In every big city, the notion of a neighborhood bar is an aspirational ideal. It’s the something-for-everyone cornerstone of a community, where neighbors can bump elbows and raise glasses; the playlist is as eclectic as the crowd; and all are welcome. It’s an almost indefinable paragon that varies from person to person, neighborhood to neighborhood. And yet, in the burgeoning Sunshine District, just west of downtown OKC, a new bar captures lightning in a bottle. Or rather, in a cherry-clad cocktail glass.
Superfly recently opened at 1137 NW 2nd St. in the former home of The Flycatcher Club, the remnants of which carry over in subtle ways, while new ownership leaves its own mark on the storied space. While the food menu, chef and bar program are all entirely new, the heart of Flycatcher—and what made it such a neighborhood nonpareil—lives on anew.
“We did want to keep the space approachable and fun for our guests, and especially for those who really enjoyed Flycatcher,” said general manager Matthew Leach. “We didn’t want to mess with it too much, but we wanted to put our stamp on it as well.”
What that translates to, for a business that brands itself as a “neighborhood bar, reimagined,” is an atmosphere that feels welcoming and inclusive for guests and staff alike, with darts, late-night eats, ingredients sourced from local businesses, happy hour (including all day on Mondays), funky music and equally funky decor, like antique light fixtures and a shimmering disco ball. “We kept the bar as is, adding our own little flourishes to it,” Leach noted. “We’re leaning into something new, but it feels familiar at the same time.”
Aside from the familiar comforts of Flycatcher, Superfly sets itself apart with a bar program—manned by bar manager Ryan Goodman—that elevates classic cocktails in fun, welcoming ways.
“We wanted to have an elevated but approachable cocktail program, while still offering some familiar favorites,” Leach said. We’ve got everything from Old Style and Coors Banquet on tap to some local beers and fun, interesting, funky stuff as well.”
Such funky stuff includes the Cherry Limeade, an homage to Braum’s, and a quenching kegged cocktail made with local Garden Society spiced citrus vodka, house-made grenadine, vermouth, lime and soda. Refreshing, delicious and fun, it’s sure to be OKC’s drink of the summer. Another original is the Ginger Colada, which eschews sweeter flavors in favor of baking spices, black pepper tincture and anise-scented Underberg. Even the Espresso Martini, commonplace fodder on any given cocktail menu nowadays, distinguishes itself with local vodka, house-made coffee liqueur, local Elemental coffee and amaretto whipped cream.
The food program echoes those sentiments, with elevated takes on familiar comforts by chef/owner Andy Bruch, such as Asian-style wings glazed with fish sauce caramel, sausage and cheese croquettes, hot dogs and the best seller, double patty burgers.
Beyond the booze and the burgers, though, the people are really what make Superfly the quintessential neighborhood bar. As Leach extols, staff are given plenty of room for creativity behind the bar, fostering a fun and collaborative environment both for employees and guests. It’s all a part of fostering a sense of warmth and welcome, Cherry Limeades in tow.
“My personal focus is to provide a place of belonging for the community,” Leach added. “I like to have a space where people feel comfortable and included.” Without overcomplicating anything, and while elevating the classics just enough, they’re hitting a sweet spot with mass appeal. “I love walking into a bar with good vibes, good music, and the drinks are on point,” he said. “That’s what keeps me coming back.”
