Dinner and a show

Where to eat when you’re racing curtain time

When choosing a place to enjoy a meal, I have three requirements: great food, consistent service, and a comfortable setting. As a bonus, I want flavors that excite me because they’re not regulars in my own kitchen. And I’ll become a regular if, after dinner, I still have enough cash to catch one of the scads of shows around town this fall (see pg. 23).

Any time you venture into uncharted territory, whether to the table or the stage, it’s important to do your research. You’ll need to know where to park and whether the restaurant accepts the same kind of plastic you’ll use at the box office. Ask your date about any special dietary requirements or allergies before you make a reservation. Also, check traffic reports to avoid any unexpected delays, especially for a 7 or 8 p.m. curtain time. And, for crying out loud, don’t forget to consult the Interwebs or use your smart phone to help guide you through your experience. Just remember to do it before your date—no phones at the table (or at the show), please.

Here are a few of my favorite Tulsa places to hit before (and, if the night still feels young, after) the lights go down and the curtain goes up: 

Kilkenny’s Irish Pub
1413 E. 15th St.
You might already be a regular at this Cherry Street favorite. The bar is constantly booming, made possible by the excellent folks making your drinks. Its warm and charming dining areas are so inviting, you feel like you have always been dining there.

Another major bonus is that the menu has seven pages of delicious dishes to choose from, plus a gluten-free menu and a burger menu. Anyone can find something that suits his or her fancy (read: Kilkenney’s is a great place to take a picky date). With a monthly rotating menu, there is enough variety to keep regular patrons engaged, too. Make a reservation if you’re on a schedule, and remember to arrive early to find a good parking spot. The dedicated lots behind the restaurant fill up quickly, but there is also neighborhood parking available.

The Tropical
8125 E. 49th St.
This Asian eatery, a sister restaurant to one of my favorites, Lanna Thai, is tucked away just east of Memorial Drive. Be sure to map the turn beforehand so you don’t miss the quaint house-turned-restaurant surrounded by vegetable gardens. With a focus on fresh products and bold flavors, The Tropical balances tradition and fusion with aplomb. Attempting to make a suggestion on what to order would lead me to recite the entire menu—it’s all that delicious. Worth noting: if your date is a vegetarian, this place will make you a hero.

Sisserou’s
107 N. Boulder Ave.
The smell of jerk chicken and curry wafts through the Brady Arts District from a new Caribbean restaurant at Main and Archer. It’s a little spicy, moderately priced, and the interior is festive and fun. Named after the Sisserou parrot, the state bird of the island of Dominica, the restaurant is clearly inspired by the Caribbean. Bright island colors and exotic aromas fill the dining room. Dishes range from sultry stewed oxtail to traditional jerk chicken. For a real treat, try the whole, fresh red snapper for two that is carved tableside. It makes a beautiful presentation, but it takes a bit longer to prepare; when you call to make a reservation, let them know you are interested in the fish for two so they can better accommodate you.

White Lion
6927 S. Canton Ave.
An English pub tucked in the rolling hills of South Tulsa is the perfect place for a date because of its cozy, romantic atmosphere. The entrance to this adorable, family-owned restaurant is flanked by two statues of white lions; once inside, you are greeted by old-world charm and the smiling face of Betty Southard, the owner. The menu is traditional English fare—fish and chips, bangers and mash, and baked brie are some of the favorites. The service is friendly and prompt, the food is comforting, and the ambiance is unlike any other. 

El Rio Verde
38 N. Trenton Ave.
It’s common knowledge that Tulsans love this Mexican restaurant. It’s a longstanding tradition for most of us, but we all need to be reminded of this spicy treasure. This is the place to go before a date at the theater because of its proximity to downtown—you’ll get quick service and authentic food, and you’ll make it to your show with time to spare.