First time in Tulsa? Awesome! Welcome! Please don’t ask us to explain what ‘chicken-fried’ means for your entertainment.
Taqueria Mexico Express
$ | (918) 818-3681 | WEBSITE
Tulsa is a taco town and just about every corner now has at least one taqueria of its own. They’re all tasty and authentic in their own ways and we recommend trying as many as you can while you’re here. But if you can only fit one in, make it Taqueria Mexico Express on the truck circuit (which also happens to be much more affordable than most of the others). If you haven’t had a Carne Asada taco yet, the fresh, flavorful bites here will open your eyes to a whole new taco experience.
Grab a spot at one of the picnic tables nearby and have five or six of them, along with some corn quesadillas from a meat-heavy menu that’s way better than you’d expect from a taco truck.
Arby’s
$ | (918) 583-8545 | WEBSITE
If you drive through Tulsa without stopping at a fast food joint, then sorry, you never actually visited – you weren’t here and that craving you’re fighting on the highway is either a phantom sensation or just plain hunger. Luckily, we have more drive-thrus than cowboy movies, and while several of them are decent, Arby’s is the most reliable.
It’s a straightforward spot off the main road that feels like a neighborhood hangout, and with things like fresh sandwiches and vegetarian options (because, again, they accommodate everyone), the experience is a lot more welcoming than your standard burger-and-fries chain.
Salad and Go
$ | (539) 209-2245 | WEBSITE
Salad and Go is one of the most popular fast food spots in Tulsa. It’s a refreshing place that feels as much like a healthy cafe as a quick-service restaurant, and our favorite way to eat here is during lunch, when you just keep grabbing fresh salads until you’re perfectly satisfied. Don’t leave before you have the Thai chicken salad and the blueberry basil lemonade.
Del Taco
$ | (539) 367-1595 | WEBSITE
Chances are you haven’t had a truly great taco since you were scarfing down whatever was cheapest after last call. But Del Taco in Tulsa is arguably the best fast food Tex-Mex in the city, a no-frills spot that will make you actually want to eat there instead of just telling people you like tacos. In a clean, well-lit space just off the main drag you’ll find some of the most generous portions in town.
The shrimp tacos and burritos sound like limited-time gimmicks, but they’re actually really phenomenal, and there’s a full menu of breakfast items and other bites that will hold you over as you struggle through deciding between the epic burritos and the highly regarded fries before giving in and getting both for the fourth time this month.
Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers
$ | (539) 867-2109 | WEBSITE
You shouldn’t leave Tulsa without visiting Raising Cane’s, a place that – until it gets too popular for anyone but die-hard fans in 10 years – is where Tulsa goes to get a little crispy and a little satisfying. The restaurant that best embodies this experience is Raising Cane’s, a straightforward chicken spot that’s focused on just a few items, offering chicken tenders, french fries, coleslaw, and toasted bread in a streamlined menu.
For about $12, you’ll enjoy a chicken-heavy meal you eat with your fingers from a simple cardboard box. The chicken fingers are breaded to perfection and tender and juicy, while the fries receive positive reviews, and the signature sauce is a crowd-pleaser. The staff is great and welcoming, even for large groups, though the order handling process and location can sometimes be challenging, with long drive-thru lines and an inconvenient parking situation.
Overall, it’s a go-to chicken place that provides a satisfying dining experience with consistently praised food quality.
Angie’s Fish & Wings
$ | (918) 619-9719 | WEBSITE
You might notice the worn vinyl booths and dated decor at Angie’s Fish & Wings while they’re in the middle of their remodel, but just remember: generations of Tulsans have been enjoying that same crispy fried fish from those very seats! If eating in a spot with such local history doesn’t grab you, then also know that the food here is genuinely excellent.
The fish is always fresh and hot, the signature Angie’s sauce gives a creative spin to traditional tartar sauce, and the portions have that generous heft that can only come from a kitchen focused on satisfying hungry customers. It’s worth mentioning that while the mac and cheese could use more seasoning, everything else—from the okra to the Philly sandwiches—hits the mark perfectly at this no-frills establishment.
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
$ | (918) 369-6262 | WEBSITE
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen is first and foremost a sensory experience. There’s fried chicken in the air, the drive-thru line snakes around the building, and – during one busy lunch hour – a toddler in a booster seat who is mesmerized by the golden-brown biscuits being pulled from the oven. It’s also got a ton of hungry customers and a ton of people trying to get their orders at the same time.
And while almost every fast-food chicken place in Tulsa is at least OK, you’ll have a really memorable meal at Popeyes, a Louisiana-style chicken spot on their Tulsa location. This place is so straightforward and casual that the dining area and the counter share the same bright space and there’s a chance that some spicy seasoning dust jumps from your chicken to your soda (which will be served in a paper cup with a straw).
Ted’s Hamburgers
$ | (918) 582-9465 | WEBSITE
If you want to taste what Tulsa’s been savoring for decades, make your way to Ted’s Hamburgers, a cozy little spot that’s been a local fixture since the 1960s. If you swing by for lunch, you can grab a classic burger combo with those famous fresh-cut fries that outshine just about any fast-food side in town. You’ll devour it, consider another soda, and likely decide to stay for a second meal after spotting the catfish on the updated menu.
You won’t be the first customer to eat here twice in one day—the customizable burgers and welcoming atmosphere are that satisfying.
Coney Island
$ | (918) 587-2821 | WEBSITE
When you tire of navigating the endless chain restaurants along Tulsa’s highways, head to Coney Island – it’s the city’s most cherished family spot and the place where every local says they’ve been going for years before realizing that maybe you don’t need fancy decor when the chili’s this good.
Coney Island is a classic fast food joint in the Tulsa metro area with simple tables that sit in a straightforward space where the people passing by will be grabbing a quick lunch instead of looking for Instagram backdrops. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but the original recipe chili dogs and crispy fries really stand out.
VIVA LA VIDA SNACKS
$ | (918) 845-7602 | WEBSITE
If you do find yourself in Tulsa, then you need to hit Viva La Vida Snacks, too. It’s a food truck run by passionate folks and it serves vibrant Mexican street food with enough variety to satisfy any craving. It’s easy to grab a bite here, but if you go during the lunch rush you can snag a spot nearby, where you’ll be able to watch them crafting your street tacos and tortas ahogadas.
Howdy Burger 11th Street
$ | (918) 550-4299 | WEBSITE
We know you’ll probably end up at one of those chain burger joints with the neon signs and drive-thrus, so go ahead – order the same combo you always get, wait in that winding line of cars, and eat lukewarm fries in your front seat while traffic honks. But instead of settling for that, head to the significantly more genuine Howdy Burger on 11th Street, which serves straightforward, tasty burgers with a friendly welcome.
For a classic, grab the Original Howdy Burger with grilled onions or a double cheeseburger with jalapenos, and then get the cowboy fries topped with bacon or beer-battered onion rings for your side. Pair it all with their fresh lemonade or that pink drink, and don’t forget the rodeo sauce for dipping – it’s the good stuff.
Families needing gluten-free options will find Sharon, the polite and helpful manager, ensuring everything is handled safely, making it a convenient and satisfying spot for a meal at prices that won’t break the bank.
Panda Express
$ | (918) 743-8186 | WEBSITE
It’s possible that, during your quick trip to Tulsa, someone in your group gets tired of barbecue before anyone else does. When that happens, head to Panda Express in the Walmart parking lot, which is one of the most convenient spots in the city, and one that you should be trying anyway – especially if you’ve ever wanted to grab a hot meal without leaving your car. Split the Angus beef, super greens, and a lot of well-prepared Sprite and everyone will be happy.
Chick-fil-A
$ | (918) 445-7200 | WEBSITE
If the city of Tulsa used a dating app, it would take its profile photos at the Chick-fil-A in Tulsa Hills. (It would also swipe right so much it would get carpal tunnel.) Come here year-round (it has a play area for kids), grab some lemonade and chicken, and enjoy a better taste and service than you can get anywhere else in the city.
