Tulsa, Oklahoma, might just be the surprise food destination you’ve been overlooking. This welcoming city, with its bike-friendly streets and vibrant LGBTQIA+ community, boasts beautiful parks and a thriving music scene. Forget any preconceived notions you have about Oklahoma cuisine – Tulsa defies easy categorization, blending Southwestern, Midwestern, and Southern influences into something uniquely its own. Situated on Osage, Mvskoke Creek, and Cherokee land, Tulsa’s culinary landscape is rich and diverse, even if readily available commercial Indigenous food options remain limited to pop-ups like those occasionally hosted at American Solera Brewery.
Chef Bradley James Dry, a special events chef and long-time Tulsa resident, has witnessed the city’s dining scene flourish firsthand. Having contributed to the opening of six restaurants in the area, he emphasizes the significant growth of downtown dining in recent years. Tulsa’s culinary achievements are increasingly recognized, with James Beard nods and a diverse array of excellent family-run establishments.
Beyond the food itself, Chef Dry highlights Tulsa’s strong sense of community. Having lived in various locations, including Norway, Chicago, and rural Arkansas, he finds Tulsa’s supportive atmosphere unparalleled outside of his own family. Moving to Tulsa eleven years ago knowing only a couple of people, he has since forged deep, lasting friendships. For those passing through, Chef Dry’s curated recommendations offer a taste of what makes Tulsa feel like home, focusing on the very best food Tulsa OK has to offer.
