The Bottom Line
"Gastropub" is a combination of "gastronomy" and "public house" that originated in England in the early 1990's, a concept centered around merging the traditional pub atmosphere with a quality restaurant that goes beyond the ordinary bar fare. That's exactly what you get with Republic Gastropub at Classen Curve, an upscale but comfortable restaurant with an extensive beer selection and a distinctive take on many pub favorite foods.
Pros
- Extensive, International Beer Selection
- Distinctive Take on Pub Classics
- Excellent and Unique Black Angus Burgers
- Affordable Prices
Cons
- It's Hard to Look Anywhere Without Viewing a Television
Description
- Location: 5830 North Classen
Oklahoma City, OK 73118 - Directions: At Classen Curve, just west of Western and north of I-44
- Phone: (405) 286-4577
Guide Review - Republic Gastropub - Restaurant Review
What the heck is a gastropub anyway? Don't worry... You're not the only one to wonder. It's a combination of "gastronomy" and "public house" that originated in England in the early 1990's. Essentially, the concept centers around merging the traditional pub atmosphere with a quality restaurant that goes beyond ordinary bar fare. According to the Good Egg Group, the restaurateurs behind other OKC favorites such as Red Prime Steakhouse and Iron Starr Urban Barbeque, Republic Gastropub bridges "the gap between beer bar and upscale eatery."
So there's the language lesson. Of course, the term may not sound all that appetizing. But the Classen Curve's Republic Gastropub succeeds quite magnificently in its mission. It's a modern, stylistic restaurant that still maintains the casual comfort of a friendly tavern, appealing to a variety of patrons in a way a typical sports bar simply cannot. Sure, there are the giant flatscreen televisions showing multiple athletic events at any given time, and the massive beer wall demonstrates the restaurants' more-than-ample ale selection (250 bottled varieties from around the world / 100 from custom taps).
But there are also comfortable, black vinyl booths and large tables by the windows with families enjoying the distinctive take on traditional pub favorites. Have a french Nicoise Salad with seared ahi tuna before your meal. Of if you're there for the beer, pair it up with Truffle Potato Skins or the outstanding homemade Pub Pretzels with beer-cheese fondue. The burgers are made with quality black angus meat and include some intriguing options such as one topped with bleu and gruyere cheeses and a fried egg. The Fish and Chips with shoestring fries are less original, but Jalapeno Glazed Salmon will get your attention. And for dessert, try the spiced-sugar donuts with three dipping sauces of chocolate, caramel and jam.
You'll find the service to be fitting with the quality of the food as well. Though I did have one server that seemed shy and somewhat disinterested, overall the staff is attentive and friendly.
Drink prices are in line with most bars ($3.50 to $5.50 for tap beer). And the food, far superior to what you'll find at many pubs, is very reasonable for the atmosphere and quality, running anywhere from $6-8 for burgers and sandwiches to $20-$25 for ribs or beef tenderloin. In the end, you'll find yourself pretty impressed with the Republic version of a "gastropub," regardless of whether you're aware of the word's linguistic origins.
So there's the language lesson. Of course, the term may not sound all that appetizing. But the Classen Curve's Republic Gastropub succeeds quite magnificently in its mission. It's a modern, stylistic restaurant that still maintains the casual comfort of a friendly tavern, appealing to a variety of patrons in a way a typical sports bar simply cannot. Sure, there are the giant flatscreen televisions showing multiple athletic events at any given time, and the massive beer wall demonstrates the restaurants' more-than-ample ale selection (250 bottled varieties from around the world / 100 from custom taps).
But there are also comfortable, black vinyl booths and large tables by the windows with families enjoying the distinctive take on traditional pub favorites. Have a french Nicoise Salad with seared ahi tuna before your meal. Of if you're there for the beer, pair it up with Truffle Potato Skins or the outstanding homemade Pub Pretzels with beer-cheese fondue. The burgers are made with quality black angus meat and include some intriguing options such as one topped with bleu and gruyere cheeses and a fried egg. The Fish and Chips with shoestring fries are less original, but Jalapeno Glazed Salmon will get your attention. And for dessert, try the spiced-sugar donuts with three dipping sauces of chocolate, caramel and jam.
You'll find the service to be fitting with the quality of the food as well. Though I did have one server that seemed shy and somewhat disinterested, overall the staff is attentive and friendly.
Drink prices are in line with most bars ($3.50 to $5.50 for tap beer). And the food, far superior to what you'll find at many pubs, is very reasonable for the atmosphere and quality, running anywhere from $6-8 for burgers and sandwiches to $20-$25 for ribs or beef tenderloin. In the end, you'll find yourself pretty impressed with the Republic version of a "gastropub," regardless of whether you're aware of the word's linguistic origins.
