The culinary atmosphere in Tulsa reflects a desire for sophistication, but Tulsan taste also embraces the city’s history as a booming frontier oil town. Chefs strive to give their hearty dishes a decadent touch—just the kind of flair that a moneyed baron would appreciate. Each of Tulsa’s many neighborhoods has its own distinct character, each holding a wealth of dining choices designed to suit even the most discerning palate. When you come to visit Tulsa, be sure to bring a hardy, healthy appetite—your taste buds will thank you!

Downtown

Downtown eateries have a special character to them, with many sharing one trait in particular: music. As only Southern cities can do, Tulsa has the Steamroller Blues Barbecue to serve up mouth-watering barbecue with a healthy side of the blues played by live bands. Cattleman’s Steakhouse in the Embassy Suites Hotel treats its guest to smooth jazz stylings, but that isn’t all it is famous for. The menu of choice beef cuts includes a 24-ounce prime rib, which is a feast all in itself. Mealtime entertainment takes a different turn at Bravo! Ristorante, located in Adam’s Mark Hotel. The waiters not only bring your Italian dish to you, they take your requests for popular songs and showtunes, which they perform tableside. If you crave fine Italian, but could do without the Broadway flair, check out Pomodori’s. Seafood is also on display in central Tulsa, with only the best fresh specimens on the menus at Bodean Seafood and S&J Oyster Company.

Midtown

The midtown area is Tulsa’s other dining hot spot. Country cooking can be found here as well, but a more contemporary attitude permeates the environment. Japanese cuisine, already wildly popular in other areas of the country, is now making an appearance in Tulsa. This is best evidenced at a local Japanese restaurant, in the raw. The atmosphere is refined and understated at this sushi bar, which is as trendy as its lowercased name. T2 Global Cuisine takes a similarly bold approach in both taste and decor. Fusion is the word here, with dishes made even more entertaining by their whimsical names. Bourbon Street Cafe takes diners on a different type of journey, transporting them to the Big Easy with its wild Cajun cooking. If you would rather settle in with a comfortable favorite, consider Finn’s Chowder House and its selection of seafood staples. Authentic Italian is well represented in midtown, where you can select from the upscale Biga or Tucci’s, or head for the casual Enzo’s Pizza. Midtown doesn’t lack well-established classics, either. For one such dining experience, book a table at Monte’s—The American Chop House. Thick steaks, a variety of wines by the glass and impeccable service make this restaurant a favorite for business meals or more casual nights out. The Polo Grill is another one of the city’s more exclusive eateries. In addition to the gourmet fare served, this restaurant organizes special events throughout the year for its patrons, typically highbrow gatherings for wine tasting and the like. Jamil’s Steakhouse provides diners with everything you would expect from a steak house, like great cuts of hickory-grilled beef, chicken and lobster tails, but enhanced by a Lebanese flavor. Finally, the Wild Fork blends time-honored dishes with a funky interior design, providing a place for a fun lunch or a business dinner with an edge.

South Tulsa

The south side of T-town is packed with dining possibilities. While having the greatest concentration of eateries, it is not the most diverse area. The district is dominated by steak houses, but does have some ethnic enclaves. The Spudder is Tulsa at its best. Some of the biggest steaks in the city are served to diners in a setting decorated with memorabilia from Tulsa’s early oil boom years. The Silver Flame distinguishes itself by offering Middle Eastern side dishes with its fine entrees. This, along with live music to accompany evening meals, makes the establishment popular for a business dinner or a more formal occasion. Fountains is similarly sophisticated, with refined dining and signature items like Roast Duck a l’Orange and Bananas Foster making this place a Tulsa tradition for more than a quarter-century. Flavors Restaurant, whose kitchen is headed by Chef Michael Fusco, is a choice of critics and average restaurant-goers alike. The Sunday brunch is hugely popular. If you crave down-home goodness without a large price tag, look no further than these quality restaurants, Mac’s Barbecue and Ron’s Hamburgers. The two city favorites dish out huge portions for a fair price in a comfortable, family-friendly atmosphere. Oklahoma culture has a distinct Southwestern flavor, and with that influence comes an abundance of Mexican and Tex-Mex restaurants. Such spicy fare can be found at Monterey’s, Arizona or Pepper’s Grill, and the city’s Casa Laredo even makes its delicious Mexican dishes from scratch. Asian aficionados can choose from Emperor’s Super Buffet, the Mekong River Restaurant and Royal Dragon. For more specialized types of world cuisine, diners have several options, including European delicacies at Paddy’s Irish Restaurant and Bar or Le Picardy Bakery and French Restaurant and savory Indian food at India Gate.

East and West Tulsa

The east and west ends of Tulsa are not as heavily populated with restaurants, but the eateries in these areas are noteworthy. East Tulsa’s contribution to the city’s dining culture is Molly’s Landing. This Route 66 mainstay combines an old-fashioned frontier setting and exterior with modern dishes of choice beef, wild game and seafood. The trend of hearty Oklahoma food continues in the west district at Ollie’s Station. As can be gathered from its name, the restaurant employs a train station theme, drawing from the city’s history as a railroad town. Red meat is the standard, but the menu is sprinkled with some southern seafood dishes as well. West Tulsa also has the Avalon Steakhouse, an upscale establishment that complements its dishes with an ample wine selection.

Outside the Tulsa Metro

The area just outside the city holds yet more celebrated establishments. The newest addition to the dining scene is Bad Brad’s Barbecue Joint. This Owasso diner is fast becoming popular for its vast all-barbecue menu and relaxed atmosphere. Claremore, hometown of Will Rogers, is also home to Hammett House, where country cooking is taken to a new level. Hammett House has an additional lure in the form of a large selection of freshly made desserts. On I-75, in the Tulsa suburb of Ramona, is the Inn at Jarrett House. If you are unable to stay in one of this bed-and-breakfast’s posh suites while visiting Tulsa, you can still enjoy a meal at the Jarrett House Restaurant. Diners are treated to a full-course gourmet experience. Reservations are required. Fancy fare like this doesn’t come cheap, but every penny spent here is well worth it.

As can be seen from the small sampling of restaurants listed here, Tulsa is a dining cornucopia, brimming with possibilities. Whether you are searching for the perfect atmosphere, a specific cuisine, the local brand of home cooking, or a total dining and entertainment experience, T-town will have it.