Dining in the city can get expensive. By the time appetizers, entrees, wine or cocktails are ordered and a tip is added, dinner for two can equal a week’s rent. But a little strategic planning and effort to try new things could spell savings during a night out. Here, we highlight 89 restaurants and their menu offerings for under $15 that you should definitely gnosh on. Photography by Scott Miller and Ben Albrecht.
9 Places For Tacos
The cheaper places in Oklahoma have tacos starting around $1.50, but they can grow more expensive depending on where you order and what is inside. Most traditional taquerias can fill your belly for under $6.
Big Truck Tacos
530 NW 23rd St., Oklahoma City.
www.bigtrucktacos.com
With both a taco truck and a small storefront, Big Truck caters to customers looking for traditional tastes, as well as those looking for something inventive.
El Guapo’s Cantina
332 E. First St., 8161 S. Harvard Ave., Tulsa.
www.elguaposcantina.com
Tacos are available filled with grilled steak, carnitas, tinga or shrimp and are served in orders of three.
El Rio Verde
38 N. Trenton, Tulsa.
918.592.2555
Street-style tacos come with beans and rice. Order a glass bottle Coca-Cola or horchata for an authentic street taco experience.
Mr. Tacos
130 N. Lewis Ave., Tulsa.
918.582.6373
This walk-up taco shack serves tacos with fillings both familiar and not.
Tacos Don Francisco
7912 E. 21st St., 4008 E. 11th St., Tulsa.
918.660.8870, 918.834.4866
Tacos are served with plenty of limes, radishes, salsa and a charred jalapeno.
Tacos Don Nacho
3721 S. Council Road, Oklahoma City.
405.745.2550
A hidden treasure, this southside joint serves street-style tacos with plenty of peppers, onions and limes.
Tacos Los Hermanos
12563 E. 21st St., Tulsa.
918.439.5090
Tacos are dressed with traditional toppings like cilantro and onions. And, of course, tortillas are homemade.
Tacos San Pedro
2301 SW 44th St., Oklahoma City.
405.682.1179
Traditional street tacos are a standout on the large menu.
Taqueria Sanchez
4011 NW 10th St., Oklahoma City.
405.520.2553
This little place embodies what is great about taquerias: three tacos for less than $5.
10 Food Trucks
Buttermilk Southern Sliders
Oklahoma City. Biscuit sandwiches.
@buttermilkokc
Lola’s Gypsy Caravan
Tulsa. Tacos, salads, sandwiches.
facebook.com/lolascaravan
Lone Wolf Banh Mi
Tulsa. Banh mi sandwiches, kimchi fries.
@lonewolfbanhmi
MASA
Tulsa. Empanadas, bacon bombs.
@masatulsa
Mr. Nice Guys
Tulsa. Tacos, mac and cheese.
@mrniceguystulsa
Mutt’s Amazing Hot Dogs
Oklahoma City. Gourmet hot dogs.
@mutts_hot_dogs
Smokin’ Greens
Oklahoma City. Salads, grilled vegetables.
@smokingreensokc
Stella Reauxs
Tulsa. Cajun- and Creole-inspired Southern fare.
@reauxstruck
Taste of Soul Egg Roll
Oklahoma City. Egg rolls.
facebook.com/tasteofsouleggroll
@eggrollicious
Twist Gourmet Pretzels
Oklahoma City. Pretzels, soups and dips.
@twistpretzelsok
7 Places For Slices
Nothing beats a piping-hot slice of pizza topped with just the right ingredients.
Andolini’s Pizzeria Food Truck
Location varies
www.andotrucktulsa.com
Pies are cooked on the truck. Varieties include DeMarco of Brooklyn, Vesuvio and pepperoni.
Empire Slice House
1734 NW 16th St., Oklahoma City.
www.empireslicehouse.com
This upscale pizzeria tops pie slices with different gourmet toppings daily.
Joey’s Pizzeria
700 W. Sheridan Ave., Oklahoma City.
www.joeyspizzeria.com
Cheese, single topping and combo slices are available six days of the week.
+15 Pies
Americano
STG Pizzeria & Gelateria, Tulsa.
www.stgitalian.com
The ATW
Hideaway Pizza, statewide.
www.hideawaypizza.com
The Cheesus
Knuck’s Wheelhouse, Oklahoma City.
www.knuckswheelhouse.com
Corned Beef Hash
Revolve Pizza Kitchen, Oklahoma City.
www.revolvepizza.com
The Cowboy
Pizza 23, Oklahoma City.
www.pizza23okc.com
First National Bank
Savastano’s Pizzeria, Tulsa.
www.savastanospizzeria.com
Greek Pizza
Sandro’s Pizza And Pasta, Norman.
www.sandrospizzaandpasta.com
Pepperoni and White Onion
Tommy’s Italian Grill, Oklahoma City.
www.tommysitaliangrill.com
Psycho Shroom
Upper Crust, Edmond, Oklahoma City and Tulsa
www.edmondbestpizza.com
The Reuben
Jo’s Famous Pizza,
Edmond and Purcell.
www.josfamouspizza.com
The Samoan
Humble Pie, Edmond.
www.humblepieok.com
Soppressata
Pizzeria Gusto, Oklahoma City.
www.pizzeria-gusto.com
Stagger Lee
Marley’s Pizzeria, Tulsa
www.marleyspizza.com
T-Town Driller
Brother’s Pizza, Tulsa.
www.brotherspizzadepot.com
Tre P
East Village Bohemian Pizza, Tulsa.
www.eastvillagebohemian.com
NYC Pizza
4775 S. Harvard Ave., Tulsa.
www.nycpizzatulsa.com
Thick- and thin-crust slices are available with a variety of toppings for less than $4.
Pie Hole
2708 E. 15th St., Tulsa
www.pieholepizzeria.com
By-the-slice is a great way to try the myriad combinations on Pie Hole’s extensive menu.
Sauced on Paseo
2912 Paseo Dr., Oklahoma City
www.saucedonpaseo.com
Sauced allows customers to build their own slice on a base of hand-tossed crust.
Umberto’s
3228 E. 21st St., Tulsa
www.umbertospizzaok.com
Slices of cheese and pepperoni are available at Umberto’s, a TU favorite for decades.
11 Places For Bowls
The best meals are served in bowls. From healthy staples like soups and salads to tempting noodle dishes, the bowl is the place for delicious eats.
Bill & Ruth’s
2404 E. 15th St., Tulsa.
In addition to delicious subs and Mediterranean staples like hummus and tabouleh, Bill and Ruth’s serves great cups of homemade soup.
Coolgreens
Five locations in the Oklahoma City metro.
www.coolgreens.com
This fast-casual eatery is known for concoctions like the Pacific, a blend of greens, goat cheese, sundried tomatoes, mandarin oranges, tortilla chips and black beans, which is perfect eaten as a salad.
Freddie’s Bar-B-Que and Steakhouse
1425 New Sapulpa Road, Sapulpa.
www.freddiesbbq.com
The hummus at this classic Lebanese steakhouse is perfectly spiced with tahini and lemon juice. The dip is served with any entrée order, but it can also be ordered as part of the Hors d’Ouevres entrée.
Hammett House
1616 W. Will Rogers Blvd., Claremore.
www.hammetthouse.com
This 45-year-old diner serves delicious matzo ball soup on Saturdays and Sundays.
Ike’s Chili
1503 E. 11th St., Tulsa
www.ikeschilius.com
A bowl of classic Ike’s chili, topped with melted cheese and onions, is like tasting a bit of Tulsa history.
KEO
3524 S. Peoria, 8921 S. Yale Ave., Tulsa.
www.keorestaurant.com
This Asian fusion restaurant serves delicious steamed mussels, complete with a spicy coconut milk broth and charred bread for dipping, on its appetizer menu.
Lassalle’s
601 S. Boston Ave., Tulsa.
www.lassallesneworleansdeli.com
This downtown lunch café is a great place for classic New Orleans tastes, including the hearty red beans and rice.
The Loaded Bowl
Location varies.
www.theloadedbowltruck.com
The Loaded Bowl is a vegan food truck that feeds hungry masses hearty and healthy food, like the Mac and Greens bowl, which is filled with vegan mac and cheese mixed with seasonal greens.
Nunu’s Mediterranean Café & Market
3131 W. Memorial Road, Suite B, Oklahoma City.
www.nunuscafe.com
The fatoosh pays homage to the classic Mediterranean salad: Fresh vegetables and herbs are tossed with toasty pita chips and vinaigrette.
Pho Lien Hoa
901 NW 23rd St., Oklahoma City.
405.521.8087
Pho is a mix of ingredients with a savory broth poured over – a Vietnamese noodle soup. The pho bo vien – noodle soup with meatballs – is a great introduction to the delicious dish.
The Tropical
8125 E. 49th St., Tulsa.
www.tropicaltulsa.com
This upscale, Asian-inspired eatery serves a delicious and filling bowl of Pad Thai, complete with protein, rice noodles, bean sprouts, green onions, peanuts and eggs.
13 Places For Burgers
13 Places For BurgersA burger and fries is always a good deal, no matter how much you pay. Take advantage of nightly specials and bar menus to maximize burger flavor and minimize price.
Brownie’s Hamburger Stand
2130 S. Harvard, 6577 E. 71st St., Tulsa.
www.brownies-hamburgers.com
These classic diner-style burgers are seared on a flattop grill and served simply.
Cheever’s Café
2409 N. Hudson Ave., Oklahoma City.
www.cheeverscafe.com
Black angus chuck is topped with shredded lettuce, tomato, onion and mustard for a gourmet spin on a classic.
Crow Creek Tavern
3534 S. Peoria Ave., Tulsa.
www.crowcreektavern.com
Seared on the outside, juicy on the inside, these burgers are served with a heaping helping of steak fries.
The Garage
Seven locations statewide.
www.eatatthegarage.com
This burger-and-beer joint serves burgers topped with all kinds of extras, from peanut butter to a fried egg, even pineapple salsa.
HopBunz
3330 S. Peoria Ave., 7891 E. 108th St. S., #10, Tulsa.
www.hopbunz.com
Specialty burgers are the star here. Burgers are available in Big Bunz, a standard portion, and Lil’ Bunz, a lighter size.
Little Mike’s Hamburgers
6724 NW Expressway, Oklahoma City.
www.littlemikeshamburgers.com
Onion-fried burgers, an Oklahoma tradition, are topped with cheese, chili, bacon or Caesar salad.
McNellie’s
409 E. First St., 7031 S. Zurich Ave., Tulsa; 1100 Classen Dr., Oklahoma City; 121 E. Main St., Norman.
www.mcnellies.com
Burgers pair well with any of the pub’s beers on tap.
Polo Grill
2038 Utica Square, Tulsa.
www.pologrill.com
The tenderloin burger is the cheapest way to eat a steak at this fine dining establishment.
R Bar & Grill
3421 S. Peoria Ave., Tulsa.
www.rbartulsa.com
The House Burger is topped with tomato, onion, pickle, lettuce, cheddar and Oklahoma’s own Seikel’s Mustard.
Ron’s Hamburgers and Chili
17 locations statewide.
www.ronschili.com
Hamburgers are served as singles, doubles, jumbos or double jumbos; no one leaves Ron’s hungry.
S&B’s Burger Joint
Six locations statewide.
www.sandbburgers.com
More than a dozen specialty burgers make up the menu, and diners can also build their own.
Stonehorse Café
1748 Utica Square, Tulsa.
www.stonehorsecafe.com
The house-ground beef chuck burger is topped with bacon jam, a sunny side-up egg and served with fries.
Tucker’s Onion Burgers
324 NW 23rd St., 5740 N. Classen Blvd., Suite 3, 15001 N. May Ave., Oklahoma City.
www.tuckersonionburgers.com
That classic Okie taste, these hand-formed onion burgers are made of Creekstone Farms black angus beef and chock-full of flavor.
4 Cheap Plates
A hearty and filling dish never needs to break the bank.
Buffet
Italian Express
119 W. Main St., Oklahoma City. 405.602.3181
JK’s Thai Buffet
1421 E. Kenosha St., Broken Arrow.
www.jksthaibuffet.com
Oriental Pearl
12140 E. 96th St. N., Owasso. 918.272.2777
Ingrid’s Kitchen
Saturday breakfast buffet. 3701 N. Youngs Blvd., Oklahoma City.
www.ingridskitchen.com
Tandoori Chicken
Ajanta Cuisine of India
12215 N. Penn Ave., Oklahoma City.
www.ajantaokc.com
Desi Wok
3966 S. Hudson Ave., Tulsa.
www.desiwok.net
India Palace
693 S. Lewis Ave., Tulsa.
www.theindiapalacetulsa.com
Sheesh Mahal
4621 N. May Ave., Oklahoma City. 405.778.8469
Fettuccini Alfredo
Café 7
14101 N. May Ave., Suite 117, 120 N. Robinson Ave., Suite 175W, Oklahoma City.
www.cafe7okc.com
Mondo’s Ristorante Italiano
3410 S. Peoria Ave., Tulsa.
www.mondositalian.com
Ti Amo’s Ristorante Italiano
6024 S. Sheridan Road, 219 S. Cheyenne Ave., Tulsa.
www.tiamotulsa.com
Victoria’s Pasta Shop
327 White St., Norman. 405.329.0377
Gyro
Ali Baba
4709 E. 51st St., 2627 E. 11th St., Tulsa.
www.alibabaok.com
Couscous Café
6165 N. May, Oklahoma City.
www.couscouscafeokc.com
Gyros by Ali
8232 S. Lewis Ave., Tulsa. 918.528.6107
Ol’ Gyro
3513 N. Classen Blvd., Oklahoma City. 405.606.2266
8 Places for Sushi
Lots of restaurants around Oklahoma serve sushi: Some is what you would find in sushi restaurants around the globe; while some rolls are very local to the Sooner State (like the Thunder Roll at In The Raw).
GoGo Sushi Express and Grill
432 NW 10th St., Oklahoma City; 1611 South 1-35 Service Road, Moore.
www.gogosushinow.com
This casual restaurant offers bento boxes in addition to sashimi, nigiri and a wide selection of sushi rolls.
In The Raw
3321 S. Peoria Ave., 6151 S. Sheridan Road, Tulsa; 216 S. Main St., Broken Arrow; 200 S. Oklahoma, #130, Oklahoma City.
www.intherawsushi.com
In addition to traditional sushi, specialty menus specific to each site are available: In Oklahoma City, try the afore-mentioned Thunder Roll.
Jiro Sushi
1101 NW 23rd St., Oklahoma City.
www.jirosushioklahomacity.com
Sushi Happy Hour at Jiro includes miso soup and a Cowboy Roll, along with a soda, for less than $6.
Saki
13520 N. Eastern Ave., Edmond.
405.607.8900
It’s all about presentation at Saki. Traditional sushi, both temaki and rolled, are served with artistic flair.
The Sushi Bar
1201 NW 178th St., #123, Edmond.
www.thesushibarok.com
Sashimi, nigiri, cooked and fresh rolls and temaki are available at this stylish suburban Asian joint.
The Sushi Place
115 W. Third St., 100, Tulsa.
918.574.8518
The brightly colored rolls are not always traditional, but the freshness and flavors sing in these rolls.
Sushi Train
3300 E. 51st St., Tulsa.
www.sushitraintulsaok.com
A cult favorite among Tulsa midtowners, Sushi Train is renowned for its quality and affordability.
Volcano Sushi Bar & Hibachi
2727 S. I-35 Service Road, Oklahoma City; 5301 Main St., 103, Del City.
www.volcanook.com
Traditional and specialty rolls, both vegetarian and not, are the best bet here.
