You’re walking down an alleyway in the Tulsa Arts District, dodging puddles and wondering if your GPS is actually lying to you. There aren't any neon signs. No valet stand. Just a nondescript green door with a tiny copper bull hanging above it. If you didn’t know it was there, you’d walk right past it. This is Bull in the Alley Tulsa, and honestly, it’s one of the most polarizing dining spots in Oklahoma.
People love the mystery. They love the "if you know, you know" vibe that feels like stepping into a 1920s speakeasy. But once you get past the thrill of finding the place, is the food actually worth the hype? It’s a question that gets Tulsans talking every time a special occasion rolls around.
The Secret Entrance at 11 E Reconciliation Way
Finding the place is half the experience. The official address is 11 E Reconciliation Way, but that doesn't really help you much when you’re standing on the sidewalk. You have to head to the alley behind The Tavern. Look for that little copper bull. That’s your only signal.
Once you push through the door, the world changes. It’s dark. Like, really dark. You’ve got black walls, glowing chandeliers, and a grand piano that’s been literally converted into a bar. There's almost always a live pianist playing, which adds this thick layer of old-school class to the room. It feels expensive because it is.
What’s Actually on the Menu at Bull in the Alley Tulsa?
The menu is small. They aren't trying to do everything; they’re trying to do the classics. But there’s a catch with the pricing that trips people up.
📖 Related: Finding the Right Words: Quotes About Sons That Actually Mean Something
The Table Steak Situation
Most people go for the "Table Steak." It’s a USDA Prime Porterhouse, but you don't just order a 12oz or 16oz cut. It’s priced per person and served sliced for the table. Depending on what the kitchen has that day, you might end up with a massive 48-ounce Tomahawk on the bone. It’s a commitment.
The Side Dishes Everyone Fights Over
While it's a steakhouse, some of the most consistent praise actually goes to the appetizers and sides.
- The Bacon: You can order this by the slice. It’s hand-cut, thick, and basically a meal on its own.
- The Wedge Salad: A steakhouse staple, but they do it with a level of freshness that actually cuts through the richness of the meat.
- Potatoes Egan: Think incredibly rich, buttery mashed potatoes that probably have more cream than potato.
- Lobster Bisque: It’s frequently cited as the best thing on the menu, even by people who weren't crazy about their steak.
The Big Debate: Is It Worth the Price Tag?
Here is where things get complicated. If you look at reviews from 2024 through early 2026, you’ll see a massive divide. One table will tell you it was the best meal of their life. The next table will complain that their $200 Tomahawk was chewy or under-seasoned.
It’s inconsistent. That’s the hard truth.
👉 See also: Williams Sonoma Deer Park IL: What Most People Get Wrong About This Kitchen Icon
When Bull in the Alley Tulsa hits, it hits hard. The ambiance is unmatched in the city. There is something undeniably cool about sitting in a dark booth, sipping an espresso martini while a pianist plays, and sharing a massive platter of prime beef. But you’re paying for that "cool." You can easily drop $400 for two people if you're hitting the wine list and ordering the big cuts.
Some locals swear by the Petit Filet instead of the larger sharing steaks, claiming the quality control is better on the smaller cuts. Others say the Crab Cakes and the four-tier chocolate cake are the real reasons to visit, treating the steak as a secondary player.
Survival Tips for Your Visit
If you're going to pull the trigger on a reservation, you need to know a few things so you don't end up frustrated.
First, reservations are not optional. Don't just show up in the alley and hope for the best. Use their website or call well in advance, especially for Friday or Saturday nights.
✨ Don't miss: Finding the most affordable way to live when everything feels too expensive
Second, the dress code is "business casual," but since it's a speakeasy, people tend to lean into the "fancy" side. You’ll see plenty of suits and cocktail dresses. You can probably get away with nice jeans and a blazer, but why would you? The whole point is to feel like you’re in a movie.
Third, be prepared for a slow pace. This isn't a "dinner before the show" kind of place. It’s a "dinner is the show" kind of place. Service can be leisurely, and if the restaurant is full, those entrees might take a while to emerge from the kitchen.
The Actionable Bottom Line
Don't go to Bull in the Alley Tulsa just because you want a steak. If you just want the best-cooked piece of meat in town with no frills, you might be better off at Mahogany or even cooking a prime cut at home.
Go to Bull in the Alley when you want the experience. Go for an anniversary where the mood matters more than the sear on the ribeye. Order the bacon. Order the lobster bisque. Share the giant crème brûlée.
If you're worried about the bill, stick to the "Ladies Filet" (which anyone can order) and skip the massive table steaks that fluctuate in price based on weight. You get the same atmosphere and the same live music without the $300 sticker shock at the end of the night.
To make the most of your evening, park in one of the lots near the Guthrie Green and walk over. It makes the "discovery" of the alley entrance feel a bit more authentic than getting dropped off by an Uber right at the mouth of the alley.