Pump Bar

[LocoAko]

Went last night for the first time and had an absolute blast. It was quite crowded (in a good way) but we managed to get a table on the North Side (?) patio with the heating lamps and it was great out there. Service was great, prices great too. Actually interacted with strangers around me a bit which is atypical for me at OKC bars. Didn't get to try the food but hope to soon. The best thing about the place for me was the atmosphere. I immediately remarked at what a great mix of people were there -- a third grungy hipsters/punks, a third middle-aged folks, and a third young professionals. All ages, all races, and (what appeared to be) a sizable LGBT presence, noteworthy only because I generally don't see that in OKC outside of 39th street. I think it says a lot (of good) about the place that it attracts so many types of people to a single space. Also, love the design and especially the light fixture in the bar area -- spent a good amount of time checking it out, lol.

Definitely going to make this a main stop in my rotation.

[jrod]

+1 on the mix of people. ALL kinds, and I love it.

[IanMcDermid]

Ian, I've been now close to a half dozen times. I just really really like the place. Only hiccup so far was Friday afternoon when my wife ordered a Bloody Mary, y'all were out of zing zang.

UGH! I had just come back from the wholesale with a fresh case around 5 to make the special brunch mix! Must have been a miscommunication. Ultimately my bad for telling my guy to put it in the storage shed and not take a few bottles up myself.

The small patio on the north side of the building is such an underrated spot. When the heaters get going, it's a great area. Garage doors were open on Friday, it added even that much more to the vibe. Keep up the good work!

Agreed, we just got approval from HP for an amendment to keep our patio cover (it was only supposed to be 4ft) so now we take off the bandaid (the propane heaters) and get the overhead gas shop heaters (like fassler and the barrel) installed and seasonally (clear)vinyl wall the north opening and south breezeway. Just gotta figure out how to exhaust the cigarette smoke.

This concept (like some have mentioned about the cross section of patrons) is supposed to offer something to everyone. And I dont want shame, alienate, or offer an inferior experience to anyone who wants to smoke. At the same time not detract from the experience of the non smokers. I know there are people who can't stand the slightest whiff even outdoors. And for those I suggest you patron a restaurant that serves alcohol. We're a bar. That being said I'm not going to create a smoke chamber that stinks up the joint or puts my employees' health at risk (even though they all smoke). If it works it works. If not. I'll have to kick the smokers out of there too and build them a shame shack out back with uv heaters on a 5min timer.

Thanks for the feedback everyone. And sorry to anyone who experience longer than average(less than 10m)ticket times at brunch today. At one count we had 135, and that's before I got to busy to count. Also to whoever got me as their waiter. I'm a great bartender but not soso cocktail waitress. We're just not staffed for 70 degree brunch weather yet(hello January!). As I can't ask my night staff that leaves at 4 to come back at 9 for brunch.

And anyone from the site feel free to say hi. I love to schmooze and best part is the boss doesn't yell at me for slacking. Until the wife/co owner catches me...

[catch22]

I came in tonight and was pretty disappointed, honestly.

I arrived about 20 minutes before 9. Bar was busy, and so were a few tables. I found out Sunday's only one dish is served, and that's what it written on the chalkboard. Tonight was potato soup and corned beef. Hard to decide on what you want when it's only one item. I realize it's Sunday so demand is less, but I was not the only one who remarked about the choice (not even choices) of things to eat. Pretty big fail as I actually left after one beer. (Would have left before ordering my beer if I had known it was only one choice.

Staff was friendly, but too friendly to some in many regards. The bartender was literally jiggling her boobs while people were ordering. Like hands on them and actively jiggling them for attention. Another staff member kept raising up his shirt to show patrons (which he seemed to know) his chest. Another employee was giving a deep tissue back and shoulder massage to another server. While another staff member made out with her boyfriend. Not a simple kiss, but a full on frenching session. Another guy kept bragging about working there, while talking about anal sex. Just totally unprofessional staff. It reminded me of Its Always Sunny in Philedelphia. Funny people, but everyone acted like working there was the comedy, while taking care of people came second.

Hopefully it was just a bad night, but I left as quickly as possible with a $5 tab (which took a while because everyone was horsing around instead of paying attention). I'm all about having fun at work and enjoying your job, but your staff was totally unprofessional tonight. And the decision to only serve one dish tonight sent me elsewhere.

[Jessica N]

I had a great experience the evening of January 2nd. A friend and I met for drinks and dinner, sat in a booth, and was served by female owner. Great beer selection and tasty food served by attentive, but not pushy staff. Recommended to a friend of mine who went the next week with her husband, sat at the bar ... and had a similar experience as that described by catch22. I think they initially planned to stay longer, but left early as they felt uncomfortable with staff behavior and conversation. Hopefully it was an "off" night, because I was set on Pump Bar being a go-to for hubs and me!

[Filthy]

**

[Bullbear]

I checked the pump out tbursday night. It was pretty busy with no place inside so we went out back to the smoking area between the main building and the restrooms. The heaters did a great job keeping the area warm. He had the poutine and I had the meatloaf special. Both were great. I am not a fan of smoke when I'm eating but being outdoors I didn't figure it would be bad. It wasn't horrible but there was one table right by the door (also by us ) that was constantly occupied by chain smokers 2 or 3 at a time. Then I realized it was all the staff hanging out smoking. It's a bar and I know people take smoke breaks but it just seemed like a table constantly occupied by staff might not be the best idea. Then there was a guy who would just stand and chat with the staff while they smoked and he chained smoked and would reach over to our table while we were eating to use the ashtray on our table and left a smoking butt for us to enjoy. I love the place and will definitely be back and hopefully it's just working the bugs out.

[IanMcDermid]

Thanks everyone for the honest feedback. Please know I am taking steps to prevent this from happening in the future. I've directed my staff to this page so they can see what is being said about them and know this is the impressions they are giving off. Again thanks for your feedback and your business.

[Urbanized]

Good to see you last night Ian. The tables look great outside. The place continues to come together really well.

[Anonymous.]

Thanks everyone for the honest feedback. Please know I am taking steps to prevent this from happening in the future. I've directed my staff to this page so they can see what is being said about them and know this is the impressions they are giving off. Again thanks for your feedback and your business.

You are an admirable business owner. Keep up the great work.

[IanMcDermid]

Changes as of this morning:
Staff smoking happens off premises, and one at a time.
Sunday afternoon/night we'll now be serving the full bar menu after brunch. (That's 7 days a week for those counting)
I will be implementing a series of training sessions (with some blame to myself as my wife and I have been so busy just keeping the gears turning we haven't had proper time to fine tune) to reinforce what I've always envisioned for this concept: a bar experience with a broad drink offering, excellent food, and an eclectic mix of clientele complimented by a daily evolution of age groups, demographic, music, ambiance, decibel levels, and service.

The "Jiggler" as pointed out by catch22 is one of my best and brightest, she's a sister to us. Her "boobs" are considered by many to be a national treasure. I just need to teach her that those things happen after 10pm. Because I'm guessing most nights. He's at home by 10. As are most people who are put off by such thing (no offense!). Ever been to flip's after midnight? If you have that should put that topic to rest. Late night is a different animal, the service switches gears, lights go down, music goes up...People start saying f*** a LOT. But it has its time and place. However, I will offer that the lounge has a much more laid back vibe than the bar area, and lends itself to late dining.

Some people are going to want my place to be a restaurant, or supper club, or lounge. But it isn't, and never will be. It's somewhere just over the other side. And I've felt from start to present that it's something this town needs. Why can't we have great food and drink in an adult environment while getting just liiiiittle rowdy(after dinner). Of course Saturdays and Sundays after brunch can be wildcards. But, I obviously need to step it up and get my staff on the same page. With the culinary talent of Chef Romo we're no longer a bar with food or were ever a restaurant with a bar, it's a hybrid. And the service/conduct needs to flex and conform to fit the evolving customer base throughout the progression to 2am.

I love the comment about punk rockers, the middle age, the suits, the hipster, grungers, grey hairs, and lgbt all mixed together, LOVE IT! It's what I had planned all along.

Can you tell I'm brushing up for my (hopefully eventually) Steve Lackmeyer interview?

Again, with your time and honest feedback. We're making big changes and positive strides based on what this community has to say. Thank you!

[Plutonic Panda]

Changes as of this morning:
Staff smoking happens off premises, and one at a time.
Sunday afternoon/night we'll now be serving the full bar menu after brunch. (That's 7 days a week for those counting)
I will be implementing a series of training sessions (with some blame to myself as my wife and I have been so busy just keeping the gears turning we haven't had proper time to fine tune) to reinforce what I've always envisioned for this concept: a bar experience with a broad drink offering, excellent food, and an eclectic mix of clientele complimented by a daily evolution of age groups, demographic, music, ambiance, decibel levels, and service.

The "Jiggler" as pointed out by catch22 is one of my best and brightest, she's a sister to us. Her "boobs" are considered by many to be a national treasure. I just need to teach her that those things happen after 10pm. Because I'm guessing most nights. He's at home by 10. As are most people who are put off by such thing (no offense!). Ever been to flip's after midnight? If you have that should put that topic to rest. Late night is a different animal, the service switches gears, lights go down, music goes up...People start saying f*** a LOT. But it has its time and place. However, I will offer that the lounge has a much more laid back vibe than the bar area, and lends itself to late dining.

Some people are going to want my place to be a restaurant, or supper club, or lounge. But it isn't, and never will be. It's somewhere just over the other side. And I've felt from start to present that it's something this town needs. Why can't we have great food and drink in an adult environment while getting just liiiiittle rowdy(after dinner). Of course Saturdays and Sundays after brunch can be wildcards. But, I obviously need to step it up and get my staff on the same page. With the culinary talent of Chef Romo we're no longer a bar with food or were ever a restaurant with a bar, it's a hybrid. And the service/conduct needs to flex and conform to fit the evolving customer base throughout the progression to 2am.

I love the comment about punk rockers, the middle age, the suits, the hipster, grungers, grey hairs, and lgbt all mixed together, LOVE IT! It's what I had planned all along.

Can you tell I'm brushing up for my (hopefully eventually) Steve Lackmeyer interview?

Again, with your time and honest feedback. We're making big changes and positive strides based on what this community has to say. Thank you!

That's awesome. I haven't had time lately because I've been super busy with work and applying for schools in L.A., but within the next couple weeks, you expect to start seeing me here on semi-regular basis. I love this place! Everything was great. I still haven't been able to try those damn slider though!!! lol

[ljbab728]

Changes as of this morning:
Staff smoking happens off premises, and one at a time.
Sunday afternoon/night we'll now be serving the full bar menu after brunch. (That's 7 days a week for those counting)
I will be implementing a series of training sessions (with some blame to myself as my wife and I have been so busy just keeping the gears turning we haven't had proper time to fine tune) to reinforce what I've always envisioned for this concept: a bar experience with a broad drink offering, excellent food, and an eclectic mix of clientele complimented by a daily evolution of age groups, demographic, music, ambiance, decibel levels, and service.

The "Jiggler" as pointed out by catch22 is one of my best and brightest, she's a sister to us. Her "boobs" are considered by many to be a national treasure. I just need to teach her that those things happen after 10pm. Because I'm guessing most nights. He's at home by 10. As are most people who are put off by such thing (no offense!). Ever been to flip's after midnight? If you have that should put that topic to rest. Late night is a different animal, the service switches gears, lights go down, music goes up...People start saying f*** a LOT. But it has its time and place. However, I will offer that the lounge has a much more laid back vibe than the bar area, and lends itself to late dining.

Some people are going to want my place to be a restaurant, or supper club, or lounge. But it isn't, and never will be. It's somewhere just over the other side. And I've felt from start to present that it's something this town needs. Why can't we have great food and drink in an adult environment while getting just liiiiittle rowdy(after dinner). Of course Saturdays and Sundays after brunch can be wildcards. But, I obviously need to step it up and get my staff on the same page. With the culinary talent of Chef Romo we're no longer a bar with food or were ever a restaurant with a bar, it's a hybrid. And the service/conduct needs to flex and conform to fit the evolving customer base throughout the progression to 2am.

I love the comment about punk rockers, the middle age, the suits, the hipster, grungers, grey hairs, and lgbt all mixed together, LOVE IT! It's what I had planned all along.

Can you tell I'm brushing up for my (hopefully eventually) Steve Lackmeyer interview?

Again, with your time and honest feedback. We're making big changes and positive strides based on what this community has to say. Thank you!

That's great, Ian. It's always encouraging to posters here to see that comments made are taken to heart and do result in appropriate actions.

[jccouger]

Great work Ian! Great job at taking the critiques in stride, implementing changes that you see fit in order to run the kind of place you want with the atmosphere you aspire to create. That post you made showed me that your business is going to be successful because you know how to evolve without changing who you really are.

I've got to check this place out, it sounds ****ing outstanding. (oops, shouldn't have said that before 10 PM).

[jn1780]

The "Jiggler" as pointed out by catch22 is one of my best and brightest, she's a sister to us. Her "boobs" are considered by many to be a national treasure. I just need to teach her that those things happen after 10pm. Because I'm guessing most nights. He's at home by 10. As are most people who are put off by such thing (no offense!). Ever been to flip's after midnight? If you have that should put that topic to rest. Late night is a different animal, the service switches gears, lights go down, music goes up...People start saying f*** a LOT. But it has its time and place. However, I will offer that the lounge has a much more laid back vibe than the bar area, and lends itself to late dining.

Boobs defiantly help sell beer and food. lol

[catch22]

Boobs defiantly help sell beer and food. lol

In strip clubs and grimey back-alley bars.

I guess if that's part of the appeal you are striving for, I will spend my money somewhere else. I really felt uncomfortable with your staff.
I'm not an old fart either, I'm in my early twenties and certainly not a prude.

[catch22]

Also I'm not in by 10 pm like you are insinuating. When I go out I'm usually shutting a bar down and making it home by 3am.

I just will spend my money in places that has enough respect for the customer to not have to resort to childish behavior to get people to buy drinks or get tips.

[Motley]

Just saw an article about the rise in popularity of "breastaurants".

[Paseofreak]

Catch, that's most certainly your prerogative, but I don't think The Pump will miss a dime of your business. It's packed full every night, so It must appeal to a good chunk of the market.

[Bullbear]

Changes as of this morning:
Staff smoking happens off premises, and one at a time.
Sunday afternoon/night we'll now be serving the full bar menu after brunch. (That's 7 days a week for those counting)
I will be implementing a series of training sessions (with some blame to myself as my wife and I have been so busy just keeping the gears turning we haven't had proper time to fine tune) to reinforce what I've always envisioned for this concept: a bar experience with a broad drink offering, excellent food, and an eclectic mix of clientele complimented by a daily evolution of age groups, demographic, music, ambiance, decibel levels, and service.

The "Jiggler" as pointed out by catch22 is one of my best and brightest, she's a sister to us. Her "boobs" are considered by many to be a national treasure. I just need to teach her that those things happen after 10pm. Because I'm guessing most nights. He's at home by 10. As are most people who are put off by such thing (no offense!). Ever been to flip's after midnight? If you have that should put that topic to rest. Late night is a different animal, the service switches gears, lights go down, music goes up...People start saying f*** a LOT. But it has its time and place. However, I will offer that the lounge has a much more laid back vibe than the bar area, and lends itself to late dining.

Some people are going to want my place to be a restaurant, or supper club, or lounge. But it isn't, and never will be. It's somewhere just over the other side. And I've felt from start to present that it's something this town needs. Why can't we have great food and drink in an adult environment while getting just liiiiittle rowdy(after dinner). Of course Saturdays and Sundays after brunch can be wildcards. But, I obviously need to step it up and get my staff on the same page. With the culinary talent of Chef Romo we're no longer a bar with food or were ever a restaurant with a bar, it's a hybrid. And the service/conduct needs to flex and conform to fit the evolving customer base throughout the progression to 2am.

I love the comment about punk rockers, the middle age, the suits, the hipster, grungers, grey hairs, and lgbt all mixed together, LOVE IT! It's what I had planned all along.

Can you tell I'm brushing up for my (hopefully eventually) Steve Lackmeyer interview?

Again, with your time and honest feedback. We're making big changes and positive strides based on what this community has to say. Thank you!

Great Job Ian!.. I almost didn't want to critique because I like you but I knew you would want honest feedback. I like your ideas and what you envision for your place and the tweeks your making sound perfect to me. I like that you want it to be a fun bar with great food and you can bet you will get my money.. as a gay man I am not offended by JIgglers..lol best of luck and hope to run into you soon at the pump.

[catch22]

Catch, that's most certainly your prerogative, but I don't think The Pump will miss a dime of your business. It's packed full every night, so It must appeal to a good chunk of the market.

That's fine. He asked for feedback. I gave him my opinion and my experience.

[adaniel]

Sounds like Weiner's Circle in Chicago were you will get a special surprise if you order the "Chocolate Shake." Google it if you don't know what I'm talking about (Fair warning: Do NOT order the choclate shake!!).

But, seriously, I'm glad there's a place in OKC that can let it's hair down and not take itself so seriously. We are all adults here, and so long as nobody is being overly offensive, people should be expected to let loose a little after dark. Hell, the last bar I went to in Dallas it was about midnight and the bartenders started twerking to old school 90's hits. It was a blast, frankly.

Hats off to you Ian. Wishing you success!

[catch22]

As a clarification, I was not offended. I'm a straight man and am not offended by breasts. I don't like unprofessionalism. I'm put off when I'm trying to spend money but the staff are too busy massaging each other, making out with one another, and being unprofessional. If people are horsing around in the front, what the hell is going on in the back where I can't see? Are people having sex in the kitchen? Are they wiping their lips after making out up front, and then handling my silverware and plates in the back? Unprofessionalism breeds shortcuts and latent human error. When handling food I'm consuming, I want some indication that the staff cares.

This will be my final post on the subject.

[Bellaboo]

Catch, that's most certainly your prerogative, but I don't think The Pump will miss a dime of your business. It's packed full every night, so It must appeal to a good chunk of the market.

For the moment. They keep pissing people off and let's see what happens.

[AP]

nm