Sometimes, you want a proper cocktail bar with serious drinks – a destination worthy of dressing up for. But often, you’re just looking for a place with great food where you can also get a decent drink, without the fuss or the formalities. When you need that perfect hybrid – a spot that’s as much about the plate as the glass – here are 11 Tulsa gems where the kitchen and bar are equally celebrated.
DD’s Double Shots
$ | (918) 986-9505 | WEBSITE
Your friends want to unwind after a long week in Tulsa, and they’re also wondering when you’re finally going to try that new karaoke spot you’ve been talking about for months. If you’re going to have to belt out some tunes, at least do it at DD’s Double Shots – a neighborhood bar with a reliably fun atmosphere. Grab a drink from the quick blonde bartender or challenge someone to pool.
The small but laid-back space, complete with a jukebox and Saturday karaoke, makes it easy to feel right at home, even if the parking lot is a bit gravelly. The welcoming crowd and energetic staff ensure everyone has a good time, as long as you respect the friendly vibe. It’s the kind of place where both regulars and newcomers can enjoy themselves, whether you’re on the outside patio or inside by the pool tables.
Hop the Griffin Brew Pub and Wine Bar
$ | (918) 292-8227 | WEBSITE
Even if your friends are from a bigger city or close to it, they’ll probably still be impressed by the cozy pub atmosphere at Hop the Griffin in Tulsa (and they were barely even impressed by your latest homebrew attempt). Everything here is good, and the menu ranges from carnitas to a $14 mac and cheese and a $12 pretzel with queso. Just keep in mind that Hop the Griffin has that small and warm vibe with limited seating, and they don’t accept reservations for trivia nights.
So either get there early or prepare to have a strawberry basil mule while waiting for a dart board to open up.
JINYA Ramen Bar – Tulsa
$$ | (918) 861-4100 | WEBSITE
This spot isn’t exactly a destination you’d drive across town for, but if you’re already in the area and craving ramen, it’s a solid casual pick. Since JINYA is part of a chain, it feels a bit more polished than your typical neighborhood noodle joint (think modern industrial with warm wood accents), but the bowls still mostly hover around the $12–$15 mark, and it keeps a relaxed, low-key vibe. If you’re nearby and want a reliable, no-fuss meal without the fuss, this is a dependable choice.
Casual Cocktail
$ | (539) 867-2966 | WEBSITE
You could visit Casual Cocktail on a weekend, but it’s also perfectly fine for a Monday or Thursday evening when you’re flying solo or meeting a few friends and want some good drinks that aren’t from a chain you’ve seen everywhere. Just be sure to bring at least one other person, and try the daily special. You should also get some karaoke in and a beer. They have plenty of different entertainment every night, so chat with the bartender about what you enjoy and they’ll help you find something fun.
Shot Happens
$$ | (539) 424-5125 | WEBSITE
Unless you’re a regular on Tulsa’s bar scene, it’s possible you’ve never stumbled upon Shot Happens. Which explains why this local spot maintains such a mellow atmosphere – mellow enough, at least, that you can actually hear your friends without shouting. Ask to be seated on the patio if you smoke, and definitely try one of their reasonably priced drinks – the outstanding bartenders will make sure it’s perfect.
Tina’s
$ | (918) 518-1671 | WEBSITE
If you’re looking for a classic Tulsa cocktail bar experience that’s neither a dive nor overly upscale, Tina’s is a perfect choice. This neighborhood spot has quickly become known for one of the best smash burgers in Maple Ridge, so that’s what you’re here to order – and you’ll definitely want to get their perfectly cooked fries as well.
Albatross Sporting Lounge
$$ | (918) 629-9210 | WEBSITE
Albatross Sporting Lounge feels like the kind of neighborhood bar you might have frequented in your younger days. It has a spacious layout with plenty of high-top tables, a few sports memorabilia pieces on the walls, and areas that could easily host a birthday bash or engagement party. The difference is that here, you’ll also find some of the most attentive bartenders and best service in the whole city.
Grab a casual drink with friends, enjoy the DJ’s tunes, and you should get out for around $15 per person.
The Whittier Bar
$ | (918) 574-8709 | WEBSITE
If you’re looking for a spot in Tulsa that doesn’t feel like it’s anywhere in Tulsa at all, head to The Whittier Bar – a vibrant, intimate venue with exceptional live music and a friendly staff that makes you feel right at home. The atmosphere is lively with great sound quality, so it’s not the quietest place for conversation, but as long as that’s not an obstacle, you can take full advantage of the fact that the cover charge is usually under $10.
Slo Ride Brookside
$ | (918) 949-3393 | WEBSITE
This is a welcoming Brookside spot that offers a chill environment with live music on weekends and free tacos on Tuesdays during karaoke night. It only opened in this location relatively recently, but it feels like it could have been a neighborhood staple for years, and for a Tulsa hangout, it’s generally pretty relaxed on weeknights. Whatever else you do, make sure to catch the Monday night SINGO or Sunday dart tournaments.
Lot No. 6
$ | (918) 582-9999 | WEBSITE
This lively Tulsa bar with rotating art exhibits is somehow still non-smoking (despite having been a local favorite for years and the typical atmosphere of, well, nightlife). It’s hard to tell what entertainment it currently features on any given night (in a delightful way), and as a bonus, this is definitely the kind of place where everyone can order their own $8-ish drink without having to worry about breaking the bank. Just in case those budget concerns actually didn’t work so well after all.
Red River Saloon
$ | (918) 861-4799 | WEBSITE
Aside from offering a welcoming, friendly atmosphere, Red River Saloon is pretty reliable for finding a spot to unwind. So if, hypothetically, you suddenly need a place to relax with good music and drinks, it’s a great idea. Unlike some crowded bars, this location also has plenty of space with pool tables and a band stage. Just make sure you grab a $4 Guinness and enjoy the 70ft bar for a great value.
