Unearth The Voyage
Route 66 runs straight through Tulsa, and the city’s stretch of the Mother Road is packed with legendary diners, burger shacks, and chili joints that have been feeding travelers for decades. From neon-lit cafés to family-run drive-ins, each spot offers not just great food but also a slice of American roadside history. Whether you’re a local looking for your next favorite meal or a road tripper hunting down Instagram-worthy plates and vintage signs, these restaurants deliver on flavor and nostalgia in equal measure.
1. Tally’s Good Food Café (E 11th St)
Step back into the golden age of American diners at this E 11th Street landmark. Tally’s has been serving up nostalgia and hearty comfort food since it first opened its doors, and the glowing neon sign still draws hungry travelers day and night.
The menu is massive, but regulars swear by the chicken-fried steak—crispy, golden, and smothered in peppery gravy. Don’t skip the cinnamon rolls either; they’re the size of your head and worth every sticky bite.
Located right at 11th and Yale, this spot captures everything Route 66 stands for: great food, friendly faces, and a timeless vibe that makes you want to linger just a little longer.
2. Ike’s Chili (E 11th St)
Ike’s Chili has been dishing out bowls of rich, meaty goodness since 1908, making it Tulsa’s oldest restaurant still in operation.
Now sitting proudly on Route 66, Ike’s serves its signature chili in every form you can dream up—over spaghetti, piled on fries, stuffed into hot dogs, or solo in a bowl. The 3-Way chili is a local legend, and the Frito chili pie is pure comfort in a bag.
Walking in feels like stepping into a time capsule, where the recipes haven’t changed and neither has the warm, no-frills hospitality.
3. Howdy Burger – 11th Street Drive-Thru (E 11th St)
Craving a juicy, no-nonsense burger? Howdy Burger brings back the spirit of old-school roadside stands with a fresh, modern twist. Their drive-thru sits right on Route 66, making it a convenient pit stop for anyone cruising 11th Street.
Flat-top patties are griddled to perfection and served on soft potato buns with a secret weapon: Rodeo Sauce. It’s tangy, slightly sweet, and totally addictive. You’ll find a second location inside Mother Road Market, but the drive-thru experience is pure Route 66 magic.
Order a single or double, add crispy fries, and enjoy your meal with the windows down and the road ahead.
4. Mother Road Market (E 11th St)
Oklahoma’s first nonprofit food hall isn’t just about eating—it’s about experiencing the energy of Route 66 culture all under one roof. Located at 11th and Lewis, Mother Road Market is a feast for your camera and your stomach.
Colorful murals cover the walls, and there’s even mini-golf to keep the fun rolling between bites. You’ll find Howdy Burger here, along with a rotating lineup of local vendors serving everything from tacos to desserts.
It’s the perfect spot for groups who can’t agree on what to eat, and the Instagram opportunities are endless. Grab a sweet treat after your burger and soak in the creative, community-driven vibe.
5. Wildflower Café (E 11th St & Peoria)
Breakfast lovers, this one’s for you. Wildflower Café sits in the Meadow Gold District, right along Route 66 beneath the famous vintage Meadow Gold sign—a photo op you won’t want to miss.
Everything here is made from scratch, from fluffy crepes to savory quiche and hearty breakfast plates. The Snickerdoodle waffles are a local favorite, dusted with cinnamon sugar and served with a side of pure joy.
Open during the day, Wildflower has a laid-back, homey vibe that makes you feel like you’re eating at a friend’s kitchen table. It’s the kind of place where the coffee is strong and the portions are generous.
6. El Rancho Grande (E 11th St)
Since 1953, El Rancho Grande has been slinging sizzling Tex-Mex plates to loyal locals and curious travelers alike. The neon sign out front is a Route 66 icon, and the food inside lives up to the hype.
The Night Hawk combo is legendary—a loaded plate of enchiladas, tacos, rice, and beans that’ll keep you full for hours. Cheese enchiladas smothered in rich red sauce are another crowd favorite, and the margaritas are strong enough to make the road ahead feel a little smoother.
This place has soul, history, and flavors that have stood the test of time.
7. Flo’s Burger Diner (E 11th St)
Flo’s Burger Diner channels pure ’50s nostalgia, from the décor to the menu. Located on 11th Street, this spot is open select evenings and draws crowds who crave big, juicy burgers and crispy onion strings.
The Bomb Burger is a beast—stacked high with toppings and served with a mountain of golden onion rings. It’s messy, indulgent, and exactly what you want after a long day on the road.
The vibe here is fun and retro, with a jukebox soundtrack and booths that practically beg you to slide in and stay awhile. Check their hours before you go, because this gem isn’t open every night.
8. Hank’s Hamburgers (E Admiral Pl)
East Tulsa’s Admiral Place alignment of Route 66 is home to Hank’s Hamburgers, a tiny burger shack with a big reputation. The vintage sign alone is worth the detour, but the food will keep you coming back.
Hank’s specialty is onion-fried patties—thin, crispy, and cooked with a tangle of caramelized onions right into the beef. Order a double with tots and prepare for burger bliss.
It’s the kind of place that reminds you why Route 66 is called the Mother Road: simple, honest, and delicious. Snap a photo of the sign, then dig into one of Tulsa’s best-kept secrets.
9. Linda-Mar Drive-In (E Admiral Pl)
There’s something magical about eating in your car at a classic drive-in, and Linda-Mar delivers that experience in spades. Sitting on the Admiral alignment of Route 66, this spot is a throwback to the golden era of American road trips.
Burgers, fries, and shakes are the stars here, all served with a side of nostalgia. The double cheeseburger basket is a crowd-pleaser, and the chili cheese fries are dangerously addictive.
Whether you eat in your car or grab a picnic table, Linda-Mar is the kind of place that makes you slow down and savor the moment—and the food.
10. Ollie’s Station Restaurant (Southwest Blvd)
All aboard for breakfast! Ollie’s Station Restaurant is a one-of-a-kind family diner on Southwest Boulevard where model trains chug along tracks above your head while you eat. Kids love it, and adults can’t help but smile.
The menu is classic diner fare done right: chicken-fried steak, fluffy pancakes, and a breakfast buffet that’s worth waking up early for. It’s hearty, filling, and reasonably priced.
Beyond the food, Ollie’s offers a quirky photo opportunity you won’t find anywhere else on Route 66. The train theme is charming without being over-the-top, and the staff treats everyone like family.
11. Arnold’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers (Southwest Blvd)
Don’t let the line out the door scare you off—Arnold’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers is worth the wait. This counter-service gem on Southwest Boulevard has been a local favorite for years, and one bite will tell you why.
The double cheeseburger is simple perfection: fresh beef, melted cheese, and just the right amount of grease to make it memorable. Pair it with crispy onion rings and a thick shake for the full experience.
Lunch rushes can get busy, so plan accordingly. But whether you’re a regular or a first-timer, you’ll leave happy, full, and already planning your next visit.
12. Carl’s Coney Island (Southwest Blvd)
Since the early 1970s, Carl’s Coney Island has been serving up New York-style coneys, tamales, and chili to Route 66 travelers and Tulsa locals alike. It’s a quirky, flavorful stop on Southwest Boulevard that stands out from the burger-heavy lineup.
The chili cheese coney is a must-try: a snappy hot dog smothered in meaty chili and melted cheese, served in a soft bun. If you’re extra hungry, go for the 3-Way chili—a hearty bowl that’ll stick to your ribs.
Carl’s keeps it simple, but the flavors are bold and satisfying. It’s the kind of place that proves you don’t need fancy to be unforgettable.
13. Lot-A-Burger (W 23rd near Southwest Blvd)
Tucked just off Southwest Boulevard on the Route 66 corridor, Lot-A-Burger is a low-key, beloved west-side burger stand that locals guard like a secret. There’s no flashy neon here—just honest, delicious burgers made to order.
The double jalapeño cheeseburger is the star of the show: juicy beef, melted cheese, and a kick of heat from fresh jalapeños. It’s simple, satisfying, and exactly what a roadside burger should be.
Lot-A-Burger proves that sometimes the best food comes from the humblest places. Grab your burger, find a spot to sit, and enjoy a true taste of Tulsa’s west side.
