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Dining out doesn’t have to mean expensive, and it doesn’t mean fast food. You can watch your pennies and eat well, support the local restaurant scene and have a great time doing it. Check out our guide to some of Tulsa’s tastiest cheap eats.
Pizza
Pie Hole This tiny wedge of real estate on East 15th Street offers up a huge following. Midtowners (and even us out south who will drive anywhere for a good pizza) may like the quaint setting, but they love the delicious New York-style brick-oven pizzas. In addition to all the usual toppings, Pie Hole offers capers, goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes and feta, all layered on a crisp yet chewy crust. Make sure to visit on Tuesdays, when a 10-inch pie with two toppings costs just $10. Pie Hole also is one of the few local pizza joints to deliver. 2708 E. 15th St., 742-1200
Savastano’s Since eating at Savastano’s is a weekly occurrence for some of us, we like to hear that they have some specials to help us out. On Tuesday, get a free 9-inch one-topping pizza for the kids with the purchase of any regular-priced pizza, and on Wednesday get a free 14-inch one-topping pizza with the purchase of any regular-priced 18-inch pizza. 8315 E. 111th St. S., Suite B, Bixby; 369-9387
Mazzio’s A Tulsa institution, Mazzio’s Pizza offers a lunch buffet every weekday, featuring a loaded salad bar and dozens of pizza options for only $5.69. Dozens of locations around the state; call 664-4444 for more information.
Umberto’s This nondescript pizza joint looks like it could be anywhere on the East Coast, but the New York skyline mural in the dining room is a clue that you are in for some really good pie. In addition to pizza by the slice (big slices that can actually be folded in half — the NY way), whole pies are available in six sizes, with all the usual toppings, including anchovies — a necessity on any NY pizza. As they say at Umberto’s: “We toss ’em, they’re awesome.” We have to agree! 3228 E. 15th St., 712-1999
Asian
Sushi Train Sit at the bar and watch the train a comin’. It will stop for anyone, and is loaded with both hot and cold dishes — sushi, appetizers, salads and even sushi “pizza,” each under $3. Fresh and delicious food paired with free entertainment. 3302 E. 51st St., 747-9931
Hmong Café This family-owned café features dishes from all over Southeast Asia. Think hot and comforting pho, a classic Vietnamese soup, or lahb, a room-temperature salad topped with sliced or ground meat served with vegetable and herb garnishes (both around $5). 11197 E. 31st St., 828-9192
Barbecue
Elmer’s BBQ You can’t go wrong with a sandwich called “the Badwich” — Elmer’s homage to every kind of meat under the barn roof. Between your bread slices, you’ll find a sampling of smoked ribs, chopped beef, smoked sausage, hot links and your choice of two homemade sides ($8.89). Don’t pass on the green beans or baked beans — both are loaded with more smoked meat. 4130 S. Peoria Ave., 742-6702
Albert G’s Albert G’s BBQ opened in a refurbished filling station in 1992 and has been stuffing Tulsans ever since. Ribs, turkey and brisket are smoked the old-fashioned way, over hickory logs. Try the smoked brisket or pulled pork dinner (a half-order with two sides is only $7.99) or a filling two-meat combo sandwich (no sides included, for $5.59). 2748 S. Harvard Ave., 747-4799
Wilson’s With a slogan like “You don’t have to have teeth to enjoy our meat,” this family-owned joint has been serving delicious ribs, brisket and smoked sausages since the 1960s. While Wilson’s might be a bit off the beaten path, it’s worth the drive to enjoy its moist and tender shreds of meat. Don’t pass up the sweet potato fries and creamy buttermilk pie. 1522 E. Apache St., 3616 E. 11th St., 836-7020
Breakfast
Blue Dome Diner Located along the original Route 66, on what is now Second Street, the Blue Dome Diner takes its name from the famous Blue Dome across the street, built in 1924 as a Gulf Oil Station. It is easy to see that breakfast is the restaurant’s specialty — two plate-sized fluffy pancakes for $3 and a side of bacon for $1.75 should keep you satisfied through most of the day, and the biscuits and gravy are just like Grandma’s. 311 E. Second St., 382-7866
Brookside by Day Bring a newspaper on the weekends because this local spot has been packing them in (no camping allowed!) for years. Alongside the typical diner menu are delicious waffle specials and the famous “Murrito,” a loaded breakfast burrito. 3313 S. Peoria Ave., 745-9989
First Watch The First Watch breakfast café chain just celebrated 25 years and rightly so. The “daytime” café serves up fluffy pancakes, omelets, hearty skillets and breakfast crepes. We love the Key West ($7.49, with an English muffin and potatoes), which is stuffed with smoked turkey, avocado, bacon and Monterey Jack cheese. At lunch, try the popular BLTE, a classic bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich topped with a fried egg ($6.79 with fresh fruit and a salad). 8178 S. Lewis Ave., 296-9960
The Savoy Restaurant We can’t mention breakfast without mentioning this longtime Tulsa favorite. Come for the cinnamon rolls (we always share at least one amongst the table), but stay for the mile-high biscuits and sausage gravy or the Mexican skillet (basically breakfast nachos). 6033 S. Sheridan Road, 494-5621
Burgers, Hot Dogs & Chili
James E. McNellie’s Public House The word is definitely out. On Wednesday nights, McNellie’s is the place to be. From 5-11 p.m. every Wednesday night, McNellie’s offers a half-pound charbroiled hamburger served with pub fries for only $3. They fly out of the kitchen, so you are always assured of a hot, juicy burger and crisp fries — we love the sweet potato fries. At that price, you can afford to buy the table a round! 409 E. First St., 382-7468
Brownie’s Watch ’em cook at this 50-plus-year-old institution. Hamburgers ($1.95) with “onions fried in?”; fries ($1.55); homemade coleslaw ($1.50) and root beer ($1.50); and great pies, plus daily specials such as stew or beans, feed your tummy. 2130 S. Harvard Ave., 744-0320
Ron’s Hamburgers and Chili This longstanding, multi-location, locally owned place offers all the variations using the basics — burgers, chili, chicken. One of many great deals is the five-ounce hamburger steak, which comes with fries, toast and coleslaw for $6.30. Check the Web site for locations and menu: www.ronschili.com.
Weber’s Pull up a bench outside this Brookside favorite and chow on delicious grilled burgers (made on Oscar Weber’s grill from 1891) and the famous homemade root beer (the recipe is still a family secret). From burgers to tots to root beer floats, you can definitely afford to splurge — nothing on the menu is over $8. Visit www.webersoftulsa.com for even more savings. 3817 S. Peoria Ave., 742-1082
Jim’s Coney Island Jim Bouakadakis operated Jim’s Coney Island at various locations in Tulsa before he settled at East 19th Street and South Harvard Avenue in 1968. Prices haven’t changed much over the years, either. A coney with cheese and relish is only $1.25. The most popular dish is the chicken oreganato, half a fryer chicken flavored with tons of oregano and lemon juice — a bargain at $5.25. Don’t pass on dessert — a rich, gooey and flaky square of baklava is a perfect ending ($1). Still family-run to this day. 1923 S. Harvard Ave., 744-9018
Ike’s For a piping hot bowl of chili in Tulsa, there is only one option — Ike’s has been serving it straight up, two-way (chili and spaghetti) or three-way (chili, beans and spaghetti) for decades. The locations may have changed over the years, but the recipe hasn’t. Whether it’s poured over spaghetti or Fritos, there is no argument that Ike’s is the best around. Menu items are all under $6, so you can splurge on some hot cobbler and ice cream … if you have room! 5941 E. Admiral Place, 838-9410
American
The Brook Locations in Brookside and out south feature delicious Tuesday night fish and chips for $5.95. Or on any other night, share an appetizer such as loaded cheddar fries or fried mushrooms and a giant salad. We love the Caribbean with grilled chicken, pineapple, black beans and guacamole, or the blackened chicken with tomatoes, cheese, eggs and croutons. 3401 S. Peoria Ave., 748-9977; 7727 E. 91st St., 392-9977
Full Moon Café The Full Moon Café has been a Cherry Street staple for more than 20 years. The café’s “world famous” creamy tortilla soup with tender breadsticks and an almost endless salad ($7.99 with one complimentary refill) is a bargain — so you can stay for the dueling piano show after dinner. 1525 E. 15th St., 583-6666
Comfort food
Bros. Houligan This eatery’s famous chicken livers and chicken-fried steak dinners ($8.95 and $9.75) come with a choice of potatoes, sides and specially seasoned green beans. You’ll be asking for a doggie bag — and the dog won’t be sharing the leftovers. 2508 E. 15th St., 747-1086; 9701 E. 61st St., 254-1086
Caz’s Chowhouse A meal here will definitely stick to your ribs with entrées such as Mom’s Meatloaf and Pop’s Pot Roast, which include mashed potatoes and vegetables for $8.99. With four hearty slices on the meatloaf, you can box up some to save for the next night’s dinner. 18 E. Brady St., 588-2469
Evelyn’s Unless you work at the airport or nearby attractions such as the zoo, you’ll have to add in drive time, but it’s oh, so worth it. If you like fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, greens and a wonderful dessert, Evelyn’s gracious staff serves it up for only $7.29 (for the two-piece dinner; four pieces are $9.99). 3014 N. 74th E. Ave., 835-1212
Ollie’s Station Restaurant We’ve raved before about this Route 66 breakfast-through-dinner café complete with railroad memorabilia and running trains. Here, roast beef and chicken dinners with a side, salad bar and homemade rolls run $8.29 and under. Check the Web site, www.olliesstation.com, for coupons. 4070 Southwest Boulevard, 446-0524
Tally’s You can’t miss the classic neon sign illuminating the old Route 66. Follow the lights right on in and chow on some delicious comfort fare. We’re talking chicken-fried steak and huge waffles. For real cheap eats, stop in on Thanksgiving, for owner Tally Alame thanks his customers with a free dinner, as he has for more than 20 years. 1102 S. Yale Ave., 835-8039
Sandwiches
Phat Philly’s Our production manager, Joe Krout, loves this hard-to-spot sandwich shop. The large Philly cheesesteak sandwiches are just like back East — loaded with peppers and cheese. Try the Phat Steak combo, with sirloin, cheddar, grilled onions and jalapenos on top of crispy waffle fries. 1101 S. Detroit Ave., 382-7428
Steak Stuffers Devoted customers followed this Brookside cheesesteak shack when it moved to its location in a former Braum’s on East 51st Street, just east of South Lewis Avenue. Now it is moving again, thanks to the expansion of Interstate 44. George Van Wyck, a former Philly himself, has been serving these hearty and delicious sandwiches for more than 20 years. With or without (cheese sauce, that is), you can’t go wrong … except by forgetting the cheese fries. 1932 E. 51st St., 743-7474
The White Rabbit Our always-trendy art director, Amanda Bullock, recommends this shop near Cain’s Ballroom. Sandwiches and wraps run $4.99 to $6.99. If you need a little help getting over that Friday afternoon hump before the weekend, Friday is free cookie day! 224 N. Main St., 582-0200
Steve’s Sundry This might just be the most classic lunch counter in all of Tulsa. Wander to the back of this longtime local bookseller to the shiny counter lined with red stools. Steve’s has been serving rich and creamy shakes, malts and sundaes as well as tasty home-style sandwiches since 1947. I just can’t pass up the homemade egg salad … except maybe for a grilled pimento cheese on rye. Most sandwiches are under $5, including chips and a pickle. 2612 S. Harvard Ave., 743-3544
Health Food
Big Al’s One of TU’s biggest lunch spots, Big Al’s has been nestled quietly on the corner of East 15th Street and South Harvard Avenue since 1975, where the Hardison family has been serving “health conscious” subs, wraps, burritos, salads and smoothies. We love the veggie hummus wrap, loaded with homemade hummus, shredded cabbage, spinach and tomatoes ($4.95), washed down with a pineapple/orange smoothie loaded with bananas and local honey ($3.25). All wraps and sandwiches are under $6. 3303 E. 15th St., 744-5085
Mediterranean
Dana’s Lebanese Cuisine Formerly Halim and Mimi’s, this midtown eatery’s reasonably priced fare includes traditional dishes, including vegetarian selections. Our editor, Missy Kruse, favors the “two huge” cabbage roll meal with hummus and pita bread ($6.95) as a great “pick-up dinner” option. 2615 E. 11th St., 599-9623
Shawkat’s Bakery Warm pita, gyros, cabbage rolls, tabbouleh, falafel — they’re all featured at this local pita bakery and café. The gyros are exceptional, and all sandwich platters include hummus and tabbouleh ($7.29 with drink). 4123 S. Sheridan Road, 742-7023
Helen of Troy Mediterranean Cuisine Owner Sam Senjlawi has selected family recipes for his menu, including such classics as hummus, tabbouleh and baba ghanoush (all $2.99), which when paired with hearty toasted pita bread, serve as a filling meal. Add a fattoush (Greek salad with chopped pita mixed in) or a falafel salad ($5.95) and any meal is complete. 6670 S. Lewis Ave., 794-3322
Napoli’s At Napoli’s, all pasta dishes are under $10, are plenty for two and come with fresh-baked Italian dinner rolls. We like the spaghetti with “the works” — meatballs, meat sauce, mushrooms and sausage. Tack on a substantial “Napoli’s salad,” greens tossed with olives, mushrooms and grated mozzarella cheese, for only $4.95. 2039-A W. Houston St., Broken Arrow, 251-0647
Mexican
Eloté Libby Auld hit the nail on the head with this one-of-a-kind, non-Tex Mex lunch spot by featuring fresh and organic ingredients, some vegetarian options and biodegradable packaging. Tacos, tamales, burritos, nachos and salads are all fresh and delicious; we love the puffy tacos and salmon sandwich ($6.99 and $6.49, with a choice of two sides). 514 S. Boston Ave., 582-1403
Tacos San Pedro Tacos San Pedro’s food is delicious and authentic, an unbeatable combination. The place is packed at lunch, especially for the lunch buffet, a nickel shy of $8, which includes warm tortillas, soup, meatballs, stewed chicken and rice, to name a few. 8242 E. 71st St., 461-2356
El Guapo Tuesday is Taco Night at this downtown hotspot, featuring the traditional-style carnitas tacos, served with onion, cilantro, lime and fresh tomato salsa, for only $1 each. 332 E. First St., 382-RITA
Cancun This might be the cheapest way to visit the Mexican Riviera. Tulsans have loved this authentic eatery since it opened in 1996. We keep coming back for the refreshing shrimp cocktail, the delicious enchilada combinations (under $10) and the Super Burrito, which could feed a family of four, for $7.25. 705 S. Lewis Ave., 583-8089
Andales
For authentic Tex-Mex, enjoy the fast casual dining of Andales. Lunch specials starting at $6.59 offer hearty choices enchiladas, tamales and tacos. Dinner plates include stacked enchiladas for $8.89 and a stuffed burrito for $9.89, with traditional rice and refried beans accompanying all dinner menu items. Kids meals are under $5, and for the calorie conscious person, Andales has a bikini menu with low carb and calorie reduced options. Visit www.andalestulsa.com to order out your favorite dishes and to join Andales Cantina Club for news and special deals. 5966 S. Yale Ave., KingsPointe Village, 488-8800
Miscellaneous/Ethnic
Hibiscus A little bit of Jamaica, right in the heart of Brookside. With entrées such as the Dread Man Veggie Burger, Jamaica Me Crazy Steak Burger and Old Harbor Fish and Fries (all under $9), paired with $3 Red Stripe beers from 5-7 p.m. and live entertainment, it’s like a trip to the beach — without the hassle of actually going to the airport. 3316 S. Peoria Ave., 749-4700
India Palace The $8.99 lunch buffet, served daily, includes a chicken entrée (typically tandoori or tikka masala), several side dishes, hot naan bread, rice and salad. There’s also dessert — rice pudding and mango custard. 6963 S. Lewis Ave., 492-8040
Steak
Brookside Bar & Grill The Brookside Bar & Grill has become a fixture on the area bar scene, but what you may not know is that they have by far the best steak special in town. On Wednesday evenings, come in for a 7-ounce sirloin steak, accompanied by a loaded baked potato, salad and Texas Toast ($7.50, tax included). That leaves plenty of change for a frosty pitcher of beer! 3346 S. Peoria Ave., 742-9005
