Date indicates the most recent update of the restaurants listed
Bold indicates my recommendations; others come from what I consider to be good sources

Bixby

Ah-Sigh-E–12345 S. Memorial Dr. (Smoothies) Open daily to 6 pm (5 pm on weekends). Has acai bowl, smoothies, and smoothie bowls. They classify it as healthy snacks (rather than a meal). Has one of the highest ratings in the Tulsa area by reviewers. Map (Dining room is open 9-7-21)

Johnson’s Stepping Stone Cafe–4 N. Armstrong St. (American) Closed Sun & Mon. A place to go when you want standard American food that has a higher quality and more taste than most (this is what I gather from the reviews). From the reviews and photos I think the hamburger steak, roast beef, and soup of the day would be good bets. Map (Dining room is open 3-8-24)

Broken Arrow

Smokie’s BBQ–5251 E. Kenosha (BBQ) Closed Sun. Reviews say it is a great barbecue joint and ribs are some of the best anywhere. Popular side dishes include okra and potato salad (mustard based). Map (Dining room is open 4-30-22)

Trang Le–723 N. Aspen Ave. (Vietnamese) Closed Sun evening & Mon. Maybe the most authentic and least Americanized Vietnamese rest. in the Tulsa area. Has bun bo hue. Map (Dining room is open 3-8-24)

Catoosa

Oklahoma Joe’s–19361 Robson Rd. Across the street from Hard Rock Casino (BBQ) Open Daily. I think the food is not as consistent as other Oklahoma Joe locations (based on reviews) but is usually very good. Ribs, brisket, chicken, and burnt ends are recommended. Map (Dining room is open 3-8-24)

Claremore

Asean Diner–1103 W. Blue Starr Dr. (Vietnamese) Closed Sat & Sun (and closed from 3 to 5 pm). Noodle bowls are good. Map (Dining room is open 10-25-22)

Hammett House–1616 W. Will Rogers Blvd. (American) Closed Sun evening & Mon. Oklahoma style food. Chicken fried steak is good, but has a varied menu and they all get good reviews. Map (Dining room is open 4-30-22)

Note: Does Eat Place is probably the highest rated restaurant in town, but $$$$ (it is a steak place) Map (closed Sun)

Collinsville

Karen’s Country Kitchen–415 W. Main St. (American) Open daily 5:30 am to 2 pm. Reviewers recommend the chicken fried steak, fried chicken, or anything with gravy (such as some breakfast items). They say the food here is top quality. Map (Dining room is open 3-15-23)

Coweta

Roy’s Fried Chicken–14121 S. OK 51 (American) Closed Sun. Very popular place for fried chicken. Map (Dining room is open 10-25-22)

Jenks

Burn Co BBQ–500 Riverwalk Terrace (BBQ) Open 10:30 am to 2:30 pm. Supposedly the best in Tulsa (mainly known for its ribs). At the Tulsa location the line started at 10 AM–they served until they ran out of food (it rarely lasted until 1 PM). This is a smaller location but the Tulsa restaurant was destroyed by a fire and many of the customers may be coming here (thus it may experience similar crowds). Map (Dining room is open 3-15-23)

Kitch Cafe–377 E. Main St. (Sandwiches) Open 7 am to 3 pm (closed Sun). Serves breakfast, salads, sandwiches, and soups, but its popularity is the variety of items it has (such as street tacos, hummus, Asian salad, etc.). Chicken salad is said to be the specialty here. Map (Dining room is open 9-7-21)

Owasso

El Fogon–11515 N. Garnett Rd. (Mexican) Closed Sun. Reviews are good, and if they are correct the menu indicates this could be a much better than average Mexican restaurant. Has Mexico City tacos, chile verde, carnitas, carne asada, and other more upscale dishes. Map (Dining room is open 3-15-23)

Sand Springs

Southside Coneys–1 W. 41st St. (Hot Dogs) Closes at 6 pm; 4 pm on Sat (closed Sun). One of the coney places with the best reviews, but I don’t think many people know about it because of its location. Map (Dining room is open 3-15-23)

Skiatook

El Sabor Jarocho–715 E. WC Rogers Blvd. (Mexican) Open Daily. Jarocho refers to the area of southern Veracruz, and it has dishes that seem to be representative of the area (fish, shrimp, shrimp tacos, etc.). Most people recommend the street tacos (including shrimp) for the authentic food and chimichangas for the Americanized food (it has both types of food and both have good reviews). Map (Dining room is open 1-27-22)

Mac’s BBQ–1030 W. Rogers Blvd. (BBQ) Closed Sun-Mon. Meat cooked over hickory wood. Ribs, pulled pork, cole slaw, pie. Map (Dining room is open 3-15-23)

Tulsa

Albert G’s–2748 S. Harvard Ave. (BBQ) Open Daily. Ribs and brisket are recommended, but some say the sides are weak. In an old converted gas station. Map (Dining room is open 4-30-22)

Asian Cuisine–1920 S. Garnett Rd. (Chinese) Closed Tue; closed Wed lunch. This is authentic–not run of the mill Americanized Chinese food (although they do have Americanized food also–ask them to tell you if you’re not sure which is which). Serves Cantonese style food. Veggie and tofu clay pot is recommended (along with a lot of other dishes). I think this is cheaper than other authentic restaurants, has a good selection of “everyday” food (not just expensive banquet dishes), and accommodates solo diners very well. Map (Dining room is open 4-30-22)

China Garden–9720 E. 31st St. (Chinese) Open 11 am to 9 pm (closed Mon). Authentic Chinese food (not Americanized). The way I understand the reviews is that this is similar in quality to Mandarin Taste, but offers more Sichuanese dishes and fewer Cantonese. Also has more things on the menu for solo diners (MT is more for “family style” dining). Map (Dining room is open 4-30-22)

Claud’s Hamburgers–3834 S. Peoria Ave. (Hamburgers) Lunch Tue-Sat; Dinner Thu & Fri. Small place with burgers made out of ground chuck (which puts them a step above many of the others). Map (Dining room is open 10-26-21)

Cobbler Mom–10 N. Greenwood Ave. (American) Open 11 am to 6 pm (closed Sun & Mon). Specializes in cobbler, and has a lot of takeout business, but also serves lunch. Reviewers particularly like the beef tips and cabbage. Discover Oklahoma says the owner’s favorite cobbler is cherry with ice cream. Located in the historic Greenwood District. Map (Dining room is open 10-25-22)

Coney I-Lander–7408 E. Admiral Pl. (Hot Dogs) Open Daily. Recommended by the Sterns for its chili dogs. Map (Dining room is open 3-25-23)

El Rio Verde–38 N. Trenton Ave. (Mexican) Open daily 9:00 am to 8 pm. A favorite of people in Tulsa. More Tex-Mex than authentic Mexican, but dishes are not covered with the brown “chili” sauce typical of Tex-Mex restaurants. Wet burrito is the specialty here (carne asada or veggie). Map (Dining room is open 3-8-24)

Gigi’s Kitchen–7105 S. Yale Ave. (Chinese) Closed Sun (and closed from 2:30 to 4:30 pm). Supposedly serves legit Chinese food (one of several in town which do). Has a cook for the Cantonese food and one for the Sichuan (spicy food). One of the owners is from Malaysia, so I don’t know if they are able to prepare this type of food also. Reviewers say the food either has no MSG or very little (so it will not bother people). Good for solo diners, and serves lunch specials. Map (Dining room is open 4-30-22)

Ike’s Chili–1503 E. 11th St. (American) Closed Sun (lunch only except open to 7 pm Tue-Fri). Discover Oklahoma says the popular items are coney with chili, chili, meat loaf (served twice a week), roast beef sandwich, and chicken & dumplings. Map (Dining room is open 10-25-22)

Jinya Ramen–416 E. 2nd St. (Japanese) Open daily to 10 pm (10:30pm Fri & Sat). This is a chain restaurant that is different from most chains in that it seems to give customers more authentic food and a wider choice than I think you would get from most local ramen restaurants (at least that has been the case until now). Reviewers also like the fact that you can customize the order. Map (Dining room is open 4-30-22)

Kai Burmese–6912 S. Lewis Ave. (Burmese) Closed Wed (and closes at 6 pm). Just as Brigham Young University in Utah has attracted several ethnic restaurants near campus owned by people of the same faith, Kai Burmese Cuisine near Oral Roberts University is an example of the the same phenomenon. It looks as if the food is the real deal, and most of it is in about the $6 price range ($7 if you really want to splurge, and $13 for a whole steamed fish which I assume will feed more than one person). Map (Dining room is open 10-25-22)

Keo’s–3524 S. Peoria Ave. (Cambodian) Open 11 am to 9 pm (closed Sun). What I find on the Internet is that the owner is Cambodian, the restaurant serves Thai, Malaysian & Vietnamese food, and it is upscale (with slightly higher than normal prices). The Thai food has good ratings (esp. the green curry and tom ka). Also at 8921 S. Yale. Map (Dining room is open 4-30-22)

Kilkenny’s Irish Pub–1413 E. 15th St. (Irish) Open daily to 2am. Most say it is loud but has good food and drinks. Does have mixed reviews, mostly based on the service, but my brother really liked it and I have included it on the list. Map (Dining room is open 4-30-22)

La Tertulia–311 E. 2nd St. (New Mexican) Open daily (closed from 2 pm to 4:30 pm). Owned by the grandson of the original proprietors of La Tertulia in Santa Fe, New Mexico, the Tulsa version uses the same recipes (with less spicy food available on request but the default is Santa Fe style). This has been certified by people from New Mexico as being a genuine New Mexican restaurant. (Personal note: the now closed La Tertulia in Santa Fe was my favorite New Mexican restaurant of all time). Map (Dining room is open 4-30-22)

Mandarin Taste–6125 S. Sheridan Rd. (Chinese) Mon & Tue 4-9; Wed-Sun 11 am to 9 pm. Authentic Beijing, Cantonese, and Shanghai style. Serves xiao long bao. Food comes on large plates meant to be served family style, so the best experience would be to come with a group (does have lunch specials, though). Will prepare food without MSG on request. Map (Dining room is open 10-25-22)

Manos Peruanas–6703 E. 81st St. (Peruvian) Closed Sun evening & Mon. Has Peruvian food including Peruvian style Chinese dishes. Reviewers say ceviche is best. Map (Dining room is open 10-25-22)

Mediterranean Cottage–2615 E. 11th St. (Lebanese) Closed Sat & Sun. (Formerly Dena’s). Good ratings–tawook chicken is recommended. Map (Dining room is open 3-8-24)

Palace Cafe–1301 E. 15th St. (American) Dinner Tue-Sat; brunch on Sun. On the “fine dining” side. Mixed reviews, but some say they had one of the best meals of their lives. Look at on line reviews, because it seems to be important what you order. Map (Dining room is open 4-30-22)

Rendang–5083 E. 51st St. (Indonesian) Closed Mon (and closed from 3 to 5:30 pm). This is a small strip mall restaurant that serves halal food with Asian flavors. Curry dishes are popular. The owner says they make the spicy food 2 out of 5, but if you want it more or less spicy you can request it. Map (Dining room is open 3-15-23)

Ron’s Hamburgers & Chili–1440 S. Denver Ave. (Hamburgers) Open 10:30 am to 8 pm (closed Sun). Ron’s Special Burger or the Chili Cheeseburger are popular, along with cheese fries or chili cheese fries. Draft root beer is their specialty for drinks. Map (Dining room is open 3-8-24)

Siegi’s–8104 S. Sheridan Rd. (Austrian) Open 11 am to 8 pm (9 on weekends), and closed Sun. Very good reviews. Bratwurst, Jagerschnitzel, Sauerkraut. Sausage is the specialty. Bratwurst is popular because they have several varieties. The now closed Ingrid’s in OKC sold Siegi’s mustard, so Siegi’s must know what they are doing when it comes to German style food. Map (Dining room is open 10-25-22)

Sisserou’s–107 N. Boulder Ave. (Caribbean) Open daily except Sun evening. Authentic, flavorful, and somewhat upscale Caribbean food (the latter being quite unusual in Caribbean restaurants). Located downtown, and is open until 9 pm. Map (Dining room is open 4-30-22)

Wanda J’s Next Generation–111 N. Greenwood Ave.(Soul Food) Closed Sun & Mon. Popular Tulsa institution that is continuing the tradition. It recently also took over the old location of Evelyn’s at 3014 N. 74th E. Ave. which it says will have a larger menu than the Greenwood restaurant. Map (Dining room is open 3-8-24)

Zogam Cafe–6930 S. Lewis Ave. (Malaysian) Closed Sun. Owner is from Myanmar, but traveled extensively in Malaysia and Thailand to get the recipes used in this popular and very positively reviewed restaurant. Has lunch specials until 3pm. Map (Dining room is open 4-30-22)

Note: Many of my favorite OKC restaurants are in Tulsa as well including Interurban (hamburger with BBQ sauce), Hideaway Pizza (The Boz, margherita pizza), Billy Sims Barbecue (ribs, pulled pork), Braum’s (brownie fudge sundae, molten lava sundae).

For additional explanation of this list see Index
Please feel free to leave your own comments or suggestions.

Tulsa’s Best Barbecue Restaurants

OKC Talk 2021-22

Some comments from the OKC Talk web site about Tulsa BBQ

- Oklahoma Joe’s has excellent burnt ends (better than in OKC).
- Burn Co. is thought be some to be the best in the state. However, some look at it the same way Texas Monthly does at Franklin BBQ in Austin–it is as good as ever, but other places (especially new ones) have stepped up the game recently. The long time favorites are now “old school” (and still as good as ever) but some new places have followers who say they are better.

Tulsa World 2020 List

Burn Co. BBQ–1738 S. Boston Ave. (and 2 other locations)–chicken drumsticks are one of the specialties
Buffalo’s BBQ–201 N. Hwy 11 (Sperry) ribs, pulled pork, and brisket are recommended, and the prime rib special on Wed is worth a trip here
Stone Mill BBQ–2000 W. Reno St. (Broken Arrow) ribs and brisket are recommended
Albert G’s–2748 S. Harvard and 421 E. 1st St.–smoked bologna is probably the best in town
Oklahoma Joe’s–(several locations in Tulsa, Broken Arrow, and Catoosa) burnt ends are a specialty here
Elmer’s–4130 S. Peoria Ave.–they like the Badwich combination plate (bologna, chopped beef, hot link, smoked sausage)
Billy Ray’s–3524 S.W. Blvd and in Broken Arrow–ribs, catfish, and bologna are recommended
Stutts House of BBQ–2021 E. Apache St.–St. Louis style ribs are a specialty
Leon’s Smoke Shack–601 S. Sheridan Rd.–bologna is a specialty
Oklahoma Style BBQ–2225 N. Harvard Ave.–pork ribs are crisp on the outside and tender inside

TulsaFood’s recommendations” (2020 List)

Burn Co. BBQ–1738 S. Boston Ave. (and other locations)–ribs and house made sausage
Mac’s BBQ–1030 W. Rogers (Skiatook)–original rub and award winning sauce combine with highest quality beef and pork
Trail’s End BBQ–8888 N. Garnett Rd. (Owasso)–quality Q
Elmer’s BBQ–4130 S. Peoria Ave.–hickory smoked meats; Badwich combination is popular
Albert G’s BBQ–2748 S. Harvard Ave. & 421 E. 1st St.–signature rub–beef is 100% Angus
Rib Crib–302 E. 1st St.–It is a chain but the original restaurant is on Harvard–Carolina pulled pork sandwich is Carolina style (hard to find in OK)
Oklahoma Joe’s–333 W. Albany (Broken Arrow) burnt ends, ribs, and pulled pork are recommended–also try the okra
Mike’s BBQ Food Truck–normally at 91st and Delaware–brisket, ribs, and pulled pork are the specialties–meat is cooked without sauce on pecan wood (their favorite is pulled pork)
Buffalo’s BBQ–201 N. Hwy 11 (Sperry) this is a trailer with award winning ribs–brisket is good also

Roadfood.com Recommendations

“Delicious Day in Tulsa” (perhaps the best of the best)

White River Fish Market–fried fish is most popular but has healthier alternatives that are also good
Queenie’s–most popular at breakfast and well known for its granola (upscale–is more of a tea room than a diner)
Hank’s Hamburgers–serving hamburgers since 1949
Ike’s Chili House–old style chili parlor that has been open since 1936–chili can be plain or a three-way (with noodles and beans)

Hamburgers (other than the ones listed above)

Linda-Mar Drive-In–Westsider is a burger with two quarter pound patties with orange cheese and a pile of toppings between slices of Texas toast–jalapeno chicken and chili dog are also recommended

America’s Best Hot Dogs

Coney I-Lander–hot dogs topped with chili and onions (and optional cheese)–hot dogs are small (3 or 4 of them make a modest meal)

Mexican

Cancun–best items are burritos, tacos, and horchata (tacos come with a large choice of meats and burritos are good with carnitas)

Jane & Michael Stern, “500 Things to Eat Before It’s Too Late”

This work by the Sterns, published in 2009, focuses on individual dishes and “the Very Best Places to Eat Them.” Although the list is dated by more than a decade, it is worth taking a look at the choices which include the following in Tulsa (partial list and edited for places that have closed–Bold for No. 1 recommendation in the U.S.)::

Catfish–White River Fish Market Tulsa (No. 4 in the US)
Coney Island–Coney I-Lander Tulsa (No. 4 in the US)

Note About “50 States, 50 Cuisines” (Condé Nast)

Condé Nast published an article on Sep. 14, 2020 explaining how they set out to go beyond a previous article that had identified the signature dish for each state, and to find food that goes beyond the classics and “to highlight a cuisine worth traveling to each state for, much of which you truly can’t get anywhere else.” For Oklahoma it was the Zomi Burmese cuisine of Tulsa. These people mostly came from the mountainous region of Chin state in Myanmar where they faced persecution because of their Christian beliefs in a predominantly Buddhist country. They have resettled across the US, with a large number ending up in Tulsa.

They point out Kai Burmese cuisine which focuses on Burmese food, while Zogam Cafe is run by a Burmese refugee but has dishes from throughout Southeast Asian (focusing on ones from Malaysia).