Meet Johnny Polygon
A recording artist, singer-songwriter, and music producer, Johnny Polygon recently added ‘actor’ to his extensive resume. You might recognize him from his appearance in Sterlin Harjo’s Tulsa-centered noir, The Lowdown. Though born in Cleveland, he grew up in Green Country and has called Tulsa home for most of his life. Check out the places, new and old, that Johnny holds near and dear to his heart.
Go-To Restaurants
Viet Huong - This long-running spot in East Tulsa’s Global District serves classic Vietnamese and Chinese dishes. It’s casual dining that doesn’t skimp on flavor, portions or service. Kick off your meal with their fan favorite spring rolls, and you can’t go wrong with their specialty entrees.
Go-To Order: The pho is a must. With bone broth made the traditional way, it’s a top contender for best pho in Tulsa.
Daigoro - In addition to gorgeous views, Daigoro offers an intentional menu that’s anything but traditional. Chef Philip Phillips spent two years developing dishes that reimagine the flavors of Pan-Asia. Fresh ingredients, premium cuts, and curated cocktails come standard here.
Why It’s Great: It’s one of the only places to enjoy a waterfront dining view in Tulsa. (More on that in Johnny’s Hot Take.)
Wildflower Cafe - This quaint diner built a cult following in its four-year tenure in the Meadow Gold District on Route 66. In early 2026, it’s opening its doors to the Cathedral District in Downtown Tulsa. Choose from their menu of American diner classics, or switch it up one of their bakery items or the ‘build your own’ crepes.
Why It’s Great: Here, they treat you like family. Brunch is a friendly, relaxed affair that gives you a sense of how Tulsa maintains that small town feel.
Prism - This charming neighborhood cafe in The Heights creates unique and flavorful meals with their garden-to-table philosophy. It’s the perfect place to fill up on fresh ingredients and community without sacrificing hearty sandwiches and mouthwatering entrees you’ll dream about all week.
Go-To Order: This is the home of the best biscuits and gravy Johnny’s ever had, and he’s something of a connoisseur.
The Vault - The stunning mid-century modern architecture of this restaurant is a vestige of the old bank that came before it. But it’s not just what Johnny describes as, “top notch vibes,” that keep people coming back. The delicious, upscale American fare and craft cocktails give you a peek into how those bankers may have spent a boozy lunch break in the 1960s.
Pro Tip: Check out what Johnny’s lovingly nicknamed their “under $10 menu of deliciousness” for a lunch that’s easy on the wallet and the palate.
Best Hangouts and Mocktail Spots
Soundpony - As an “OG cool spot,” even a nondrinker like Johnny knows Soundpony is the best bar in Tulsa. This is the kind of place where you come for the community, and stay for a show. The drinks are just an added bonus. Spend your next outing here in the Tulsa Arts District near Cain’s Ballroom.
Why It’s Great: You’d be hard pressed not to make a new friend, see a new band or hear a new comic when you visit. Follow along on Instagram to catch upcoming events.
Cellar Dweller - Grab a no frills cocktail in the dim red glow of this speakeasy-style basement bar for a relaxed, but one-of-a-kind night out. This building has been host to Tulsa bar-goers since the 1920s, and adopted the “Cellar Dwellar” name all the way back in 1968.
Why It’s Great: This is a chill spot to see live music and DJ sets from local and regional artists. Look out for events on their Instagram.
Valkyrie - This is Johnny’s preferred bar when he’s feeling “really, really fancy.” Think low lighting, comfortable seating, and a slew of cocktails you’ve never tried before. Not only do they stock an extensive selection of spirits, but their bartenders are experts. If you’re feeling adventurous, let the bar freestyle a drink based on your favorite liquors and tasting notes.
Go-to Order: Try something from their full menu of mocktails. They’re every bit as tasty and creative as their alcoholic drinks.
Honorable Mention:
The Yeti - IYKYK. While The Yeti has passed on, Johnny loved this small bar and music venue near Cain’s Ballroom. He remembers it as the backdrop of some of his most legendary shows, so we had to give it a shoutout.
Hidden Gems
Gardner’s Used Books - Tulsa’s largest bookstore sells gently used media of all types, from books to DVDs. Whether you’re after classic literature, a modern thriller, a recent manga or a rundown on native plants, make Gardner’s your first stop. It’s a challenge to leave empty-handed. Bring in your own used books for trade credit you can apply to the gems you find in their inventory.
Why It’s Great: The book shelves feel like a maze that you can get lost in for hours, as Johnny often did growing up.
Circle Cinema - There are many reasons for wanting to escape reality lately, and Circle Cinema is a happy place for many who want to spend a couple hours immersed in another world. Not only does the nonprofit theater itself have a cozy feel, with old school concessions and quaint screening rooms, but the cinema curates a niche selection of feature films, indie flicks, and classic movies.
Pro Tip: Look out for special screenings like their monthly Noir Nights series and Sisters of Cinema movie nights celebrating women in film.
Best Neighborhood
Reservoir Hill - Named for the water reservoir built here in the early 1920s, this neighborhood is marked by the eclectic and extravagant architectural detail of the Jazz Age. The quiet area is tucked away in North Tulsa, while still offering quick access to Downtown amenities. It’s lesser known among Tulsans, but Johnny says it’s, “a treasure trove of one-of-a-kind houses that are full of character.”
Coffee Shop
Pony Coffee - Situated Downtown at the edge of the SoBo District, this coffee shop has become a fast favorite since it opened its doors in late 2024. Grab a house-roasted coffee and find a spot to relax or work in their multi-level building full of eclectic furnishings. If you need some fresh air, explore their front porch or back patio. And, don’t forget to add a vegan pastry to your order.
Why It’s Great: The name isn’t a coincidence. Owned by the same duo, Pony Coffee brings the Soundpony culture to the daytime.
Johnny’s Hot Take
Think you have to flock to the coasts to find a buzzing ecosystem of food, art, community and culture? Think again. As Johnny sees it, Tulsa is the place to be:
“Tulsa used to be the place everyone wanted to move from. Now, it’s a place that so many people want to move to. We are one of the coolest landlocked cities in America.”
Incredible food and art scenes have cropped up in Tulsa and gained national attention. Yet, that small town hospitality remains, ready to embrace long-time residents, short-term visitors, and transplants alike.
