Tulsa is known for its bustling downtown – from Blue Dome to the Arts District. But a stone’s throw over in midtown is perhaps its most exciting area for culinary recreation.
The moment you turn onto Cherry Street, you’re hit with the realization that this isn’t just another Tulsa neighborhood. Running along 15th Street between Peoria and Utica, this bustling corridor has quietly become the city’s go-to destination for serious foodies and retail therapy seekers. Unlike the flashier downtown spaces, Cherry Street maintains a certain lived-in charm while still delivering some of Tulsa’s most remarkable dining experiences.
What started decades ago as a handful of pioneering restaurants has blossomed into a concentrated strip of culinary ambition. Old-guard establishments that have withstood decades of changing tastes now sit comfortably beside sleek newcomers with Instagram-worthy interiors. And while food might be the main attraction, the locally-owned boutiques and art spaces between meals make Cherry Street worth an entire day’s exploration.
Where to Eat
Cherry Street’s reputation as a foodie destination is well-earned, with dining options ranging from casual comfort food to fine dining experiences. Here are some of the standout restaurants worth visiting:
Casual Dining Favorites
Chimi’s Mexican Restaurant has been a Tulsa tradition since 1983. This family-friendly Tex-Mex establishment offers an open-concept dining room, sports on the TVs, and affordable meals. While the cuisine won’t claim to be gourmet, it delivers consistent quality that has kept locals returning for decades. The generous, affordable margaritas and satisfying portions make this a reliable choice for families on a budget.
Society Burger brings craft American kitchen fare to Cherry Street with new takes on classic dishes. Their philosophy centers around food and fellowship, serving quality burgers alongside local craft beers and cocktails. With dog-friendly patios and weekend brunch options, Society creates a welcoming atmosphere where blue-collar workers and executives alike can enjoy a good cheeseburger.
Hideaway Pizza has been serving Tulsa since opening its Cherry Street location as the first expansion restaurant beyond the original Stillwater flagship. Staying true to its roots, Hideaway takes pride in its three-day rising dough and slow-simmered classic red sauce. The restaurant remains “unapologetically loyal” to tried-and-true recipes while allowing for customization to suit individual tastes.
Velvet Taco offers a trendy take on Mexican-style fare with gourmet tacos, cocktails, and late-night bites. The convenience of a drive-through makes it a popular stop for those late-night cravings on the way home.
Sweet Treats
Pinkitzel is a candy-colored wonderland offering cupcakes, macarons, truffles, and a vast selection of packaged and bulk candy. This whimsical shop, inspired by Marie Antoinette and Willy Wonka, provides a treat destination for all ages. Having merged with their sister store Pinkeasy, they now also serve ice cream and boba tea at their Cherry Street location.
Crave Cookies has developed a devoted following for their gourmet cookies made with premium ingredients. After hundreds of recipe trials, they’ve created what many consider the perfect cookies, with their milk chocolate chip variety being particularly celebrated.
Rose Rock Microcreamery brings Oklahoma’s original small-batch ice cream to Cherry Street. Their handcrafted premium ice cream incorporates local ingredients to create unique, smooth treats that showcase Tulsa flavors.
Fine Dining Experiences
Prossimo Ristorante offers elevated Italian dining with handmade pasta and fresh ingredients. The restaurant aims to transport guests to the heart of Italy through impeccable service and upscale table-side experiences. The ambiance blends intimacy with excitement in a setting reminiscent of mid-century Manhattan.
SMOKE. Woodfire Grill specializes in proteins prepared over an open flame or slow-smoked. Their “Inspired American” cuisine emphasizes locally sourced ingredients with a seasonal menu that changes regularly. The restaurant uniquely features a hermetically sealed cigar lounge where guests can enjoy premium cigars before, during, or after their meal.
Cheever’s Cafe, a new location of an OKC staple, brings elegant bistro dining to Cherry Street with upscale southern and southwestern cuisine complemented by cocktails and wine.
NOLA’s Creole & Cocktails brings New Orleans flavor to Tulsa in a unique setting—the basement of an old elementary school. With authentic Cajun-Creole cuisine and Prohibition Era cocktails, this speakeasy-style establishment preserves historical elements in both its menu and decor.
SAPORI features Italian cuisine with broader Mediterranean influences. Operated by the owner of the formerly beloved Camerelli’s and Pomodori’s restaurants, this newer addition to Cherry Street brings passionate culinary expertise back to Tulsa.
Andolini’s Pizzeria serves “Tulsa Style” pizza and Italian dishes featuring homemade mozzarella cheese. Named the Best Pizza in Oklahoma by Food Network and recognized by CNN as one of “10 Places in the US Worth Traveling to for Pizza,” this bustling locale delivers authentic quality.
Kilkenny’s Irish Pub offers traditional Irish fare from sandwiches to fish dinners plus drinks and brunch in a classic dark-wood setting. As one of the nation’s top-rated Irish pubs, it serves as both a destination for travelers and a gathering place for locals.
Roosevelt’s functions as a warm, urban gastropub with an impressive tap wall of 80 beers and inventive food sourced from local Oklahoma farms. Their in-house bakery provides fresh bread and baked goods not only for Roosevelt’s but for other local restaurants. During December, Roosevelt’s transforms with immersive Christmas decor that attracts visitors from across the state.
Cow and Cabbage combines a specialty grocer and restaurant concept celebrating Oklahoma’s agricultural heritage. This unique establishment offers locally sourced meats, produce, dairy, and artisanal goods while serving an “upscale casual” menu inspired by the diverse cultures shaping the region’s food landscape.
Where to Shop
Cherry Street’s retail scene features an eclectic mix of boutiques, specialty stores, and unique shopping experiences. Here are some standout shopping destinations:
Fifteenth and Home Furniture and Decor presents a contemporary vision of living through a well-curated selection of furnishings that balance quality with value.
Gas Petal Flower Station operates from a converted retro gas station, offering a unique “build your own bouquet” concept. All flowers are priced by the stem, allowing customers to select their favorite blooms, which are then arranged in the shop’s signature style.
Diamond Cellar brings a prestigious jewelry legacy to Cherry Street. Established in 1947, this company has grown into one of the largest independent jewelry retailers in the United States. Their in-store goldsmiths craft custom pieces and set stones, allowing customers’ jewelry to remain on-site throughout the process.
Magnolia Soap & Bath Company specializes in plant-based bath and body products born from a mother’s quest to find safer alternatives for her daughter’s sensitive skin. Their commitment to transparency and purity has resulted in luxurious products that leave skin feeling soft and nourished.
Modern Cottage offers “gathered goods” – a mix of vintage and new items including decor, kitchen goods, paper products, children’s items, books, candles, botanicals, jewelry, and clothing. Owner Morgan, whose retail heritage traces back to her great-great-grandfather’s 95-year-old hardware store, opened Modern Cottage in 2017 and often greets customers alongside her mother or shop goldendoodle, Mia.
Social Spaces
Cherry Street offers several inviting spots to gather, socialize, and unwind:
The Coffee House on Cherry Street (CHOCS) has been a Tulsa staple since 2006, serving quality coffee, breakfast, pastries, and gluten-free baked goods. This quaint coffee shop with its cozy interior and outdoor seating has been the setting for countless first dates and friendly gatherings over the years.
LoFi creates a casual listening bar atmosphere with vinyl records, wine, cocktails, and pizza. Open until 11 p.m., this Instagram-worthy venue provides a stylish setting for evening socializing.
Drake’s Tavern offers a unique drinking experience in what was once an alleyway in downtown Tulsa. Since 1999, this converted space has fostered a close-knit community atmosphere ideal for relaxing with friends over affordable drinks while playing darts.
Empire Bar provides a humble hangout with pool tables and sports on TV, serving beer and cocktails in a no-frills environment.
Pinot’s Palette transforms social gatherings into creative experiences through their paint and sip concept. Whether planning a girls’ night out or corporate team building event, they provide everything needed for a memorable art party.
Art Experiences
Cherry Street also nurtures Tulsa’s creative side with galleries showcasing diverse artistic expressions:
/\/\/\/\/ Gallery by Christopher Mantle features works motivated by iconic Oklahoma imagery, particularly the great bison of the Oklahoma Prairie. The gallery’s window display changes frequently to showcase variety to the busy foot traffic along Cherry Street, with the artist famously stating he’s open “24/7, just give him 10 minutes to get there.”
The Hulett Collection specializes in classic 20th century and contemporary photographic works. Founded by Tulsa native Michael Hulett, who brings over 20 years of experience including his role as Director of the renowned Peter Fetterman Gallery in Santa Monica, this boutique gallery displays works from masters like Ansel Adams and Henri Cartier-Bresson alongside contemporary photographers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best times to visit Cherry Street?
Weekday lunches offer a more relaxed experience, while evenings and weekends bring a livelier atmosphere. Sunday brunch is particularly popular at several restaurants.
Is parking available on Cherry Street?
Street parking is available along 15th Street and side streets, though it can fill up during peak hours. Some businesses have dedicated lots for customers.
Are the restaurants and shops on Cherry Street family-friendly?
Most establishments welcome families, with restaurants like Chimi’s, Society Burger, and Hideaway Pizza particularly accommodating for children.
What makes Cherry Street different from other Tulsa districts?
Cherry Street offers a more intimate, walkable experience than larger districts, with a focus on locally-owned businesses and a strong emphasis on food and retail rather than entertainment venues.
How long has Cherry Street been a popular destination in Tulsa?
The area has evolved over decades, with some businesses like Chimi’s dating back to the 1980s, but has seen particular growth as a dining and shopping destination since the early 2000s.
