I received this photo from Rachel Cope a couple a weeks, but it now seems she made it public on Instagram (@ponyboyokc).

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What kind of restaurant will this be?

Tulsa's gonna be so pissed

What kind of restaurant will this be?

I believe they will just be using the lower part of the old S&L space and just serve drinks, not food.

Tulsa's gonna be so pissed
Why?

I believe they will just be using the lower part of the old S&L space and just serve drinks, not food.

It seems like somewhat of a waste to not use the upper floor. Hopefully Ponyboy is more successful than S&L was. I already think the branding is an improvement.

Why?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Outsiders_(novel)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Outsiders_(novel)

Haha, thanks Martin. Urbanized’s internet humor is far too witty and subtle for me.

Wait, for real? What is going to happen to the upstairs of ex-Savings and Loan? The upstairs is the only reason I ever went.

Wait, for real? What is going to happen to the upstairs of ex-Savings and Loan? The upstairs is the only reason I ever went.

The upstairs will open about 30 days after the downstairs.

Ahh, okay good deal- thanks Pete.
I really liked the feel of S&L but not so much the execution, mainly because I'm not a real "cocktail bar" guy. My first time there I don't believe they had draught taps upstairs and then they turned down two or three requests for your typical "well" mixed drinks before I was presented with some $10 special iteration of an old fashioned. I felt like the guy trying to order a coors light at a brewery.

To each his own though, I admire them for trying something different. I'll be interested to see how Ponyboy turns out as I am a regular on 23rd.

I don't know why operators have been so slow to move off craft cocktails as their main focus. That fad has largely passed and never really even took hold here.

Even the new proprietors of Rockford have made the shift and their business is already way up.

^

I like craft cocktails and really liked some of Savings and Loan's cocktails, but to not be willing to serve basic beers or basic mixed drinks is a bit much. To me, the best places have both. That said, I do miss S&L and hope some creative cocktails are introduced at the new place without being ostentatious and are coupled with more traditional offerings.

I was never big on the atmosphere of Savings and Loan. It simply wasn't my kind of place which was surprising given the fact I thought I would really like it when the concept was announced on this site. On the other hand, I really like the Bunker Club. It's one of my favorite bars in OKC and one of the few places I drink cocktails.

I felt like the guy trying to order a coors light at a brewery.


Seconded. I had no idea what I wanted to order and the bar was very busy when the bartender asked me what I wanted. Out of instinct from my early twenties my mouth blurted out "jack and coke", as way to keep things moving. The bartender legit laughed at me and continued to shame me for thinking they had Jack Daniels. Lost my business.

I don't know why operators have been so slow to move off craft cocktails as their main focus. That fad has largely passed and never really even took hold here.

Even the new proprietors of Rockford have made the shift and their business is already way up.

Interesting to hear, I've been passing up the Rockford in favor of Bunker and the Pump lately due to that very reason (being coctail-centric). I'll definitely go back to Rockford next time I'm out on 23rd.

http://www.405magazine.com/Ponyboy-to-Perk-up-Uptown/

Seconded. I had no idea what I wanted to order and the bar was very busy when the bartender asked me what I wanted. Out of instinct from my early twenties my mouth blurted out "jack and coke", as way to keep things moving. The bartender legit laughed at me and continued to shame me for thinking they had Jack Daniels. Lost my business.

Hahaha yeah, that's pretty much step-for-step how it went down for me. I think I just ended up asking for "one of the drinks on the menu that's for men."

I don't know why operators have been so slow to move off craft cocktails as their main focus. That fad has largely passed and never really even took hold here.

Even the new proprietors of Rockford have made the shift and their business is already way up.

Cocktails that are more than 3 ingredients, take over 3 minutes to make and costs $12 or more just isnt Oklahoma's style, I believe.

May sound dumb and cheap but many times I want value, meaning I want the proper amount of ABV to the cost of the drink. If this fancy craft cocktail only has one shot of liquor, its kind of ridiculous to charge $12. Plus, some of these cocktails can be so little that you tend to drink them too fast. Beer or wine is usually the option for me.

Seconded. I had no idea what I wanted to order and the bar was very busy when the bartender asked me what I wanted. Out of instinct from my early twenties my mouth blurted out "jack and coke", as way to keep things moving. The bartender legit laughed at me and continued to shame me for thinking they had Jack Daniels. Lost my business.

Now that is odd. I remember going to WSKY when it first opened with a few friends. I brought my own cigar as did my friends. I am not a huge whiskey drinker so I asked for a water and asked if they had any beers on tap. They guy laughed and me then tried to upsell me on getting some cigar and a drink deal... I already had a cigar.... I was just asking if there were beers on tap man. Never went back.

My opinion is that craft cocktails can work but not as the main or only focus.

You need also need a solid beer program, preferably with a decent selection on tap. And decent well drinks too.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Outsiders_(novel)

I'm assuming they'll have a beer called Stay Golden Ale.

I'm assuming they'll have a beer called Stay Golden Ale.

I don't know about that but they better have Soda Pop.

My opinion is that craft cocktails can work but not as the main or only focus.

You need also need a solid beer program, preferably with a decent selection on tap. And decent well drinks too.

From the few times I've been there, I think a place like Bunker Club handles this well. Creative and delicious craft cocktails, but also a good selection of beers on tap.

From the few times I've been there, I think a place like Bunker Club handles this well. Creative and delicious craft cocktails, but also a good selection of beers on tap.

I would agree with this. The Bunker Club is currently one of my favorite bars in town.

I don't think OKC is large enough nor does it have the kind of culture to be able to support a bar that is exclusively focused on $12+ craft cocktails. Maybe it would work in the right location and if branded the right way, but S&L definitely didn't do it right. A good selection of craft beers and wells is necessary.

I don't know about that but they better have Soda Pop.
Ha!

Press release:


PONYBOY: COMING TO THE TOWER THEATRE WINTER 2018
84 Hospitality, the restaurant group behind several of Oklahoma City’s favorite dining and drinking destinations including, Empire Slice House, Revolución, and Goro Ramen, has officially announced its latest venture – Ponyboy. Slated to open in The Uptown 23rd District this winter, the concept will serve as a timeless bar, dedicated to celebrating the spirit of Oklahoma.

SETTING THE SCENE
OKC-based development company, Pivot Project, approached Rachel Cope and 84 Hospitality to develop a unique concept for the former Savings & Loan Bar space. The teams agreed on two things: no gimmicks and no pretension. The name, Ponyboy, serves as a subtle nod to female author, S.E. Hinton, best known for The Outsiders, who celebrated her Oklahoman roots through her writing. The concept of Ponyboy is, in turn, a celebration of the 84 Hospitality team’s own Oklahoman roots. This idea can be seen throughout the menu and design of the space, including the photos framed and hung in the downstairs area - personal, family photos donated by Cope’s family and friends.

“Ponyboy is about our families, our experiences and things we love,” said Rachel Cope, CEO of 84 Hospitality. “With a little luck and a lot of hard work, we hope it will serve as an everlasting homage to our state and a compliment to the historic Tower Theater.”

COFFEE IN THE FRONT
During the day and throughout the night, Ponyboy’s first floor will feature bar snacks inspired by food the team grew up eating and a simple, curated coffee program, for which 84 Hospitality has teamed up with local specialty roaster, KLLR Coffee. Serving as a local hub for residents, the team plans to revive the Plaza District’s “Free Coffee Friday” pop-up, offering the local community a place to come together and grab a free cup of drip coffee.

“Ponyboy opens at 11 a.m., so we won’t be your first cup of the day, rather an afternoon pick-me-up or a late-night shot of espresso,” said Cope.

In the evenings, Ponyboy’s first floor will transition into a casual bar with a thoughtful selection of beer, whiskeys, and playful cocktails. While being mindful of the classics, guests can expect cocktails with a subtle tie to Oklahoma, such as a Classic Martini served with pickled okra instead of an onion. Each evening from 4 p.m. – 1 a.m., Ponyboy will offer delivery pizza from 84 Hospitality’s own Empire Slice House and has plans to introduce a new food truck, Knight Slider, to service the downstairs patrons offering quality bar bites in spring 2018.

PARTY IN THE BACK (AND UP THE STAIRS)
Upstairs, a high-volume, high-energy bar will serve as a small live music venue. Dedicated to supporting the local OKC music scene, the space will feature a stage for 60-100 person shows, Thursday – Saturday. A vintage “ON-AIR” live recording sign at the back staircase will serve as the gatekeeper, and the rules are simple – when the sign is lit, guests are welcome to venture upstairs, when the sign is off, the party stays downstairs. Ponyboy’s upstairs venue is scheduled to open early 2018.

^^^^^^
Fantastico!

Is there an elevator to the second floor anywhere in the Tower? Loading band gear up the bar stairs or the lobby stairs will be a nightmare without one.

Press release:


In the evenings, Ponyboy’s first floor will transition into a casual bar with a thoughtful selection of beer, whiskeys, and playful cocktails. While being mindful of the classics, guests can expect cocktails with a subtle tie to Oklahoma, such as a Classic Martini served with pickled okra instead of an onion. Each evening from 4 p.m. – 1 a.m., Ponyboy will offer delivery pizza from 84 Hospitality’s own Empire Slice House and has plans to introduce a new food truck, Knight Slider, to service the downstairs patrons offering quality bar bites in spring 2018.

Hmm. I know Scottie's has a no-sandwiches non-compete clause with the Pivott Guys. I wonder how a sandwich-based food truck will play with that. Especially since Scotties is also open late into bar hours.

Is there an elevator to the second floor anywhere in the Tower? Loading band gear up the bar stairs or the lobby stairs will be a nightmare without one.

Yes

Press release:


PONYBOY: COMING TO THE TOWER THEATRE WINTER 2018
84 Hospitality, the restaurant group behind several of Oklahoma City’s favorite dining and drinking destinations including, Empire Slice House, Revolución, and Goro Ramen, has officially announced its latest venture – Ponyboy. Slated to open in The Uptown 23rd District this winter, the concept will serve as a timeless bar, dedicated to celebrating the spirit of Oklahoma.

SETTING THE SCENE
OKC-based development company, Pivot Project, approached Rachel Cope and 84 Hospitality to develop a unique concept for the former Savings & Loan Bar space. The teams agreed on two things: no gimmicks and no pretension. The name, Ponyboy, serves as a subtle nod to female author, S.E. Hinton, best known for The Outsiders, who celebrated her Oklahoman roots through her writing. The concept of Ponyboy is, in turn, a celebration of the 84 Hospitality team’s own Oklahoman roots. This idea can be seen throughout the menu and design of the space, including the photos framed and hung in the downstairs area - personal, family photos donated by Cope’s family and friends.

“Ponyboy is about our families, our experiences and things we love,” said Rachel Cope, CEO of 84 Hospitality. “With a little luck and a lot of hard work, we hope it will serve as an everlasting homage to our state and a compliment to the historic Tower Theater.”

COFFEE IN THE FRONT
During the day and throughout the night, Ponyboy’s first floor will feature bar snacks inspired by food the team grew up eating and a simple, curated coffee program, for which 84 Hospitality has teamed up with local specialty roaster, KLLR Coffee. Serving as a local hub for residents, the team plans to revive the Plaza District’s “Free Coffee Friday” pop-up, offering the local community a place to come together and grab a free cup of drip coffee.

“Ponyboy opens at 11 a.m., so we won’t be your first cup of the day, rather an afternoon pick-me-up or a late-night shot of espresso,” said Cope.

In the evenings, Ponyboy’s first floor will transition into a casual bar with a thoughtful selection of beer, whiskeys, and playful cocktails. While being mindful of the classics, guests can expect cocktails with a subtle tie to Oklahoma, such as a Classic Martini served with pickled okra instead of an onion. Each evening from 4 p.m. – 1 a.m., Ponyboy will offer delivery pizza from 84 Hospitality’s own Empire Slice House and has plans to introduce a new food truck, Knight Slider, to service the downstairs patrons offering quality bar bites in spring 2018.

PARTY IN THE BACK (AND UP THE STAIRS)
Upstairs, a high-volume, high-energy bar will serve as a small live music venue. Dedicated to supporting the local OKC music scene, the space will feature a stage for 60-100 person shows, Thursday – Saturday. A vintage “ON-AIR” live recording sign at the back staircase will serve as the gatekeeper, and the rules are simple – when the sign is lit, guests are welcome to venture upstairs, when the sign is off, the party stays downstairs. Ponyboy’s upstairs venue is scheduled to open early 2018.

Jesus.

Does SE Hinton know about this?

Nothing explains the ethos of Ponyboy Curtis better than "playful cocktails" and "curated coffee".

smh

Jesus.

Does SE Hinton know about this?

Nothing explains the ethos of Ponyboy Curtis better than "playful cocktails" and "curated coffee".

smh

If it was in Tulsa, you’d love it.

Maybe they’re trying to be ironic :cool:

I have had the pleasure to work with Rachel over the last couple months. She is a very smart and driven person. I am happy to see her killing it in OKC.

Oh, and Knight Slider? Sounds like I need to talk to her about this one as well :wink:

I talked to Rachel last week when I dropped off her shirts. She mentioned that they are having a soft opening tomorrow and plan to open the bottom floor later this week.

From https://www.facebook.com/uptown23rd/:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ponyboy120817.jpg

Quote from one of the best movies of all time.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLZEdhU-gGs

Looks like this will not be open tonight, correct?

Looks like this will not be open tonight, correct?

Likely sometime next week.

Likely sometime next week.

Sounds good, thanks Pete!

Opened officially last night. I was the first official paying customer about 4:45 haha. Came back later after a ULI members party and a private Top Shopper preview at the Holiday Pop-Up Shops and Ponyboy was PACKED.

Opened officially last night. I was the first official paying customer about 4:45 haha. Came back later after a ULI members party and a private Top Shopper preview at the Holiday Pop-Up Shops and Ponyboy was PACKED.

Name dropper!

Haha I was cracking myself up typing all of that and hoping it was being taken in jest. Although I did in fact do those things because, well, I’m super-important!

For the record, also a joke! I go to stuff like that to watch the REAL doers do cool stuff...

I took these photos of their new sign on Tuesday before leaving town. It looks great!

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I stopped in here yesterday and I really like the feel of the downstairs. Definitely feels like a neighborhood bar with a variety of options and price points. These shops on 23rd have a nice big city neighborhood feel to them. Love the developments. I'd love to see the parking lot across the steet developed into retail and housing with a parking garage built elsewhere for parking.

^

At one time, the Pivot guys were hoping to get a new Uptown TIF to fund a parking structure on that site with retail / commercial on the lower level(s).

But the city was not receptive to that idea.

^

At one time, the Pivot guys were hoping to get a new Uptown TIF to fund a parking structure on that site with retail / commercial on the lower level(s).

But the city was not receptive to that idea.

Well, that’s disappointing because that would have been perfect. Parking is needed and the south side of 23rd needs business/activity to elevate this area to the next level.

Well, that’s disappointing because that would have been perfect. Parking is needed and the south side of 23rd needs business/activity to elevate this area to the next level.

Hopefully it will happen eventually. A parking and first level retail development there would be great for Uptown.

There's a lot to like here! I love their menu--coffee, snacks, $8-10 signature cocktails, $5 basic cocktails, and boilermakers! Only complaint was too many TVs with their brightness all the way up.

Tried to get into this place at 10pm on Saturday and it was at capacity. Sounds like it's going well.

It has been very successful over the holidays. With the very popular patio bars being a less-than-ideal hang out when the weather is 20 or below, I'm not surprised Ponyboy has seen a lot of traffic. It has a very home-y, warm vibe. There's something about it's cramped layout that works well for the winter, IMO. Hopefully it's popularity stays once the weather warms up.

Stopped in last night and really like the changes, especially the solid beer menu. Much warmer and more welcoming.

They said they hope to have the upstairs open in about a month.

Press release:

****

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ponyboynew1.jpg


PONYBOY TO OPEN LONG-AWAITED, UPSTAIRS SPACE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9

WHAT:
Ponyboy, OKC’s latest neighborhood watering hole, will officially open its second component, an additional upstairs bar, on Friday, February 9.

Developed by local visionary, Rachel Cope, CEO of 84 Hospitality, Ponyboy serves as a timeless bar in the Uptown 23rd District, dedicated to celebrating the spirit of Oklahoma. For the past few months, guests have enjoyed Ponyboy’s no-fuss coffee and cocktail bar while Cope and her team finalized the details upstairs.

Starting Friday, the upstairs will serve as a high-volume, high-energy bar accessed by a staircase at the back of Ponyboy. Dedicated to supporting the local OKC music scene, the space will double as a small live music venue complete with a stage for 60-100 person shows. Guests in search of a lively space with room for dancing, games and cocktails can head upstairs any weekend after 8 p.m. The space is also available to rent out for events of all kinds.

Ponyboy first opened its doors in December of 2017 bringing creative cocktails from Bar Manager Micah Anderson and true Okie-inspired themes throughout. The concept serves as the perfect day to night hangout with an extensive list of KLLR Coffee concoctions, served all day, along with a list of classic and original cocktails.

WHEN:
The upstairs will officially open to the public Friday, February 9 at 8 p.m.

HOURS:
Downstairs (Tuesday – Sunday): 11 a.m. – 2 a.m.
Upstairs (Friday – Saturday): 8 p.m. – 2 a.m.

WHERE:
Ponyboy
423 NW 23rd St.
Oklahoma City, OK 73103


ABOUT PONYBOY:
Ponyboy, the latest watering hole from Oklahoma City-based 84 Hospitality, is a timeless bar, dedicated to celebrating the spirit of Oklahoma. Located at the historic Tower Theater, Ponyboy serves as a coffee bar by day (with craft beans from local roaster, KLLR Coffee, and a classic cocktail bar by night, offering a thoughtful list of classic sips. Above all, the concept promises two things: no gimmicks and no pretension. Ponyboy’s second floor will serve as a high-volume, high-energy bar and live music venue.

ABOUT 84 HOSPITALITY:
84 Hospitality, an Oklahoma City-based restaurant group hell-bent on furthering the social dining and late-night scene in OKC, is paving the way for a culinary revolution in OKC. Founded by CEO, Rachel Cope, the group owns and operates five unique concepts including Empire Slice House, Goro Ramen, Revolución Taqueria & Cantina, Easy E and their latest hangout, Ponyboy.

This place was way better than I was expecting. The downstairs inside is perfect. Very cozy and the decor is on point. The upstairs is a little weird, but maybe if people were dancing it would feel more natural.

The only con was they had the music up WAY too loud. The dancefloor is upstairs, no need to blare the music down below.

Thanks for the kind words about the bar. We're still working out the balance between upstairs music and downstairs, I blame myself. I'm hoping to have it squared away where it's more consistent by this weekend. What time of the night were you there? Appreciate the insight.

This was probably around 10pm on Saturday. When we first got there the music was @ a pretty good level, then a lady came around @ some point and turned on all the little bluetooth speakers and then it was cranked up to where we couldn't hear each other so we left.

BTW major props for being involved on this forum and listening to feedback. I will be back.

I was there on Saturday and the music level was back to being way too loud. So much so that we had to leave after just 1 drink. I love the cocktails and the general vibe of the place, but it would be nice to hold a conversation in that type of bar. Hopefully, they lower it just a notch going forward.

Had friends in from out of town last weekend and took them there. We planned to stay, but left before we finished our drinks because of how loud the music was. Upstairs has a dance floor and a DJ/Live music on the weekends, so I understand why that would be loud, but the only entertainment in the downstairs bar is verbal communication with other people. Strange oversight, but if it's working for them, whatever.

I haven't been back since the first time I went after they opened the upstairs. A friend of mine just moved to OKC and went there the other weekend, afterwards she asked me: "Is the upstairs always just a bunch of sweaty dudes on molly doing the robot?" So it sounds like it hasn't changed since I was there last lol.