Pump Bar

[catch22]

Sorry for even responding to the owner when he asked for honest feedback.

I had a great time at The Pump. I enjoyed everything about it. It really was quite awesome.

There's your review. I can lie if that makes everyone happy.

[CuatrodeMayo]

[turnpup]

Ian, my husband and I are very likely to try out your place in the near future. The fact that you are open to comments and criticism on this board, and that you are making efforts to listen to your constituents and adjust accordingly, speaks volumes. Kudos!

One thing I must request, however: If your well-endowed female bartender might perhaps catch the eye of my husband (who admittedly is a fan of the "jigglers" on the female anatomy), then I would like you to hire an equally well-endowed male bartender to catch the eye of us females and the Bullbears of the world. Equality and such, you know.

[catch22]

Catch22s post is borderline the most immature post I've seen on this board. That says a lot cause I experienced the "thunder" years.

You are going to wish that a fellow okctalk member's business fails because he didn't issue an apology for your petty complaints? Pathetic.


You for sure don't seem like the kind of guy I'd want to get a drink with. Or maybe you need to drink a little more? Relax, buddy.

1. he asked for feedback
2. He confirmed my story
3. He laughed at my feedback

Why would I later care what happens?

If that's how he treats complaints he will never improve.

I have no problem with having a rowdy bar. I don't go to them, but I don't have a problem with people who do. I don't have a problem if that's his goal. My only beef here is how my complaint was handled. I assumed he did not know his staff was French kissing behind the bar -- that's something that isn't acceptable at any kind of business. Off duty or not. The boobs -- I assume he did not know. That's something he encourages, that's fine. The massage -- while not offensive, is unprofessional. I assume he did not know. He does and he offered justification. The guy bragging about working there, while discussing anal sex with a customer (quite loudly) -- I assume he did not know. I never saw a response to this. Perhaps that's part of the vibe.

I gave him an honest description of my experience -- exactly what he asked for. And Im not expecting him to change any of it. I told him things that I would want to know if I owned a bar. Instead of making fun of my conplaints, it would have been easier for him to just say. "Thanks. I'll look into it." Instead of saying, go home and get in bed by 10 -- we'll wait for you to leave, in essence.

I really had high hopes and was let down. I was let down more in his initial responses than I ever was with any of the service. I did what he asked and was made fun of by him.

[MikeLucky]

1. he asked for feedback
2. He confirmed my story
3. He laughed at my feedback

Why would I later care what happens?

If that's how he treats complaints he will never improve.

I have no problem with having a rowdy bar. I don't go to them, but I don't have a problem with people who do. I don't have a problem if that's his goal. My only beef here is how my complaint was handled. I assumed he did not know his staff was French kissing behind the bar -- that's something that isn't acceptable at any kind of business. Off duty or not. The boobs -- I assume he did not know. That's something he encourages, that's fine. The massage -- while not offensive, is unprofessional. I assume he did not know. He does and he offered justification. The guy bragging about working there, while discussing anal sex with a customer (quite loudly) -- I assume he did not know. I never saw a response to this. Perhaps that's part of the vibe.

I gave him an honest description of my experience -- exactly what he asked for. And Im not expecting him to change any of it. I told him things that I would want to know if I owned a bar. Instead of making fun of my conplaints, it would have been easier for him to just say. "Thanks. I'll look into it." Instead of saying, go home and get in bed by 10 -- we'll wait for you to leave, in essence.

I really had high hopes and was let down. I was let down more in his initial responses than I ever was with any of the service. I did what he asked and was made fun of by him.

You just keep coming off more and more whiny with each post. Your initial review showed you to be pretty thin skinned and over sensitive. Then your replies only drive that home even more. You might just stop posting on this topic. Just sayin

[no1cub17]

To straighten the record a bit. I did some sleuthing on the CCTV to check their stories. The make-out couple. Was a bartender who was cut early and having drinks with her boyfriend. So I can see how that would look like she was still at work. The massage couple was my Wife, she's working 90 hour weeks (not that it demands sympathy, merely the reality) and I'll contend that should happen back of the house. Oh and they are totes having sex in the kitchen lol! I'm sorry, I'm just having the most hilarious visions of the all male staff, under the heat lamps, Hell's Kitchen style "Yes, Chef!"

Perfect response IMO. I can't wait to check out Pump bar. Sounds like an awesome, fun place, where everyone can be themselves and not have to "fit in". That IMO is the sign of a truly great place - you're not trying to mold people into something they're not. If they don't like it (a la some posters in this thread), they can leave!

I wish I lived within walking distance, sounds like a place that could be my 2nd home. I love that there's a good amount of veggie options on the food menu too, gotta keep the wife happy

[Bellaboo]

You just keep coming off more and more whiny with each post. Your initial review showed you to be pretty thin skinned and over sensitive. Then your replies only drive that home even more. You might just stop posting on this topic. Just sayin

Catch is a good guy..... but I may have to turn a deaf ear and go see what all the 'jiggle' is about.... National Treasure huh ?

[iMAX386]

Haven't been yet, but just curious:

- What's the TV situation like? Is it a good place to watch a Thunder game, or not really?
- It's non-smoking inside, right?

[dankrutka]

Haven't been yet, but just curious:

- What's the TV situation like? Is it a good place to watch a Thunder game, or not really?
- It's non-smoking inside, right?

You can watch a game there and there's no smoking inside.

[Pete]

Patio weather:

[OKCisOK4me]

Be even better when that movie screen goes up on that north face of Pizzeria Gusto!

[soonerguru]

This is my favorite new bar in OKC. Wonderful in every way. The service has been outstanding on all three of my visits -- even when it is jammed to the rafters. Absolutely great, friendly vibe. Reminds me of some of the great bars I've visited in Austin and elsewhere in my travels. No fake atmosphere -- this joint is the real deal.

I just hope it doesn't get douched up, but I doubt it will, considering the nabe.

[Urbanized]

Be even better when that movie screen goes up on that north face of Pizzeria Gusto!

And the laced light strings between the building.

[warreng88]

From the JR:

These Walls: The Pump Bar

By: Molly M. Fleming The Journal Record January 30, 2015

OKLAHOMA CITY – Ian and Hailey McDermid had come to age behind the bars. They both worked at the Drunken Fry, and left in 2012 to set out on their own venture.

“We wanted to do our own thing,” Ian McDermid said.

Yet they had to find the right place. They met up with Land Run Com*mercial President Jonathan Russell and considered moving into The Rise development on NE 23rd Street. At that time, Russell hadn’t decided how he would divide the building into units. Then McDermid looked down the street and saw a small, white run-down building.

“I asked him, ‘Well, what are you going to do with that building?’” McDermid said. “(Russell) said he was going to tear it down to make way for more parking.”

McDermid had other plans, however. The couple looked at the building and knew it was their spot. They had traveled nationwide and seen a lot of patio bars. That’s what the spot at 2425 N. Walker Ave. would become, now aptly named The Pump Bar.

The 0.2-acre site has a 1,614-square-foot building that was erected in 1929. It was originally owned by minor league baseball player Chili McDaniel, who played in the city from 1922 to 1925. It then belonged to Elmer Gentry, who retired from the operation in 1978. Once Gentry closed the doors, they stayed shut until McDermid cracked them open again in March 2014.

While the building was a gas station, it was said to secretly house liquor. In later conversations with Gentry’s family, McDermid said he learned how previous owners hid their friends’ liquor in the walls, or even in the paper towel dispenser. Before he could put his own liquor on the shelves, he had to find the diamond in the coal that was the building. That task would take longer than expected since many construction crews were either too busy for the job or considered the site too small. Work finally started in March 2014. Not only was the building renovated, utility lines had to be tapped, as well. An interior wall was made smaller to create a large, open space. The interior now has gray walls decorated with McDermid’s personal art collection. Booths are donned in sparkly teal pleather-covered booths.

The shining jewel on the outside is The Pump Bar’s sign, which is similar to the building’s original banjo-style sign. McDermid drove to Memphis, Tennessee, to purchase the sign from a petroleum memorabilia collector. He took it to a neon designer who put in The Pump Bar’s design. It is a bright beacon down Walker Avenue from 23rd Street.

Indoor and outdoor seating is scattered around the site. McDermid has added a 1,250-square-foot, metal-clad building to the back that houses restrooms and the walk-in refrigerator. The building’s north side has beanbag toss games. There is also a covered area that will soon be protected by a vinyl wall.

The front area allows customers to watch the traffic, and the side has a quieter spot for chatting.

The McDermids aren’t the first people to open a bar in the city, and certainly won’t be the last. They knew they had to make their place stand out from the crowd, and luckily they gained an education during their travels. They put their favorite bar concepts into The Pump Bar.

Customers will find not only tasty cocktails, but also chef-made food.

“There are a lot of restaurants with bars, but I don’t see any bars with scratch-made items,” Ian McDermid said.

Former Moto Chef food truck owner Guy Romo is in the kitchen, serving dishes like slow-roasted brisket, short rib steak fingers, and house-made bison chili. The refreshment list has classic drinks, concoctions created by the McDermids, tiki cocktails, wine, and beer.

“We like playful cocktails,” he said. “We incorporated tastes from across the country into our menu.”

With such a diverse menu, The Pump Bar has attracted an equally varied crowd. A night can have customers in suits, biker jackets, and even jeans and T-shirts.

“I really put it together to be approachable and accessible to everyone,” he said.

The Pump Bar will be an always-evolving establishment, with plans to add string lights, finish the fire pit, and build a raised patio that can double as a stage for live music.

[stratosphere]

I have no problem with having a rowdy bar. I don't go to them, but I don't have a problem with people who do. I don't have a problem if that's his goal. My only beef here is how my complaint was handled. I assumed he did not know his staff was French kissing behind the bar -- that's something that isn't acceptable at any kind of business. Off duty or not. The boobs -- I assume he did not know. That's something he encourages, that's fine. The massage -- while not offensive, is unprofessional. I assume he did not know. He does and he offered justification. The guy bragging about working there, while discussing anal sex with a customer (quite loudly) -- I assume he did not know. I never saw a response to this. Perhaps that's part of the vibe.

Honestly, a bar called "Pump", why would anyone be surprised with jiggling boobs, massages, and boasting of anal sex? Pump.

JK

[IanMcDermid]

Awe. Faith in OKCtalk community: restored. I vowed not to look at this thread again (as it upset me deeply) a couple weeks ago and held fast until tonight. Broke down, and now I'm glad I did. I'm delighted that those of you that have been here and been regular visitors or even those that understand our position as a mom & pop business and slightly niche targeted non-corporate appeal have voiced your support. You honor us. We will return the favor and use your patronage to improve the space, add features, and continue to add entertainment and activities as we grow together.

[soonerguru]

Great time again tonight, but the crowd is veering into douchey territory.

[iMAX386]

That blackberry drink at the top of the cocktail menu is pretty damn good.

[DammitDan]

My friends and I were there last night and had a great time. We did notice the odd mix of people-- preps, stoners, socialites, skaters... We figured it was because it was First Friday in the Paseo, but definitely made for great people watching

[Paseofreak]

Just drove by a few minutes ago. Every single seat on the patio was taken and there were about another thirty or forty at least standing around. This place will need velvet ropes and a gate guard this spring.

[rezman]

The wife and I rode by there on the scooter this afternoon and the place was packed. Glad to see it taking off so well. We're going to try to get by there when it's not so crowded.

Great time again tonight, but the crowd is veering into douchey territory.

What does that mean?

[Plutonic Panda]

Just drove by a few minutes ago. Every single seat on the patio was taken and there were about another thirty or forty at least standing around. This place will need velvet ropes and a gate guard this spring.

[ljbab728]

Sleep, plupan, sleep.

[Plutonic Panda]

Sleep, plupan, sleep.

Too many photos to upload, so little time.

Edit: I just now noticed that Walmart picture. Pete or MMM, can you please delete that post...

[kevinpate]

soonerguru, what seems to have changed in the last two weeks?

Jan. 27th, you noted - I just hope it doesn't get douched up, but I doubt it will, considering the nabe.
Then Feb. 7, you noted - Great time again tonight, but the crowd is veering into douchey territory.