Chowing down in Tulsey Town

Tulsa, Oklahoma, offers a robust culinary scene rooted in diverse communities and multiple cultures. The town of Tulsa deserves a toast to celebrate the hard work and efforts of the people within the hospitality industry.

Several Tulsa chefs have been nominated for James Beard Awards over the years and Cat Cox of Country Bird Bakery won the Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker trophy this year.

The most important meal of the day is a good place to start when exploring edibles in one of the largest cities in Oklahoma. The Dilly Diner in Downtown Tulsa has it all, with early morning hours to accommodate those rising at the crack of dawn and an outstanding menu. Their Chicken & Waffles dish is served with a little spice thanks to the sriracha honey.   

The Maple Ridge Grocer is another tasty place to take a break from fasting. Located at 1810 South Cincinnati Avenue, the staff and decor contain all the character that one craves while looking for in a stylish environment to dine in.

The best chicken-fried steak in town can be found at Tally's Good Food Cafe and don't leave until you try a cinnamon roll as big as your head.

Tulsa's Arts District offers a variety of nearby restaurants for lunch, such as The Tavern on Main Street. The Tavern Burger is topped by a mushroom cognac cream with the consistency of gravy, which adds to the elevated offerings of this charming pub.

For a more casual affair, try Elgin Park, a sports bar with an onsite brewery across from ONEOK Field. There are other food options from this “Green Country” in the Greenwood District, thanks to the inclusive establishment Lone Wolf Banh Mi. This Vietnamese restaurant originated from humble beginnings as an award-winning food truck and eventually opened a storefront on Archer Street in 2012. Sample the fusion dish of Kim Chi Fries and wash it down with soft drinks from the Okola-Homa Soda Company based in Edmond. Creativity is mixed into each recipe and that is reflected by the staff who have planted a welcoming Pride flag in the window.

Drive down Route 66 for flat-top burgers at Howdy Burger or stop by Red Light Chicken's new location in the Meadow Gold District. Work up an appetite with plenty of retail shops in the area, ranging from classic antique malls to vintage record stores.

For dinner, don't sleep on La Tertulia at 311 East 2nd Street. This hidden gem celebrates Santa Fe food in outstanding ways and the combination plate gives a hearty example of that. The salsas will take your taste buds on a trip to New Mexico with each memorable morsel.

The path to a person's heart is through their stomach and many will fall in love with the tasty, sustainable ingredients provided by local farmers in Oklahoma. Tulsa has not only kept up with the times, but now has the world eating out of its hands by excelling and surpassing the expectations of many dining out in “The Sooner State.”