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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.

El Rio Verde.
El Rio Verde.

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.

Taste of Soul Eggroll.
Taste of Soul Eggroll.

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.
Taste of Soul Egg Roll.

Taste of Soul Egg Roll
Oklahoma City. Egg rolls.
facebook.com/tasteofsouleggroll
@eggrollicious


Twist Gourmet Pretzels
Oklahoma City. Pretzels, soups and dips.
@twistpretzelsok

Andolini’s Pizzeria Food Truck
Andolini’s Pizzeria Food Truck

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.

 Feature-Cheap-eats--100115-7753

 

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.

burgers-Feature-Cheap-eats--100115-781413 Places For Burgers

A 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.

ThaiBuffetline

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

sheeshmahalline
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

fettuciniline
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

gyroline
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

 

 

In The Raw
In The Raw

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.

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