This is a chronological list of restaurants permanently closed in Tulsa, Oklahoma—a nostalgic look back and a helpful resource for those seeking available restaurant spaces. These are the places that we miss. This is our restaurant history. A forgotten piece of our heritage. No matter how long each of these eateries were open, they daily contributed to someone’s rent, provided sustenance for a hungry traveler, or became an integral part of the community. So please join us in remembering this important chapter of our town.
Tulsa, Oklahoma, with a population of around 400,000, is a vibrant hub in the heart of the American Midwest. Known for its unique blend of Southern and Southwestern flavors, the city’s food scene features local favorites like barbecue, chicken-fried steak, and the iconic Tulsa-style tamales, a delicious remnant of its rich Hispanic heritage. One must-visit spot is *The Bramble Breakfast & Bar*, celebrated for its inventive takes on classic dishes. Nestled along the Arkansas River, Tulsa’s geographical location has historically made it a melting pot of culinary influences, drawing on the agricultural bounty of the surrounding plains and its rich Native American heritage. The city’s burgeoning art scene further enriches its culture, making it an exciting destination for food lovers.
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Disclaimer: The information on this website is provided as a resource, but it may not always be 100% accurate. While we strive to research and verify details, errors can occur, and businesses frequently change names, locations, or reopen after closing. Addresses, operating status, and other details may be outdated or incorrect. Use this information at your own risk. If you spot an error, please contact us here, and we will do our best to update it promptly.
Closed Down Restaurants in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Tulsa’s culinary story is stitched together by a rich fabric of homegrown diners, themed eateries, classic chains, and upscale institutions. Though many have faded away, they live on in the memories of birthday dinners, post-game meals, and family nights out.
Burger Chef (Multiple Locations)
Burger Chef was a pioneer in fast food, known for its burger bundles and build-your-own topping bars. In Tulsa, the chain left its mark across many locations:
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5726 East 41st Street – Opened in 1974
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21 East 4th Street – Opened in 1968 (formerly Don’s Restaurant & Ferger’s Jeweler)
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2125 S Sheridan Rd, 74129
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4300 Southwest Boulevard
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31st Street east of Garnett at Admiral and Sheridan
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129th East Avenue
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Woodland Hills Mall
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E 21st St & S Sheridan Rd, 74112
These burger joints helped define Tulsa’s fast-food boom in the 1960s and 70s.
Recent Closures (2023–2024)
Palace Café & Prairie Fire Pie
Located on 15th and Peoria, these sister restaurants closed on December 23, 2023, after nearly three decades in Tulsa. Chef James Shrader’s decision to “slow down” marked the end of two beloved staples of midtown.
Hodges Bend
A favorite for coffee, cocktails, and upscale ambiance, Hodges Bend shut down in 2024 to much local sadness.
Hooters
The Tulsa location, like others nationwide, closed in June 2024 due to broader financial struggles facing the brand.
Applebee’s
In 2024, several Oklahoma locations faced closure as a major franchisee filed for bankruptcy, marking the decline of a once-ubiquitous suburban dining option.
Community Favorites Remembered
Casa Bonita (21st & Sheridan)
Opened in 1971, this beloved restaurant featured cliff divers, a cave room, and an all-you-can-eat sopaipilla experience. It closed in 2005 and briefly reopened as Casa Viva before shuttering permanently in 2011.
Spaghetti Warehouse (Brady Arts District)
From 1992 until March 2017, this downtown icon served up classic Italian fare in a charming, trolley-filled interior.
Pennington’s Drive-In
Located at Admiral & Harvard, this drive-in was a go-to for root beer floats and burgers back in the day.
The Louisiane
Known for upscale dining and French cuisine, The Louisiane was once a fine dining staple in downtown Tulsa.
Historic Tulsa Dining Establishments
Joe’s Grill (49th Place & Peoria)
Eventually razed to make way for the Camelot Inn, Joe’s Grill was a fixture of mid-century Tulsa dining.
Borden’s Cafeteria (51st & Peoria)
Once a hub for homestyle cooking, Borden’s in Brook Plaza Shopping Center was a classic cafeteria before the format faded from popularity.
Shadow Mountain Inn (61st & Sheridan)
An elegant dining spot of its time, Shadow Mountain Inn was a familiar name in Tulsa’s hospitality scene.
Chains & Franchises That Left a Mark
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Cotton Patch Café – Closed several locations, including Tulsa, during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
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Applebee’s & Hooters – Closed Tulsa-area locations in 2024 due to economic struggles.
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Spaghetti Warehouse – National chain, Tulsa location closed in 2017.
Still Remembered Fondly
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Shotgun Sam’s Pizza Palace – A Wild West-themed pizza joint once beloved for its thick crust and arcade vibes.
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Nelson’s Buffeteria – Famous for chicken-fried steak and cafeteria lines, closed in 2004.
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Jamil’s Steakhouse – A Tulsa institution that served steaks with Lebanese sides for decades.
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Ann’s Bakery – Closed in 2023 after nearly 80 years of baking sweet Tulsa memories.
Do You Remember These?
We’d love to hear from you.
Which Tulsa restaurant do you miss the most? Whether it was a greasy spoon or an upscale spot, your memories keep these places alive.
Submit your story or photos at ClosedDownRestaurants.com.
Let’s keep Tulsa’s restaurant history cooking—one memory at a time.
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