on the mic and said they were opening up on Campus Corner.

Very interesting. Thanks for sharing.

I wonder where? Maybe the recently closed CVS or maybe the Mexican restaurant that closed? Chimys I think it was?

The old Brother's space.

Hopefully relocating rather than expanding. Not much a fan of this place and the crowd it attracts, and literally everyone I talk to about this place says the same. Mostly complaints about service being awful.

This will be Kong's #2.

Hopefully relocating rather than expanding. Not much a fan of this place and the crowd it attracts, and literally everyone I talk to about this place says the same. Mostly complaints about service being awful.

I don't visit this place for the reasons mentioned, but it does attract a lot of people. Therefore; I highly doubt they will be relocating.

Hopefully relocating rather than expanding. Not much a fan of this place and the crowd it attracts, and literally everyone I talk to about this place says the same. Mostly complaints about service being awful.

You're not a fan of the crowd it attracts and people say the same, yet it's the service that upsets you? That doesn't quite add up to me - is it the crowd it attracts or the service or both?

You're not a fan of the crowd it attracts and people say the same, yet it's the service that upsets you? That doesn't quite add up to me - is it the crowd it attracts or the service or both?

Mostly the service. Terrible when I was there, to me and my party. And a handful of people who I've talked to have said the exact same thing, problems with service. Getting ignored or taking forever to get served were the issues.

Mostly the service. Terrible when I was there, to me and my party. And a handful of people who I've talked to have said the exact same thing, problems with service. Getting ignored or taking forever to get served were the issues.

Thanks for the clarification. It sounds like they have some work to do.

Was dragged here the other night for the 3rd time. I'm friendly with the owners, but they are on a whole different speed than I am, and so are the majority of folks who frequent their bar. Much like other comments I've read, I'm not their target audience, so it's hard to complain. I actually am happy that Kongs has been so successful because it pulls the "party people" out of the calmer bars that I choose to frequent.

Someone asked me where to watch the fight on Saturday night, and I recalled Kong's being mentioned as a place that in the recent past hosted a watch party atmosphere for one of those fights.. Other place I heard was BWW, but I avoid that place, ha.

Any info on this place or other venues for a few casual fans to take in the event is appreciated!

Probably Dave & Busters. They had May vs Pac.