Exploring Unique Tulsa Restaurants: The Best of the Best

Tulsa, Oklahoma, is a city with a rich history, vibrant culture, and a thriving food scene. From classic Southern cuisine to modern international fare, Tulsa has something for every palate. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner for two or a wild night out with friends, Tulsa’s restaurants offer something for everyone. Here are 12 of the best unique Tulsa restaurants that you won’t want to miss!

1. J.T. Brady’s

J.T. Brady’s is a classic Tulsa favorite. The restaurant has been serving up classic American fare since 1975. The menu features hearty burgers, crispy fried chicken, and delicious ribs. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with a cozy bar area, flat-screen TVs, and a lively waitstaff. J.T. Brady’s is the perfect spot for a casual night out with friends.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try one of J.T. Brady’s unique creations. The jalapeno poppers are stuffed with cheddar cheese and served with a tangy ranch sauce. The chorizo sliders are mini-burgers topped with grilled onions and pico de gallo. The fried green tomatoes are a Southern classic and are served with a creamy ranch dressing.

No matter what you order, you’re sure to have a great time at J.T. Brady’s. The restaurant has an extensive beer selection, so you can wash down your meal with a cold brew. The friendly staff and laid-back atmosphere make this a great spot for a casual meal.

2. The Chalkboard

The Chalkboard is a modern, upscale restaurant in Tulsa’s downtown area. The menu features a variety of creative dishes that are sure to satisfy any palate. The restaurant’s focus is on local, seasonal ingredients, so you know you’re getting the freshest food possible.

Start your meal off with one of The Chalkboard’s signature appetizers. The seared scallops are served over a bed of creamy grits and topped with a delicious bacon-onion jam. The beef tartare is a classic dish with an unexpected twist – the beef is served with a spicy sriracha aioli. The roasted cauliflower is a vegetarian favorite, served with a zesty chimichurri sauce.

The entrées are just as creative. The wood-fired salmon is served with a honey-mustard glaze and a side of roasted potatoes. The pork chop is a savory dish, served with a sweet-and-sour apple chutney and a side of roasted Brussels sprouts. The chicken and waffles are a classic American dish, served with a tangy maple syrup.

3. Montego Café

Montego Café is a Caribbean-inspired restaurant that’s been serving up flavorful dishes since 2003. The menu features classic Jamaican dishes like jerk chicken, curried goat, and oxtail stew. The atmosphere is lively and fun, with colorful décor and a welcoming staff.

Start your meal off with an order of the Jamaican beef patties. These flaky pastries are filled with spiced beef and served with a tangy dipping sauce. The jerk chicken wings are a must-try, served with a delicious house-made jerk sauce. The fried plantains are a sweet and savory treat, served with a creamy dipping sauce.

The entrées are just as flavorful. The curried goat is a classic Jamaican dish, served with a side of fluffy white rice. The oxtail stew is a savory dish, served with a side of steamed cabbage. The jerk-spiced salmon is a flavorful dish, served with a side of roasted sweet potatoes.

4. Elote Café and Catering

Elote Café and Catering is a stylish Mexican restaurant in downtown Tulsa. The menu features classic dishes like tacos, enchiladas, and burritos. The atmosphere is vibrant and inviting, with colorful décor and a friendly staff.

Start your meal off with an order of the guacamole. This creamy dip is made with fresh avocados and topped with pico de gallo. The nachos are a crowd favorite, served with house-made queso and a variety of toppings. The crispy tacos are filled with your choice of protein and served with a zesty salsa verde.

The entrées are just as delicious. The carne asada is a savory dish, served with a side of Mexican-style rice. The enchiladas are stuffed with your choice of protein and served with a creamy tomatillo sauce. The burritos are a hearty dish, served with your choice of toppings.

5. The Phoenix

The Phoenix is a cozy Italian restaurant in Tulsa’s historic Brady District. The menu features classic dishes like lasagna, ravioli, and chicken parmesan. The atmosphere is chic and intimate, with a warm color palette and a cozy bar area.

Start your meal off with an order of the garlic knots. These warm, buttery knots are served with a side of tangy marinara sauce. The spinach artichoke dip is a creamy, flavorful dish, served with a side of warm pita bread. The caprese salad is a classic Italian dish, served with ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and a balsamic glaze.

The entrées are just as delicious. The lasagna is a classic Italian dish, served with a side of garlic bread. The ravioli is a savory dish, stuffed with ricotta cheese and smothered in a creamy sauce. The chicken parmesan is a hearty dish, served with a side of spaghetti and marinara sauce.

6. Bodean Restaurant and Market

Bodean Restaurant and Market is a modern seafood restaurant in Tulsa. The menu features a variety of fresh seafood dishes, from classic fish and chips to creative sushi rolls. The atmosphere is elegant and inviting, with an open kitchen and a lively bar area.

Start your meal off with one of Bodean’s signature appetizers. The calamari is a classic favorite, served with a zesty marinara sauce. The crab cakes are served with a creamy remoulade sauce. The tuna tartare is a unique dish, served with a side of crunchy wonton chips.

The entrées are just as delicious. The fish and chips are a classic British dish, served with french fries and house-made tartar sauce. The sushi rolls are a creative dish, served with a variety of fresh vegetables and sauces. The grilled salmon is a savory dish, served with a side of roasted potatoes.

7. The Tavern

The Tavern is a classic American tavern in Tulsa. The menu features traditional pub fare like burgers, sandwiches, and salads. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, with a lively bar area and flat-screen TVs.

Start your meal off with an order of the loaded fries. These crispy fries are topped with melted cheese, bacon, and scallions. The spinach dip is a creamy, flavorful dish, served with a side of warm pita bread. The chicken wings are a must-try, served with your choice of sauce.

The entrées are just as delicious. The burgers are juicy and flavorful, served with your choice of toppings. The sandwiches are hearty and flavorful, served with a side of french fries. The salads are fresh and flavorful, topped with a variety of fresh vegetables and your choice of dressing.

8. La Villa Mexican Restaurant

La Villa Mexican Restaurant is a vibrant Mexican restaurant in Tulsa. The menu features classic dishes like tacos, enchiladas, and burritos. The atmosphere is lively and fun, with colorful décor and a friendly staff.

Start your meal off with an order of the queso fundido. This creamy dip is served with your choice of toppings and warm tortilla chips. The guacamole is a classic Mexican dish, served with a side of warm pita bread. The taquitos are a savory dish, served with a spicy salsa.

The entrées are just as flavorful. The tacos are filled with your choice of protein and served with a zesty salsa. The enchiladas are smothered in a creamy sauce and served with a side of Mexican-style rice. The burritos are a hearty dish, served with your choice of toppings.

9. Juniper

Juniper is a modern American restaurant in Tulsa. The menu features creative dishes like lamb chops, pork tenderloin, and roasted vegetables. The atmosphere is chic and inviting, with a cozy bar area and a friendly staff.

Start your meal off with an order of the steak tartare. This classic French dish is served with a side of toast points and capers. The deviled eggs are a savory dish, topped with crispy bacon and a creamy sauce. The roasted beets are a flavorful dish, served with a tangy vinaigrette.

The entrées are just as delicious. The pork tenderloin is a savory dish, served with a side of roasted potatoes and vegetables. The grilled lamb chops are served with a creamy mint sauce and a side of wild rice. The roasted vegetables are a flavorful dish, served with a side of creamy polenta.

10. The Union

The Union is a cozy gastropub in Tulsa. The menu features classic pub fare like burgers, sandwiches, and salads. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with a cozy bar area and a lively waitstaff.

Start your meal off with an order of the fried pickles. These crispy pickles are served with a tangy ranch sauce. The mac and cheese is a creamy, indulgent dish, topped with crispy bacon and served with a side of garlic toast. The loaded nachos are a crowd favorite, served with your choice of toppings and a zesty salsa.

The entrées are just as delicious. The burgers are juicy and flavorful, served with your choice of toppings. The sandwiches are hearty and flavorful, served with a side of french fries. The salads are fresh and flavorful, topped with a variety of fresh vegetables and your choice of dressing.

11. Queenie’s Café

Queenie’s Café is a vibrant Southern restaurant in Tulsa. The menu features classic dishes like fried chicken, mac and cheese, and collard greens. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, with an open kitchen and a lively bar area.

Start your meal off with an order of the fried green tomatoes. These crispy slices are served with a tangy remoulade sauce. The cheese grits are a creamy, savory dish, served with a side of bacon. The hush puppies are a Southern classic, served with a spicy Creole remoulade sauce.

The entrées are just as delicious. The fried chicken is a classic Southern dish, served with a side of mashed potatoes and gravy. The mac and cheese is a creamy, indulgent dish, topped with crispy bacon and served with a side of garlic toast. The collard greens are a flavorful dish, served with a side of cornbread.

12. The Greek Corner

The Greek Corner is a classic Greek restaurant in Tulsa. The menu features a variety of traditional dishes, from spanakopita to moussaka. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, with a warm color palette and a friendly staff.

Start your meal off with an order of the dolmades. These flavorful grape leaves are stuffed with rice and served with a tangy yogurt sauce. The tzatziki is a creamy dip, served with a side of warm pita bread. The spanakopita is a savory dish, served with a side of creamy tzatziki sauce.

The entrées are just as flavorful. The moussaka is a classic Greek dish, served with a side of fluffy white rice. The lamb kabobs are savory and flavorful, served with a side of roasted vegetables. The spanakorizo is a hearty dish, served with a side of creamy feta cheese.

Tulsa is home to a variety of unique restaurants that offer something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner for two or a wild night out with friends, there’s something for every palate. From classic American fare to modern international cuisine, Tulsa’s restaurants offer something for everyone. With so many options, you’re sure to find a restaurant that’s perfect for you!