Bringing the Irish to Okies

Anyone familiar with the Oklahoma City dining scene has likely heard the name Sean Cummings over the years. The chef and restaurateur, who moved from Kansas City to Oklahoma more than two decades ago, has been synonymous with classic Irish pub fare for years. 

This year, Cummings – whose wife Cathy owns another OKC staple, Vito’s Ristorante – celebrates his third St. Patrick’s Day in the new location of Sean Cummings Irish Restaurant. Now located at 7628 N. May Ave., the joint first opened its doors twelve years ago at 96th and N. May before moving next door to Vito’s for a time. This year will undoubtedly be a much different type of celebration, with most of the crowd activities happening outside. Still, inside diners are able to find their favorite Irish classics. 

Starters like Guinness-infused wings with house-made blue cheese and harp-steamed mussels and clams with a beer cream sauce lead to traditional main courses like bangers and mash, Boxty filled with beef or fish, fisherman’s pie and, of course, fish and chips. 

In addition to the Irish specialties, other pub staples like burgers and sandwiches round out the menu, and a selection of Irish beers, whiskeys and cocktails quench any thirst. Be sure to keep up with the restaurant on Facebook (@SeanCummingsIrishPub) because menu specials are published frequently, as well as videos and information on radio engagements by both Sean and Cathy.

Food isn’t the only Irish specialty you can find at the restaurant; live music is also a constant. In a time when many larger concert venues remain closed, you can enjoy local talent while you indulge and imbibe.

I asked Cummings about his desire to open an Irish pub in Oklahoma after working in notable white-tablecloth restaurants in Kansas City (he previously owned The Grille on Broadway). He told me that his primary goal was to open a “working man’s Irish pub – someplace where you can feel just as comfortable coming in wearing jeans as in a suit.”

One challenge he found in opening the restaurant was finding staff who had even been in an authentic Irish pub. Cummings says that he and many of his employees traveled around the state to give them a feel for the concept. With his parents coming from two different parts of Ireland, Cummings says it was vital for him to provide Oklahoma with an authentic experience that even some of us of Irish descent might not truly understand.

That manifests in dim lighting, traditional Irish music and a scattering of Irish memorabilia over the walls. A warm, welcoming environment –where everyone feels like a regular – is another perk that adds to the restaurant’s appeal.

One of Cummings’ most exciting projects to date is a cookbook, and he’s happy to share some of the recipes. Stay tuned for information on a publication and release date. And for updated information on the restaurant’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration, follow the crew on Facebook. Safety protocols will be of the utmost importance.