Meet Allison Ward
Artist, musician, performer, curator, and co-founder of Art House Tulsa. She experiences Tulsa as a city full of creativity, culture, and flavor, and she knows exactly where to go to find the best meals, drinks, coffee, and hidden gems. Her favorites reveal the city’s vibrant and eclectic personality, showing visitors how to explore like a true local.
Go-To Restaurants
Prossimo - Famous for tableside mozzarella and fettuccine made inside a giant parmesan wheel, Prossimo is a must-visit for dinner and a show. Located at 1550 E 15th St in Tulsa, Allison’s go-to dish is the spicy vodka pasta, a rich, flavorful favorite. Open Tuesday through Saturday evenings, the combination of interactive dining and bold flavors makes every visit memorable.
Why It’s Great: Combines immersive dining with bold, unforgettable flavors.
Egg Roll Kingdom - This playful, over the top Asian restaurant near 61st and Garnett stands out for its bold decor and immersive atmosphere as much as its flavorful dishes. Open daily, it is the kind of place that feels like a hidden gem the moment you walk in.
Word of Advice: Eat inside. The decor is part of the experience.
Arnold’s - A longtime Tulsa favorite on South Sheridan Road, Arnold’s serves classic American comfort food in a casual, no frills setting that feels instantly familiar. It is the perfect stop when you want something simple and satisfying.
Go-To Order: A cheeseburger, fries, and an Oreo milkshake.
Elle’s Cafe - Just outside Tulsa in Catoosa, Elle’s Cafe offers Vietnamese cuisine alongside boba drinks in a cozy, laid back space. Open Tuesday through Sunday, it is an easy choice for lunch or a relaxed meal with plenty of flavor.
Why It’s Great: Vietnamese food and boba in one spot with a welcoming vibe.
Night Life
Cellar Dweller - Tucked away on West 7th Street, Cellar Dweller is an intimate bar with a moody, cozy atmosphere and a strong focus on creative cocktails. Open Wednesday through Sunday, it is ideal for a low key night out.
Why It’s Great: Laid back energy with thoughtfully crafted drinks.
Whittier Bar - Located on East Admiral, Whittier Bar is a staple of Tulsa’s live music scene, hosting performances Wednesday through Saturday across a wide range of genres. The space feels energetic, inclusive, and deeply connected to the local music community.
Why It’s Great: Consistently great live music and a welcoming crowd.
Heirloom - Also on East Admiral, Heirloom is known for its inventive cocktails and signature mood brews, including creative mocktails with aphrodisiac qualities. Open Wednesday through Sunday, it offers an elevated but approachable night out.
Why It’s Great: Unique drinks in a stylish, intimate setting.
Coffee Shops
Cirque Coffee - Located on East 15th Street, Cirque Coffee brings a playful approach to coffee with rotating seasonal lattes like ube in the summer or cereal milk inspired flavors. Open early mornings through mid afternoon, it is a favorite stop to start the day.
Go-To Order: Whatever seasonal latte is on the menu.
Chimera Coffee - Found on North Main Street and open Monday through Saturday, Chimera Coffee focuses on inventive flavor combinations and quality ingredients, offering drinks that feel both comforting and creative.
Go-To Order: The iced salted maple latte.
Hidden Gems
Positive Space Gallery - Located on East 3rd Street, Positive Space Gallery is an inclusive art space centered on female and queer artists, with rotating exhibitions that keep the experience fresh. Open Wednesday through Saturday, it is deeply tied to Tulsa’s creative scene.
Why It’s Great: Constantly evolving and genuinely community focused.
Best Neighborhoods
East Tulsa - East Tulsa is a vibrant area full of culture, food, and live events, anchored by spaces like Art House Tulsa and the Tulsa Global District. The neighborhood offers immersive arts experiences and some of the city’s most authentic local flavors.
Why It’s Great: A true cultural hub with strong community energy.
Allison’s Tulsa Hot Take
Allison Ward says it best: ‘Tulsa is not boring, you just don’t know the right people!’”
