After a substantial renovation, a former dive bar will soon reopen as Fat Dog Kitchen & Bar at 1234 N. Western.



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Last year, work commenced on the building but the proposed Rabbit Hole bar soon abandoned their plans due to a dispute between the operators.

Lonnie Green soon stepped in and leased the unique property and has spent months reworking it. There will be a soft opening this week and then Fat Dog will soon open to the public.



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The small building features a large patio and a charming setting among mature trees in a rapidly evolving area of Western just south of where the street criss-crosses Classen Boulevard.

Immediately to the south is Art Fusion Studio, a renovated historic building that has been transformed into a an art gallery and event space by Rick and Tracey Bewley. All around this area, a large out-of-state housing developer has been assembling properties.

Green commissioned the Bewleys to create custom glasswork for the project and hopes to feature rotating works from various local artists.

The dog-friendly patio will soon receive a pergola structure that will partially cover the outdoor area.

The entire exterior has been renovated and the adjacent gravel parking lot has been paved.

Fat Dog will offer a full bar, a good selection of local beers and a nice wine list.

Although the building itself is small, a full kitchen will be featured; see menu below.



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I used to drive Western every day to get on i-40 and always wanted to stop in here at the bar. Can't wait to try it.

The outdoor space in particular should be pretty great, as the setting is just brimming with character.

I'm going to the soft opening this week and will report back.

I used to drive Western every day to get on i-40 and always wanted to stop in here at the bar. Can't wait to try it.
Since the antique lady it's been about 6 bars. It was a turnkey operation. 3.2 only. Usually leased by former customers who thought they could turn it around and make a go of it. Almost all of which intended to get a liquor license but didn't understand that changing the zoning and running the bureaucratic marathon to get an able license also cost around $5,000

Before the renovation, this entire property was in horrible shape.

I toured it when the Rabbit Hole guys just started work and it was scary bad. And beyond the cosmetics there were all types of plumbing and other problems.

The parking area wasn't even paved at that time.


The new proprietors have put a ton of money in this place and it really turned out cool. I love this little section of Western and can walk over from my place.

Looks awesome, menu looks delicious. Do they have any social media accounts to follow?

They have a Facebook account but it's mainly for their friends and family since they aren't open yet.

I like the retro 60's Space Age vibe. My folks, long time ago, had a hanging lamp that looked like those 3 pictures / glass bricks. That copper top bar will only look better with use. Like this.

I came here looking for cute pictures of fat dogs. :(

Looks awesome, menu looks delicious. Do they have any social media accounts to follow?

@FatDogOKC

It's no Antique Lady.

Things I regret: not drinking at Antique Lady
Things I don't regret: not being stabbed
I'll call it even

I came here looking for cute pictures of fat dogs. :(

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Yay!

Things I regret: not drinking at Antique Lady
Things I don't regret: not being stabbed
I'll call it even

Been there many times back in the day for a beer and shoot a game of pool. after work. Donny the bald headed guy used to own it back then. It could get pretty rough in there.

Went to the soft opening last night... This is going to be a fun place.

It's a good size I think. Intimate but not cramped. The patio area isn't quite finished but will be a really nice setting.

Hard to get a feel for the food and drinks as they were on limited operation. I had a chicken fried steak sandwich that was good and the fries were really good.



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They open this Saturday at 11AM.

Any word on when the patio will be ready? I would feel guilty if I went without my dog, for obvious reasons.

Don't think it will be much longer.

The patio is actually in place, they just have to erect the pergola structure.

Should be a really cool spot.

Great little neighborhood bar. The food was very good and the bar manager was welcoming and attentive.

Had lunch there on Sunday and hung out a while...

I had the hotlink sandwich and it was very, very good. Big portion, delicious bun and just the right amount of heat.

Also had a side of chips and two types of salsa. The red was good but the verde was warm and very, very good.

They don't have their full liquor license quite yet so just domestics in cans.

Patio is coming along and should be done in 1-2 weeks.


Really like this little place. Cool setting and really good bar food.

Had dinner with friends here Saturday evening. everything we ate was great. I had the nachos and partner had burger. friends had Fish n Chips and the fat dog. Everyone loved the food. great little spot and they said they will have liquor by end of this week. Patio looked good but seems they were still working on it but you could sit out there at a few of the tables but was a bit rainy so we were indoors. I agree the warm green salsa is really good!

Tried it out for lunch today... The Fat Dog is a massive 1/2 lb hot dog covered in chili, cheese, and sauteed onions. I thought it was pretty good but I'll ask them to roll it around on the flat top next time to give it a little carmelization. The chili appeared to be house made and I'm not much of a fry person but I liked that they are serving the thinner shoestring style fries as that's about the only kind I'll eat.

Also tried the mac & cheese which was really good. Smooth, creamy, and tangy comfort in a bowl.... Well in a metal dog food bowl actually I think! ;)

They also let you order your burger to the doneness you like... Guy sitting a couple of tables over ordered a medium rare burger.... That's kind of like playing Russian Roulette with your lunch if you ask me but if you like your burgers pink... You can get it that way here.

^

Next time, try the hot link.

It's plenty big and I just had it with brown mustard and I've been craving it ever since.

Their chef/cook came from Bin 73, and he's legit.

Next time, try the hot link.

I went over there to have the hotlink, after I saw you mention it above, but then I saw it was a Schwab's hotlink..... And not knocking Schwab's at all because I've been eating Schwab's hotlinks for most of my life and love them, but I was hoping it was a different style of hotlink so that kind of threw me off the mood for a hotlink.

How did they serve it? Was it grilled? Split or whole?

I'll definitely be going back and trying some other things and will absolutely go there when I'm in the mood for a massive chili dog.

I had the hot link when I went on Thursday and it was almost too big to eat. Certainly couldn't pick it up.

I had the hot link when I went on Thursday and it was almost too big to eat. Certainly couldn't pick it up.

Same with the Fat Dog.... I wouldn't even attempt to pick it up if I was wearing a bib!

I'll have to go back and have the hotlink soon then based on you and Pete's descriptions.

The hot link was grilled and split.

There were actually two of them kind of overlapping on the bun, which was delicious too.

I shouldn't have eaten it all but it was so good I had to finish it off.

The hot link was grilled and split.

Alright... You got me at grilled and split.... Add some cheese and a butter toasted bun and I'm golden!

the only thing that gave me pause on the hotlink ( I love hotlinks ) was the name on the menu..lol... Red rocket is not a good menu item name in a dog themed establishment..lol

Pretty much everything on the menu is dog-themed double entendre. I mean, you can order lots of items doggy style, fercryinoutloud.

OH I get it..lol.. and had my nachos Doggy style..

the only thing that gave me pause on the hotlink ( I love hotlinks ) was the name on the menu..lol... Red rocket is not a good menu item name in a dog themed establishment..lol

Restaurants. Between this and Raising Cane's Lemon Party signs and t-shirts....

Went and had the hotlink for lunch today and added cheese to it. First thing I checked was to see if it was one link, or two as others have said they were served, and mine was one huge link.

The chef came out and asked how it was so I asked where he was getting these huge Schwab's hotlinks and he told me they are being custom made for them which is what I suspected when I saw it as I've never seen a footlong, possibly longer, hotlink before.

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^

And, what did you think of it?

When I had that dish a couple of weeks ago, it was definitely two links grafted together on one bun but I suspect since then their custom ordering is in place.

Did you notice if they have their liquor license yet?

Patio is pretty much done now.

That's how mine was. One long link. I didn't know I could add cheese. I will be doing that next time.

been meaning to hit this place up for lunch but keep forgetting about it... -M

^

And, what did you think of it?

When I had that dish a couple of weeks ago, it was definitely two links grafted together on one bun but I suspect since then their custom ordering is in place.

Did you notice if they have their liquor license yet?

Patio is pretty much done now.

Well it was a Schwab's hot link... So I thought it was great and was glad they had American cheese to add to it because that's how I've always eaten them. =+)

It's very possible they just got their custom links in and I'm pretty sure this super link is bigger than two original links.

Did not see any liquor behind the bar yet. Only beer...... They were also serving iced tea in glasswear instead of the plastic logo cups today.

^

I really liked the bun they use too.

That looks good, really good.

Went last night and had the hot link as well. It is huge and delicious!. I should have added cheese!
also tried the Mac and cheese which is great as well!
Drinks were served in glasses not plastic logo cups and my partner asked for a togo drink ( drives me crazy he asks for one EVERYWHERE) they gave him a logo cup and said that was the last one until new order gets in. so think they may be going back to logo cups just out at the moment.

Has it been pretty busy? Anybody been during weekday lunch yet?

I forgot to mention they were doing a pretty brisk business when I was there with probably about a 50/50 mix of new customers and repeat customers from listening to the waitress interact with people.

We randomly met the chef at Sidecar last week - awesome guy, hilarious! Needless to say we'll be checking this place out ASAP. If only it was a bit shorter of a walk - but then again that might make it more dangerous!

bump

Stopped by there yesterday. They got their liquor license a week ago and should start getting some stuff soon.

Ordered the nachos, which I thought were okay. May try again with steak next time.

Also ordered the hot link. Man that thing is long, and good! Fries were a little too salty, same with the chips that came with the chips and salsa. Friend liked the pork wings.

Tons of specials during thunder games. Look forward to giving it another go

They must've been operating the bar under a catering license because they've had booze for at least several weeks. I had drinks there a couple of weekends ago.

They have liquor, but they didn't have anything on draft. Everything was bottled or can.

They have liquor, but they didn't have anything on draft. Everything was bottled or can.

And all 3.2 I believe.

If you haven't tried this place yet and perhaps wants some incentive.
I buy these things all the time from Sweet deals.. they are a great deal for sure.

http://www.sweetdealscumulus.com/category/local

the only thing that gave me pause on the hotlink ( I love hotlinks ) was the name on the menu..lol... Red rocket is not a good menu item name in a dog themed establishment..lol

I was going to say the same thing until I saw a picture of it; then I didn't care. That thing looks magnificent.

I just order it as the hotlink!

But anything you order brings the question, "Would you like that doggie style?"

I just order it as the hotlink!

But anything you order brings the question, "Would you like that doggie style?"

Not to totally derail this thread but..... Sure hope that lady from Norman that's protesting Torchy's doesn't find out about this. ;)

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And of course the correct answer is almost always "yes."

Dropped by here just to check it out and it's really a nice, relaxed space. I love the feel of the place and the patio is fantastic. I hope it does well.

Kinda crazy.. these 1/2 price offers are usually sold out in like 5 minutes.
there are still many available for Fat Dog.
if you are interested.

http://www.sweetdealscumulus.com/deal/oklahomacity/fat-dog-kitchen-bar-1

Kinda crazy.. these 1/2 price offers are usually sold out in like 5 minutes.
there are still many available for Fat Dog.
if you are interested.

http://www.sweetdealscumulus.com/deal/oklahomacity/fat-dog-kitchen-bar-1

Unless you're going with a group, don't know how 1-2 people would benefit from a $50 coupon when you don't get your unused credit back. Wish they did a a $10 for $20.

Unless you're going with a group, don't know how 1-2 people would benefit from a $50 coupon when you don't get your unused credit back. Wish they did a a $10 for $20.

It's actually 2 $25 vouchers.

It's actually 2 $25 vouchers.

Damn, wish I would have known. Went there for lunch today --- but, they (the restaurant) actually took care of our lunch for 4.

So, went today for lunch....

Group of four of us. Got there around 12:20pm and everyone commented on how the place that used to be there had been a huge eyesore and this was much improved.

Patio area looked great and will definitely give it a try when its cooler out.

Inside is small, but well done, clean and a bit of retro. We were greeted by two staffers as we entered.

Despite the parking lot being full (had to park on the street), there were still a couple of open tables. So, we were seated immediately and the waitress was very friendly and knowledgeable of the menu.

We started off with the nachos and some iced teas.

Nachos were really good. So good in fact, we wished they would have layered the queso and toppings so we weren't left with just chips after eating the top layer (that's a big nacho pet-peeve with me).

Things hit a speed bump at this point. From the time we ordered (daily taco specials x2, hamburger and hot dog) until we got our food was 40 minutes (at least). Literally, by the time we got our food the place was almost empty.

Fortunately they recognized the problem and without us saying a word they let us know the tab was on them.

The tacos were really good - preferred the chicken, but the beef wasn't bad (just needed more seasoning). At $2 each this was a really good deal.

Hamburger was probably the least favorite. Again, not bad, but there are tons of really good burgers out there - especially at the $10 price point.

The 1/2lb Fat Dog was really good. Nothing extraordinary about it, just a well cooked huge hot dog with chili, cheese and bacon. Big enough you could share it if you wanted to. Thought the price was a bit high. At $10 I might consider something different for lunch in the future.

I really like their fries - the thinner style with some seasoning on them (included as the side with my hot dog).

Wanted to stay for the apple fritters but too much time had passed. Will try on the next visit.

Not sure what the issue was with getting our order out. Can't really call it opening pains as they've been open for 4 months (according to the waitress). The place wasn't full either and 1/2 the orders were the daily special.

Regardless, they recognized the issue and made it right. Its a cool little place that's clean and has a good menu and good to really good food. Price is at the mid-range in my opinion and possibly high for something like a hot dog.

Will definitely go back though.

My only other gripe - and this may not bother other people - was that there is limited seating and one of the prime u-shaped booths was totally taken up and being used by the employees to keep their purses, backpacks, cell phones and an open laptop. Its like it was the employee break room. To me this is bad management, looks bad to customers and takes up a valuable piece of real-estate that could otherwise be making you money.


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