Lots of people want a neighborhood bar that feels their own. The vision is clear: a convivial community cornerstone where locals become familiar faces and happy hour chicken wings become a ritual comfort. But making any given bar into a neighborhood cornerstone is a feat that’s easier dreamed than done. In Edmond, b164 Wine Bar ticks all the boxes, fills all the stemware and sets the plate for something deeper.
The contemporary wine bar, complete with a massive patio, garage-style windows and a small stage for live music, is strikingly unique upon first entry. Washed in natural light and lined with esoteric wine bottles from across the globe, it’s clear that this place takes its craft seriously, but community is just as important.
That’s thanks to owner Luke Hibbs, an Edmond native and first-time restaurateur who brings a tangible sense of authenticity and sincerity to every facet of the business. “I wanted to make a place that was an elevated neighborhood bar that people didn’t have to drive to the city for,” explained Hibbs, calling the rapport he’s developed with his regulars and employees “low-key family vibes.”
As a local, the opportunity to open a bar at Rose Creek Plaza allowed him to create the quintessential neighborhood bar that he always wanted personally — and then share that with neighbors. He highlights the cool nighttime vibe, with live music and different artists, and the eclectic food menu, including what he described as “the best wings in OKC.” Both chicken and duck wings are available, with seasonings like Korean BBQ and lemon pepper. Cocktails, too, are original and fun, like a peachy French 75 and the fizzy Kiwi Breeze, with fig vodka, kiwi puree and club soda.
At the end of the day, wine is the star of b164 Wine Bar, and Hibbs curates an enviable list of ever-changing selections from across the globe. “I wanted to bring in a bunch of different brands that weren’t available at liquor stores,” he said. “I wanted to bring some fun stuff in, and I wanted to make it affordable.”
For a neighborhood wine bar, those aspirations meet muster with a wide array of rotating glass pours, from a South African Chenin Blanc to Pinot Gris from Oregon’s Willamette Valley. There are even more options by the bottle, including an elite Reserve Collection of top-shelf varietals. Coupled with warm service and a killer happy hour (4-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday), it’s the kind of assortment and affordability that defines a neighborhood bar.
As I dined at the bar a few months after b164 opened, I found myself surrounded with regulars. Some were ordering their usual chicken wings, others were there to see what new white wine they could pair with a flatbread. But one thing was clear: The neighborhood bar had been raised.
Contact: b164-winebar.com | @b164_wine
