Backporch Drafthouse (formerly Lakeside Seafood)

[rte66man]

The building that used to be an Applebee's on Northwest Expressway between Meridian and MacArthur has a new sign on the front: Lakeside Seafood. Is this an existing restaurant that is moving here or is this a new place?

[Bill Robertson]

I don’t know but I just was this too. I’ll be watching.

[jbkrems]

This is very interesting because we used to have a Lakeside Seafood (or Fish) Grill... it is now Hefner Grill. This is definitely a different concept, probably not owned by Hal Smith.

[Uptowner]

I don’t know...Hal is all over the place. Neighborhood JAM?

[Pete]

Not Hal Smith.

Recently bought by an LLC that tracks back to China House at 2515 N. Penn.

[Uptowner]

Whaaa? China house, my on again of again, hate/love Chinese takeout place next to the ancient mazzios?

The plot thickens...

[brian72]

Where the Hell is Der Dutchman when you need it ??? HA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Pete]

[Urbanized]

I’ll let you guys check it out and get back with us first, before I... ...never eat there no matter what.

[Uptowner]

Thanks Urbanized I just spat coffee laughing at that.

Also, who had the brilliant idea of sky blue awnings against the beige stucco and green faux copper sconces that scream “I love the 90’s?”

You can put lipstick on a pig, but it’s still an Applebee’s.

[PaddyShack]

Looks like the same guy who put them up on Maywood... Haha

[Head]

I went to this place today for lunch. Sure hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it sucks.
It amazes me that someone could have the zeal to go through all the hoops to open a restaurant, and not have a clue as to how to run a restaurant. Kept envisioning Gordon Ramsey screaming at the clueless owner.
At the risk of encouraging those who "Will See For Myself", I implore you, save your money.

[Pete]

^

Thanks for taking a bullet for the team.

[Mballard85]

The problem with opening a restaurant is a lot of times, its first time business owners who think they can do what established groups do. They see it from their table and say I can do that. But all the hard work is not seen, finding a chef, staff, placing orders and actually running the business is incredibly difficult. You get these places that open up and think they can do it, they quickly find out they cant do it and fold up shop. Hell even well established groups struggle from time to time.

[ctchandler]

Hell even well established groups struggle from time to time.

How about Hollie's at 150th and Penn? It was open less than a year and it's a Hal Smith restaurant. It's now Matty McMillen's Irish Pub but still a Hal Smith place.
C. T.

[Mballard85]

How about Hollie's at 150th and Penn? It was open less than a year and it's a Hal Smith restaurant. It's now Matty McMillen's Irish Pub but still a Hal Smith place.
C. T.

This came to mind when thinking about it, I know the Drake has changed the way they do things a few times trying to get more people in the doors. The restaurant business is a very difficult business, my family owns a drive-in in Altus and it is super stressful for them.

[Uptowner]

How about Hollie's at 150th and Penn? It was open less than a year and it's a Hal Smith restaurant. It's now Matty McMillen's Irish Pub but still a Hal Smith place.
C. T.

Hal’s team is a very by the by-the-numbers group. If a concept isn’t hitting the numbers he will nuke it and rebrand. You saw this will the the Krispy Kreme’s and a few new concepts. The only time I’ve seen them vacate a space was Louie’s on western north of 63rd.

[Johnb911]

^^^ Pub W on Memorial was originally Wes Welker's. Didn't work, HS blew it up and imported the Pub Dub concept from Norman (I believe) and it seems to be doing just fine

[LuccaBrasi]

I think they have a guy on his bike with a fish'n pole running back and forth between the restaurant and Lake Hefner with whatever he manages to catch for the day.........maybe a few strippers, a random crappie or a catfish or two. So in lieu of a sign saying flown in daily, they can say biked in daily. Hey, has anyone seen the Hefner goats lately?

[mugofbeer]

Strippers!?!!
LOL

[Pete]

Backporch Drafthouse has filed permits to open at this spot (4825 NW Expressway). Was last Lakeside Seafood and was originally built as an Applebee's.

They have locations in Texas and Lawton. Looks similar to a Hooter's/Twin Peaks type of place with lots of beer offerings.

https://bpdrafthouse.com/

[shartel_ave]

That name always cracked me up...someone should have turned into seaside lake food

[shartel_ave]

They have their name up on the building just need to get rid of big roadside sign that still says Lakeside

[Pete]

Opening today (Friday 7/8) at 4825 NW Expressway just west of Meridian, Backporch Drafthouse offers a big menu of salads, apps, burgers, coneys, sandwiches, tacos and wraps with many beers on tap and in cans/bottles as well as a full bar.

In addition to lunch and dinner, a brunch menu is offered 10:30A-3P Saturday and Sunday.

Hours are Mon-Thu 11A-11P; Fri & Sat 10:30A to midnight; and Sunday from 10:30A-10P.

Menu

[bucktalk]

It looks like they did a great job on the remodel and update. But I have concern they can get the volume to people in there to make this place a go. Best of luck, nonetheless.