The Barlor 

The front porch still hints at the 1900s, but step inside and the story takes a deliciously modern turn. In the heart of downtown Edmond, a 1918 Sears mail-order kit home has traded its once-formal parlor for chic lounge seating, handcrafted cocktails and artistic charcuterie boards. The Barlor is a relaxed yet lively wine bar, the perfect place to hang out with besties or meet new friends. Opened in May and comfortably appointed with velvet and leather chairs, bejeweled lighting, and cozy conversation nooks, the space feels like the stylish living room at your friend’s house. In fact, every comfy chair has been personally tested by owner Maggie Sermersheim to make sure it is curl-up friendly. “And best of all, someone else cleans up before and after you hang out, and no husband or kids interrupt your friend time,” Maggie laughs. 

Formerly an eighth-grade teacher, Maggie started catering in 2016, then opened an Edmond bakery in 2020 when catering came to a halt due to the pandemic. Though she returned to teaching, her passion quickly pulled her back to food and hospitality. “It’s the epitome of ‘happy’ to me,” Maggie admits. When looking for a catering kitchen, a real estate agent suggested she open a restaurant. But before opening The Barlor, she asked women what they liked to eat when they went to their girlfriends’ houses and discovered a different approach to elegant and comforting food that brings people together. “We built the menu of small bites, snacks, and charcuterie around that, rather than opening a traditional restaurant.” 

Sip, Savor, and Stay 

Just inside the front door, the glitzy bar greets you with a selection of cocktails, mocktails, wine, and more. Enjoy a chat with Maggie or bartender Ivy as you order your favorite concoction. They will make it just the way you like it. While you wait, peruse the superb charcuterie and bites menu filled with all your favorite cheeses, dips, meats, breads, olives, nuts, and fruits. Choose a small board for two people, medium for six plus, or large for 12 plus, like the Mediterranean board with hummus, goat cheese, crispy prosciutto, and capicola, or the Parisian with blue cheese, candied fruit, French bread, and candied bacon. Butter boards, dessert boards, and comforting bites like mini Beef Wellington and chicken salad bites and are also standouts on this elevated menu. Have fun with the Build-Your-Own Charcuterie and choose a mini, for-two, or for-the-table board brimming with your favorite nibbles. 

Beyond the Board 

Once you discover the one-of-a-kind charcuterie and cocktails at this downtown Edmond destination, the fun and intrigue will keep you coming back for more. See some art on the wall you like? It’s yours! The Barlor features local artists and you can scan a QR code to the artist’s Etsy account and buy what you like. Looking for a place for your Mahjong group to meet? The Barlor accommodates with a swanky game room which also doubles as a conference room. There is a singles night every third Wednesday of the month with music bingo. “Music brings people together and creates great conversations,” Maggie says. And look for amazing special events like bourbon tasting parties featuring high-end spreads like crab cakes and curried lamb with peach chutney. 

Visit The Barlor at 26 W. Hurd St. in Edmond, Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The kitchen closes at 7 p.m., and guests 13 and older are welcome from 5 to 9 p.m. Learn more at thebarlorokc.com.