I was downtown visiting former co-workers last Thursday and we were going to try Cultivar. Skipped it because of accessibility, or lack thereof.
Haters of ADA usually don't NEED ADA as I do. I can't get my rollator down the sidewalk and it's not worth risking life and limb. Even entering the restaurant seemed problematic, so we went over to Iguana and had an outstanding lunch!

How Cultivar passed the city inspection is beyond me. You can't block an entire sidewalk so people with disabilities are unable to pass through. Too bad - I really wanted to try it!

I was downtown visiting former co-workers last Thursday and we were going to try Cultivar. Skipped it because of accessibility, or lack thereof.
Haters of ADA usually don't NEED ADA as I do. I can't get my rollator down the sidewalk and it's not worth risking life and limb. Even entering the restaurant seemed problematic, so we went over to Iguana and had an outstanding lunch!

How Cultivar passed the city inspection is beyond me. You can't block an entire sidewalk so people with disabilities are unable to pass through. Too bad - I really wanted to try it!

Lauri,
I understand your problem. I use a scooter and it is easier than a rollator. I recently bought a rollator and it's pretty nice, but due to my tendency to pass out, I have been a little reluctant to use it. I can see that it could be more difficult to maneuver. I still would like to visit Cultivar. Do you think I would be able to navigate the place on a scooter?
Thanks,
C. T.

I've heard from several people that they block the sidewalk, and I have been confused by these comments. I don't think the bar (fenced) area does at all. It is about 5' from the curb, which isn't optimal, but I believe complies with ADA. I think the problem is that they did not move a concrete planter that was put there in the late nineties. That does indeed narrow the sidewalk even further, to maybe 3'. It would be easy enough to move; would require a forklift or something but is not bolted down.

I know this because I placed it there myself when I was with the Automobile Alley Main Street Program. We had a whole bunch of planters "donated" to us when they were cleared out of the CBD. They were originally from some street beautification project in maybe the 1950s or 60s. I remember that one of them had a plaque on it stating that it had been donated by Allie "Superchief" Reynolds. Anyway, we funded their painting, planting and upkeep as a beautification shortcut for Broadway. I moved them using a rented forklift, with volunteers. If Cultivar were to move that planter I think they would be within the letter of ADA.

Also, the door is just a regular door, 36' wide, and as ADA friendly as any door on Broadway. It complies. There is no ramp or impedence. There is a hallway that you go down and another similar commercial door to go through. I will say, however, that the furniture in the dining room is large and crowded, so I think navigating the dining room might be tough. However, there is other seating that runs to the back of the building, and I'm sure that you can get wheelchairs and /or scooters to multiple tables in the restaurant quite easily.

I was downtown visiting former co-workers last Thursday and we were going to try Cultivar. Skipped it because of accessibility, or lack thereof.
Haters of ADA usually don't NEED ADA as I do. I can't get my rollator down the sidewalk and it's not worth risking life and limb. Even entering the restaurant seemed problematic, so we went over to Iguana and had an outstanding lunch!

How Cultivar passed the city inspection is beyond me. You can't block an entire sidewalk so people with disabilities are unable to pass through. Too bad - I really wanted to try it!
I'm not disabled, but a family member has MS, so I notice this all the time. Plaza is the worst offender. Here's a gem: 12477 it's followed up by this gauntlet through a partially fenced off patio where the original plaza Renaissance planters funnel pedestrian traffic into, what? A ****ing pick nick table. 12478

Then there's this genius idea to straight up annex the thoroughfare and direct traffic through an ABC-3 operating patio. 12480

Urbanized said 5 feet at cultivar. But that's supposed to be off the back of the curb. If it wouldn't make me look like a weirdo I'd measure it next time I was there. Remember red prime had to pull theirs back?

Patios are the hot new thing. And storefront operations are scrambling to build them to compete with places like fassler, bleu garten, the pump, patriarch...every new bar/restaurant concept have patios and bay doors. And I'm cool with that. We just need a little oversight here and no offense to the zoning guys on the 8th floor but these are uncharted waters here for OKC. It wouldn't hurt to take a look at places like Austin, Denver, and KC to see what their Guidelines look like.

... We just need a little oversight here and no offense to the zoning guys on the 8th floor but these are uncharted waters here for OKC. It wouldn't hurt to take a look at places like Austin, Denver, and KC to see what their Guidelines look like.

And Chicago - they have *tons* of patios downtown and none of them block pedestrian traffic (if they did, the patio would look like a small tornado had gone through there due to the sheer number of pedestrians in downtown Chicago. Once again, OKC really needs to not think it's exceptional and knows how to do stuff right, when they clearly don't.

And Chicago - they have *tons* of patios downtown and none of them block pedestrian traffic (if they did, the patio would look like a small tornado had gone through there due to the sheer number of pedestrians in downtown Chicago. Once again, OKC really needs to not think it's exceptional and knows how to do stuff right, when they clearly don't.

Well, that's certainly not my experience in Chicago. I had cocktails and a cigar seated on the sidewalk at Sullivan's Steakhouse in downtown Chicago a few years ago, it it was configured just like these places we are talking about. Here is a pic:

https://www.google.com/maps/@41.890054,-87.6292647,3a,75y,192.93h,86.94t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sZbVopTJWtwDGi7Mmt8CQdA!2e0!7i1 3312!8i6656!6m1!1e1

Well, that's certainly not my experience in Chicago. I had cocktails and a cigar seated on the sidewalk at Sullivan's Steakhouse in downtown Chicago a few years ago, it it was configured just like these places we are talking about. Here is a pic:

https://www.google.com/maps/@41.890054,-87.6292647,3a,75y,192.93h,86.94t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sZbVopTJWtwDGi7Mmt8CQdA!2e0!7i1 3312!8i6656!6m1!1e1

Sorry, should've said "When we lived there from 1996 - 2008.....", have not been back there since, my bad. And that sidewalk isn't completely blocked, looks to be maybe, barely ADA-compliant, though.

Lauri,
I understand your problem. I use a scooter and it is easier than a rollator. I recently bought a rollator and it's pretty nice, but due to my tendency to pass out, I have been a little reluctant to use it. I can see that it could be more difficult to maneuver. I still would like to visit Cultivar. Do you think I would be able to navigate the place on a scooter?
Thanks,
C. T.

C.T. - it depends on how wide your scooter is. I've rented scooters when traveling to large conventions and they tend to be rather wide at the seat. From the glimpse I got, you might have a problem.

I've about decided that local businesses could give a flip about people with disabilities. I'm now a member of the Mayor's Council on Disability Concerns and rather than bitching about the problem, I'm going to try and do something about it. What the heck - I'm retired, so I may as well do something to help others and raise awareness!

I'm now a member of the Mayor's Council on Disability Concerns and rather than bitching about the problem, I'm going to try and do something about it. What the heck - I'm retired, so I may as well do something to help others and raise awareness!

That's awesome.

Thanks for making the effort to make things better for others.

snip
If Cultivar were to move that planter I think they would be within the letter of ADA.

Also, the door is just a regular door, 36' wide, and as ADA friendly as any door on Broadway. It complies. There is no ramp or impedence. There is a hallway that you go down and another similar commercial door to go through. I will say, however, that the furniture in the dining room is large and crowded, so I think navigating the dining room might be tough. However, there is other seating that runs to the back of the building, and I'm sure that you can get wheelchairs and /or scooters to multiple tables in the restaurant quite easily.

Thanks - I couldn't see that when I rolled up to door. All I could see was a sidewalk where I couldn't travel from the north and a very crowded room. Even trying to place an order appeared too daunting for me.

There are restaurants that are ADA friendly and they get my business. Maybe Cultivar will take a hint and make it better, but if not, the Iguana has some kick-ass tilapia tacos!

That's awesome.

Thanks for making the effort to make things better for others.

Thanks Pete - it's amazing how fast they grab willing volunteers. I'll be working (and learning more) about ADA and reducing barriers. This is my hot spot. I may be disabled but I'm not dead and I'd like to be able to go out to dinner, go shopping or go to a movie without having to stress out about whether I can fit my rollator somewhere. I worked too damn hard to get my legs to work again to just sit at home and vegetate!

^

Please keep us posted on the committee's progress.

Good luck on the work, Lauri. We all need to follow not just the letter of the ADA, but the spirit of it. All people should be able to enjoy what our cities have to offer. I've probably annoyed a lot of people in the town in which I live in by posting pictures and asking, can someone in a wheelchair navigate this area?

C.T. - it depends on how wide your scooter is. I've rented scooters when traveling to large conventions and they tend to be rather wide at the seat. From the glimpse I got, you might have a problem.

I've about decided that local businesses could give a flip about people with disabilities. I'm now a member of the Mayor's Council on Disability Concerns and rather than bitching about the problem, I'm going to try and do something about it. What the heck - I'm retired, so I may as well do something to help others and raise awareness!

Lauri,
I know this is the Cultivar thread, but since we are talking about accessibility, I enjoy going to the bar and having a good craft beer and one of the places that has gone out of their way to accommodate folks with disabilities is the new On the Border in Del City. I don't need anything other than a place to park my scooter, I can walk short distances, so I sit at the bar but they have a portion of the bar set aside for people in wheel chairs (or folks in scooters that can't leave them). It's a bar at wheel chair level. Just thought I should mention them because I don't think it's an ADA requirement.
C. T.

Good luck on the work, Lauri. We all need to follow not just the letter of the ADA, but the spirit of it. All people should be able to enjoy what our cities have to offer. I've probably annoyed a lot of people in the town in which I live in by posting pictures and asking, can someone in a wheelchair navigate this area?

It even goes beyond wheelchairs. As I've become more and more involved in accessibility issues I've listened to experts who (correctly) point out that everyone can move through arcs of "disability" during their lives; requiring an easier path. It could be as simple as breaking/forgetting your glasses, losing a contact, having a broken leg or sprained ankle, or could include toting kids or pushing them in strollers. Visitors have luggage, wich makes getting around difficult. The elderly might not be specifically disabled, but can have balance, strength and vision deficits.

Th point is, if we build our environment where it only works well for the 100% able-bodied, we shut off access for many, many people, not just the few who we might occasionally notice in a wheelchair or using a white cane. And the person who needs better access tomorrow might easily be you. Our sidewalks should be convenient and safe for everybody.

^

Great points and thanks for that perspective.

Went last night a little before 8PM and the place was completely packed.

I saw one small table on the patio that was messy but it appeared people had left, so I snagged it.

Straight away, a young woman came and cleared everything and took my drink order. I didn't see any signs about bussing your own table so perhaps that has now changed since they are better staffed.

After a bit, we moved to the seats at the outdoor bar and had excellent service. Just had a couple of drinks and the queso, which I am starting to crave.

It's just such a cool, lively scene. There was a large wedding reception at Water's Edge Winery next door, so lots of people out and about, stopping to chat, etc. Auto Alley really needs more places with patios as it's one of the really great urban scenes in OKC.

totally agree with your last statement!

Thank you all for comments of support. Urbanized hit it on the mark - you never know when you might need an accommodation in order to function like a normal person.
The Mayor's Committee has been around for a while, with little fanfare or publicity. I'll start a new thread about the functions, etc., rather than continuing to hijack Cultivar!

Looks like the sidewalk issue will soon be addressed by removing the existing planter and adding others closer to the fencing:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/cultivar041216.jpg

What if we removed another lane from Broadway and widened the sidewalks even more? How awesome would that be? 2 lanes are more than enough for Broadway 99% of the time IMO. More accessible patios for all!

What if we removed another lane from Broadway and widened the sidewalks even more? How awesome would that be? 2 lanes are more than enough for Broadway 99% of the time IMO. More accessible patios for all!

I dunno about that.. I have to say I am surprised at how busy Broadway has been when I am over there these days. I always comment of how lively it is as compared to before when it was a wide road with no traffic or life.

I dunno about that.. I have to say I am surprised at how busy Broadway has been when I am over there these days. I always comment of how lively it is as compared to before when it was a wide road with no traffic or life.

Isn't that cool though? There are a lot more places to go now, and a lot more places that are fun to walk to or between. And a LOT more people who now live within walking distance. SO. MUCH. POTENTIAL. Broadway is the perfect place to see what kind of impact the streetcar can have. Can't wait!

Wife and I got some takeout here last night from the "build-your-own" line. I dunno if they were going for a local version of Chipotle, but that's basically what it is, and what I feel people will likely compare it to. That being said, the space is awesome. I love when restaurants make the indoor and patio space connect. And it has very comfortable design. Would be a cool place to catch a game or grab a bite with friends

I agree with the other posters in saying that the assembly line experience is pretty overwhelming. It really feels like there are too many ingredients. Imagine if all of Chipotle's add-ins were separated out instead of mixed together. For example, the red and green bell peppers are separate ingredients and count as 2 of your 3 included ingredients. Also I remember raw mushrooms and dill pickles. I mean to each his own, but these things seemed very out of place.

It might have just been the person that helped me, but she really offered me no guidance. I had to guess and ask what every single thing was. They have 2 kinds of rice and 3 (maybe 4?) kinds of beans, and I had to ask about each instead of her leading the way. Then she just kind of stared at me as I just went "deer in the headlights" over the multitude of add-ins. I just blindly picked stuff, and after 2, she just said "one more". Like I didn't even realize I only got 3. I know there is some signage, but it's kind of all over the place so it's really difficult to focus when you're in line.

By the way, no pico, guac, or lettuce in the regular line. I didn't see lettuce at all, and the pico and guac are off to the side almost out of sight. By that time I saw any of it, she had already snapped the lid shut and handed it to me to pay, so I kind of gave up from there.

All that said, the food is very good. I had the Barbacoa beef bowl and my wife got the carne asada bowl. Both were super tasty, but I definitely missed the fresh ingredients like pico or lettuce. The containers are kind of weird to me. I like that they are big enough that my food won't spill, but compared to the amount of food you get, they seem way oversized.

Overall, This is a perfect concept for downtown if done right. The food is very good, and I'm sure the sit-down experience is probably a great experience. Considering that I have a point of reference in Chipotle, which is cheaper with larger portions of food, I unfortunately can't co-sign on the 'build-your-own' line at this point. But like Pete said, they've only been open a few weeks, I'm sure they'll work this stuff out.

There are lots of Add-Ins that might not make sense for a Bowl. however keep in mind that is the same line that you build a salad and all those go great in the Salad. Ad for the lettuce there are 6 huge bins behind the person filling your order, you have many choices as to type of lettuce you want for salads. I am sure they would add it to your bowl as well but who knows.

They are adding a curb-side pickup in the alley behind for carry out orders:

https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtf1/v/t1.0-9/13010806_478750622313906_1506818170815460830_n.jpg ?oh=1e364e8276493582176aab860a35dcec&oe=57AE1103

hmmm... this is relevant to my interests. -M

Cultivar planning to sponsor a Cinco de Mayo fest by closing off 7th between Broadway and Oklahoma and having live music, games and of course food, drinks and beer.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/cultivar042216.jpg

So...will this be going on simultaneous to the longstanding Cinco de Mayo activities two blocks away at Iguana?

This place has a quality problem, with both service and food. It's a real shame - it seems like such a bulletproof concept and it's an awesome space and I want it to be good whenever I go. It just isn't though.

I went twice in the first few weeks that they opened. While I didn't have a horrible experience, I haven't really been excited about going back with all the other options right around there, and around OKC. I haven't written it off completely, it has a great feel inside, the chips / salsa / queso are great and some of the tacos I've had are good. I need to give it another chance, however I've continued to hear underwhelming reviews from friends / coworkers, etc.

I went yesterday for lunch.

I got the chips/salsa, carne asada taco, & pork taco. The taco's were small. Felt overpriced for the quantity. They were pretty good though and I especially liked the hot sauce on the table.

The salsa was good, but I wasn't that big of a fan on the chips. They were a little thick/hard for my liking.

we have enjoyed it every time we have went.. the one thing I keep hearing from people is they think its a bit over priced for what it is. but they seem to be doing great business.

I've also had good, consistent food on every visit.

They are certainly doing great business.

I also understand they are moving forward on their plans for the rooftop deck, which should be amazing. As in, one of the best and most unique spots in all of OKC.

I've been about five times and each was a very good experience. One time I didn't like the taco I got, but that was just a personal preference and me trying something new. They've consistently been good, in my opinion.

I've been 4 or 5 times and the food was great every time. However, the staff have been consistently unfriendly and sometimes (like the other day) just flat our rude. I'm a big fan of the food, but I don't know if I'll be going again anytime soon simply due to the staff, which is a shame.

I've become a little annoyed at showing up during the lunch hour to see the same table (directly across from a TV) with a sign on it saying the table is "out of service." Obviously the boss is saving this table for himself or someone else. Its happened a couple of times and it's off-putting to say the least. I've also seen the owner preferring to sit at this table at other times - so, I assume he's doing it for himself. Not a good idea during busy times.

had a good first experience this past weekend

I went yesterday and really enjoyed everything. We sat outside at the bar and it's just a great atmosphere. The cheeseburger taco in particular was fantastic.

12604

Dave Cathey's video update.

http://newsok.com/multimedia/video/5175267499001

I went this Saturday around 5:00, and it wasn't very crowded... but we didn't expect it to be at an off time. It was my first time in a few months, as my experience was good the first 2 times, but it wasn't something that I was going to add to my regular rotation due to the price point for my appetite. They have a happy hour discount for food and drinks, and we got a large queso, large salsa and small guac for a total of $16 (for the amount of food we got, I don't think it was unreasonable). We sat at the bar, but it didn't look like they had changed their ordering system at the taco/burrito line from the first time I went. The space is very large, and I think that Larry did a great job. Our experience was good enough that we may go back and try ordering a full meal at the bar. I hope they do well, because I think the concept is needed and the space is very cool (especially if they add a rooftop bar). I haven't been, but I imagine that they do a steady lunch business.

I went this Saturday around 5:00, and it wasn't very crowded... but we didn't expect it to be at an off time. It was my first time in a few months, as my experience was good the first 2 times, but it wasn't something that I was going to add to my regular rotation due to the price point for my appetite. They have a happy hour discount for food and drinks, and we got a large queso, large salsa and small guac for a total of $16 (for the amount of food we got, I don't think it was unreasonable). We sat at the bar, but it didn't look like they had changed their ordering system at the taco/burrito line from the first time I went. The space is very large, and I think that Larry did a great job. Our experience was good enough that we may go back and try ordering a full meal at the bar. I hope they do well, because I think the concept is needed and the space is very cool (especially if they add a rooftop bar). I haven't been, but I imagine that they do a steady lunch business.

I go for lunch about once a week, sometimes more. It's always 90% full, so I think they're doing well.

Went last night about 8PM and there were 20-30 people there.

As per their FB page.... Cultivar began serving breakfast this morning.

As per their FB page.... Cultivar began serving breakfast this morning.

Does anyone know what time? I haven't been able to find it anywhere.

Does anyone know what time? I haven't been able to find it anywhere.

Haven't seen that handy piece of info available anywhere yet... FB still says they open at 11 AM and their website doesn't have the breakfast menu added yet.

I'm sure they'll be open by 7; maybe a bit earlier.

I'm sure they'll be open by 7; maybe a bit earlier.

I would hope so... I was surprised when Fit Pig and Organic Squeeze came in, they both opened at 8 which is too late for the normal work crowd.

I would hope so... I was surprised when Fit Pig and Organic Squeeze came in, they both opened at 8 which is too late for the normal work crowd.

Yeah, I don't understand opening for breakfast at 8 AM on a weekday.... All the taquerias that serve breakfast do it too and it frustrates me because there are mornings I just want a chorizo, egg, & potato burrito for breakfast..... So hopefully Pete is right about them opening at 7 AM or earlier.

Yeah, I don't understand opening for breakfast at 8 AM on a weekday.... All the taquerias that serve breakfast do it too and it frustrates me because there are mornings I just want a chorizo, egg, & potato burrito for breakfast..... So hopefully Pete is right about them opening at 7 AM or earlier.

I n
Know not what you are talking about. Bug big truck opens at 730

True, and I get that once or twice a month. It's always interesting to see to relatively brisk bar business they do in the morning from the people from OUHSC and St Anthony getting off their night shift.

They open at 7:30 am, think that's too late really for the work week.

Even Belle Kitchen in DD doesn't open until 8am! Which is insane, considering pastries and donuts are usually consumed in the morning. There is literally dozens of people walking past their store from 7-8am who can't grab something. I have personally pointed this out to them and they said they may fine-tune the hours as they get settled in.

Breakfast places in OKC are weird, although in my experience anytime I am able to go to a breakfast place on a weekday post-8am, I am always shocked at the amount of people that are there... Maybe there is just a really large base of people either not working traditional 8/9-5 or maybe people just don't have traditional weekday jobs.

Ozzie's at the airport in Norman opens at 6 am. It's rarely really busy until after 7:30 on the weekday mornings that I am there, though it does get busy earlier on the weekends.

One of the nicer things in working for yourself - flexible hours.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/cultivar111516.jpg

I tried their breakfast for the first time this morning. I was the only person in the there, but I also was there at 7:45 and they open at 7:30. Without knowing their hours, it looks closed from the outside as the garage doors are down and they have a relatively dark tint.

I got a egg, bean and cheese taco and a barbacoa taco. Both were good, but same as their lunch they were on the smaller size. I like to eat a big breakfast, so I would need to order 3 next time. I might try the burrito instead. Overall it was good, but I prefer Big Truck's breakfast for the price.

Finally got around to trying this place. I finally get what people mean when they're talking about the lines.

Got 4 craft tacos: shrimp, carnitas, barbacoa, and asada. Found it weird that fried chicken was considered seasonal. Also had the queso and guac. Chips were good, guac was good, and I liked that they used white cheese, but wish something was combined with it.

The fire sauce had a nice kick to it, and my favorite taco out of the 4 was the shrimp. The rest were topped with so many ingredients it over powered the meat. Could see myself visiting once a month or so.

The food is good but I've given up on this concept. It's just too weird and disjointed to order there, and the food is rather expensive for the quality. At this point, I prefer Revolucion.

I've never had an issue ordering, but maybe because I've only ordered burritos there? it's my big truck alternative for downtown.

The food is good but I've given up on this concept. It's just too weird and disjointed to order there, and the food is rather expensive for the quality. At this point, I prefer Revolucion.

I'm glad you mentioned that. I've been told that Revolucion is actually a big truck alternative as well.