Sean Cummings Irish Restaurant & Pub

[tuck]

Tough argument...If you don't like the place, then you just don't like it. Maybe you will never go back. There are many ways to define success in this business. Some are happy working 80 hours a week and being there own boss make the long hours worth while...considered a success. Also, just because you have a successful restaurant, this doesn't mean you have a great restaurant.

Boca was never the busiest place in town, but; being open 9 years is a huge accomplishment in this biz. I do know restaurants that are exremely busy with larger than normal seating capacity that are literally operating on close to zero cashflow...they will stay open and keep operating as long as customers keep coming. I would rather be somewhere in the middle.

[jbkrems]

Tuck,

Of course you are not in the middle. As a restaurant guest, and one who has patronized your restaurants (Red Prime is the best steakhouse in town!) I think that the way food tastes, i.e. your recipes is the key to success. If you make good food, and you are able to satisfy the appetites of your guests, with good atmosphere and excellent service, then you will do well. Just because a restaurant has been around for 9 years... it might be a "success," but that is not necessarily how I as a guest patron would define success. From my perspective, success is defined as quality food, good atmosphere, and excellent service, and being consistent in all three of those areas. Unfortunately, not every restaurant meets those criteria. I might still go. However, if the food is not cooked right, then I am not going to come back.

A good case in point is Boca. I ordered the seabass, because it is one of my all times favorite fish. It was bland. So were the vegetables it was served with. I would say kudos for the mashed potatoes creation they had that night at Boca. However, a side dish does not save an entree. Needless to say, the seabass was supposed to be potato-encrusted. I had better for less at Carrabbas before. Also, the seabass was served on top of this creamy-vinegar paste. Very bad idea. The flavor combinations just did not work. Yes, this is a subjective comment. However, this dish was boasted as their "signature" dish. I was sorely disappointed, and not surprised they wanted to change course.

I had also heard, when I was there that night, that they had changed chefs many times during their 9 years turnover. That concerned me, because Boca was not a more established restaurant such as Cheevers or The Metro, where a change of chef has NEVER been a bad thing.

Alright, that's enough to chew on for now. LOL.

[guesswhoo]

Its amusing you've become so invested in this blog. Its especially funny BECAUSE ITS A BLOG! It means nothing! The restaurant you didn't like isn't even there anymore! I think its time to move on, I'm sure there are more important blogs that require your vast knowledge of how the world works.

[Oh GAWD the Smell!]

Its amusing you've become so invested in this blog. Its especially funny BECAUSE ITS A BLOG! It means nothing! The restaurant you didn't like isn't even there anymore! I think its time to move on, I'm sure there are more important blogs that require your vast knowledge of how the world works.

This isn't a blog, and it does mean something to quite a few people. But thanks for your condescension towards people's opinions based on where they present it.

[guesswhoo]

This isn't a blog, and it does mean something to quite a few people. But thanks for your condescension towards people's opinions based on where they present it.

Hah! Excuse me.. uh forum? Get real. Any way you twist it.. its a blog. But thanks for playing. I did nothing more than state facts, if you're taking that as condescension.. well that sounds like a personal problem.

[soonerfangirl]

Reviving this thread and bringing it back on topic... went to Sean Cummings for the first time last night. After I found it --which took forever! Went in and was sorely disappointed in the beer list but that was the only disappointment of the night. Wait, no it wasn't -- because our bread was served in a bowl (where most of the other tables had baskets from what I could tell) and there was water in the bottom of the bowl. Not like condensation, but an actual measurable amount of water. Ewwww. Food was excellent. I had the salmon club and my companion had the fishermans pie - or stew - but I think it was called pie. We were both impressed and are talking about a return trip.

[Bigrayok]

I like the food and the live music at Sean Cumming's Irish Pub. Sean is always really nice and friendly to me. Shannon who works there is nice also. I always feel welcome there.

Bigray in Ok

[metro]

If it's anything like their sister restaurant Vito's, I won't be impressed.

[icecold]

Reviving this thread and bringing it back on topic... went to Sean Cummings for the first time last night. After I found it --which took forever! .

I agree....I drove up and down that strip mall and finally saw it on the 3rd pass and I was looking for it. It is something that OKC doesnt have so it was a nice change. I had the seafood shepards pie. Sounds gross I know, but the waitress recommended it and it was delicious. Not sure how often I will go but I hope I can remeber to throw it in the mix.

[Euphoria]

As somebody that gets dragged there (kicking and screaming) once every other week I feel that I have to comment.

I eat here and I don't want to. I'd much rather go somewhere else. Unfortunately my friends think it's the greatest place ever so they always insist on meeting up there.

The food is good, but it's not exceptional. The Shepards Pie isn't bad, the Fishermans Pie is pretty good. The Reuben is decent. The Lamb is decent. That's four dishes on the entire menu that are decent. The fish & chips used to be up there but the last two times I ordered them they were undercooked. Nothing ruins an appetite quicker than raw fish (when it's not supposed to be!) and doughy batter.

The beer list makes Baby Jesus cry. It's tiny. The beer on it is all decent but a little more variety would be spiffy.

Shannon and a few of the waitresses rock. They're the highlight of the trip and the ONLY reason I haven't told my friends to shove it and gone somewhere else when they want to meet up.

[metro]

I agree....I drove up and down that strip mall and finally saw it on the 3rd pass and I was looking for it. It is something that OKC doesnt have so it was a nice change. I had the seafood shepards pie. Sounds gross I know, but the waitress recommended it and it was delicious. Not sure how often I will go but I hope I can remeber to throw it in the mix.

How is it something that OKC doesn't have? There is McNellies which is similar in concept, as there are Dan McGuinness and a few other places.

[icecold]

How is it something that OKC doesn't have? There is McNellies which is similar in concept, as there are Dan McGuinness and a few other places.

I guess I can not speak about Dan McGuinness since I have never been there but Sean Cummings and McNellies are nothing alike. I was speaking of more of a small type irish pub feeling with a dude playing some drab music.

[IanMcDermid]

Have to profess my love for Sean cummings. But I am probably more atune to the beer list because I am perfectly capable of having a 6 hour black & tan session. The food is good, and traditional which I like. And the bartenders will be your best friend so even a solo trip is sensational.

Definitely the closest thing to a real pub in OKC. Haven't tried vito's yet but I had a couple at my bartop last week that raved. Personally I've been dying for a pasta dish that's not sauced in a tomato or cream based sauce. Maybe a little squid or fish is that too much to ask?

[Pete]

Sean Cummings Irish Pub set to resurface on N. May

When the original Sean Cummings Irish Pub closed in 2014, it had proven to be very successful albeit in quite a small space, and its loss was mourned by many.

Soon, it will resurface as Sean Cummings Irish Restaurant in the old Sophabella's space at 7628 N. May, almost directly across the street from the old location.

Work has already started and Sean hopes to be up and running in 1 to 2 months.

Cummings told OKCTalk the space lends itself well to an pub concept and they are busy putting on their unique touches.

Like a traditional Irish pub, Cummings and his wife Cathy will offer guests Guinness,stout Smithwick's red ale and Harp lager on tap but also 10-15 local beers.

Larger kitchen and dining spaces will allow for not only bangers and mash, fish and chips and shepherd's pie but also fresh seafood.

Cummings said he has been looking for a new location since his previous spot closed after not being able to come to terms with the landlord.

After several attempts, he was finally able to nail down a lease on the former Sophabella's after tracking down the Texas landlords.

The new operation will eventually offer lunch and brunch in addition to dinner and late night hours.

[Pete]

I still can't believe the dearth of real Irish pubs in this town.

Very much looking forward to this and N. May and that general area is very underserved IMO.

On a related note, the Garage at Britton and May seems to be absolutely killing it. Being hearing about huge numbers there.

[ultimatesooner]

all the garage locations do really well HSRG hit a home run on that concept

[Pete]

all the garage locations do really well HSRG hit a home run on that concept

I believe the May & Britton location is their top performer, which says a lot.

[ultimatesooner]

they don't struggle, thats for sure

[CloudDeckMedia]

Pete, what will become of the Bacon operation and space?

[ctchandler]

Pete,
Have you forgotten Sean's original Irish pub was located where his Boca Boca restaurant was, next door to Caffe Pranzo? Then he opened the second one next door to Vito's which I think is the one you are referring to.
C. T.
p.s. Yes, I suppose I'm nitpicking, but I really enjoyed both of his Irish pubs. Pleased that he is going finally have one with more space.

[barrettd]

Pete,
Have you forgotten Sean's original Irish pub was located where his Boca Boca restaurant was, next door to Caffe Pranzo? Then he opened the second one next door to Vito's which I think is the one you are referring to.
C. T.
p.s. Yes, I suppose I'm nitpicking, but I really enjoyed both of his Irish pubs. Pleased that he is going finally have one with more space.

You are correct.

I'm also very happy he's getting more space. I'm not a huge fan of really small spaces filled with people, so this will be great. I'm really looking forward to this.

[Johnb911]

Glad to see Sean getting back in the pub game. Always loved the Guinness wings. Never had an issue with the beer selection (it's an irish pub, not an irish themed gastropub) but those $6 pints could add up quickly!

Yes, that Garage is always jam packed. We really like walking over there from the house, just wish there was a crosswalk there at Britton and May.

Also, Pete, don't know if you know anything about it, but the old bank immediately west of that Garage is finally getting worked on. Or at least they were tearing down the drive-thru structure when I saw it the other night. The sign out front says 'Coming in 2017' and has what amounts to a small strip center for a rendering.

[Pete]

Also, Pete, don't know if you know anything about it, but the old bank immediately west of that Garage is finally getting worked on. Or at least they were tearing down the drive-thru structure when I saw it the other night. The sign out front says 'Coming in 2017' and has what amounts to a small strip center for a rendering.

Been meaning to post this and thanks for the reminder:

http://www.okctalk.com/showthread.ph...89#post1024589

[barrettd]

Glad to see Sean getting back in the pub game. Always loved the Guinness wings. Never had an issue with the beer selection (it's an irish pub, not an irish themed gastropub) but those $6 pints could add up quickly!

I always appreciated it's one of the few places to get a good Guinness draft.

[RadicalModerate]

Seeing Cathy Cummings' Facebook post, a few days ago, announcing this put a smile on my face that still remains. Sean's Irish Pub was one of our favorite places to enjoy some good food, good beverages and good music. Hard to believe it's been gone for something like four years. I hope that the food will be as good as it was. I tried just about everything on the menu and not once was I displeased with what hit the plate.