Grill thrills

Patio-worthy food, whether or not you’re cooking

After the summer solstice, late sunsets, dining al fresco, and cold beer become daily indulgences. Ice chests are pulled from the garage, the grill is uncovered and fired up, and backyard barbecues are happening all over town. When it’s time for a warm-weather refresher and food fit for the patio, check out these local sources for brews and bites. 

Meat Markets

If you are the master of the grill, your backyard is probably already red-hot. Grab your best apron and head somewhere here, on my list of favorite local meat markets. Show up early; these counters might as well be Grand Central the closer we get to July 4th. 

Harvard Meats
This family-owned and -operated market carries a variety of responsibly raised, vegetarian fed, hormone-free products. There is a nice selection of local fare as well— everything from cheese to produce. In honor of Independence Day, there is a 20-percent discount on rib eyes, filets, and New York strips. Extra bonus: if you are 55 or older, you get a 10-percent discount, and if you are a city employee and can prove it, you do, too. (The discount doesn’t apply to bundles.) // 3245 E. 15th St.

Perry’s Food Store
According to Sally Hendrix, one of the market managers at Perry’s, Mountain View Hot Links are popular with customers this time of year. Another crowd pleaser is the ground beef, which is a combination of round, chuck, and steak trimmings. For a large gathering, fresh ground beef for $4.49 per pound is a heck of a deal. But if ribs are part of your summer BBQ tradition, this is definitely your market. They custom-cut baby back ribs from whole loins so you get exactly what you want. // 1005 S. Lewis Ave.

Siegi’s Sausage Factory
Siegi’s is the only place in town for traditional, handmade sausage. The shop partners with Marshall Brewing Co. to make a signature beer bratwurst using the ever-popular Oktoberfest brew Every single product in the deli is delicious and made with authenticity, so there is no such thing as a bad choice.  // 8104 S. Sheridan Road

Burger Joints & Hot Dog Slingers

Don’t want to cook, but you want a world-class burger? Luckily, Tulsa has some of the best burger joints. We have more classic, hole-in-the-wall places to get beef on a bun than I can list, each ready to impress. Plus, we have some new burger-themed restaurants that blow my mind, and more greasy-spoon diners with fantastic burgers than I can count. It’s hard to pick favorites, but these are mine. I also know the places to get the best wieners, and I’ve included that here, too.

Fat Guy’s Burger Bar
Fresh ingredients and fresh ground beef are key to the best made-to-order burger in Tulsa (in my humble opinion). Your custom-created dream burger can become reality at either Fat Guy’s location. Sip a cold beer while you wait. // 140 N. Greenwood Ave. and 7945 S. Memorial Drive 

Goldie’s Patio Grill
Nothing screams “Tulsa” like the never-ending availability of sweetness and acidity available at the pickle bar at Goldie’s, a local tradition. Since 1962, the specially seasoned charbroiled burgers are the reason for their continued success. They make a pretty darned good hot dog, too, with chili and cheese on top. // 2005 E. 21st Street, 5200 S. Lewis Ave., and 4401 E. 31st St.

Brownie’s Hamburger Stand
Who doesn’t love a chilled mug of homemade root beer and an old-fashioned cheeseburger straight off a grill top? Add crispy, hot fries and a slice of pie and summer has arrived.  // 2130 S Harvard Ave. and 6577 E. 71st St.

Gnarley Dawg
Want a coney-style hot dog with attitude? Fancy mustard, grilled onions, and house-made special sauces are available to adorn your dog, but the menu is full of tempting choices. The burger descriptions are inventive and enticing, but the hot dogs have always been my motivation. They cater, too, in case you get in a pinch for your big party on July 4 weekend. // 6001 S. Mingo Road

Jim’s Coney Island & Never on a Sunday 
Six decades later, this 918 tradition is alive and well. If the kids have a hankering for a coney but mom and dad want something more exotic, this might be your best bet. The hot dogs are delicious, but the spanakopita is to die for. // 1923 S. Harvard Ave. 

Dog House Tulsa
A food truck that offers hot dogs and vegetarian options? That’s the entrepreneurial beauty behind the Dog House. You can use roaminghunger.com when your stomach starts calling to find out exactly where it’s parked.  // Food Truck Wednesdays & Tuesday Eats on Boston