Meet Meg Shepherd
Meg Shepherd is a food writer and proud Tulsa native who celebrates the city’s eclectic personality, vibrant culture, and ever-evolving food scene.
Go-To Restaurants
Amelia’s Wood Fired Cuisine – Enjoy a chef-prepared meal inspired by regional and South American flavors.
Fire, Woodfired Meals: beef, venison, quail, oh my!
Natsukashii – Brought to you by the award-nominated Et Al. team, Natsukashii serves modern homestyle Japanese dishes that will sweep you off your feet.
Tulsa Treat: Dine on their Japanese breakfast for authentic flavors you can’t get anywhere in this region.
Malfi – Savor dishes inspired by the Amalfi Coast right here in T-town.
McNellie’s Cinematic Universe: Meg proclaims this is one of McNellie’s best contributions to Tulsa’s food scene… check it out!
Best Hole in the Wall
Wanda J’s Next Generation – A family-owned, true southern-style joint, with dishes passed down from generations.
Get the Fried Chicken: Soul food that you can’t beat and the best fried chicken.
White River Fish Market – White River flies in fresh supply daily for some of the freshest seafood dishes you’ll find in the area!
Can’t Shush about the Hush: The fish is fresh and the hush puppies are delicious.
El Hidalguense – Immigrant owned, authentic Mexican cuisine made with fresh ingredients.
Best Taco Tuesday in Town: Grab some authentic Mexican in East Tulsa for just $2!
Best Breakfast Spots
Country Bird Bakery – Local ingredients, international flavors. This James Beard award-winning bakery puts Tulsa’s cuisine scene on the map.
Weekend Necessity: You have to make a stop at Country Bird for the pecan twice baked croissant or farmer’s danish!
Maple Ridge Grocer – Enjoy cozy mid-century modern ambience nestled in the SOBO District, serving delicious bistro items all day.
Soft Scramble or Bust: Meg recommends the 2-egg soft scramble with cheese – “it’s perfect every time.”
Most Underrated Spots
Wolf Mother – Head to Kendall Whittier for this social wellness club where you can indulge in saunas, hot tubs, cold plunges, and more!
For the Culture: If you dig sauna or bath house culture, Wolf Mother is your spot to relax and unwind.
Jo and June – Check out a lovely collection of vintage and handcrafted goods right in Kendall Whittier.
Dreams Come True: Meg swears she manifested an amazing leather jacket just last week… must be destiny!
Best Bar
Maestro – Visit this downtown agave bar with delicious cocktails crafted with mezcal and premium rums alongside small plates with Latin flare.
Fresh as Ever: Try the Caipirinha or the margarita for ingredient forward flair.
Cellar Dweller – Head to this moody, underground dive for a cozy drink among friends.
Subterranean Moment: The perfect underground spot for a night cap – strong drinks for $6.
Local Business More People Should Know About
Tulsa Vintage Company – Shop a curation of clothing that spans the decades from Tulsa Vintage Co on Vintage Row (S Harvard Ave).
Denim Depot: TVC specializes in denim and workwear so check them out for your Levi’s needs.
Charcuteray Cheese Shop – Check out this woman owned and operated cheese shop for your charcuterie needs.
Worldly Flavors: Cheeses get flown in from around the globe, plus you learn how to pair with the perfect wine.
Best Coffee Shop
Coffee House on Cherry Street – Enjoy delicious handmade sips and sweets on 15th at CHOCS!
Fireplace Fav: Spend an afternoon in front of the fireplace with a CHOCS coffee in hand.
Best Slice
Mazzio’s – ‘Get Ready for Great’ ‘za from a local fav, Mazzio’s.
Obviously… It’s the go-to place for a reason!
Empire Pizza – Get a New York style slice right in Tulsa.
Slice Serendipity: Meg has a bias for Empire… and we do too.
Dante’s Woodfire – Enjoy delicious small batch woodfired pizza.
New Shop Who ‘Dis? Check out Dante’s Woodfire pizza coming to the SOBO district soon.
Lofi – A listening bar meets fresh sourdough pizza – a slice made in heaven.
Tune In: Enjoy fresh slices and good music.
Bohemian Pizzeria – Mix and match handmade pizzas and pastas in the East Village District.
Patio Pie: Nothing better than a slice on the patio at Bohemian.
Best Burger
Ron’s Hamburgers & Chili – A Tulsa staple since 1975, burgers, chili and root beer are the centerpieces of this joint.
Greasy Spoon: Dive into this ‘belly buster’ of a burger.
The Tavern – This modern take on a classic neighborhood pub is no stranger to a good burger bite.
Tried and True: Tavern’s burger apparently went through 10 rounds of revisions before they got it just right.
Best Neighborhood
SOBO District – 18th and Boston meet to make the South Boston (SOBO) District!
Home Away from Home: Spend a whole day on South Boston!
Hidden Gem
The Hulett Collection – Peruse a selection of fine contemporary art in this Cherry Street gallery.
World-Class: Take an afternoon to enjoy photography from the greats.
Lortondale Club Pool – Take a dip in style – enjoy mid-century flair with modern amenities at this neighborhood pool.
Summertime Gem: Enjoy a themed night or adult swim party!
Meg’s Hot Take
“Tulsa is a little rainbow dot in a red state. It’s so welcoming. It’s so communal. It's so vibrant, so bright. There’s so much life here. Amazing live music, great art scene, obviously, incredible food, so many restaurants to try. I just feel like it’s far more eclectic than you would think.”
