It’s always showtime at The Jones Assembly
Dinner, drinks, and a concert — oh my!
The Jones Assembly, located in Oklahoma City's historic Film Row district, combines exceptional dining, innovative cocktails, and live music within a venue rich in industrial history. Housed in a building that was once part of the Fred Jones Manufacturing Company complex, the space has been transformed into a vibrant destination that honors its blue-collar past while offering a contemporary experience.
Contemporary experiences can be an innovative culinary excursion or catching a rising megastar like Chappell Roan, who played The Jones recently. Whether dining on contemporary comfort food or rocking the house, The Jones offers patrons an innovative, boundary-pushing drink program. The Jones Assembly defies the odds against excelling at top-notch daily dining and bar service as well as ticketed events. Yet, that's exactly what Brian Bogert and Graham Colton offer at The Jones Assembly.
With My So Called Band prepared to host The Jones’s upcoming New Year’s Eve Party, let’s explore what the Jones Assembly has to offer in drinks and food.
Atmosphere
The Jones Assembly combines the charm of an upscale bar with eclectic music-inspired motifs and vibrant social energy. The former Jones Factory has been transformed into a venue for a diverse crowd. High ceilings, a second-level balcony known as the “T-Room,” dynamic lighting, and decor honoring Henry Ford create a visually striking and inviting space.
Currently adorned with a stunning Christmas theme, the venue is both elegant and thoughtfully designed. The bar is beautifully lit and one of the most meticulously executed spaces in Oklahoma. Every detail of the atmosphere feels intentional — striking a perfect balance between intricate and overdone, landing squarely on perfection.
The space is expansive but intimate enough for private parties to enjoy without being overwhelmed by noise. During concerts, the main dining area seamlessly transforms into a stage, shifting the atmosphere once again into something truly extraordinary. Dining service is truncated the evening of shows, but more than concessions are available even then.
Service
Service during brunch was provided by David, who delivered pièce de resistance service. Engaging, intuitive, and impeccably timed, David demonstrated an intimate knowledge of The Jones Assembly’s offerings and history. Beyond that, he made the experience personal, taking the time to ask thoughtful questions about preferences to curate the perfect dining experience.
Notably, this exceptional level of service extended to all the tables in his care, making every guest feel valued and attended to. Water glasses were consistently filled, and plates and silverware were promptly cleared between courses. The service was flawless, perfectly complementing the venue’s refined atmosphere.
Drinks
The Jones Assembly boasts one of the finest bar programs in the state. While this review focuses on food, the exceptional quality of the drinks deserves mention. Each cocktail showcases a masterful balance of flavors, highlighting both the alcohol and its accompanying mix.
The Frotini, a frozen espresso martini, delivers a bold and polarizing experience, blending creamy coffee richness with the heat of coffee liqueur and vodka. The Cardamom Jeans is a beautifully balanced mix of bourbon, rye, cardamom, orange, and warming spices. The Base Layer, crafted from various corn whiskeys, achieves an unexpected yet perfect harmony. The clarified chipotle Tiger’s Blood strikes an impressive balance of heat and sweetness, with tangy lime Tajin seasoning on the rim adding an extra layer of flavor. Finally, the Gap Year, a matcha lemon drop, is vibrant and playful, evoking childhood memories with a sophisticated twist that offers adult Fruit Loops vibes.
Dining
Roasted Brie with candied red onion, crispy rosemary, roasted red grapes, toasted lemon, and house made grilled sourdough is a delightful surprise, showcasing a beautifully balanced flavor profile. The initial creamy, slightly nutty notes of Brie transition seamlessly into the sweet, mildly acidic layers of onion and grape. The bite is rounded out by charred and earthy undertones of rosemary, adding depth and complexity. Served on perfectly toasted sourdough, which acts as the ideal vessel for the spread, this unique take on a classic dish is both inventive and satisfying.
Pot Pie Croquettes with pea aioli, mirepoix, aged parmesan, and parsley powder were flawlessly executed, boasting an exceptionally crunchy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the soft, creamy interior. The filling reveals sweet notes of chicken and stock, transitioning to slightly tangy, creamy middle notes from the pea aioli, and finishing with the sweet, savory flavors of mirepoix vegetables.
Croque Madame with Schwab’s country ham, sunny-side-up egg, gruyere, bechamel, dijon, and house sourdough is a beautifully prepared sandwich that offers a delightful progression of flavors: salty ham as the opening note, followed by the creamy, nutty richness of Gruyère, and finishing with the tangy brightness of Dijon from the sauce. The velvety béchamel and the luscious egg yolk add an extra layer of texture and indulgence, leaving the palate with a satisfyingly rich mouthfeel in every bite.
Savory Ricotta Hot Cake with Nashville hot chicken, habanero creamed corn, hot honey, maple syrup, and honey butter is a rich, sweet, and indulgent creation that dates back to chef Kevin Lee’s reign as culinary director. (He was succeeded by Zack Walters of Sedalia’s fame.) The contrasting heat of the Nashville hot chicken pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the cake, maple syrup, and creamed corn. The sauce-to-cake-to-chicken ratio is thoughtfully balanced, delivering pure comfort food. However, one critique lies in the multiple layers of sweet-on-sweet flavors, with only the slightly salty heat of the chicken to counterbalance the profile. As a result, the dish becomes somewhat monotonal after a few bites, lacking the depth needed to sustain its initial excitement.
Brioche French Toast granola crust, maple syrup, whipped cream and fresh berries are a stunning reimagination of a classic American favorite. The granola-crusted exterior of the brioche is exquisite, offering a satisfying crunch that beautifully contrasts with the soft, creamy, and sweet eggy interior. The French toast carries a subtle sweetness, elevated by the maple syrup and perfectly balanced by the richness of the whipped cream and the freshness of the berries. It’s easily one of the best interpretations of French toast I’ve ever experienced.
J Burger is a classic burger, expertly prepared with a well-balanced meat-to-bun ratio. The thick patty, cooked to medium-well, retained its juices and paired beautifully with a creamy, tangy pimento aioli. It’s a solid, very enjoyable burger.
Summary
The Jones Assembly is one of the most ambitious concepts I’ve encountered in quite some time. It aims to be a premier music venue, deliver a top-tier bar program, and elevate American classics with innovative twists. Excelling at any one of these is a bold challenge; striving to succeed at all three is a truly daunting endeavor.
Yet, the Jones Assembly manages to bring its vision to life with remarkable cohesion. The atmosphere, service, and offerings align seamlessly, reflecting the ambition and intention behind the concept. The drink program and atmosphere are undeniable standouts, setting a high bar for the overall experience. While the food doesn’t quite reach the same level, it complements the tone, theme, and energy of the venue beautifully, offering elevated modern American cuisine that is both satisfying and thoughtfully crafted.
The Jones Assembly is perfecting a trinity of enticements—food, drink, and entertainment. As the saying goes, good things come in threes, and what they’ve achieved is nothing short of stunning.
Final Score: 55/60: Excellent
Jared’s Scoring Table
56-60: Pièce de Résistance.
51-55: Excellent
41-50: Above Average
20-40: Average
19 or lower: Below Average