New Gastropub on CC

[mattjank]

Drove by the former Norman Iron Starr yesterday, and noticed new signs up for Blackbird (or Blackburn) Gastropub. That sounds exciting to me as I like Republic, but the drive from Norman and back is terrible.

Anyone know anything about this project?

[Jersey Boss]

What is the differece between a "pub", and a "gastropub"? Curious.

[BoulderSooner]

What is the differece between a "pub", and a "gastropub"? Curious.

gastropub = bar with good food

[kevinpate]

What is the differece between a "pub", and a "gastropub"? Curious.

pub = booze with/without food offerings available
gastropub = atypical food offerings; booze also available

[Jersey Boss]

pub = booze with/without food offerings available
gastropub = atypical food offerings; booze also available

I thought booze w/o food was known as a "bar" and if it had food, ala O"Connells it was simply a pub, particularly in the USA.

[redrunner]

Pub is part of British/Euro culture and is the equivalent of a bar. Establishments with the name pub in the U.S. are usually signified with a British/Irish name or theme. Other than that we just have good ole' American bars or bar & grilles and cantinas for our friends south of the border.

[jbkrems]

I did some research on the Internet, and found out that this new restaurant is operated by the same people who run Blu Food & Wine (that is where they are doing interviews for waitstaff positions), which also means the people who run "The Library" are also behind the new gastropub.

[iMAX386]

The Library and Blu are related somehow?

[kevinpate]

The Library and Blu are related somehow?

These two excellent Norman locations, along with Coach's Brewhouse, are part of The Good Life Hospitality Group
http://www.thegoodlifeok.com/

[jbkrems]

And that means that "The Good Life" also will own/operate the new gastropub.

[mattjank]

Well, that's pretty good news. The food at Blu has always been good, but I hope they don't hang their hats on Coach's brews. Never been a big fan of any of them. Hoping they match the selection, or try to, at Republic.

[OKCMallen]

They'll have Coach's brew, as well as the Library's selections. The Library ain't Republic, but it has a nice offering for our little part of the world. The beer selection will be at LEAST as good as those three places combined, which will please 95% of patrons. Beerphiles might not find what they want, but you never know.

[soonerguru]

Pretty meh about Library's beer selections, but I love the vibe of the place. Nice to see someone other than Good Egg taking the spot.

[soonerfan_in_okc]

any opening date yet?

[soonerfan_in_okc]

I walked by yesterday to see if they had an opening date on the window (I turn 21 on march 31st, and would really like somewhere good on campus corner to eat at for my birthday dinner). Instead, i found a notice that looked like it was from teh city that said something to the effect of "All renovations and construction must be stopped at this location immediately". So, something is wrong :-(

[twade]

Talked to the people at Blu about it today. They are set for an early to mid-April open date. It will be Southern Comfort food with English Pub food also on the menu. It will have both a front and back patio. They will serve food until 1 am and will be open until 2 am. Should be a perfect addition to Campus Corner!

[dankrutka]

Any updates on an opening date?

[Spartan]

This is very good news because that Iron Starr on CC was a disgrace to the Good Egg restaurants, and I very much love me some Gastropub.

[twade]

Tentative opening is Monday, April 18.

[dankrutka]

Tentative opening is Monday, April 18.

Sad day. How do they not get open for the Red-White game?!? Was hoping to stop in with a big group...

[mattjank]

I got an email from the Blu mailing list that had the new menu. Food looked good, but was disappointed to see that they are indeed showcasing the Brewhouse beers. Hopefully they will have other taps as well, but not holding my breath.

[a.a.howell]

Blackbird Gastropub will mostly focus on whiskey, bourbon and scotch, as well as old fashioned cocktails that feature those liquors. "Pub" does not have to mean beer! That being said, there are at least 12 beers on tap and 50 or so bottled beers to choose from... and about a 40 bottle wine selection. As a side note: Coach's and The Brewhouse are no longer affiliated. The Brewhouse is now strictly a brewery, pool hall and live music venue. Coach's is under different ownership and is its own thing now. Of course all the "Good Life Hospitality" places will showcase The Brewhouse beer! It's the same owners.

[mattjank]

That's great, but not my cup of tea. I was hoping for another place in Norman with a great beer selection to open so as to have an option other than Abner's.

The only other Gastropub I've been to is Rupublic, so I was hoping for a place with similar selections.

[brian]

That's great, but not my cup of tea. I was hoping for another place in Norman with a great beer selection to open so as to have an option other than Abner's.

The only other Gastropub I've been to is Rupublic, so I was hoping for a place with similar selections.

i was hoping for the same. at least some coop on tap would be nice.

[dankrutka]

Anyone been yet?