One of the biggest voices in pop culture news, Hunter Harris, just gave some of our go-to places her stamp of approval in a recent article for Mercury’s Meridian blog. The publication, centered on entrepreneurial work and life, praised Tulsa as a hub for business and culture: “Its recent revitalization has seen its art scene explode, and brought in a host of creative new restaurants and businesses.” And Harris brought all the receipts.
If you’re a pop culture aficionado, you already know Hunter Harris. She’s the accomplished writer behind the incredibly popular Hung Up Substack, the co-host of HBO Max’s The Pitt Podcast and the co-host of the wildly successful Lemme Say This podcast—recently signed by the Obamas’ Higher Ground Production.
But did you know Hunter Harris is a Tulsa native? After spending the majority of her career at NYC-based publications like New York Magazine, Harris has been able to watch her hometown’s renaissance unfold with fresh eyes. Now, we’re dissecting her Tulsa takes for Meridian and sharing how to make the most of your experience at her top spots.
If breakfast is the most important meal of the day, Natsukashii’s Japanese breakfast is something to schedule your flight around. At least it is for Harris. The newest darling of the Downtown food scene is also something of a town square. The Et Al. team has leveraged its cult following to create a unique blend of cafe culture and Japanese homestyle cuisine, bringing something entirely new to the city.
FYI: The menu changes all day, so plan your visit around your favorite items. If you’re stopping in for breakfast, add “I deserve a strawberry matcha” to your morning affirmations. And, if you don’t get the pork dumplings with dinner, did you really even go?
This is hands-down Tulsa’s most charming movie theater. The nonprofit is a vintage gem of the Kendall Whittier District and a community space offering the opposite of the chain theater experience. You can see the latest blockbusters here, but the Circle earns a shoutout from Hunter for playing movies “that would otherwise be hard to see.” Think old classics, foreign films and even local projects. Tap into their events calendar for a unique night out.
FYI: A Hunter Harris shoutout isn’t Circle Cinema’s only brush with fame. The independent theater is a hub for the growing Oklahoma film industry and the stars driving it. There’s a non-zero chance you run into Ethan Hawke at a matinee. 👀
What’s for dinner? Top tier ambience at this alley entrance speakeasy. Hidden away in the Tulsa Arts District Downtown, it’s the perfect place to dine before a show at Cain’s Ballroom or to grab a night cap after a night on the town. When Harris stops in, you can find her at the bar enjoying a slow evening with some of their savory appetizers and a glass of wine from their extensive wine list.
FYI: Call it a side effect of their commitment to the speakeasy theme, but too often, Bull in the Alley is left out of the best steakhouse in Tulsa conversation. Real ones, like Hunter, know it never disappoints.
No one ever guesses that a stunning Italian-style villa, full of art from the Renaissance to the modern era, is tucked away in a Tulsa neighborhood. Hunter called out the villa’s unique history as the home of an oil baron, but this community-centered art museum is now the backdrop for some of the best gatherings in town. Enjoy films on the lawn in the sprawling gardens of native species manicured to Roman-inspired perfection. Or, join discussions with featured artists about their process and inspiration.
FYI: Go on Friday when the museum is open late and admission is only $5 after 5pm. It’s the best time to see the venue let loose a little, and you can, too, at one of their summer Backyard BBQ nights.
This state-of-the-art history museum in the heart of the Historic Greenwood District is a poignant, narrative-driven look at one of America’s most prosperous black communities, the racially-motivated massacre that devastated it and the work toward social justice happening today. Harris applauded the experience for honoring the “history [of Greenwood] and the legacy of black entrepreneurship.”
FYI: After your visit, spend some time exploring Greenwood Avenue. Take a moment to experience first-hand the many small business owners who are defining a vibrant future for the historic neighborhood. Sweet Lisa’s is one of Hunter’s favorites, and we love Frio’s, BWS Liquid Lounge, and Silhouette Sneakers and Art, to name a few.
Hunter shared not one, but two favorites from the SoBo District with Meridian readers. Tina’s is a strong contender for Tulsa’s best burger and best neighborhood bar. The atmosphere and cocktails have old school charm that’s complimented by a soft, red neon glow and rich warm woods. On ambient nights, the crowd spills out onto the patio with a lively buzz that rivals the music drifting over from the neighboring Mercury Lounge, which is a must-visit after your meal. As Harris advises, “...enjoy the best dive with the chillest crowd.”
FYI: Mercury Lounge might be Tulsa’s best music venue. If not for the performances themselves, the community is second to none. Under the watchful eye of bouncer “Big Fish,” Tulsa icon and protector of good times, it’s a safe space to be yourself, be with others, and be the first to see a hot new artist.
Did any of the Tulsa spots in your rotation earn a mention from Hunter Harris? Explore the rest of her top picks in her article for Mercury to find out. We’ll be following along with her and tuning into Hung Up, Lemme Say This, and The Pitt Podcast from all over Tulsa. Check out her work to show Harris the love that we’re feeling after hearing her shoutouts.
