In Tulsa, the bar and grill scene thrives on contrasts. You’ll find polished gastropubs with craft cocktails alongside gritty neighborhood joints where the beer is cold and the burgers are legendary. From the bustling Brookside district to the industrial-chic spots downtown, these 16 establishments prove that in Oklahoma’s second-largest city, great food and good times are always on the menu.
Deep Pockets Billiard Bar & Bistro
$ | (918) 514-0026 | WEBSITE
In contrast to the upscale sports bars downtown, Deep Pockets feels a little retro, with well-worn pool cues and classic rock on the speakers. Still, the food, like the standout bacon cheeseburger with crispy bacon and melty cheese, is satisfying enough for a casual night out. This is bar food with heart. For gatherings, our favorite is grabbing a table near the tournament area, where the clean, well-maintained tables make every shot count.
At dinner, start with a cold beer from their excellent selection, then for the best combination of fun and flavor, order that bacon cheeseburger alongside some friendly competition. Prices for drinks can be a little steep, but the overall atmosphere and pool tables are the best you’ll find in this part of Tulsa.
Sutures Bar Tulsa
$ | (918) 481-5007 | WEBSITE
Sutures Bar was built on three of Tulsa’s most cherished traditions: eating, drinking, and shooting pool—basically, hanging out with friends while enjoying great bar food and drinks. It’s the perfect spot for a casual night out to celebrate catching the big game over classic bar fare. Grab a few drinks and dishes, like the chicken fried steak, highlander martini, or some delicious bar food.
Then, settle in with a drink like the highlander martini, all served in a clean, welcoming space with plenty of TVs for sports and music.
White Lion Pub
$ | (918) 491-6533 | WEBSITE
Skip the generic chain pubs and head straight to the White Lion Pub, a cozy English tavern that’s been around for years in the heart of Tulsa, and about as authentic as you might hope for across the pond. The menu offers traditional pub fare like bangers and mash, but you’re here for the fish and chips (crispy battered cod with thick-cut fries—a.k.a. the most satisfying way to eat pub food) and their rhubarb strawberry dessert.
We’re not usually fans of British desserts since they’re often overly sweet or bland, but at the White Lion, it’s a melt-in-your-mouth treat that actually tastes like fruit. It’s so good that you’ll finish it and immediately go straight back to the lively, communal tables for another round with friends.
Retro Grill & Bar
$ | (918) 587-3876 | WEBSITE
As the neon lights flicker on at this retro-themed bar and grill in Tulsa—one of the top spots in the city for a nostalgic night out—the crowd gathers around the Skee-Ball machines, drawn by the time-honored tradition of chasing high scores under the glow of arcade classics. And then the players return to their drinks, which are as deserving of the attention as the games. You can’t go wrong with their classics, like the Rainbow Brite cocktail, but we prefer the friendly, laid-back vibe.
One moment it might be laughter echoing near the giant Stay Puft marshmallow man, or chill conversations by the ET display in another.
71st Street Depot
$ | (918) 252-4185 | WEBSITE
At 71st Street Depot in Tulsa, prepare to experience bar envy. You’ll see plates of knockout comfort food lining the bar around you and want it all. It’s best to bring a friend so you can share a lot of everything (though, you’ll risk fork jousting over the last battered mushroom).
While 71st Street Depot also offers a solid selection of local beers, stick to the bar classics, like those standout battered mushrooms, the service from bartender Chris is exceptional, making you feel right at home in this cozy spot away from the bustling shopping district. Finish with another round from Chris, a perfectly poured local draft, and relaxing enough for a whole evening.
Rabbit Hole Bar and Grill
$ | (539) 664-4232 | WEBSITE
You won’t find a more affordable burger than you will at Rabbit Hole Bar and Grill, a cozy establishment tucked into a lively Tulsa neighborhood. The kitchen has channeled all that bar food expertise into $5 burgers and specials like $1 tacos, served with zucchini sticks that come crispy and golden. Rabbit Hole is filled with lots of things to see, so you should definitely stick around, find a seat at the bar or a table near the karaoke stage, and listen to the area’s local music.
Lennie’s Club & Grill
$ | (918) 743-6600 | WEBSITE
The vibe at this lively spot with welcoming bar-and-grill energy is straightforward: dumplings and grilled chicken. But that doesn’t mean your evening will be simple. The dumplings may sound basic, but are served with that perfect homemade touch—steamed or pan-fried—prepped by the kitchen, and are crafted so the flavors pop, like the classic pork and chive or the veggie-packed mushroom. Essential is the grilled chicken breast dinner, praised as awesome and cooked just right.
On weekends, live music and karaoke nights draw crowds—skip the wait by arriving early to grab a seat at the bar, where Soncha, the friendly bartender, provides excellent service. The owner is accommodating, and despite some smoking, many find the environment enjoyable and not bothersome.
Louie’s Grill & Bar
$ | (918) 298-5777 | WEBSITE
Sure, Louie’s feels like a spot you could find in any friendly neighborhood, but this place, located in Tulsa where the vibe’s lively, highlights some of the things that we love most about a good bar and grill, from the welcoming atmosphere to the reliable favorites that’ll have you planning your next visit. The menu includes fantastic bone-in wings with honey sriracha sauce, thin shoestring fries that are perfectly crispy, and fresh raspberry lemonade frozen drinks that hit the spot.
The weekend brunch specials are great, but we equally love Louie’s for game days, when you can grab a BURGAH and catch the sportsball on TVs while enjoying the attentive service that often goes the extra mile.
Shades Bar & Grill
$ | (918) 933-0184 | WEBSITE
What happens when Tulsa’s best bartenders create the vibe at Shades Bar & Grill? You get the friendliest spot in town. Think the most welcoming atmosphere you’ve ever experienced, filled with wonderful people, great drinks, and awesome music. And, yes, while we love affordable drinks everywhere, don’t miss their outdoor smoking area. They have enjoyable events like karaoke and comedy nights, but the must-try is the comfortable, home-like atmosphere that graces the entire place.
PJ’s Pub & Grill
$ | (918) 806-6869 | WEBSITE
You might not expect to find one of Tulsa’s best bar and grill experiences in a mall parking lot corner, but that’s exactly how PJ’s works. The outdoor space is super chill and nice, with ample parking making it easy to access. PJ’s menu hits all the classic bar and grill notes with popular items like wings, pizza, and burgers that keep customers coming back. Recent diners have raved about the double cheeseburger with egg and bacon, and the french fries have earned their own positive remarks.
PJ’s is the perfect place to experience that quintessential American bar and grill atmosphere—what regulars might call “pub food”—served in a spacious setting with attentive staff like Sierra and Shelby creating a good overall vibe. (The music can be a little loud at times, but that’s part of the lively character.) While service can be hit or miss for first-timers, many appreciate the friendly waitresses and efficient bartenders.
Just be aware that quality can be inconsistent, as shown by one reviewer’s unsatisfactory experience with the monkey bread dessert. For the full experience, visit when they’re hosting karaoke or bringing in bands.
Fat Daddy’s Pub and Grille
$ | (918) 872-6206 | WEBSITE
Fat Daddy’s Pub and Grille has arguably the best bar food in Tulsa and brings us back to the days when a pub was about good food and friendly faces. Inside this neighborhood spot, you’ll find Chiefs fans watching the game, weekly specials like music bingo or Sunday karaoke with Rick Berry, and a menu of satisfying classics served in generous portions.
The Rib Eye is a standout, cooked just right and served with two sides like fried okra and baked potato, and if you’re hungry, try the smother in queso taco beef nachos, piled high and perfect for sharing. The service by Aimee, Mitch, and the team keeps things welcoming, even when the pace slows, making it a place to relax with a drink without feeling rushed.
R Bar & Grill
$ | (918) 392-4811 | WEBSITE
Inside a lively gastropub that feels like a sports bar is R Bar & Grill, a vibrant destination offering a high-end pub menu and a nice selection of local beers at good prices. This alone makes R Bar & Grill stand out in Tulsa with its lively atmosphere, but they don’t limit themselves to basics: you might find the WAG burger served with truffle fries; sprouts as an appetizer, which are amazing; and chicken fingers that are great.
No matter what you get, check the patio with greenery for the garden salad with house dressing, our new favorite way to eat seasonal veggies.
KnuckleRobbery Sams club food
$ | (918) 728-2335 | WEBSITE
Knuckleheads2 Bar & Grill used to be a hidden gem tucked away in a less-traveled part of town, but it’s now a popular spot right in the heart of Tulsa, which means you can get some of the best steaks in Oklahoma without having to search for parking in a crowded downtown lot. Savor your cold beer slowly to complement the rich flavor from their tender steaks, or pair one of the many BBQ dishes with a local draft.
There are also taco Tuesday specials that change weekly, and delicious sides to round out your meal. Stop in for a fun sit-down lunch or dinner, or order your food to go and enjoy it while you catch a game at home just like the locals do.
The Stumbling Monkey Bar & Grill
$ | (918) 921-3530 | WEBSITE
There are many bars in Tulsa, but none have the laid-back patio party vibe of The Stumbling Monkey Bar & Grill. Named after the playful spirit that seems to infect the place, this restaurant feels like you’re at a friend’s backyard barbecue instead of just another spot in the city’s bustling bar scene. There are plenty of seats at the bar and tables on the patio, not necessarily a limitation of the space, but because the place gets packed with regulars who know the secret.
You’re not likely to find any fancy fusion or exotic ingredients, just solidly satisfying bar food done right. Start with the pulled pork fries and queso fries, and get the $16 Inferno Burger with its perfectly spiced patty for the best flavor. Make sure to arrive early to snag a spot on the patio among the regulars who are already swaying to the live cover band.
Baxter’s Interurban Grill
$ | (918) 585-3134 | WEBSITE
A true Tulsa landmark, Baxter’s Interurban Grill has been serving bar and grill favorites in this same downtown location for years. Their menu is so straightforward that it features classics like grilled chicken teriyaki sandwiches and mushroom burgers cooked to order, with the chef often greeting guests personally. This place is located right in the heart of downtown, so it’s about as convenient as it gets.
And despite the bar-type atmosphere and friendly staff, Baxter’s is a pretty accessible and welcoming place—expect to spend around $15–$20 on entrées. Arrive early—like, before the Wednesday night rush—or try your luck snagging one of the ample parking spots, which are especially available in the evenings.
The Daily Grill
$$ | (918) 295-7748 | WEBSITE
If you spent the afternoon exploring the art deco architecture of downtown Tulsa, then what you really did was spend the afternoon thinking about when you could have dinner at The Daily Grill. This welcoming restaurant that’s conveniently located in the heart of the city offers a consistently delightful dining experience. The main draw is the French dip, a combination of thinly sliced roast beef, melted provolone, and au jus served with a side of creamy mac and cheese and crispy fries.
Make sure you finish with some comforting meatloaf, a classic American dish topped with savory gravy and served with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted peanut coleslaw made from the same original recipe that keeps regulars coming back.