Five favorite patios at Tulsa-area eateries

BY JASON ASHLEY WRIGHT World Scene Writer
Thursday, March 29, 2012
3/30/12 at 4:24 PM





Correction
This story originally contained an incorrect phone number. The story has been corrected.





What’s your favorite patio spot in the area? Let us know where and why

Bill Grant spent months trying to come up with a name for his place.

"It's just our bar," he said of the space that opened just weeks ago at 3421 S. Peoria Ave., the former Blue Rose location.

And that's how R Bar & Grill came to be, offering the newest patio area on Brookside, just in time for spring.

"It's a neighborhood hangout, it's relaxing," said Grant, one of the owners, alluding to another thing the R stands for.

Now that spring has sprung and people are heading outdoors in droves, we took a look at some of the newest patio offerings in the area.

R Bar & Grill, 3421 S Peoria Ave.

The revamped patio area, offering awesome front-seat views to the city's Restless Ribbon, is the perfect place to order a pint (we suggest the Boulevard Chocolate Ale) and one of R's tasty appetizers - especially the Truffle and Sage fries, poutine or Chimichurri Grilled Gulf Shrimp, which features a spicy citrus and roasted garlic remoulade.

For more, 918-724-5555.

George's Pub, 108 N. First St., Jenks

You can find comfy seating inside this casual hangout, but the revamped patio area is really cool, with metal and rattan furniture. Plus, it has a stage for live performances - perhaps one of yours, if you get a bit carried away. Hamburger fan? They have great ones here, and the fries are fabulous.

For more, 918-296-9711.

Mi Cocina, 1342 E. 15th St.

We fell for this place in Dallas years ago and were excited when they brought the Mambo Taxi - a frozen 'rita swirled with sweet sangria - to T-Town. And the Cherry Street-front patio offers fabulous people-watching opportunities. In addition to your Taxi fare, try the Ceviche de Camarones or the bacon-wrapped Shrimp Brochette.

For more, 918-599-8009.

Charlie Mitchell's, 4848 S. Yale Ave.

Lots of folks were excited to hear this place was coming back to town after a long absence. A treat this winter, it's more so now that the patio is in full swing. Order a glass of wine or ask about the on-tap beers while you kick back outside and take your time ordering (although you can never go wrong with the fish and chips).

For more, 918-728-8181.

Yolotti, 3346 S. Peoria Ave.

OK, all of the places we've mentioned so far aren't child-friendly - sorry. But the locally owned Yolotti, which also has a location at King's Landing, is a delight for kids of all ages (i.e., anyone who loves good froyo). They have several patio tables to enjoy whatever chilly concoction you order inside. Our pick: Harvest Peach.

For more, 918-430-3811.

Other al fresco options

Bistro at Seville, Shops of Seville, 10021 S. Yale Ave.

Chill out with some Asian lettuce wraps or spice things up with the Pasta Ya Ya. Yum-yum ...

For more, call 918-296-3000.

Hey Mambo, 114 N. Boston Ave.

Watch the progression of the $18.3 million Hardesty Arts Center from this Italian eatery's patio - preferably with a slice and a salad.

For more, call 918-508-7000.

Queenie's Cafe & Bakery, Utica Square

Whether breakfast, lunch or afternoon snack (hello, Mount St. Helen's chocolate cake), Queenie's sidewalk provides ample people-watching.

For more, call 918-749-3481.

Los Cabos

Whether Jenks or Broken Arrow, this Mexican restaurant offers a cool patio perfect for sipping margaritas and, as the weather warms, listening to live music.

For more, call 918-298-2226 (Jenks) or 918-355-8877 (Broken Arrow).

Original Print Headline: Open season

Staff favorites

My family loves the patio at Cafe Ole, 3509 S. Peoria Ave., all year long. When it's cold, the outdoor fireplace makes the space cozy. And even on the hottest days of summer, there are fans and plenty of shade. Try the generous mimosas for brunch or the price-friendly wine and fresh-lime margaritas for happy hour.

- Ashley Parrish

I love the patio behind Dilly Deli and the Dust Bowl in the Blue Dome District. The fun decor - who can beat astro turf and wild orange seating? - makes the atmosphere interesting and relaxing. The patio of Dilly Deli is a great place for a Sunday brunch on a breezy spring day.

- Kim Brown

You can't beat the view of Tulsa from the patio at In the Raw-South, and I love the sushi.

- Nicole Marshall Middleton

My favorite patio has always been Wild Fork at Utica Square. Maybe it's the big magnolia tree that reminds me of my Mississippi home, but it's mostly the relaxing blend of fabulous food and people-watching. Ask for a Chili Rita, which is fresh grapefruit juice, tequila and sriracha chili pepper - patio-perfect.

- Jason Ashley Wright

Other notables

Blue Rose Cafe, 1924 Riverside Drive, 918-582-4600

This made our list last year, and it will continue doing so thanks to a fun wait staff, great drinks, tasty burgers and views of the Arkansas River.

Cosmo Cafe, 3334 S. Peoria Ave., 918-933-4848

Wonderful salads, sandwiches and libations are a lure to this relaxing Brookside spot - and the street-side seating in spring is just the cherry on top.

Tucci's, 1344 E. 15th St., 918-582-3456

Inside is cozy and romantically dim, but this Italian cafe's front porch is a delight this time of year - especially with a birdbath martini and Lemonata Salad.

Associated Images:

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Diners eat on the outdoor patio at Mi Cocina. MATT BARNARD / Tulsa World


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Donnie Gorden (left), Natalie Thomas and Vanessa Thomas eat on the outdoor patio at Mi Cocina in Tulsa. MATT BARNARD / Tulsa World


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Mike Wilson (foreground left) and Susan Borgstrom eat at the outdoor patio at Mi Cocina. MATT BARNARD / Tulsa World


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Jordan Rodich (left) and Whitney Dorsey and other customers enjoy the weather on the patio at the R Bar & Grill in Tulsa. MATT BARNARD / Tulsa World


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MATT BARNARD / Tulsa World


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MATT BARNARD / Tulsa World



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