Carla S.
Yelp
Lovely, little cocktail bar with a warm, old-school charm. It's unique for OKC -- distinctly urban, boutique, cozy, social, yet more a spot to chill with friends and not a singles bar. It almost transports you to another time and place. I especially love the details here -- the brass barback, marble table and bar tops, dimly lit retro lamps, long channel-back booths, the distinct tile floor. The quiet street corner location with sidewalk tables out front adds to its charm. Front windows let in a lot of light during the day. At night it gets busy and louder with groups of people nearly yelling over the wonderful mix of 80's post punk and new wave hits.
Sadly, their $6 classic cocktails are no more. Classics now $9, with also $11 crafty cocktails, which are average prices these days. They also serve wine by the glass. I saw no beer taps, and no beers on menu, but I didn't ask. Stop in at happy hour from open until 7 pm for $5 Old Fashioneds and Daquiris.
Then there's the burger. It's a double cheeseburger with smashed flat, heavily griddled patties -- simple, but with some swagger. Turns out it's a favorite of our very own mayor, the venerable (*snickers*) David Holt. And it has some national acclaim thanks to a tweet from chef Alton Brown, who recently called it the best burger in the nation. So is it?? Naah..but it is mighty fine. What's garnering its praise is that Maillard reaction on perfectly seared patties, formed extra wide and hanging over edges of the bun. The result is juicy, very beefy, slightly bitter from the blackened edges along with the pickles, onions, and mustard (I recomend asking easy on the mustard or even on the side). My only real complaint is that onions are raw and diced, barely there flavorwise, and with no option of grilling them (I asked), which is a shame considering where we are. For $8, it is priced right. You can add fries for $2, which are like a crispier version of McD's -- thin, golden and very very salty.
The menu here is tiny, whittled down to only three items. Not what it used to be pre-pandemic. But when you look around at all of the unwrapped burgers dotting each and every table, it's obvious that no one really minds.
Just be sure to remember to order at the bar (the sign is literally on the wall). You'll be given a number, then food brought to you. No one greets or seats you. A few unfair reviews online are upset at this hands off concept. But it is mainly a bar after all, (though all ages welcome) and runs with just a few staff.
Burger -- 4/5
Atmosphere -- 5/5