Remember when Tulsa’s cocktail scene meant watered-down well drinks in dim hotel lounges? Those days are gone. Today, the city’s bars are shaking up everything from smoky mezcal creations to playful tiki concoctions, with kitchens to match. Use this guide to find where the drinks—and the food—are truly worth raising a glass.
Sidecar Barley & Wine Bar
$$ | (918) 551-6699 | WEBSITE
This rooftop spot has a cocktail menu that’s almost identical to the one at other elevated bars in Tulsa, and the drinks here are just as good. Pick a custom cocktail made by the knowledgeable bartenders, like a classic martini, a seasonal gin fizz, or a signature whiskey sour, then specify whether you want it neat, on the rocks, or with a creative twist. You can get wine by the glass, but we like the custom cocktails with stunning views, or the great drinks with live music.
They also have a variety of “small bites” like cheese plates and charcuterie boards (all $12-16), which are useful for when you want to try a few different things while enjoying the chill atmosphere.
Bull In The Alley
$$$$ | (918) 949-9803 | WEBSITE
It can be a bit disorienting inside Bull In The Alley at first as your eyes adjust to the dim lighting that creates that signature mysterious atmosphere. We recommend embracing the darkness and settling in for the full experience, especially because the attentive staff can craft cocktails tailored to your exact preferences. Order the perfectly cooked Tomahawk steak and the Caesar salad with its divine vinegar-based dressing, and pay the extra attention to the hand-cut bacon.
This savory, crispy addition is great on its own, but it’s even better when paired with the rich, seasoned flavors of the main dishes. While the dark ambiance is part of the classy, intimate feel, some might find it a bit too shadowy, but the overall dining experience—from the skilled bar staff making the best old-fashioned to the decadent chocolate cake—feels like nothing you’ve experienced before.
Fajitas Grill 2
$ | (918) 576-6285 | WEBSITE
If you want to enjoy Mexican food someplace very reliable, get dinner at Fajitas Grill 2. Between the clean booths with high backs for privacy, well-lit space with classy artwork, and regulars chatting comfortably over margaritas and chips with salsa, it feels like things are consistently pleasant since this solid Mexican spot opened. The delicious menu ranges from perfectly seasoned chicken fajitas and enchiladas to queso and highly praised beans.
If you come for a meal, try the standout fajitas with rice and beans. For drinks, get one of the great margaritas like the Hornitos Margarita.
Mi Tierra Cocina Mexicana
$ | (918) 518-6113 | WEBSITE
Mi Tierra Cocina Mexicana is a very warm and lively Mexican restaurant with grilled meats, seafood, rice dishes, and more. This place is owned by Ramon, who personally welcomes guests, and both the atmosphere, with its clean modern space and live guitarist, and the food is on the top end of what you’ll find in the area.
Juniper Restaurant
$$$ | (918) 794-1090 | WEBSITE
Juniper Restaurant will remind you why cozy dining experiences still matter in Tulsa: for serving comforting food with genuine hospitality. Modeled after the kind of place where you want to linger over a meal, this spot serves a memorable beef filet with haricots verts and mashed potatoes, a standout beef stroganoff, and, of course, the juicy and satisfying Waygu burger.
The room, with its clean lines and relaxed lighting, feels inviting and laid-back, and it’s a great choice to celebrate a special occasion like an anniversary or date night.
Bird & Bottle
$$ | (918) 895-6468 | WEBSITE
We remember when Bird & Bottle was just a quiet little cocktail spot in Tulsa, but now it’s become a destination. The martinis here are for purists—what you’ll mostly taste is clean, crisp gin or vodka. The olives are stuffed, but not too heavily, and you’ll detect only a hint of blue cheese and just a trace of lime twist. Bird & Bottle used to just serve the standard martini, but now you can (and should) get the $4 version with those blue cheese olives.
Blue Coast Juicy Seafood
$$ | (918) 258-0188 | WEBSITE
Get a bunch of seafood lovers together in Tulsa, and you’re going to need a boil spot to put them in. Make it Blue Coast Juicy Seafood. This restaurant has been around for a few years now, serving everyone from families to groups of friends. These days, it’s not so much a quiet dinner spot as a lively meeting ground for locals craving garlicky boils and a smattering of visitors looking for fun, but it still has a lot of charm.
The Blue Coast institution manages to preserve the unique, energetic atmosphere that you won’t find at a typical seafood chain, with servers in casual uniforms bringing out generous portions under impressive decor that looks like it belongs to a coastal shack. The signature crab wontons are also as good as ever, with some classic flavors, like garlicky sauce on the side for dipping.
Four. Seven. Three. (473)
$ | (918) 202-8835 | WEBSITE
Four. Seven. Three. (473) is, without question, one of the top cocktail bars in Tulsa. The drinks are straightforward, but crafted with exceptional skill and creativity. There are plenty of unique cocktails and mocktails to select from, all of which are expertly balanced. And the trendy yet cozy decor, with its perfectly thought-out patio and stage, is all the atmosphere you need.
Barons on 1st
$$$$ | (918) 417-5290 | WEBSITE
Tulsa might not be the first place you think of for a romantic dinner, but any standout spot in the area, like Barons on 1st, is worth noting. Here, you’ll find steaks, seafood, and salads typical of upscale dining, but pay attention to the signature dishes. Go for the tomahawk steak—a massive cut served with potatoes and asparagus, or the gazpacho with avocado and crab.
The spacious dining area has tables that feel comfortably separated, so this is a solid choice if a bit of privacy matters to you.
Kendal’s
$ | (918) 205-6064 | WEBSITE
Kendal’s is the kind of bar you can walk into after months away and still feel right at home. This local spot is always a reliable choice—as long as you’re ready for some good, straightforward fun. The iTunes Jukebox playing everything from R&B to country sets the perfect mood, and you should definitely plan your visit for a Sunday to catch Ricky’s Rubs, where the bartender smokes meat for lunch.
Make sure to check out their events calendar too, since they host everything from wedding receptions to Christmas parties in their spacious, welcoming space.
Casual Cocktail
$ | (539) 867-2966 | WEBSITE
Casual Cocktail is a neighborhood bar in Tulsa that serves up daily specials and a solid lineup of drinks, with a bartender who might slide you an extra pour on the house. The entertainment options are varied, with karaoke nights, acoustic sets, and music bingo keeping things lively.
While their standard bar fare hits the spot, we’d suggest leaning into the fun atmosphere—this is the kind of place where you can belt out tunes with friends or catch a game on the TVs without worrying about the vibe. Come here with pals who enjoy a bit of noise and won’t mind a group up front celebrating with rounds of shots during karaoke.
Tacos X Mezcal
$ | (918) 764-8666 | WEBSITE
Maybe you heard about some trendy spot in Dallas or a fancy place in Austin with a celebrity chef. Those are fine and good, but if you want to go to the original Tulsa gem for authentic Mexican, grab a seat next to a family with their dog on the patio at Tacos X Mezcal. The asada tacos are legendary here, and there’s a bunch more flavor around this laid-back bar and restaurant, which you can taste in the creative dishes like the hatched chili pepper stuffed with sirloin steak.
Or you can focus on one of the best selections of Mezcal in Oklahoma and traditional favorites, like carne asada street tacos and chips with three kinds of salsa.
LoFi
$$ | (918) 921-5634 | WEBSITE
LoFi is one of the best sit-down options for pizza in the area. They serve wood-fired pies with a huge selection of unique, delicious varieties, which can be made with quality ingredients. We like the spicy pizza that comes with cherry peppers and cupped pepperoni. There’s plenty of seating, including comfortable bar spots within a cozy yet lively atmosphere surrounded by a 90s living room vibe.
in the raw vu
$$ | (918) 779-7600 | WEBSITE
In The Raw Vu appears to be the go-to sushi spot for anyone celebrating a special occasion in Tulsa, with all the trappings, from attentive staff like Hope, Alex, and Gabrielle to complimentary Prosecco and desserts like the Euphoria cake. This place is a fantastic spot for a pre-game dinner before a Drillers matchup, when you can enjoy fresh, inventive sushi rolls while taking in the stunning sunset view from the dining area.
The service can be a bit inconsistent—sometimes slow or a little lost—but the friendly atmosphere and convenient parking lot nearby make it worth the visit for the delicious food and amazing scenery.
The Tavern
$$ | (918) 949-9801 | WEBSITE
The Tavern is a modern cocktail bar and restaurant, but it’s been designed with a quirky aesthetic that feels like a cool, eclectic lounge with an implicit vibe of relaxed sophistication. The lively, well-lit dining area has funky decor and walls adorned with vintage postcards featured with your check. Whether you go with the standout burger with hot, crispy fries or the inventive roasted chicken (the best dish here), make sure to get the unique bacon popcorn to share.
If you want a more casual experience, grab a seat at the bar, and sip a very good expertly crafted cocktail.
The Starlite Bar
$ | (918) 701-0274 | WEBSITE
Cocktail lovers, meet The Starlite Bar, a sleeper high-quality nightlife pick. The drinks here are inventive and satisfying in the way that the best cocktail bars are. This is where you should be getting your happy hour with friends in the evening.
Bar 46
$ | (918) 398-7114 | WEBSITE
Downtown Tulsa’s bar scene is packed with options, each promising a good time with drinks and games. It’s a tempting area to spend an evening, but which spot truly delivers? Some places might work if you’re just looking for loud music and crowded tables, and others could suffice if you want basic pub fare. But if you actually want a relaxed evening with quality cocktails and space to breathe, do it at Bar 46.
The industrial-chic interior is spacious and comfortable, with couches, bar seats, and tables that make conversation easy before 10pm. The service can be inconsistent—some staff members have a dismissive attitude that dampens the mood—but when it’s good, it’s very good. And with ping pong, pool, and video games available, there’s plenty to keep you entertained between rounds.
Prossimo Ristorante
$$ | (918) 271-5096 | WEBSITE
When you step into the softly lit dining room at Prossimo Ristorante, an authentic Italian spot in Tulsa, there’s an immediate sense of being transported somewhere special. It’s a little like dining in a cozy NYC trattoria that way, but any dish you order will be exceptional. Prossimo specializes in tableside preparations, where mozzarella is made fresh before your eyes and pasta is tossed in a giant cheese wheel, and all of them are impressive.
Both the beet carpaccio and the pork chop are recommendable, but if you have to choose one, go for the pork chop.
