Meet Elliot Nelson
Founder of McNellie’s Group, and one of the voices who helped shape Tulsa’s modern food and hospitality scene. His picks reflect a mix of long-time favorites, neighborhood staples, and under-the-radar spots worth discovering.
Go-To Restaurants
Dalesandro’s - A Tulsa staple on Boston, Dalesandro’s serves Italian classics that feel both comforting and timeless. From the first bite, it’s clear why Elliot keeps coming back: the flavors are rich, familiar, and made with care.
Go-To Order: Lasagna and meatballs
Blue Moon Café - Sitting along Brookside, Blue Moon Café is known for its scratch-made breakfast and lunch, with every dish prepared from the ground up by Chef Al.
Go-To Order: Breakfast quesadilla
Bull in the Alley – Hidden down an alley just off Mathew Brady Street, Bull in the Alley delivers a speakeasy-style steakhouse experience with rich ambiance, exceptional steaks, and the thrill of entering through an unmarked door.
Why It’s Great: Selfishly, it’s just one of his favorites
Daylight Donuts – Near 19th and Harvard, Elliot can’t resist the cinnamon rolls drenched in donut-icing glaze. He calls them incredible, addictive, and “a problem.”
Go-To Order: Cinnamon rolls with extra glaze
Hole in the Wall
La Flame Mexican Grill – Tucked near 11th and Birmingham, La Flame serves bold, no-frills Mexican food in a casual setting.
Go-To Order: Al pastor tacos
Best Burger
Hank’s Hamburgers – On East Admiral Place, Hank’s burgers are juicy, flavorful, and consistently satisfying. Elliot says they’re still really, really good.
Why It’s Great: A Tulsa burger icon that continues to impress
Weber’s – Sitting along South Peoria Avenue, Weber’s serves burgers cooked on the same grill that’s been seasoning patties for generations.
Why It’s Great: It’s still great, a classic Tulsa burger you can always count on
Goldie’s Patio Grill – At Goldie’s on 61st and Sheridan, the burgers remain cozy, comforting, and reliably satisfying.
Why It’s Great: Burger is still spot on
Best Bar in Tulsa
Caz’s Pub - Located in the Arts District on West Mathew Brady Street, Caz’s is a relaxed neighborhood spot with a welcoming vibe.
Why It’s Great: One of the first in Tulsa to embrace craft beer
Brook Alley – Just off Brookside on South Peoria Avenue, Brook Alley offers shuffleboard, strong neighborhood energy, and a graveyard-shift license.
Why It’s Great: Shuffleboard and graveyard shift license
Most Underrated Spots
Tulsa’s Small Parks – From Owen Park to Woodward Park, these spaces offer quiet escapes tucked into everyday neighborhoods.
Word of Advice: “We have some incredible small parks that don’t get enough credit.”
Best Neighborhood
Maple Ridge – Known for historic homes and easy access to Brookside, South Boston, Utica, and The Gathering Place, Maple Ridge combines charm and walkability.
Why It’s Great: Beautiful architecture and walkable
Hidden Gem
Jenkins & Co. – Located in Jenks at 210 S Fir St, Jenkins & Co. is a thoughtfully curated shop featuring home goods, clothing, gifts, and décor.
Why It’s Great: Beautiful items curated with intention
Coffee House
DoubleShot Coffee Co. – Along South Boulder Avenue, DoubleShot serves clean, carefully crafted coffee from thoughtfully sourced beans.
Why It’s Great: Precision and care in every cup
Pony Coffee – On South Main Street, Pony Coffee offers custom-roasted blends, lattes, and baked goods in a laid-back environment.
Why It’s Great: Easygoing, quality coffee in a welcoming setting.
Topeca Coffee – Multiple locations, including downtown on West 5th Street, serving the Santa Ana blend sourced from El Salvador.
Go-To Order: Santa Ana blend from El Salvador
Elliot’s Tulsa Hot Take
Elliot believes Tulsa is poised to become the cultural destination in the heart of the country. With its growing arts scene, evolving food culture, and innovative local creators, he sees the city emerging as a hub for cultural tourism in Middle America. His picks throughout the city highlight the creativity, flavor, and energy that make Tulsa a place worth exploring.
