Unearth The Voyage
There are burger joints, and then there are burger destinations. The kind of place where folks plan their entire day around lunch, where the smell alone makes the drive worthwhile, and where every bite tastes like tradition.
In eastern Tulsa, one unassuming little spot has been drawing crowds since 1949, serving up burgers so good that people regularly make pilgrimages from across Oklahoma just to sink their teeth into one. The secret is simple: fresh ingredients, time-tested recipes, and a commitment to doing things right.
No fancy gimmicks, no trendy toppings, just honest-to-goodness burgers that have kept generations coming back for more. What makes people willing to travel miles out of their way for a hamburger?
I decided to find out for myself.
A Tulsa Institution Since 1949
Hank’s Hamburgers sits at 8933 E Admiral Pl, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74115, and has been feeding hungry customers since Harry Truman was president. The building itself tells a story, with its modest exterior that hasn’t changed much over seven decades.
Walking through the door feels like stepping into a time capsule. The interior is tiny, almost shockingly so by modern standards, but that’s part of the charm.
There’s a small dining area up front and an additional room in back for overflow when the lunch rush hits, which it does regularly.
Everything about the place screams authenticity. The vintage vibe isn’t manufactured or designed by some trendy restaurant consultant.
This is the real deal, preserved through decades of serving the same community with the same dedication to quality.
The phone rings constantly during peak hours, and the small staff somehow manages to keep everything running smoothly. Orders get taken, burgers get flipped, and customers get greeted with genuine warmth despite the perpetual busyness.
This isn’t a place trying to be retro. It simply never stopped being what it always was: a neighborhood burger joint that happens to serve some of the best burgers in Oklahoma.
The Signature Burger That Started It All
The burger at Hank’s isn’t trying to reinvent anything. It’s a straightforward hamburger done exceptionally well, with one key difference that sets it apart from every other burger you’ve tried.
The patties come with chopped onions grilled directly into the meat. Not on top, not on the side, but integrated right into the patty itself.
This technique creates incredible flavor throughout every bite, with the sweetness of the caramelized onions complementing the savory beef perfectly.
The buns arrive at your table toasted and buttered, adding a rich, slightly crispy texture that holds up to the juicy patty without falling apart. It’s a small detail that makes a huge difference in the overall experience.
Customers consistently describe these burgers as among the best they’ve ever had. The meat is juicy and flavorful, seasoned just right without being overdone.
There’s no need for a dozen toppings or special sauces when the fundamentals are this good.
The simplicity is deceptive. Making a burger this good requires quality ingredients, proper technique, and consistency across thousands of orders.
Hank’s has perfected all three over 75 years in business.
Milkshakes Worth the Calories
If the burgers are the main attraction, the milkshakes are the perfect supporting act. These aren’t the thin, barely-there shakes you get at fast food chains.
These are thick, substantial creations that require some effort to pull through a straw.
The strawberry shake deserves special mention. Real strawberry pieces come up through the straw, which tells you everything you need to know about how they’re made.
No artificial flavoring or corn syrup shortcuts here, just actual fruit blended into real ice cream.
The thickness is no accident. These shakes are made the old-fashioned way, dense enough that you might need to let them sit for a minute before attempting to drink.
Some folks eat them with a spoon at first, treating them more like soft-serve ice cream.
Beyond strawberry, the menu offers other classic flavors, all made with the same commitment to quality. Chocolate, vanilla, and other options rotate depending on availability and season.
Pairing a shake with your burger is practically mandatory. The cold, creamy sweetness cuts through the savory richness of the burger and fries perfectly, creating that classic American diner experience that’s increasingly hard to find.
Crispy Sides That Complement Perfectly
Every great burger needs equally great sides, and Hank’s delivers multiple options. The onion rings are a customer favorite, with a distinctive batter that creates a satisfying crunch with every bite.
Some diners prefer the fries, which are served hot and crispy in traditional diner fashion. They’re cut to a classic size, neither too thick nor too thin, and arrive golden brown with just the right amount of salt.
The fried okra is another Oklahoma specialty that many visitors specifically request. For those unfamiliar with this Southern staple, it’s a revelation.
The vegetable’s natural flavor shines through a light, crispy coating.
Portions are generous without being wasteful. You get enough to satisfy your hunger without feeling uncomfortably stuffed, though the quality might tempt you to overindulge a bit.
The sides aren’t an afterthought here. They receive the same attention to detail as everything else on the menu.
Fresh oil, proper temperature control, and good timing ensure that everything arrives at your table in peak condition.
Mix and match to create your perfect meal. Some people get onion rings with their burger, others prefer fries, and plenty of folks order both to share.
Service With Genuine Oklahoma Hospitality
Behind every great restaurant is a team that genuinely cares, and Hank’s staff exemplifies this principle. Despite the constant rush of customers and ringing phones, they manage to greet everyone who walks in with authentic warmth.
The woman who often works the counter has become something of a legend among regular customers. She takes orders, answers phones, refills drinks, and greets newcomers without ever seeming flustered or losing her friendly demeanor.
This level of multitasking while maintaining genuine hospitality is increasingly rare. Many restaurants sacrifice friendliness for efficiency, but Hank’s proves you can have both with the right people and the right attitude.
Even during the busiest lunch rushes when the small dining room is packed, the staff makes sure everyone feels acknowledged and welcome. They communicate clearly about wait times, make helpful suggestions, and ensure customers know exactly what comes with their order.
First-time visitors often comment on how the staff made them feel like regulars, even on their initial visit. That small-town friendliness persists despite Tulsa’s growth and the restaurant’s popularity.
Good service transforms a meal into an experience. At Hank’s, you’re not just getting fed.
You’re being welcomed into a tradition.
A Step Back Into the 1950s
The atmosphere at Hank’s transports you straight back to the Eisenhower era. Very little has changed since the restaurant opened, and that’s entirely intentional.
The decor, the layout, and the overall vibe all reflect a simpler time.
The dining area is cozy, which is a polite way of saying it’s quite small. This isn’t a place for large groups or sprawling family reunions.
It’s intimate, almost like eating in someone’s home kitchen.
That size limitation actually enhances the experience. You’re surrounded by other people who also drove out of their way for these burgers, creating a sense of shared appreciation and community.
Conversations happen between tables naturally.
The nostalgic feel isn’t manufactured or designed by consultants. These are the original fixtures, the original layout, the original concept executed with the same dedication to quality that founder Hank established decades ago.
For younger visitors, it’s a glimpse into how dining used to be before everything became supersized and standardized. For older customers, it’s a comforting reminder of their youth and simpler times.
The atmosphere proves that bigger isn’t always better. Sometimes the best experiences happen in the smallest, most unassuming spaces.
A Destination for Locals and Travelers
Hank’s has achieved something remarkable: it’s simultaneously a beloved local hangout and a destination for travelers from across Oklahoma and beyond. Regular customers have been coming for decades, often bringing their children and grandchildren to continue the tradition.
The parking lot tells the story. License plates from all over the state appear regularly, along with the occasional out-of-state visitor who heard about the place through word-of-mouth or online reviews.
What draws people to make the drive? Quality and consistency.
In an era when many restaurants cut corners or change ownership every few years, Hank’s remains remarkably stable. You know exactly what you’re getting, and it’s always good.
The restaurant has embraced modern conveniences without losing its soul. Pickup orders are available, and they’ve partnered with delivery services for those who want Hank’s at home.
Still, most people prefer the full experience of eating in.
Tourists researching Tulsa dining options inevitably stumble across Hank’s and add it to their itinerary. It represents authentic local culture in a way that chain restaurants never can, offering a taste of real Oklahoma hospitality and cooking.
Whether you’re a lifelong Tulsa resident or just passing through, Hank’s welcomes everyone with the same warmth and quality.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
Planning your visit to Hank’s requires a bit of strategy, especially if you’re coming during peak hours. The restaurant opens at 10 AM and closes at 7 PM on most days, with Wednesday being a typical operating day according to their schedule.
Lunch hour gets extremely busy, with the small dining room filling up quickly. Arriving slightly before or after the noon rush increases your chances of getting a table without a significant wait.
The staff handles the crowds efficiently, but physics limits how many people can fit in the space.
Calling ahead for pickup is an option if you’re short on time or prefer to eat elsewhere. The phone number is 918-832-1509, though expect it to be busy during peak hours.
Persistence pays off.
Come hungry, but don’t expect massive portions that require a wheelbarrow. The servings are appropriately sized for a satisfying meal without excessive waste or discomfort afterward.
Order sides to share if you’re dining with others.
Cash and cards are both accepted, making payment convenient regardless of your preference. The prices remain remarkably reasonable considering the quality and the restaurant’s reputation.
First-timers should trust the staff’s recommendations. They know the menu inside and out and can guide you toward the best options for your preferences.
Why This Burger Joint Stands the Test of Time
Seventy-five years in the restaurant business is no small achievement. Most restaurants fail within the first few years, yet Hank’s has thrived across multiple generations.
The secret isn’t really a secret at all: quality, consistency, and respect for customers.
The menu hasn’t expanded into dozens of complicated options because it doesn’t need to. The focus remains on doing a few things exceptionally well rather than offering everything to everyone.
This discipline keeps quality high and operations manageable.
Pricing has remained fair even as costs have increased over the decades. The owners understand that value matters to customers, and maintaining reasonable prices builds loyalty that transcends economic ups and downs.
The location on East Admiral Place has become part of Tulsa’s cultural fabric. Generations of families have made memories here, celebrated occasions, and introduced their children to what a real burger should taste like.
In an age of constant change and disruption, places like Hank’s remind us that some things are worth preserving. Not everything needs to be modernized, expanded, or reimagined.
Sometimes perfection was achieved decades ago, and the smartest move is simply maintaining that standard.
That’s the real reason Oklahomans happily drive miles for these burgers. They’re getting something authentic, something real, something increasingly rare in modern dining.
