The phoenix still rises in Oklahoma City
by Sara Ritsch
Staff Writer
“I am a believer in the myth of the phoenix,” says Phoenix Rising bar owner Craig Poos. He has a tattoo of the phoenix on his arm. “You crash and burn, but you got to get up and keep going. You end one part and begin another.”
Poos and his husband George Siemens have owned and operated Phoenix Rising for over 10 years. Initially, they wanted to buy the property to have a restaurant of their own. But the idea for a gay bar came together, and everything eventually fell into place.
“It’s a very low-key neighborhood feel. I always said, 'I aim to be like a Cheers bar where everybody knows everybody.’ Plus, there’s an amazing patio out back,” Poos says.
Phoenix Rising features a full bar with liquor, beer, wine and a frozen drink machine. The stage sees two big drag show performances per week: Friday nights hold the Twisted Sisters Review, and Saturday nights are the Gender Bender Lipstick Review. Sunday evenings at 5 p.m. feature a dart tournament, with a $5 buy-in, and the bar matches the pot.
“I love Phoenix Rising,” says local Victor Hernandez. “The patio is the best in the Gayborhood. The stage is a wraparound, which makes it more exciting because it’s a 360 view while the queens move around. Pride is a really fun time to go because everyone hangs out on the patio. It’s also the only place in the Gayborhood that has frozen drinks for margaritas – that’s pretty awesome.”
His boyfriend, Daddy Dusty, chimes in. “When you walk in, you see The Gayly. Then it’s very dance floor-concentrated. I really do love the patio. If I have a guest, I would definitely show them Phoenix.”
Oklahoma City’s Michael Bratcher says Phoenix is hands-down a neighborhood bar, where everyone knows everyone else by their first name, and newcomers are welcome. “It’s quiet during the week. If you’re looking for drag or dancing, weekends are definitely reserved for that. But if you’re looking for a quiet place to sit, relax after work and have a nightcap, it’s a great little spot. I’ve been going there since they opened, around 11 years now.”
He continues, “I think it’s a diverse bar. When it originally opened, the goal was to embrace the leather community. But really, it embraces so many diverse groups beyond being a leather, daddy or Levi bar. It’s a welcoming place for all people.”
Bratcher says his favorite drag night is Saturday’s Gender Bender Lipstick review because of the consistency of co-hosts Taylor Bryans and Raven Delray. “I love to see them perform their art.”
Phoenix Rising’s Friday Happy Hour is from 4-7 p.m., where you get two-for-one domestic beers and free appetizers. Sunday to Thursday from open to close, you can also get two-for-one domestics. Their hours are Monday to Saturday 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. and Sunday 2 p.m. to midnight.
Phoenix Rising is located at 2120 NW 39th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73112. For more information, visit their website at www.phoenixrisingokc.com.