Known as “Green Country,” the city of Tulsa is situated on the banks of the beautiful Arkansas River in northeast Oklahoma. For the majority of the 20th century, Tulsa was one of the most important hubs for the American oil industry and held the nickname “Oil Capital of the World.”
The Historic Route 66 originated in Tulsa in 1926 when Cyrus Avery came up with the idea of linking Chicago to Los Angeles. And the yield sign was invented here in 1950 by police officer Clinton Riggs. Tulsa also houses one of the world’s largest collections of art from the American West at the Gilcrease Museum.
Oklahoma, rich in agricultural tradition, is home to delectable farm-to-table cuisine, inspiring many restaurants in Tulsa to feature seasonal ingredients produced by local farmers and ranchers. Because there’s a multitude of great places to eat, we’ve created a list of 15 best Tulsa restaurants to choose from when you’re in town.
How We Selected the Top 15
Recommended by Locals – We contacted our colleagues who live in the Tulsa area, and they let us know their favorite restaurants.
Excellent Food & Atmosphere – These restaurants ranked high in online reviews for offering an overall exceptional experience.
Supporting Local – Tulsa’s big chain restaurants are tasty, but we’re focusing on delicious, locally-owned food establishments. So get prepared to please your palate!
Top 15 Places to Eat in Tulsa
- Best Steak in Tulsa
- Pizza in Tulsa
- Best Burgers in Tulsa
- Tulsa Seafood
- Best Breakfast/Brunch in Tulsa
- Italian Food Tulsa
- Best Tulsa Brewery/Sports Bar
- Mexican Food Tulsa
- Tulsa Vegan/Vegetarian
- Indian Restaurant Tulsa
- Best Chinese Food/Sushi in Tulsa
*Call ahead as hours may vary for these restaurants.
Best Steak in Tulsa
The Spudder
The Spudder is one of the best places to eat in Tulsa because they’ve been preparing the best steaks since 1976. Their selection of aged prime steaks, pork and seafood are all perfection. The beef and pork are hand cut daily and cooked on a real old fashioned charcoal fire. Steve and Kim Jeffery purchased The Spudder in 2011. And Kim makes every dessert herself. Not only will you enjoy a top of the line meal, but the character of this restaurant is unforgettable. The dining room is filled with oil and gas industry memorabilia.
Monday – Thursday: 5:00 p – 10p
Friday & Saturday: 5p – 10p
6536 E 50th St
918-665-1416
Pizza in Tulsa
Umberto’s
Umberto’s is a family-owned pizzeria, well-known in the Tulsa area for serving the best New York Style Pizza since 1998. You can get pizza by the slice, garlic knots, calzones and signature pizza’s. Order the calzone with extra sauce on the side. You won’t regret it. Their pizza crust is crisp and tasty, and they’ve got a plentiful selection of toppings. Umberto’s is an excellent choice for lunch or dinner. Takeout, catering, and delivery are also available.
Monday – Thursday: 11a – 9p
Friday – Saturday: 11a – 10p
Sunday: Closed
3147 S Harvard Ave
918-712-1999
Best Burgers in Tulsa
Tulsa Seafood
White River Fish Market
One of the best restaurants in Tulsa and a fish market under one roof, this place has been a staple of the community since 1932. They sell a wide variety of seafood, and being centrally located in the US allows them to fly in seafood direct from suppliers from all coastal areas of North and South America. Customers can select the exact pieces of seafood prepared for their order. Their seafood gumbo and hushpuppies come highly recommended, and they serve lobster on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Market Hours
Monday – Saturday: 10a – 8p
Sunday: Closed
Restaurant Hours
Monday – Saturday: 10:30a – 8p
Sunday: Closed
1708 N Sheridan Rd
918-835-1910
Best Breakfast/Brunch in Tulsa
SMOKE. Woodfire Grill
Smoke. Woodfire Grill offers a unique dining experience; every protein is prepared over the open flame of a woodfire grill or slow smoked. Their cuisine is locally sourced with the highest quality, freshest ingredients, and they change dishes on the menu seasonally and creatively. Get the biscuits and gravy with brunch. Or come by for lunch or dinner.
You can also enjoy a cigar in their hermetically sealed cigar lounge before, after or during your meal. Choose one of their premium cigar options or bring your own. And on the beer and wine lists, you’ll find Oklahoma beers along with wines that have ties to Oklahoma.
Monday – Thursday: 11a – 8p
Friday: 11a – 9p
Saturday: 10a – 9p
Sunday: 10a – 8p
1542 E 15th St
918-949-4440
Queenies Cafe
This is one of the best places to eat in Tulsa because aside from the amazing food, you can dine inside, or enjoy their beautiful and casual outdoor seating that’s dog friendly. It’s been a staple of Tulsa Utica Square since 1983. Their quiche is outstanding along with their homemade baked goods. You’ll receive super friendly service and good sized portions from a terrific menu selection.
Monday – Friday: 7a – 7p
Saturday: 8a – 5p
Sunday: 9a – 2p
1816 Utica Square
918-749-3481
Best Tulsa Brewery/Sports Bar
American Solera
Founded in 2016, American Solera is a craft brewery in Tulsa named Best Brewery in the United States by RateBeer and 2nd Best New Brewery in the World by RateBeer for 2016. Their current location is a 14,000 square foot building, over 100 years old and rich in manufacturing history. American Solera is dedicated to creativity and quality when it comes to their beer. Enjoy nice indoor and outdoor seating. Grab a bite to eat while you’re here at Bub’s Burgers.
Monday – Thursday: 4p – 9p
Friday & Saturday: 12p – 10p
Sunday: 12p – 6p
Bub’s Burgers
Sunday – Monday C L O S E D
Tuesday – Friday 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Saturday 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
1702 E 6th St
918-949-4318
https://www.instagram.com/p/CcqXD2-uOFt/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Elgin Park
With over 50 televisions, Elgin Park is Tulsa’s sports destination. It’s a pizzeria and sports bar with an onsite brewery. They serve up New Haven pies with dough that isn’t rushed to rise. It’s allowed to ferment longer, getting a whole night of cold proofing before coming back to room temp. Then it’s tossed around like New York style and cooked in a coal-fired oven. In addition to their tasty pizza, they serve starters, burgers, sandwiches and wings. And every Thursday after 4pm, enjoy $3 select Elgin Park beers.
Open daily: 11a – 11p
325 E Reconciliation Way
918-986-9910
Crawpappy’s Bar and Grill
Crawpappy’s is a cozy bar and grill, specializing in the best Cajun food in Tulsa. Between the food, daily drink specials, and live music, no wonder Crawpappy’s is considered one of the best places to eat in Tulsa. It’s overall just a fun place to visit. They stay open late. The food is priced right and the service is excellent. Crawpappy’s has savory weekend brunch as well. No matter when you go, whether it’s brunch, lunch or dinner, you will be served heavenly food, seasoned to perfection.
Open daily: 11a – 2a
3344 E 51st St
918-743-3342
Mexican Food Tulsa
Cafe Olé
Since 1987, Cafe Olé has been serving homemade food including tortillas, salsa and tamales. Everything is made fresh with quality ingredients. And they’re known for having the best margaritas in Tulsa. Chef Jonathan brings his Mexico City roots along with his culinary experiences. There’s a nice patio with a fire place to keep you warm during the cooler months. There’s a wide variety of options on the menu, including gluten-free. Try their appetizing cream cheese queso before your entrée.
Tuesday – Thursday: 11a – 9p
Friday: 11a – 10p
Saturday: 9a – 10p
Sunday: 9a – 9p
Breakfast/Brunch Hours
Saturday: 9a – 12p
Sunday: 9a – 2p
3509 S Peoria Ave
918-745-6699
Tulsa Vegan/Vegetarian
The Vault Restaurant
The Vault is downtown dining at its best, classic American fare and craft cocktails in a mid-century modern setting. They focus on made-from-scratch, quality food. The Vault serves plenty of delicious vegan/vegetarian dishes but they have meat selections too. So there’s something on the menu for everyone. The brunch choices are great with many different options to choose from. Come and see for yourself why The Vault is one of the best places to eat in Tulsa.
Monday – Friday: 11a – 10p
Saturday: 10a – 3p Brunch, 4p – 10p Dinner
Sunday: 10a – 3p Brunch
620 S Cincinnati Ave
918-948-6761
Indian Restaurant Tulsa
Desi Wok
Desi Wok serves modern Indian and Asian food made to order. A customer favorite is the Chicken Tikka Masala. Get extra Naan for dipping and more sauce too. You get large portions, and the food can be customized to fit any dietary restriction. (Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, peanut allergy, etc.) Not only is the food incredible, but the staff is always kind and helpful. Stop in for a hot, fresh meal. This is the epitome of comfort food.
Open daily: 11a – 9p
3966 S Hudson Ave
918-621-6565
https://www.instagram.com/p/CcGtBhoP9ds/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Best Chinese Food/Sushi in Tulsa
J.S. Luan’s Chopsticks
Offering masterpieces of Sandong and traditional Chinese Korean cuisine, Choptsicks likes to introduce their customers to different, unique dishes and rich, beautiful cultures. Chef Jeff Luan was born and grew up in Busan, South Korea. He had his early experiences cooking with his father at his parents’ restaurant. Here will you find a cozy atmosphere with quality service. Visit Chopsticks for outstanding entrees and appetizers in a friendly environment.
Tuesday – Thursday: 11a – 9p
Friday – Saturday: 11a – 9:30p
Sunday: 11a – 9p
Monday: Clo
6193 E 61st St
918-488-0266
Yokozuna
Treat yourself to the Yokozuna experience. This Asian restaurant and sushi bar in downtown Tulsa has a nice mix of cuisine, including ramen bowls, appetizers and a few fusion and hybrid selections. There are 30 sushi rolls on the menu. Happy Hour is from 2-5 pm daily with discount rolls and appetizers. Their drink selection is extensive with local beers on tap, specialty cocktails and high quality sake.
Sunday – Thursday: 11a – 10p
Friday – Saturday: 11a – 11p
309 E 2nd St
918-508-7676
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