Wednesday, October 24, 2012

BIG RED ON TAP AT BLU'S BAR-B-Q & BURGERS

When I heard a new Q-Raunt was going in the old Markie's Deli location across from the Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial. My first thought was "Where will I park?"

I think there are 3 meters in front of the building and everything else is either 15 minute parking or you have to have a parking pass. So if you make the trip to try it. Be prepared to walk or try and eat in under 15 minutes.

Blu's has a fairly expansive menu so be prepared to do some reading before you decide what you are going to order. Unfortunately nowhere in the menu board does it list what kind of meats they have. A lot of the meals also seemed like the same options with different names.

I attempted to order the One Meat Dinner with the option to add meats for $2 each. After picking my meats I was told I had ordered some kind of special but it came with one side instead of two. Ok, I was there for the meat anyway. So I went along with it.

 
For my meats I chose ribs, chopped brisket, and bologna. For my side I chose a block of cheddar cheese. Blu's offers most of the typical sides or you could get mac and cheese for an additional charge. It's rare to see cheese as a side in Oklahoma. Most of the places I've been in Central Texas offer it but I don't know I've seen it anywhere in Oklahoma.

The dinner also comes with pepperoncini peppers, onions, a pickle spear, and...... wait for it..... ONE SIDED TOAST!!! [groan]
The ribs are served St. Louis style and while they didn't really have a smoke ring they had good texture and the rub was just slightly different than most I have tasted. I'm not totally sure but I think I may have tasted just a slight hint of cinnamon in it. It wasn't overbearing and I thought whatever I was tasting worked ok.

The meat pulled away where I bit with a slight tug. Maybe just a bit undercooked but not so much that I was at risk of pulling any teeth out.
My closeup pic of the chopped brisket didn't come out well. So I'll share this pic of the kitchen area. You really don't want to hear about the chopped brisket because it didn't come out so well either. 

It was overly chopped, folded, spindled, and mutilated and while I've never popped a handful of hickory chips in my mouth and chewed on them. A handful of hickory chips would probably have had more moisture and flavor.

I'm not sure if the sauce was house made or a commercial brand but the hot had a nice kick and made the chopped sawdust....errr.... I mean brisket palatable.

If you've heard me say it once. You'll hear me say it again. No one should be able to screw up bologna. I thought this had nice color on the exterior and had the most smoke flavor of the three meats I tried. I put the  one-sided toast to good use and made a sandwich with it.

The cheese I chose as a side was just mild cheddar cheese. It also had enough moisture in it to help get the brisket down.
Another thing you don't see much of in Oklahoma Q-Raunts is Big Red. So if you enjoy Big Red it comes in a never ending glass at Blu's. I limited myself to one glass because I generally prefer to eat my calories rather than drink them but Big Red is one of my exceptions.

Blu's also serves pork tenderloin but they did not have any the day I was there and they also have chicken, hot links, and polish sausage. They also offer burgers and hot wings, and....ummm... something called salad. I'm not sure what this salad thing is and I don't think I want to try it.

I'll probably give Blu's one more shot because they are brand new but overall I was underwhelmed. The brisket really was terrible and the portions were also just a touch small.

Blu's is a family owned and run Q-raunt and I wish them the best but the rent on the space they are in can't be cheap and I don't see the Q sustaining the lines of customers they are getting while they are new for very long without some big improvements. The parking situation doesn't help either.

Blu's BBQ and Burgers on Urbanspoon

41 comments:

  1. You do realize there is a huge parking lot behind restaurant that is free. And another huge parking lot next door that 5 dollars for the day. Plus many parking meters directly in front of them. Portions are in my opinion good size. The menu is not to large when it's all written on a chalk board in big letters. I'm trying to understand where you are coming from on many of the issues you stated. I also find it a bit Peculiar you mention Markies and the rent being high. Along with questioning BBQ in that location. There is a drive through for pickup orders. I'm sorry I find your story a bit biased and I hope you try this place again. I think they have a grand opening soon

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  2. As well you should feel sorry for thinking I am biased. Every blog I write here is based on my personal experience. I thought the ribs and bologna were ok but the brisket that day may well have been the worst I have ever eaten.

    What is peculiar about my comments on the rent? Do you think I am wrong? I don't know what the rent on that spot runs but if it's not expensive I would be shocked. That is a prime location being located across from the memorial.

    I'll stand by my opinion that the portions were small when compared to other Q-raunts I have blogged about compared to the price.

    I could be wrong but I'm pretty sure that parking lot to the back had a big sign that said you need a permit to park there.

    I am not in the restaurant business and my goal is to eat at as many BBQ restaurants as I can. I suppose if I have any bias at all when I write it would be that I think Central TX BBQ is some of the best I have ever eaten.

    If anything I find your comment to be biased.

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    1. The food has come a long ways! You should try again?

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  3. Okay you came into a brand new place and right off the bat you mention Markies Deli. I may be a little biased but that's bc I know the story of the struggles they had to go through to open that place. Did you know that Owner of Markies tried to sell his old greasy and very dirty equipment for 250,000 so they had it appraised and guess what?! It all appraised for 22,000 so strapped for cash they had to find a way to fill the restaurant. Low and behold they once again got screwed over by a Craigslist scammer out of Texas would sold them a bunch of junk that either they had to pay to take to dump or had to totally redo, refinish and repair. That was how they spent the time for a couple months when they could have been perfecting things. So the reason I found it Peculiar was for all the sudden there are Urban spoon hate mail coming from people that only wrote the one post and only voted once. Which seems sorta vengeful. And previous owner of Markies all but actually said they are gonna regret that decision to not be his next easy target to make a quick buck. Anyway now they are really getting things going and food is turning out great. All they needed was a little time to get in a groove and to get a feel for things. And with all they have had to deal with just to open I think it was a little to early to judge them the way a couple of you have.

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  4. Do you read what I write or just jump to conclusions?

    The fact of the matter is. On the day I was there, and I arrived just a few minutes after noon, they were out of one of their meats and the brisket I was served was very bad.

    Nothing you say can change that and it would be a disservice to my readers for me to write otherwise.

    I would have been less disappointed had they been closed that day because they weren't ready to open than to serve me food that I find to be poor quality. A huge part of the restaurant business is first impression.

    So perhaps instead of trying to berate me and include me in some kind of Markie's conspiracy theory. You should go to the owners and let them know that a customer had a bad experience so they can get it fixed.

    And just for the record. I never ate at Markie's one time in my life. I only know they were located in that building prior. When I want a sandwich I go to Neptune.

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  5. Well now you sound like its a bit more personal than before every repost you find more negative stuff to say. Did you not read my post?! I mentioned that mounting costs were the reason they had to open. And another contradiction is you just told me you never ate at Markies right?! So how would you know there isn't any parking behind, the side and in front? Plus your post came right after a couple others on US and guess what the meal you ordered was the only one like it during that time period. So you know we know who you are and who you were with. So when Blu's can get past all the slander you will see they have a shot at making it. And by the way they know that day they messed up on your guys order and you know what else they learned from it and will always continue to learn and get better. That's what they are about and your anonymous blog will also help them so I guess they can thank you for the motivation. And I guess your gonna reply with another negative post so shoot.

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    1. I've lived in OKC 34 years. I worked as a delivery driver while attending college. I know this city very well. That's how I know the parking situation around Markie's.

      Take a look at the picture of the glass of Big Red on the table. Do you see any people sitting in the chairs or any other food on the table? Do you think I could take that pic with a group of people?

      Hate to burst your bubble Sherlock but I wasn't with that group.

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    2. I will let that one slide but I have my thoughts on situation. But I do encourage you to take another look at the parking situation. And would love for you to make another trip out to Blu's because things get better the longer it's been open. So brand new restaurant with the struggles just to open we're bound to have some kinks.

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    3. Well I believe I mentioned that Blu's is new, wished the owners the best, and said I would probably be back.

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    4. I know you did and I probably could have been a little less on the defensive side. Happy eating my friend. I mean it when I say I could have went about this a little differently. As for guy below he went to far with name calling but I tamed my post for him.

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  6. This is not in anyway sponsored by Blu's BBQ & Burgers. This is my opinions as I'm a very outspoken person who wants the very best for them. I'm sure they are not wanting me to be so defensive and outspoken which they have told me that but I just can't sit back and say nothing lol! Don't need to have a argument with you so if I offended you I apologize. Like I said earlier I'm a bit outspoken and sometimes I don't know when to shut up.

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    1. No problem. I am outspoken as well. I couldn't be a blogger if I wasn't.

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    2. Appreciate it maybe one day ill blog. Or maybe not the use of grammar would bug me lol I just like to write.

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    3. Well I'm not a writer. Just a guy that likes BBQ.

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  7. Heard Neptune was pretty pretty good. You have any suggestions?

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    1. I generally get a Super Sub on wheat and, if they have it, chicken and dumplings.

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    2. Cool ill give them a try. Where they located?

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  8. Rob C,

    Going around berating blogs for giving an honest poor review of a restaurant helped us learn two things about you today:

    1) You think "Peculiar" is a capitalized word.
    2) You easily make an ass of yourself online, which in turn, gives Blu's a bad reputation.

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    1. Thanks buddy that's one of the most small minded things I've heard in awhile. Good for you! I use a cell when I post and in no way think I'm a quality writer. So Preston what I posted was contradictions on original post in my opinion and if you wanna use a word that blogger used to try to be smart then more power to you. Hope I am getting the juices flowing and I already apologized to blogger if I offended him. And by the way I love spelling Peculiar with a capital letter it's my signature move as a non writing professional that I am. Learn it because it will be the craze one day with the kids. Anyway have the best day possible my friend.

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  9. I am in no way condoning my opinions or words I use. Blu's is there own business with a outspoken supporter. And if a blogger has the right Preston then I do as well. people who read this through may understand that. People are entitled to opinion and as far as I know can disagree on things in the great country of the USA.

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  10. Every time I've seen someone freak out over a slightly negative experience, it's always been the owner or manager or some other interested party in the restaurant pretending to be an overzealous fan. And it always makes me much less likely to give the restaurant the benefit of the doubt over the diner who had a bad experience. This is especially true if they start prattling on about conspiracy theories about Urban Spoon.

    BBQ places are a dime a dozen, and if the food isn't worth picking them over the 50 other options, then no amount of sad backstory will change that.

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    1. Okie Dokie Joe lol! Wish I owned that place! To be honest I really love the food but you are entitled to your opinion as am I. But don't resort to trash talk. Also your post is a bit hypocritical on making assumptions. I really hope you actually try them because food is great. I feel like your mind might be made up already but I truly hope not. I don't want Blu's to suffer at all from my point of view and posts I made without there knowledge. So please don't take it out on them. Take it out on me as I'm the one who wrote it. And you notice I'm the only one and now it seams like you guys are rolling in hear almost like bullies on a mission.

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    2. Lol, Bullies on a mission? Man, between that and the US claims, you really are paranoia.

      There's no trash talk there, nor is it hypocritical (I'm not sure you know what that means, actually). It's just an honest observation from seeing a lot of owners, managers, etc. lash back at any less-than-growing criticism posted online by trying to pretend to be unbiased observers who just happen to love the food.

      The amount of personal offense you took at someone being honest about a bad dish combined with the amount of backstory you know about the owners and the amount of research you were apparently willing to do to try to identify exactly which diner this was just cements it for me. You're affiliated with them, and the more you respond, the less professional the entire outfit looks.

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  11. Okay Joe how is your accusing me of being a owner or manager any different and not hypocritical? Your accusation is ridiculous! I do love the food and you know what? love the owners as well! They are great people trying to make it. Why all the hate? Are you mad at the world? Seriously bud you sound like a hater and that's pretty obvious. By the way I don't have anything to do with that business and in the hard labor industry. So don't just accuse people of false stuff! I know the story from reading reviews and and asked about it. Got the story from that. In no way did they ever ask me to write a damn thing and for you to say otherwise is maybe the single most close minded hateful thing I've heard on here!! So go ahead live your life hating on small businesses trying to make it without even stepping foot in there doors. Sounds pretty much like your here just to argue. So u got it but don't be commenting on things you know nothing about!

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    1. Hypocrisy is preaching something that you yourself don't adhere to. I have not said that it's not right to make assumptions that the person who adamantly hunts down negative reviews and argues with insider knowledge while accusing anyone who doesn't give a glowing review of bias and slander doesn't have a stake in the restaurant. Therefore, it's not hypocritical.

      Given that the owner of Blu's went on UrbanSpoon, pretended to be a customer to insult a negative reviewer, and then made accusations of slander just as you did for daring to say they didn't like the food, it all just strengthens the belief. It's terribly unprofessional for a restauranteur to respond that way, and it speaks poorly of the place. I'm wagering that you're connected to "Kathy," if you're not "Kathy" yourself.

      Am I a "hater?" Depends on what you're talking about. As far as food goes, I'm incredibly unpicky and am willing to try new things. But as far as unprofessional restauranteurs who insult diners who don't have a good experience? I suppose you could say I'm a hater of that.

      Oh, but please, keep going. It may be completely unprofessional, but thin-skinned restaurant owners on their heels are a riot.

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    2. Joe I'm sorry if I offended you but you gotta quit with the accusations! They are false. And I really don't want to argue with you.

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    3. Kathy is Rob's mommy I bet. Or sissy, I'm betting mommy bc if wife, he would be an owner and shout it loud and proud like Kathy. Saw an owners last name last name Chyzy on review. My wager is Rob C is Rob Chyzy.

      Boomer........

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    4. More hate?? Getting very personal in here. Lol! You know what, i will pray for you guys and know that there is good in you.

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    5. No hate.

      Ba Ba Ba Boomer........!

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    6. Well verbal attacks. Anyway I still will be praying for you and Blu's regardless.

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    7. I feel OKBBQEA's review wasn't that bad after looking at his opinions on others. Others believe he's honest, Plus he said good things about the ribs, bologna, and spicy BBQ sauce. He's right about the parking. There needs to be a sign with instructions like he stated to Kathy. Downtown parking is confusing in every state, especially for out-of-towners visiting the memorial. He also stated he would try Blu's again bc they were brand new. That was fair. After reading all the reviews and posts, you need to learn to use criticism as a tool and make adjustments on things if needed. Just know that there's not a restaurant out there that can make everyone happy. You just need to make as most of them happy. Lashing out, like Kathy, is not what new customers want to see. That can push them away before they give it a shot. Her last comment was very personal with the use of the last name. It looked like she went thru receipts before she wrote that. Very big no no. Wifey, I wanted to write wifey above but forgot the y.

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    8. Sorry, I forgot.

      Boomer......

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    9. Your probably correct. She should put a sign or something about the free parking in lot behind them. And actually very happy you didn't reply with any sort of bashing. Shows your a good guy and I truly wish the best for you and everyone else on this blog.

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    10. Your probably correct. She should put a sign or something about the free parking in lot behind them. And actually very happy you didn't reply with any sort of bashing. Shows your a good guy and I truly wish the best for you and everyone else on this blog.

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  12. No hard feelings Joe your okay in my book. I like to voice opinion and do it on many different sites on many subjects. I'm outspoken as it seems you are as well.

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  13. I ate at Blu's over the weekend. I have to tell you that I thought the food was really terrific-loved the sauce, it is just a little different and AWESOME. I was just passing through from Ft Worth, glad I found this little gem-good luck to the owners-
    K

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  14. That's exactly my thoughts Ken great little joint! But I would ad that the owners our very nice and make you feel welcome and hey free cookies doesn't hurt!!

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  15. this is one of the most wonderfully batshit crazy comments sections i've ever seen.

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  16. I won't be going any time soon.....DRAMA!

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