Meet Angelene of Ida Red
Angelene Ripley Wright is the owner of Ida Red General Store, Tulsa’s go-to gift shop. Whether you’re after locally made jams or a QuikTrip-themed onesie, Ida Red is the destination for all things Oklahoma and more. Named Small Business Person of the Year in 2023 by the Tulsa Regional Chamber, Angelene is a key advocate for Tulsa, the local economy and small business owners. Check out her favorite places to shop local!
Go-To Restaurants
White River Fish Market - Tulsa’s premier fish market since 1932, both White River Fish Market locations maintain that old school counter service feel. Step up to the display case to see their wide selection of seafood sourced directly from coastal suppliers. With a menu ranging from lobster to alligator, you’ll never run out of new things to try.
Why It’s Great: It’s Leon Russell approved. Angelene has fond memories of visiting the restaurant with Russell and her family, and he would order everything.
India Palace - Tulsa’s oldest Indian restaurant is a classic for a reason. This family-owned spot in South Tulsa serves buffet-style lunch, and opens its full dining room for dinner service with an extensive menu of authentic starters, entrees and desserts.
Go-To Order: The sheer amount of options can be overwhelming. Start with the paneer, and branch out from there.
La Roma Pizza - OG Tulsa foodies might recognize La Roma’s owners as the family who used to run Halim and Mimi’s. Now, they’re serving up hand-tossed pizzas and Mediterranean specialties near Holiday Hills with that same friendly service.
Favorite Meal: The Taiwook Platter is always a crowd pleaser, and it will definitely fill you up.
Phryme - This Downtown upscale steakhouse concept from Justin Thompson Restaurant Group is the place to indulge in prime cuts and fine wines. If it’s your first time in, their knowledgeable staff and sommeliers can help you find something to fall in love with.
The Perfect Line-up: Bring a friend. Start with crab cakes. Split the salmon and the mushroom crusted filet. Don’t forget dessert. Dream about your next visit. Repeat.
El Rio Verde - A long-time Tulsa icon, El Rio Verde serves up Mexican fare made with fresh ingredients for maximum flavor. It’s a relaxed environment that fills up quickly around lunch time with regulars and fans, so go early.
Why It’s Great: Angelene can attest that the wet burrito will never get old, even after 30 years of coming in. So go ahead, get hooked.
Queenies - This sunny farm-to-table cafe and bakery is always packed, and for good reason. Step into the welcoming atmosphere for a light or decadent bite the next time you visit Utica Square. Their daily lunch specials are a great excuse for regular drop-ins.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to hit the dessert case before you leave. You need a chocolate chip cookie and a slice of pie to go.
Weber’s - Weber’s Superior Root Beer Restaurant is a relic of 1930’s Brookside, and Angelene’s vote for best burger in Tulsa. Their family root beer recipe dates back to the 1800s and, the story goes, they invented the hamburger.
Go-To Order: The fried onion burger is a must-try on your first visit. Pair it with an ice cold root beer, obviously.
Bonus Shouts (aka A Tour of Tulsa BBQ)
Elmer’s BBQ - A Brookside spot for classic Oklahoma barbecue and blues music. Stop in for a casual lunch or dinner that’s full of smokey flavor.
Oklahoma Style Bar-B-Que - Head to this laid-back restaurant in North Tulsa for heaping portions of smoked meats and signature loaded baked potatoes.
Stutts House of Barbecue - This restaurant is another North Tulsa staple for barbecue classics served with Southern hospitality.
Best Bar
The Colony - A classic bar and music venue in Midtown Tulsa, The Colony once hosted the likes of J.J. Cale and Eric Clapton. It’s a mecca of rock, blues and folk music where you can see rising artists and local stars seven days a week.
Did You Know? The Colony is owned by musicians. That’s how they’ve perfected their live music set up for both the performers and the crowd.
Hidden Gems
Discovery Lab - Angelene and her son are frequent visitors of the Discovery Lab on Riverside. This nonprofit is an interactive science museum and play center that hosts engaging educational demos, pop-ups and events. But most importantly, it’s her son’s absolute favorite place to go.
Pro Tip: You’re never too old for a science experiment. Check out Discovery Lab’s adult night to reclaim your childlike wonder.
Bonus Gems (aka Best Places for Whimsy)
Kiddlestix - This specialty toy store in Midtown brings the joy back to toy shopping for children and the young at heart.
Snow Goose - This gift shop in the heart of Utica Square is a must-visit if you love kooky gifts and one-of-a-kind home goods.
Ribbons - A Brookside favorite for boutique apparel, gifts and hobbyist goods. They’re always dropping a new line of Mahjong tiles.
Buck Atoms - A Route 66 staple for kitschy gifts and unique keepsakes that are undeniably Oklahoman.
Made - This Downtown shop has ready-made gifts and supplies for your own creations from a mix of local makers and global artists.
Best Neighborhood
Brookside - Not only is there an Ida Red location on Brookside, it’s a picturesque stretch of Tulsa with plenty to do and see. There’s a range of beautiful houses, from grand to cozy; a mix of big names and small businesses; a wide array of locally-owned restaurants; and no shortage of lovely people. For Angelene, “it feels like home.”
Coffee Shop
Chimera - If you’re looking for a super chill cafe to spend slow mornings, Chimera is the place. Nestled between Ida Red’s Main Street location and Bygone Magazines physical media store, Chimera is a great spot to fuel up on creative drinks and vegetarian bites, and you can discover local artists here. Check out their monthly art markets or catch a comedy show or musical performance after hours in their ballroom.
Go-To Order: Angelene suggests grabbing an iced latte and their “magical” breakfast tacos for the perfect start to your day.
Angelene’s Hot Take
“Keep Tulsa, Tulsa.”
How Angelene sees it, small business owners and creators are the vibrant fabric of our city. Shopping local is what makes our corner of the world so unique, from Route 66 to Brookside. It’s the shop keepers who make conversation with you, the restaurateurs who let you into their world through food and ambience, and the community you build around your go-to spots.
Angelene’s charge for you? “Go out and support whatever your favorite small business is. Go out and shop local.”
