Pump Bar

[jedicurt]

I do think the industry is hurting, but it isn't going anywhere for a long time. Cable isn't dead it is now just something different, streaming. One of the the best new bars in OKC is Later Bye. They just opened a few months ago and I have been three times already. I rarely go to bars anymore, but this place is what you call a well run simple local bar. They have great food and the cocktail menu is impressive. They also offer mocktails and other beverages. I think Later Bye is a good blueprint for the future of bars.

i mean you would be amazed at how much busier a bar can be that a) has good non-alcoholic options, b) even just okay food, and c) is clean. it's amazing that last one even needs to be said, but that was the issue for me with pump bar, it was never clean, and we just felt gross when we left

[The]

i mean you would be amazed at how much busier a bar can be that a) has good non-alcoholic options, b) even just okay food, and c) is clean. it's amazing that last one even needs to be said, but that was the issue for me with pump bar, it was never clean, and we just felt gross when we left

It’s like Edna’s. It’s just disgusting. A clean bathroom goes a long way.

[dankrutka]

i mostly go to local and it's pretty similar. once again, this isn't about the alcohol industry as a whole, it's that OKC actually now has some good bars, and so you can't be a terrible bar/bar owner, and just expect to survive anymore. Pump Bar should have closed a long time ago, it was never really a good place...

Hard disagree. I actually think it was the best bar in OKC in its heyday. The scene was totally eclectic and diverse in a way that's uncommon in OKC. On a nice day, it was THE spot to go, and even in cool weather the interior was great. Really fun, casual, weird vibe. I'll miss it.

[OkieBerto]

i mean you would be amazed at how much busier a bar can be that a) has good non-alcoholic options, b) even just okay food, and c) is clean. it's amazing that last one even needs to be said, but that was the issue for me with pump bar, it was never clean, and we just felt gross when we left

Clearly you would never like a good dive bar. Which is what has lasted longest in OKC before we started our culinary renaissance. Now people expect everything you listed in most new restaurants, bars, and even breweries. The standard has been set, but Edna's, Cock O the Walk, Sipago Lounge, Cookie's, Score Card, JJ's Alley, and many others will likely be around no matter how clean they are. I remember how gross Drunken Fry bathrooms got and it didn't bother me at all. I think a bar can do really well even without a huge food menu. Lunar Lounge is a great bar and does well with their cocktails and atmosphere alone.

[OkieBerto]

Hard disagree. I actually think it was the best bar in OKC in its heyday. The scene was totally eclectic and diverse in a way that's uncommon in OKC. On a nice day, it was THE spot to go, and even in cool weather the interior was great. Really fun, casual, weird vibe. I'll miss it.

I totally agree with this and I wish they would have added on a large bar seating area for those who like being around the Bar Tenders. I think there is something to be said for bar community. If you like the bar tenders and they stick around for a long time they become your friends. If you don't have that type of intimate seating arrangement you will lose a lot of regulars.

[jedicurt]

Clearly you would never like a good dive bar. Which is what has lasted longest in OKC before we started our culinary renaissance. Now people expect everything you listed in most new restaurants, bars, and even breweries. The standard has been set, but Edna's, Cock O the Walk, Sipago Lounge, Cookie's, Score Card, JJ's Alley, and many others will likely be around no matter how clean they are. I remember how gross Drunken Fry bathrooms got and it didn't bother me at all. I think a bar can do really well even without a huge food menu. Lunar Lounge is a great bar and does well with their cocktails and atmosphere alone.

i love a good dive bar... they can still have clean bathrooms and not just filth everywhere. i don't expect it to be all modern and look brand new... i just want clean.

[Bill Robertson]

Clearly you would never like a good dive bar. Which is what has lasted longest in OKC before we started our culinary renaissance. Now people expect everything you listed in most new restaurants, bars, and even breweries. The standard has been set, but Edna's, Cock O the Walk, Sipago Lounge, Cookie's, Score Card, JJ's Alley, and many others will likely be around no matter how clean they are. I remember how gross Drunken Fry bathrooms got and it didn't bother me at all. I think a bar can do really well even without a huge food menu. Lunar Lounge is a great bar and does well with their cocktails and atmosphere alone.

I played on pool teams at Cock O The Walk and The Porthole for a long time. Both have/had been dumps since at least the 80s when I started playing. And both were always packed. Judging by the cars on nights I go by there I guess COTW still is.

[Jeepnokc]

And don't forget The Wilshire which has been around since the 50's

[PhiAlpha]

I’ve driven by the pump a few times over the last three weeks and they’ve appeared to be open every time. Their social media posts yesterday made it official. So congrats on finding a solution!

[Pete]

They posted this to FB. Glad they will be sticking around.

[HOT ROD]

very nice to hear OKC respond to one of its greatest nightlife assets! I do hope the longer range business plans will address some of the 'issues' patrons have with the current setup. THAT would likely ensure long term success, if not growth in the business.