The McNellie's owner plans to open his third downtown restaurant/bar, El Guapo. He has also purchased the 818 martini lounge, with plans to remodel it.
Tulsa World, 7/22/07 (//%22http://www.tulsaworld.com/entertainment/article.aspx?articleID=070721_238_E1_hElli41888&breadcrumb=restaurantsdining%22)
I've been awaiting this week for a very, very long time... and I'm not talking about DFest. [8D] I'm so excited about El Guapo's! And I'd really like to see a lot (if not all) of the things that he mentions, like a bowling alley, in downtown...
Awesome news. I've been watching and waiting from the front window at Arnie's too long...
I can't wait to check this place out! :) I love what Elliott is doing for Tulsa.
Did El Guapo hit its expected opening target date today? If so and anyone goes at lunch, please post your review of it.
http://www.elguaposcantina.net/
nope, tomorrow...
Wait, Tim told me all downtown bars were suffering.
How many bars does that put in the Blue Dome area now? A couple always seem to be opening and closing so I cant keep track if they are NEW bars or replacement bars.
That was mostly Steve Kitchell's cash, trash, & dash scams bars.
Since his brother Joe, who wound up being more or less the license-holder on those clubs, died last Thursday, maybe we've seen the last of Kitchell's nuisance downtown. I don't think anyone will rent to him, and I don't believe he can legally get a license to sell alcohol.
quote:
Originally posted by Conan71
Since his brother Joe, who wound up being more or less the license-holder on those clubs, died last Thursday, maybe we've seen the last of Kitchell's nuisance downtown. I don't think anyone will rent to him, and I don't believe he can legally get a license to sell alcohol.
You hateful person! His brother just died and you speak of how we've seen the last of Steve's horrible bars downtown. How heartless of you.
[/sarcasm]
I agree. Hopefully we've seen the last of 'em. Nothing but trouble.
However, in regards to the original topic - I stopped by El Guapo's today and saw that they had issues with the utilities not being turned on by today and will hopefully open tomorrow.
quote:
Originally posted by tulsacyclist
quote:
Originally posted by Conan71
Since his brother Joe, who wound up being more or less the license-holder on those clubs, died last Thursday, maybe we've seen the last of Kitchell's nuisance downtown. I don't think anyone will rent to him, and I don't believe he can legally get a license to sell alcohol.
You hateful person! His brother just died and you speak of how we've seen the last of Steve's horrible bars downtown. How heartless of you.
[/sarcasm]
I agree. Hopefully we've seen the last of 'em. Nothing but trouble.
However, in regards to the original topic - I stopped by El Guapo's today and saw that they had issues with the utilities not being turned on by today and will hopefully open tomorrow.
Yeah, I'm a real heartless bastard in that way. [;)]
I was admiring the work on the ElGuapo building as I walked back to my truck from McNellies last night.
quote:
Originally posted by Conan71
That was mostly Steve Kitchell's cash, trash, & dash scams bars.
Since his brother Joe, who wound up being more or less the license-holder on those clubs, died last Thursday, maybe we've seen the last of Kitchell's nuisance downtown. I don't think anyone will rent to him, and I don't believe he can legally get a license to sell alcohol.
Joe died?
Wow. It was a miracle he lived this long.
Steve still has his mother to hide behind, it would nice to be rid of him, but I doubt it.
My wife attempted to go to El Guapo tonight with a bunch of her friends (opening night). But the sign on the door said it was closed due a power outage.
Went to an open house there over the weekend and the food was actually very good as were the frozen Ritas. The prices are reasonable. Even IF the food weren't good the rooftop dining area would more than compensate. The view from there is something spectacular!!! Every Tulsan should experience this dining area, it's unique. The Guapo is a very cool space and a very cool restaurant!
I give Elliot all the credit. This guy isn't just talking about improving downtown, he's doing it, one project at a time!
And quite frankly, I prefer his style of urban improvement. No big rediculous grand visions that require demolition and/or public subsidy. He just doing cool sh#$ that attracts people to downtown Tulsa from all over. I have a feeling that in time he will have done more to change the face and function of downtown Tulsa than many of the suits that frequent the Chamber halls (yes, I know he's a member of the same chamber of commerce).
got a tour of the cantina tonight...
elliot is a freakin' genius: three awesome floors, a roof-top bar, amazing staff and a printing press for money in the basement...
anyone who shows between 11AM-2PM, and calls me out- gets 72oz marg, gratis...
i'm goin at 11 AM... look for the tin-foil hat... good luck...
quote:
Originally posted by brunoflipper
got a tour of the cantina tonight...
elliot is a freakin' genius: three awesome floors, a roof-top bar, amazing staff and a printing press for money in the basement...
anyone who shows between 11AM-2PM, and calls me out- gets 72oz marg, gratis...
i'm goin at 11 AM... look for the tin-foil hat... good luck...
Went in last night to see if the sign posted on the door was meant for yesterday or today ("Sorry, we're closed today, but we'll open tomorrow" kind of thing, without a date), and I agree, it looks absolutely incredible.
I'll be there shortly after 11, too. I have a haircut this morning, then I'm off to the rooftop!
Funny, myself and a group of guys from work will be there shortly after 11 as well.
Well that was a bit rough. I'll have to visit again in a couple weeks or maybe for dinner some evening. We were there for about an hour and 15 minutes before we got our food and then waited another 20 minutes or so after we ate for the checks to arrive. Food was pretty good but rather cool by the time it arrived.
Otherwise, I liked the atmosphere and the place in general. Anyone else have similar or completely different experiences?
It'll get better, I'm sure. Elliot knows what he's doin.
i finally left...
it was great...
now to the unabridged version...
50 ppl in line before the door opened at 11:30(somebody better have gotten a picture because when in the hell did that happen in tulsa?)...
we were first on the roof at the bar (RESPEK.)...
the atmosphere is kitschy mexicana regalia (pinatas) and religious iconography (mary and crosses)... small multi-level and inviting but not cheesy... el guapo being el jeffe in "the three amigos" it is a wonderful homage... check out the skeletons on the east side... the skulls and sombreros are dupes for grinning, fleshless versions of chase, martin and short...
the fire alarm went off, twice...
the kitchen staff must've felt like they were punched in the mouth...
it looked fine for 15 minutes and then the wheels came off, the place filled to the brim within 30 minutes and the sweat on the brows was evident...
some downtown workers bailed, sans food, because of the delay (after about 45 minutes) but hell, what do you expect on opening day? elliot took it in stride and apologized and the staff gave out free margs cards with copious apologies... but seriously come on, no way in hell are you getting in and out of there om opening day in under an hour...
nonetheless, the staff kept their cool and pulled it off...
on to the food
the chips are fresh and house made (just like fernanda's)...
the salsa is a runny/pico hybrid and tasty but mild...
the guac was fresh but rather bland...
the white queso (which is always better than yellow) was adequate...
grilled fish tacos were excellent (nice mexican slaw with an odd bit of avacado) and spicy, the charro beans were perfect...
the chillequilla (sp?), which i will from now on refer to as funky chicken nachos, was awesome...
the margs (frozen- house, rocks- top shelf) were spot on... the tamarind rita.... taste like tamarind and i don't care for it...
the chillada beer (the illegitimate love child of a dos equis and a bloody mary) is spicy as hell and not my cup of tea...
service at the bar was awesome, heather rocked and travis has it down to a science... elliot was there and working like a dog...
i've had the ceviche and tamales before and was wowed by them then, i'd like to see how they are in situ and give the mole (which is always dicey) a go...
all and all i was very, very pleased...
respek, indeed...
well played mr. nelson, well played....
And how are you feeling after the noon 'ritas there Bruno?
Is that the same Travis that tends bar over at Arnies? If it is- great bartender.
I figure I will wait till the "new" cools off in a few weeks, I'm leaving for a week anyhow.
I hope anyone who was there today will be realistic and forgiving. Especially when something has been awaited with so much anticipation.
Kudos Nelson, Kudos.
quote:
Originally posted by swake
quote:
Originally posted by Conan71
That was mostly Steve Kitchell's cash, trash, & dash scams bars.
Since his brother Joe, who wound up being more or less the license-holder on those clubs, died last Thursday, maybe we've seen the last of Kitchell's nuisance downtown. I don't think anyone will rent to him, and I don't believe he can legally get a license to sell alcohol.
Joe died?
Wow. It was a miracle he lived this long.
Steve still has his mother to hide behind, it would nice to be rid of him, but I doubt it.
No $hit
and
No Sh!t
[;)]
Joe died last Thurs, I believe. Causes are pretty self-explanitory.
Oh yeah, I'm definitely realistic and forgiving. Hopefully my initial post didn't come off any differently. I'll certainly be back and probably be dining there every other Friday. Currently, McNellies is my Friday lunch spot but I have no doubt I'll be switching it up for some El Guapo's very often.
quote:
Originally posted by Conan71
And how are you feeling after the noon 'ritas there Bruno?
Is that the same Travis that tends bar over at Arnies? If it is- great bartender.
I figure I will wait till the "new" cools off in a few weeks, I'm leaving for a week anyhow.
I hope anyone who was there today will be realistic and forgiving. Especially when something has been awaited with so much anticipation.
Kudos Nelson, Kudos.
nope, travis at arnies is still at arnies...
this is travis of kilkennys fame...
quote:
Originally posted by brunoflipper
i finally left...
it was great...
now to the unabridged version...
50 ppl in line before the door opened at 11:30(somebody better have gotten a picture because when in the hell did that happen in tulsa?)...
we were first on the roof at the bar (RESPEK.)...
the atmosphere is kitschy mexicana regalia (pinatas) and religious iconography (mary and crosses)... small multi-level and inviting but not cheesy... el guapo being el jeffe in "the three amigos" it is a wonderful homage... check out the skeletons on the east side... the skulls and sombreros are dupes for grinning, fleshless versions of chase, martin and short...
the fire alarm went off, twice...
the kitchen staff must've felt like they were punched in the mouth...
it looked fine for 15 minutes and then the wheels came off, the place filled to the brim within 30 minutes and the sweat on the brows was evident...
some downtown workers bailed, sans food, because of the delay (after about 45 minutes) but hell, what do you expect on opening day? elliot took it in stride and apologized and the staff gave out free margs cards with copious apologies... but seriously come on, no way in hell are you getting in and out of there om opening day in under an hour...
nonetheless, the staff kept their cool and pulled it off...
on to the food
the chips are fresh and house made (just like fernanda's)...
the salsa is a runny/pico hybrid and tasty but mild...
the guac was fresh but rather bland...
the white queso (which is always better than yellow) was adequate...
grilled fish tacos were excellent (nice mexican slaw with an odd bit of avacado) and spicy, the charro beans were perfect...
the chilaquiles, which i will from now on refer to as funky chicken nachos, was awesome...
the margs (frozen- house, rocks- top shelf) were spot on... the tamarind rita.... taste like tamarind and i don't care for it...
the michelada beer (the illegitimate love child of a dos equis and a bloody mary) is spicy as hell and not my cup of tea...
service at the bar was awesome, heather rocked and travis has it down to a science... elliot was there and working like a dog...
i've had the ceviche and tamales before and was wowed by them then, i'd like to see how they are in situ and give the mole (which is always dicey) a go...
all and all i was very, very pleased...
respek, indeed...
well played mr. nelson, well played....
make that chilaquiles and michelada
quote:
Originally posted by brunoflipper
quote:
Originally posted by brunoflipper
i finally left...
it was great...
now to the unabridged version...
50 ppl in line before the door opened at 11:30(somebody better have gotten a picture because when in the hell did that happen in tulsa?)...
we were first on the roof at the bar (RESPEK.)...
the atmosphere is kitschy mexicana regalia (pinatas) and religious iconography (mary and crosses)... small multi-level and inviting but not cheesy... el guapo being el jeffe in "the three amigos" it is a wonderful homage... check out the skeletons on the east side... the skulls and sombreros are dupes for grinning, fleshless versions of chase, martin and short...
the fire alarm went off, twice...
the kitchen staff must've felt like they were punched in the mouth...
it looked fine for 15 minutes and then the wheels came off, the place filled to the brim within 30 minutes and the sweat on the brows was evident...
some downtown workers bailed, sans food, because of the delay (after about 45 minutes) but hell, what do you expect on opening day? elliot took it in stride and apologized and the staff gave out free margs cards with copious apologies... but seriously come on, no way in hell are you getting in and out of there om opening day in under an hour...
nonetheless, the staff kept their cool and pulled it off...
on to the food
the chips are fresh and house made (just like fernanda's)...
the salsa is a runny/pico hybrid and tasty but mild...
the guac was fresh but rather bland...
the white queso (which is always better than yellow) was adequate...
grilled fish tacos were excellent (nice mexican slaw with an odd bit of avacado) and spicy, the charro beans were perfect...
the chilaquiles, which i will from now on refer to as funky chicken nachos, was awesome...
the margs (frozen- house, rocks- top shelf) were spot on... the tamarind rita.... taste like tamarind and i don't care for it...
the michelada beer (the illegitimate love child of a dos equis and a bloody mary) is spicy as hell and not my cup of tea...
service at the bar was awesome, heather rocked and travis has it down to a science... elliot was there and working like a dog...
i've had the ceviche and tamales before and was wowed by them then, i'd like to see how they are in situ and give the mole (which is always dicey) a go...
all and all i was very, very pleased...
respek, indeed...
well played mr. nelson, well played....
make that chilaquiles and michelada
Si...........Comandante....
Pero quien es el guapo...?[}:)]
went back for dinner... what can i say? the wives wanted to try it...
so i'll add...
the ceviche is excellent...
the tamales were "amazing" per my wife...
the tuna tartar tacos were awesome...
I Went to El Guapo on Saturday and impressed my from-out-of-town girlfriend with the skyline view and DFest music. I was impressed with the 24 oz Modelo cans...
I went today. I was a little confused by the listing of "menu items we are not featuring today" which excluded certain items form the menu. Maybe they were just running low on some stuff. Not really sure about the Nun skeleton with a guitar on the coasters but the food was good and service was good, even if the waitress wasn't from around here (she brought us "sodas".)
Sorry to bump this but I was watching an older Jack Frank show I had dvr'd and I guess the building where El Guapos is now used to be a whorehouse? "The May Rooms", from 1936 to 1978. It was going to be renovated into lofts but guess that changed!
Aaah the good ol days.
Are you sure the Mays Rooms were on the corner? They were on that block but I thought they were in what is now an art studio. I have actually worked with old geezers who had visited the place. I remember them using the phrase, "Around The World At The May's Rooms!".
quote:
Originally posted by sgrizzle
I went today. I was a little confused by the listing of "menu items we are not featuring today" which excluded certain items form the menu. Maybe they were just running low on some stuff. Not really sure about the Nun skeleton with a guitar on the coasters but the food was good and service was good, even if the waitress wasn't from around here (she brought us "sodas".)
I would tip her extra if she said sodas.
The May rooms were at 326 1/2 East First Street. It is two doors west of El Guapo. It is currently being used by local artist Michelle Firment Reid.
http://tulsatvmemories.com/mayrooms.html
Ah, thank you!
One of the waiters at El Guapo lied to me then! Haha. He told us that story one night at dinner....claimed their newer upstairs room to the right of the bar was the actual location of May's? Oh well. Makes for an entertaining story. :)
The May rooms are open to the public during the Blue Dome Festival every year. I do beleive it's a couple of creative companies or a conglomeration of commercial artists inhabiting it these days.
quote:
Originally posted by Conan71
The May rooms are open to the public during the Blue Dome Festival every year.
Apparently I didn't know what I've been missing out on.
quote:
Originally posted by inteller
[br
that's just his pick up line for all the chics he hits on. I'm sure the next line follows "hey baby, want to relive the old days?"
Not everyone can match your level of classiness Schneider
(http://www.nndb.com/people/261/000063072/path.jpg)
Stop by and see me at the May Rooms during Blue Dome Arts.
All this moustache talk reminds me of a couple of SNL skits...
http://www.videosift.com/video/Moustache-Rides
http://www.fargotube.com/fargo/view.aspx?1076
Mr. Burns
quote:
Originally posted by inteller
when did you grow the moustache?
Oooooo, good one you rapscallion.
Look everyone, look. He tried.
quote:
Originally posted by deinstein
quote:
Originally posted by sgrizzle
I went today. I was a little confused by the listing of "menu items we are not featuring today" which excluded certain items form the menu. Maybe they were just running low on some stuff. Not really sure about the Nun skeleton with a guitar on the coasters but the food was good and service was good, even if the waitress wasn't from around here (she brought us "sodas".)
I would tip her extra if she said sodas.
I've lived in Phoenix for over 10 years and still haven't gotten used to "sodas"
Speaking of mustache's, February is International Mustache Month.
We're going to be promoting mustache awareness all month long at Joe Momma's, so if you have one, bring it in for different specials each week.
First week? Free SODA for anyone with a legit above the lip only mustache.
I'm trying to get sgrizzle to lose the beard portion of his goatee. That thing would be legit.
Most of the wealthy and educated/socs came from up North and East. The common workers and farmers "Scots Irish and Germans"/greasers filtered in with the unfettered masses that encircled our fair island of civilization and populated the rest of the state. Part of my family was from Minnesota by the great lakes. Hence my more sophisticated, unhick, "non-Okie" accent. [8D] We always said Pop, or Soda Pop. The other part of my family... well, my mom was a College Professor, my dad a Plumber, we will leave it at that lol. Seems as though both sides of the family had their fair mixture of both groups though. Interesting to think of how historic migration patterns could have influenced the Tulsa vrs OKC thing too. I just realized how my dad would say that Tulsa was a great city before all the Yankees moved in and ruined it...may have been a jab at my mom and her family lol.
(http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/669/sodapopbt1.png)