Meet Shagah Zakerion
See the city of Tulsa through the eyes of Shagah Zakerion, a Tulsa native and independent consultant who has been a driving force in making Tulsa a vibrant place for all. You may recognize this OU grad from her leadership roles at Williams, Lobeck Taylor Operating Foundation, Tulsa Young Professionals and The Forge. She’s accrued a long list of accolades including being featured on Oklahoma’s 30 Under 30.
Go-To Restaurants
Doctor Kustom - Tuesday–Saturday, 11am–3pm, they serve up authentic, handmade Brazilian food and drinks at the corner of 11th and Lewis in the Market District. Look out for the occasional Chef’s Table private dinner hosted by Chef Alexandre Figueira, named a 2024 Semifinalist for Best Chef in the Southwest by the James Beard Foundation.
Go-To Order: Cancel your Thursday plans. The “best bite of food” Shagah’s ever had is the Thursday-Only Steak Sandwich.
Family Thai - If you’re after authentic Thai food, check out Family Thai on Route 66 between Delaware and Lewis. Come in for casual dining or order online. They recommend classic dishes like Pad See Ew, Larb and Panang Curry, while Shagah has a couple favorites of her own.
Favorite Items: Try the drunken noodles or the red thai curry.
Barons on 1st - Dine like a Tulsa oil baron, the namesake of this fine dining establishment located Downtown at the corner of 1st and Detroit. Open for weekday lunch 11am–2pm, nightly dinners 4–10pm, and late nights on weekends 10pm–12am. (Closed Sundays.)
Favorite Item: Order the Tomahawk steak for an evening of true extravagance.
Mr. Nobu’s Sushiya - Mr. Nobu’s blends the tradition of Japanese Sushiya with modern twists. This experience in South Tulsa at 81st and Memorial is inspired by MasaNobu Terauchi who lends his name to the restaurant and whose culinary legacy is retold through their menu.
Word of Advice: The chefs know best. Visit on a special Omakase night.
Arepa Bar - This casual dining spot serving arepas, empanadas, and other authentic Venezuelan flavors is located near the Kendall-Whittier neighborhood at 3rd and Lewis. Dine in or order takeout, and don’t forget to add a drink from their fresh juice bar.
Word of Advice: Come in for a perfectly filling and flavorful lunch.
Inkanto Peruvian Cuisine - Sharing the food hall with Arepa Bar near 3rd and Lewis, Inkanto serves up fresh Peruvian flavors like lomo saltado, ceviche and more for lunch and dinner, Tuesday–Sunday.
Why It’s Great: This is the premier place for Peruvian food in Tulsa.
Pho and Japanese Sushi - This Asian fusion restaurant at 81st and Harvard has something for everyone with Vietnamese pho and sandwiches, Japanese ramen and sushi, pad thai, panang curry and much more. Come in Monday–Saturday, 11am–9pm.
Word of Advice: Don’t sleep on their sushi happy hour from 2–6pm, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Pita Place Mediterranean Grill - Owned and operated by the Zakerion family, this restaurant in Bixby at 111th and Memorial serves Mediterranean classics, Monday–Saturday, 11am–7pm. You may have seen their food truck at Guthrie Green on Food Truck Wednesdays and other spots around town.
Why It’s Great: Recently named the best gyro in Tulsa (by Shagah.)
Night Life
Bird and Bottle - Tucked away in the Ranch Acres shopping center at 31st and Harvard, this popular brunch spot from 3 Sirens Restaurant Group serves a full menu of fresh-made food and drinks all day.
Favorite Item: $4 martinis. If you’re there at 4pm on a Friday, you might just run into Shagah.
The Colony - Bringing live music and no fuss drinks to Tulsa since 1958, The Colony is open to all (21 and over, of course.) Open 5pm–2am every day, you can always catch up-and-coming blues, rock, folk, and Americana artists here.
Why It’s Great: Shagah reports a welcoming atmosphere and “no &%$#s.” Say less.
Empire Bar - Open 3pm–2am, everyday, this UK-inspired pub located in the Cherry Street neighborhood at 15th and Peoria offers a couple of billiards tables, lots of beers on tap, and “real” football on the TVs. Check their Facebook to see what games will be on. The bar doesn’t serve food, but you can bring your own bites to enjoy inside or on their patio.
Why It’s Great: Top tier watch parties. If you’re in Tulsa, don’t watch the World Cup anywhere else.
Sharky’s - You can’t get bored at this bar in the heart of Brookside. Offering 10 professional, regulation pocket billiards tables and other pub games, there’s much more to do than drink – though you can do plenty of that, too, with their full bar.
Come for the Drinks, Stay for: Pool, shuffleboard, and darts
Thelma’s Peach - Thelma’s Bar x Peachtown Music Venue is located on the west side of the Kendall-Whittier neighborhood. It’s an all-inclusive environment open Wednesday–Saturday, hosting weekly musical performances by artists hailing from Tulsa and beyond.
Come for the Drinks, Stay for: Unique musical guests
Hidden Gems
Karaoke at Elote - Elote Café & Catering in Downtown Tulsa has 3 private karaoke rooms waiting for you and your group of friends. Choose from one of three themes: the blue room, grandma’s room and the 70s retro room. You can browse songs and curate your playlist ahead of time and even order food (does this count as room service?) between performances.
Go-To Karaoke Songs: Shagah’s screaming her lungs out to anything 2000s punk rock.
Food Trucks at 11th + Garnett - Find the best food trucks and hole-in-the walls in East Tulsa’s Global District near 11th and Garnett, like Taqueria Express #1. This food truck, usually parked at 1738 S Garnett Rd., serves up authentic Mexican flavors 10am–11pm, Sunday–Thursday, and 10am–12am, Friday and Saturday. It’s easy on the wallet and full of fresh flavors.
Why It’s Great: The best food and drinks in East Tulsa
Best Neighborhood
Cherry Street - Centered around 15th street between Utica and Peoria, this neighborhood is known for charming, historic houses and walkable dining and shopping options. Don’t miss cafes and sweet treats like CHOCS and Rose Rock Microcreamery, patio views like Mi Cocina and Sidecar, finer dining like The Hemingway and Ava June, shops like Gas Petal Flower Co. and Nest Goods, and much more.
Why It’s Great: Quaint, kind people and gorgeous strolls along Swan Lake
Coffee Shops
Le Louvre French Cafe - Owned by a Parisian couple, this bakery and cafe at 81st and Memorial serves up authentic flavors from the city of love, from croissants to quiches to crepes. They also offer hot coffees and teas to pair with your flaky, delicious pastries.
Go-To Order: Un café topped with chantilly cream
Nordaggios Coffee - Located in the Plaza Shopping Center at 81st and Lewis, Nordaggios serves house-roasted coffee, special selection coffee, and unique seasonal drinks for the enthusiast and the casual enjoyer. They’re open 6:30am–6:30pm, Monday–Friday, and 8am–6:30pm, Saturday and Sunday.
Go-To Order: The Nitro Cold Brew never disappoints
Shagah’s Tulsa Hot Take
“We are a city where the impossible has happened – Black Wall Street, Oil Capital of the World. If we rest on our laurels, we will lose out on that tenacity.” Shagah calls Tulsans to come together, reject stagnation, and pursue the impossible the way only Tulsa knows how.
When you’re obsessed with Tulsa like Shagah, that relentless spirit comes easy. Try some of her favorites to tap into what makes this city special.
