Classic bar coming soon to booming West Downtown (http://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=426-Classic-bar-coming-soon-to-booming-West-Downtown)

A chance meeting in Los Angeles has culminated in a new bar venture coming soon to the historic and beautifully restored Main Street Arcade.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/arbolada5.jpg


Riley Marshall grew up in Oklahoma City but was living in the Los Feliz area of L.A. when he struck up a conversation with the bartender at local bar. That was Dustin Lancaster who, chance would have it, was also from OKC.

And even more coincidentally, the pair of Oklahomans came to realize they both lived on the same street: Arbolada Road in Los Feliz.

Lancaster went on to become the proprietor of Eastside Establishments, a collection of bars and restaurants in ultra-hip East Los Angeles. His very first venture, Bar Covell (a nod to his mother's house near Covell Road in Edmond), was recognized by Travel and Leisure as among “America's Best Wine Bars” and Esquire Magazine listed it as one of its “Best Bars in America.”

Marshall and Lancaster began to plan a bar for their native Oklahoma City and vowed it would be called Bar Arbolada, after the street of their respective residences.


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


Marshall has moved back to OKC and work starts next week at 637 W. Main on what Marshall calls a “nice, classic, timeless bar” with an impressive wine list, simple but quality cocktails, local beers and a seasonal menu featuring tapas and other small plates.

Lancaster will bring his ample expertise to bear in terms of management, wine, creative director and consultant with frequent trips back to Oklahoma.

The 1,650 square foot space is on the west end of the Arcade with high ceilings and ample windows that face the nearby 21c Hotel and the massive West Village apartment and commercial project now under construction.

Bar Arbolada is targeting an early 2018 opening.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/arboladariley2.jpg


This Friday from 2PM to 9PM, Marshall will host a pop-up store in the space for Chicago archival record label Numero Group which creates compilations of previously released music, reissues original albums, and creates album reconstructions from a variety of musical genres.. Browse through thousands of Numero LPs, CDs, 45s, t-shirts, tapes, books, and other additional miscellany not available at other local record stores. Link to Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/122334018421696/


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/arbolada1.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/arbolada6.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/arbolada3.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/arbolada2.jpg

Very neat.

Cool story. Neat design.

This looks like a cool space and it's in a cool building.

Ever since watching Cheers I've wanted a neighborhood bar here. The selection is so much better now than it has been. And once those downtown districts start to fill up with residents those bars will be more of neighborhood bars. Since OKC had been suburban so long and housing was always separated from businesses, the infrastructure really wasn't there to have neighborhood bars.

This is a great example of how development promotes development.

It really is going to be awesome to see Film Row connect with the CBD.

It's just a conceptual layout without many of the final details.

Will be very cool and nice when finished.

Wow. That's awesome. Kinda the reverse brain drain. We're starting to pull people who left back in.

I don't think these guys are moving back, though. "Lancaster will bring his ample expertise to bear in terms of management, wine, creative director and consultant with frequent trips back to Oklahoma."

This makes it seem as though they see the opportunity to make money here, but still, don't want to live here.

Riley Marshall has already moved back.

Riley Marshall has already moved back.

I stand corrected. That's good news.

Making good progress and Bar Arbolada (corner space nearest the camera) should open around February to bolster the ever-thriving Film Row area.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/arcade122917.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/arbolada022518.jpg

Love that floor!

Yeah, I already love this place.

Can't wait for this to open. I get my hair cut next door and have a feeling this will quickly turn into a common hangout.

Looking fantastic.

Great location. Can't wait.

I suggest following their stories on IG. This spot is really coming together nicely.

According to Instagram, they are open today.

Opened today at 3PM and I was there.

Away from computer but photos on OKCT Twitter and Instagram.

https://twitter.com/OKCTalk

https://www.instagram.com/okctalk/

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/arbolada041318a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/arbolada041318b.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/arbolada041318c.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/arbolada041318d.jpg

LOVE it!

Stopped in late Friday night and tried a few cocktails and appetizers.

I'm always amazed when a project like this opens in an old building. I've lived in OKC area for 30+ years and when I go somewhere that has been recently revitalized I get this amazing experience in which all of a sudden I realize I'm still in "my city", but I almost feel like I'm on an out of town trip where I'm discovering a new city. It is almost puzzling to be at an intersection that you know has existed for decades, but that you've never really "been" to and all of a sudden get sense of "place". So happy this building is in use now. Can't wait to see what is next for this area.

Quite the google street view upgrade over the last decade. Here's to hoping the next 10 years are even more prosperous.
https://i.imgur.com/S4zZkRp.jpg?3

Had a positive experience at the bar. Fairly simple place that looks like it will attract a grown-up crowd. I forgot which cocktail I tried, but whatever it was... GREAT! Prices are a little on the higher side, but certainly not unreasonable. I'd like to go back soon and try more of the menu offerings.

How late were you there Pete?

Are they open for lunch and do they serve food? May have to visit this week if so.

I don't think they do a lunch... I could be wrong though, but I'm pretty sure the sign on the door said they open at 3:00 PM.

Open 11AM on Sat & Sun and I think they do a light brunch.

I'll see if I can scare up a menu.

Stopped in late Friday night and tried a few cocktails and appetizers.

I'm always amazed when a project like this opens in an old building. I've lived in OKC area for 30+ years and when I go somewhere that has been recently revitalized I get this amazing experience in which all of a sudden I realize I'm still in "my city", but I almost feel like I'm on an out of town trip where I'm discovering a new city. It is almost puzzling to be at an intersection that you know has existed for decades, but that you've never really "been" to and all of a sudden get sense of "place". So happy this building is in use now. Can't wait to see what is next for this area.

Quite the google street view upgrade over the last decade. Here's to hoping the next 10 years are even more prosperous.
https://i.imgur.com/S4zZkRp.jpg?3

Had a positive experience at the bar. Fairly simple place that looks like it will attract a grown-up crowd. I forgot which cocktail I tried, but whatever it was... GREAT! Prices are a little on the higher side, but certainly not unreasonable. I'd like to go back soon and try more of the menu offerings.

How late were you there Pete?

That's a pretty dramatic difference.

Dropped in on Saturday night around 9pm and it was pretty packed. I enjoyed the crowd and the atmosphere quite a bit. My friends tried several dishes and all agreed that it was good.

They just posted these on social media:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/arboladamenu1.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/arboladamenu2.jpg

$6 cocktails is very reasonable considering the atmosphere, location and vibe. Awesome.

$6 cocktails is very reasonable considering the atmosphere, location and vibe. Awesome.

The fourty ounce muscadet, Julien Brand is 12.95 a liter on wine searcher, $10.00 a glass seems rather expensive. And it’s from the far western Loire, not the Languedoc, SW France....

The tapas menu looks amazing. That said, the $19 cheese plate stands out price wise. I'm guessing it's a larger portion for sharing. It's a little disappointing there aren't any Spanish wines on the list to accompany the pinxchos.

I’m going to wait a little to avoid the opening crowd of looky loos. But this ticks my boxes. Straight forward, not overly complex, not overly retro, killer wine list. I love the food menu, while not explicitly tapas, it suggests that I want to enjoy a snack and have some drinks. Not tuck into dinner at yet another cocktail bar/restaurant hybrid.

My wife goes to the salon 2 doors down. I’m already scheming to go boozing while she gets her hair done and get a free Uber ride out it.

^^^^^^^
Ticks all of the boxes for me too. Haven’t made it in yet but I expect to be a regular. Yet another place that feels like somewhere other than the OKC I’ve known most of my life. Has an east coast vibe as far as I’m concerned.

The fourty ounce muscadet, Julien Brand is 12.95 a liter on wine searcher, $10.00 a glass seems rather expensive. And it’s from the far western Loire, not the Languedoc, SW France....

You must have missed the part where I said $6 cocktails is very reasonable all things considered. Sidecar is pushing $10-12. This is in the same class as sidecar imho

The fourty ounce muscadet, Julien Brand is 12.95 a liter on wine searcher, $10.00 a glass seems rather expensive. And it’s from the far western Loire, not the Languedoc, SW France....

And also you are wrong.

Bars of this level usually have a wine beer and liquor at a 500% markup. $12.95 * 5 = $64.75/5 glasses in a bottle $12.95/ glass. He’s going with a less than 400%.

You aren’t paying for the drink, you can drink at home cheaper (duh). You’re paying for the service, atmosphere, etc.

You must have missed the part where I said $6 cocktails is very reasonable all things considered. Sidecar is pushing $10-12. This is in the same class as sidecar imho

Sounds promising. Depends on what they are using for liquor which they don't specify. Expect well at this price but these type of drinks need a decent well and not McCormick's. A $6 drink is great if you can drink it. Please don't take this as liquor snobbery...there are some really good well brands out there which can easily be done for $6 and then there are the really bad low end wells that are just rot gut.

Sounds promising. Depends on what they are using for liquor which they don't specify. Expect well at this price but these type of drinks need a decent well and not McCormick's. A $6 drink is great if you can drink it. Please don't take this as liquor snobbery...there are some really good well brands out there which can easily be done for $6 and then there are the really bad low end wells that are just rot gut.
Very true on the well and I'm with you.

This is 3 blocks away from me. So excited to give it a try tonight!

Very true on the well and I'm with you.


Sounds promising. Depends on what they are using for liquor which they don't specify. Expect well at this price but these type of drinks need a decent well and not McCormick's. A $6 drink is great if you can drink it. Please don't take this as liquor snobbery...there are some really good well brands out there which can easily be done for $6 and then there are the really bad low end wells that are just rot gut.

Hi All!

Riley Marshall here, owner of Bar Arbolada. First, thanks for all the kind responses and feedback. We're so happy and proud to be a part of the Oklahoma City community, and the support has been overwhelming.

For our menu, all tax is included in those prices as well. So the 8ish% sales and 13ish% liquor tax is all in there. For our wells, which make those $6 cocktails, we really put a lot of thought into each. We aimed to provide a great value to the customer with spirits we can happily stand behind. For example we use Evan Williams Straight Kentucky Bourbon, Old Overholt rye, Hanks Recording vodka, Gordons gin, 100% Agave Monte Alban, and Cruzan rum for our wells. No McCormicks here!

Mott, great catch on the origin of the Muscadet, must have been copied over wrong from supplier materials. We'll get that fixed.

If anyone ever needs anything or has any questions, please feel free to reach out directly to bararbolada@gmail.com

Thanks again! Hope to see you all soon and often!

Hi All!

Riley Marshall here, owner of Bar Arbolada. First, thanks for all the kind responses and feedback. We're so happy and proud to be a part of the Oklahoma City community, and the support has been overwhelming.

For our menu, all tax is included in those prices as well. So the 8ish% sales and 13ish% liquor tax is all in there. For our wells, which make those $6 cocktails, we really put a lot of thought into each. We aimed to provide a great value to the customer with spirits we can happily stand behind. For example we use Evan Williams Straight Kentucky Bourbon, Old Overholt rye, Hanks Recording vodka, Gordons gin, 100% Agave Monte Alban, and Cruzan rum for our wells. No McCormicks here!

Mott, great catch on the origin of the Muscadet, must have been copied over wrong from supplier materials. We'll get that fixed.

If anyone ever needs anything or has any questions, please feel free to reach out directly to bararbolada@gmail.com

Thanks again! Hope to see you all soon and often!

Thanks for coming onto the board. Good choice on the wells. I plan to get in soon as I am about a block or two away.

Always like to see the owners/managers interacting with folks here. Thanks for the info!

Very nice crowd on Saturday night with very good bar service. The only thing I could nitpick about was how LOUD it was in there when it was at capacity. Granted, one was a very large group of people celebrating a bachelorette party, and the sound seemed to die down a bit after they hopped into their limo.

I was in there Friday afternoon and it had the perfect happy hour vibe. Relaxed, good music, not too loud, quick service. And the tapas our group had was very good. There was a seared pepper and chorizo dish which was very delicious.

Went over the weekend and echo everyone's comments. Great new addition to downtown, it will be in our rotation going forward.

If you didn't already know, this place has become quite a big hit.

I arrived last night at 6:30 and every seat was taken so I ended up sharing the communal marble-topped table near the entrance.

I didn't leave until allmost 10 and the place stayed busy the entire time, including the few small tables out front. Busy, but not packed. I'm sure on the weekends it's more standing room only.

Such a great vibe and a nice, friendly crowd. And really beautiful space.


Just goes to show that even with the huge amount of additions to the local scene, there is always room for a place that does it right.

I hope Riley and his partners do more in OKC.

Completely agree.

Definitely standing room only later in the night on the weekends, but never uncomfortable. They get a nice mix of people and it's always been a great time.

This is just a perfect bar with outstanding food. Cool crowd, too, although it seems it has the potential of becoming a little too broey. Also, the cake it on lipstick and makeup, fake-looking hair crowd has been spotted. Hopefully it retains its relaxed, sophisticated vibe.

^

It's not inexpensive so I think that will continue to help shade the crowd.

^

It's not inexpensive so I think that will continue to help shade the crowd.

True. However some of the crowd I hope doesn’t take over there has plenty of money to spend.

Sign in the works:

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

OMG, what font is that?

:)

I like the subtle LA reference.

OMG, what font is that?

:)

What on earth are they thinking???? Should’ve used Wingdings!!!

What on earth are they thinking???? Should’ve used Wingdings!!!

Nah. Comic Sans!!!!!!

The rendering required for sign permit is not very scrupulous. I think one can confidently say the final product will be (hopefully) more detail than the MS paint painted over a google maps shot.

The rendering required for sign permit is not very scrupulous. I think one can confidently say the final product will be (hopefully) more detail than the MS paint painted over a google maps shot.

We were just poking fun of the supposed font controversy ��*♂️Of the Steelyard.

we were just poking fun of the supposed font controversy ��*♂️of the steelyard.

Yep!!!!