Local Foodie Favorites

Please place in the burger section, caption: Photo by: Echo PR

I’m Stephen Hester, and I love showcasing everything that makes Oklahoma an incredible place to live. As a realtor and content creator, I’m passionate about helping people discover the best places to eat, explore, and call home in Tulsa. Whether you’re searching for a new brunch spot, a hidden gem for date night, or expert insight on the local real estate market, I’ve got you covered! Follow me on social media at @The918Agent, and my YouTube channel, Stephen Talks Oklahoma, for even more local highlights. Interested in working together? Feel free to reach out at shester@cbtulsa.com.

I’m Tarra Quinn, and Tulsa will always be home to me. As a full-time content creator, I’m passionate about sharing the incredible stories of the small businesses that make this city so unique. There’s so much delicious food to discover here, and I’m always on the lookout for the perfect spot for a date night, girls' night out, or a sweet treat. If you’re looking for recommendations, I’ve got you covered! You can find me on all social platforms at @Highitstarra. Interested in working together? Feel free to reach out at hello@highitstarra.com.

Breakfast or Brunch

WildFlower Cafe Tulsa - 1306 East 11th Street, Tulsa 74120
It’s like having breakfast at your grandma’s house. The charm and coziness of this place make it a regular stop for me. You must try the banana bread French toast, and if you’re a fan of cheesy grits, this is your place. Don’t skip their homemade desserts! They’re open Wednesday-Saturday until 8 p.m. - Tarra

Bramble – Breakfast & Bar - 121 N. Ash Ave., Broken Arrow, 74012
Bramble is a must-visit breakfast and brunch spot in Tulsa with locations in the Rose District, Jenks Riverwalk, and the Pearl District. The Rose District location close at 2 PM and reopens as a different restaurant at night (Shakey Jakes)—pretty cool, right? - Stephen Recommendations: Khachapuri and of course their fluffy, buttery perfect pancakes.

Chimera - 212 N Main St, Tulsa 74103
Known for their delicious coffee and prime location in the heart of downtown Tulsa, Chimera offers great breakfast options, including gluten-free and vegan choices. Don’t miss the breakfast tacos or, my favorite, the avocado toast. - Tarra

Seafood and Cajun

T-Johnny’s - 309 E Oak St, Coweta, OK 74429
Authentic Louisiana seafood, with crawfish brought in twice a week. Their sassy plates are out of this world—I love the one with crab, drenched in seasoned butter. They also have a shop where you can buy groceries. Don’t miss the boudin balls—they’re the best around here. - Tarra

Gibby’s South in Your Mouth - 520 W Will Rogers Blvd, Claremore, OK 74017
If you're on the hunt for authentic Cajun food in Oklahoma, Gibby’s South in Your Mouth in Claremore needs to be on your list. They serve up Southern comfort food with a Creole kick, and let me tell you—it does not disappoint. -  Stephen Recommendations: Boudin Balls and Blackened Catfish Opelousas

Nola’s - 1334 E 15th St, Tulsa, OK 74120
Whether you're craving Cajun food for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Nola’s has you covered. They're most known for their Voodoo Chicken, but if you love a good pork chop, be sure to check theirs out! - Tarra

Sisserous - 107 N Boulder Ave C, Tulsa, OK 74103
Located in the heart of downtown Tulsa, Sisserous offers some of my favorite dishes. Their mahi-mahi is incredible, served on a bed of rice and cabbage. I also love their jerk chicken. It’s a great spot for a nice night out or a casual lunch at the bar. - Tarra

Chinese

Mandarin Taste - 9107 S Sheridan Rd, Tulsa, OK 74133
If you love authentic Chinese food, Mandarin Taste is the real deal. Open since 2013, it was started by an international student from Beijing, so you know you're getting legit flavors. 
 - Stephen Recommendations: The Hot & Sour Soup and the Kung Pao Chicken

Kai - 201 W 5th St, STE 110, Tulsa, OK 74103
A Tulsa staple, Kai offers the best pho and spring rolls in the city. Owned by a local family, this spot is perfect for lunch or dinner. I can’t recommend it enough—I’d eat here every day if I could! - Tarra

Elle’s Cafe - 501 S Cherokee St, Catoosa, OK 74015
Serving traditional Hmong food, Elle’s Cafe is a must-try. If you love soup, check out their soup flight, where for just $20, you can try three different soups. I also love their spring rolls and traditional sausage, and their Thai basil pork stir-fry is fantastic! - Tarra

Burgers and BBQ

Misfit Kitchen - 111 N. Main St. Tulsa, OK 74103
Misfit Kitchen, located in downtown Tulsa, is a must-visit spot. I never leave without grabbing their nachos, The Wifey Sandwich, and the Brussels sprouts—each dish is packed with flavor and never disappoints. It’s the perfect place to stop by before a concert downtown, you can sometimes even catch live music, trivia nights and more. Checkout their social media to learn more. - Tarra

Luke’s BBQ - 24767 OK-51, Broken Arrow, OK 74014
Open Wednesday-Sunday, Luke’s BBQ is a place you need to visit early to ensure they don’t sell out. Not only do they serve the best burnt ends, but their sides are just as amazing. Check them out during the holidays when they sell briskets, turkeys, and other smoked meats in bulk! - Tarra

Country Men - 4 W Commercial St, Inola, OK 74036
Where do I even begin? This place started as a hobby and now has a line wrapped around the building. Currently open only on Saturdays from 5-8 p.m., go early and go hungry. My recommendation is the ribs and brisket—don’t skip his mom’s bread pudding! - Tarra

District Burger - 219 S Main St, Broken Arrow, OK 74012
If you’re looking for a great burger in Broken Arrow, District Burger is the place to go. Located right off Main Street in the Rose District, they serve up locally sourced beef, so every bite supports local farmers and tastes even better. - Stephen Recommendations: onion rings, fries, The Class burger and the oreo shake to finish it off!

OMG Lounge - 11330 N Garnett Rd Ste C, Owasso, OK 74055
If you're serious about burgers in Oklahoma, OMG Lounge in Owasso needs to be on your list. After trying several spots across the state, this place landed at #2 on my top five burgers list—and for good reason. - Stephen Recommendations: The Dadbod and The Spicy Monkey. Both are packed with flavor, cooked just right, and easily 9.3-worthy. 

Pizza or Italian

Dante’s Woodfire Pizza - 2113 E Admiral Blvd, Tulsa, OK 74110
Hidden behind Heirloom Rustic Ales, Dante’s Woodfire Pizza might just be Tulsa’s best-kept pizza secret. My foodie friends Nathan and Sarah swore it was the best in town, so we had to check it out. - Stephen Recommendations: Cacio e Pepe and Hot Boy

Bohemian Pizzeria - 818 E 3rd St, Tulsa, OK 74120
Looking for a great vibe and amazing pizza? Bohemian Pizzeria is the spot. My go-to order is the roasted artichoke hummus, pesto chicken pizza, and for dessert, an affogato. - Tarra

Malfi - 3410 S Peoria Ave, Suite 200, Tulsa, OK 74105
A new McNellies concept, Malfi is both delicious and affordable. You must try their white bean dip as an appetizer. Their chopped salads are excellent, and my favorite pasta is the bucatini with basil cream and pesto. The ricotta cake is a must-try! - Tarra

American Comfort Food
 
Nelson’s Buffeteria - 4401 S Memorial Dr, Tulsa, OK 74145
If you're in Tulsa and craving classic comfort food, Nelson’s Buffeteria is where you need to be. Originally founded in 1929, this iconic spot started in downtown Tulsa and now serves up homestyle favorites on Memorial. I tried the Mac n cheese, the mashed potatoes and green beans. But the real star? The chicken-fried chicken. And rumor has it their chicken-fried steak is even better. If you want old-school Tulsa comfort food done right, Nelson’s Buffeteria is a must-visit. - Stephen

Isla's Kitchen - 404 E Archer St, Tulsa, OK 74120
Did you know Oklahoma has a state meal? Better yet, did you know Islas Kitchen is the only restaurant in the state that serves it? Located in downtown Tulsa, right across from Driller Stadium, this Southern gem is all about big flavors and bigger portions. The Oklahoma State Meal is no joke—chicken-fried steak, buttermilk biscuits, cornbread muffins, fried okra, cheese grits, black-eyed peas, squash casserole, and even pecan pie. Perfect for two (or three) people to share… unless you’re feeling ambitious. - Stephen

King’s Wings - 804 S Lewis Ave, Tulsa, OK 74104
Traditional, delicious bone-in wings. Their hot lemon pepper wings are my go-to, and you can’t miss their homemade ranch. Don’t skip the mac and cheese, and for dessert, try their fried biscuits! - Tarra 

Brothers Just Wingin’ It - Food Truck ??
Located near 61st and Memorial, in the parking lot of Car Toys, Brothers Just Wingin’ It sells out daily—and for good reason. Their wings are amazing, and their fried pickles are even better. Get there early, because you might not get a plate! - Tarra

Mexican

La Coshi - 5104 S Mingo Rd, Tulsa, OK 74146
This pink food truck located at 51st and Mingo serves the best quesabirria tacos in Tulsa—hands down. I also love their chile quiles and tortas. You can't go wrong with anything at La Coshi. - Tarra

De La Gloria Food Truck - 11214 E 71st St, Tulsa, OK 74133
If you’re craving authentic Mexican food in Tulsa, De La Gloria Food Truck is where you need to be. Tucked away in the Bob’s Mill Furniture parking lot off 71st Street, this spot proves that some of the best food comes from a truck.This is the kind of spot you tell your friends about. Authentic, delicious, and absolutely worth the trip.
 - Stephen Recommendations: Baja California Fish Tacos, Mutalisk and the Quesabirra

Tacos Mezcal (TXMZ) - 39 E 18th St, Tulsa, OK 74119
There are so many dishes I love at TXMZ! Not only is the food amazing, but they have a wonderful patio, and the interior is beautiful. Be sure to try their elote and guacamole, and don’t miss their ceviche. They also offer vegan and gluten-free options, and let me tell you, the beet tacos are wonderful. - Tarra