Tulsa Questions? Happy to help!

JesseTU

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Jan 1, 2013
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Most fun bar around the BOK?

Bars seem to be a priority. That sucks, because Tulsa is a dry county. I kid, I kid (but Oklahoma does have dry counties, or did until recently)! There are a handful of bars near the BOK, but most are 5+ blocks away.

1st, some helpful hints for downtown Tulsa:

* Downtown is aligned with the original RR tracks through town, not on a true North South access. Directions are given like it is actually N/S. It's close enough.

* #'d streets run East - West. Names are North South.

* Names are generally alphabetical, so you can judge how far you have to go. Downtown the names are also organized with Main street corresponding to the Mississippi River, and the streets to the East being eastern cities (Boston, Cincinnati, Detroit...) and the streets to the West being western cities (Boulder, Cheyenne, Denver...).

* I've never had a serious issue in downtown Tulsa in 15+ years of spending most days and many nights here and don't personally know anyone who has, but I wouldn't wonder in certain areas late at night by myself either. Tulsa isn't a mega city, but it isn't Ames or even Des Moines. You know this, but some people will think it's a super big scary City and others will think it's a cute little bumpkin in Oklahoma. If you've lived more in Nevada (the small town) than Des Moines, you might want to learn the phrase "Sorry, I don't carry cash" since the panhandlers can congregate near events (again, I've never had any issues with them. But my relatives from small town Iowa get very uncomfortable). But do pay the street performers when they come out!

* Best transit bets are walking, Uber/Lyft, and scooter rentals (Bird or Lime). There may be shuttles, but I don't know the schedules. A ton of stuff (dare I say most things of interest?) is within a $15 Uber ride of downtown, often less...


The BOK Center (FWIW, pronounced B-O-K after a banking group, not "Bock" as in the beer) was put where it is partly because they wanted to spur development in that area, so it is removed from more entertainment oriented districts downtown. Some development has followed, but it hasn't made it the "go-to" place for night life. There are a few bars, but off the top of my head I couldn't tell you if any have TVs. I think there are certain bars around downtown that are aiming to attract certain fan bases but I don't have that info. Starting across the street:

1. MixCo - diagonal SE from the BOK Center. A nicer place, has a little patio area in the parking lot that might be good for people watching as the crowds come and go. Pretty much as described. In their words: "Award-winning MixCo is a speakeasy-style bar located across from the BOK center in Downtown Tulsa. We specialize in creative and classic craft cocktails and delicious bites, and also offer a variety of interesting spirits, wines, and beer. The MixCo staff is made up of some of the most talented people in the business who are passionate about mixing excellent drinks, creating tasty food, and ensuring an all around fun and welcoming experience for you. MixCo’s kitchen stays open late and is the perfect place to grab a bite and a drink before or after your show downtown, or just for a fun a night out."

2. XYZ Bar - in the aloft Hotel. ~ a block south on the ground floor attachment to the aloft building (old City Hall). I haven't been there for a couple of years maybe, but it was a wide open hotel bar, brightly lit. I think it had a pool table. Usually quiet. I think it had a TV or two, but I wouldn't consider it a sports bar (and I could be wrong. Look, I'm usually been drinking when I'm bar hopping).

3. Mayo Hotel - about 3 SE blocks, fancy hotel/apartments with two bar options. Ground floor bar. Rooftop bar. If the rooftop bar is open, it's worth going just for the views (ask the doorman if the rooftop bar is open. Its sometimes closed for private events). Hell, it's worth going to see a classic old hotel thriving, really a cool old building (and the rooftop bar used to the penthouse where anyone who was anyone stayed from the 20's up to today [with a break when it was essentially abandoned for a couple of decade]). . . I'm thinking no TVs.

4. Cellar Dweller- About 4 blocks south. You've heard of a hole in the wall? This is a hole in the ground. It's hard to find, can be physically hard to get down the stairs, it's dark, the ceilings are low, bathrooms sketchy, space limited, and there is definitely no TV. Basically, go to where it is supposed to be on the map, there should be a sign on the old brick apartment building, so go in, immediately turn left down the red curving staircase you aren't sure you should walk down. Definitely no TVs. Its unlikely many out-of-town visitors will find it, but you should.

5. Boulder Grill - in the Holiday Inn ~ 5 blocks SE of the BOK Center. Pretty much a standard hotel bar and grill with an outdoor patio, had TVs last time I was there. Good burger. :)


There are many other bars and restaurants in the business district to grab drinks at, including the Vault (1950s/Mid century Modern themed bar/restaurant) and Elote (mexi-American restaurant with a bar, and luchador wrestling some nights). There are resturants I'm sure you can get a drinka t closer to the BOK too. But for a concentration of nightlife most people go to other districts. A couple are just blocks from the BOK Center:

Tulsa Arts / Brady Arts District
and
Blue Dome District (which has grown into the East End area now too)

One is ~1 mile S from the BOK Center, out near 18th and Boston.
Another is Cherry Street, a step towards more upscale, about a mile SE and a half from the BOK
Brookside is generally more upscale again, ~ 3 miles south and a mile east of the BOK

Hope I can post more bar info on those other districts. The Arts District (fka Brady Arts District) is my go-to for a night out. It's supposed to be pretty nice, get out and explore!
 
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JesseTU

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Jan 1, 2013
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In comparison to central standard where does Tulsa time fall?

Damn, this is distracting. I'm blaming you for my lack of productive. Yep, all your fault. I'm not a very good pop culture person, but here goes...












*no claim of quality is made, your taste may vary, had to stop the list at some point because it got to things I've never heard before quickly... :cool:

List of Songs About Tulsa

Quick list of Artists from/living in the Tulsa area:
Woody Guthrie
Bob Wills
Garth Brooks
Trisha Yearwood
Hanson
Chet Baker
JJ Cale
Leon Russell
Reba McEntire
Ronnie Dunn
Wayman Tisdale
Danny Boy (House of Pain, we've adopted him)
Jack White (White Stripes, adopting him)
 
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JesseTU

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Jan 1, 2013
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Looking at a map of Tulsa, why is there no development northwest of downtown Tulsa, but southeast is heavily developed?

I've heard several versions of that, and don't claim to know the truth. However, what seems to fit the map is supported by three facts and a perception:

1) Politics. Tulsa County is really oddly shaped. Downtown Tulsa is kind of in the middle of the County, but also really close to the edge (it's right above the "T" in Tulsa in the below image). One county border is less than a half mile North and West of the BOK Center. If you look at the developed areas, they are largely within Tulsa County. County politics is generally a bigger deal the further west you go. The City of Tulsa only added land in Osage County in the 1970s, even though its right next to downtown.
2468-tulsa-county-oklahoma.jpg


2) Hills. NW of downtown is hilly. They may have just wanted to develop the easier land first.

3) Native American land. Osage County entails the Osage Indian Nation. In fact, from the BOK Center you can be in the Creek Nation, Cherokee Nation, or Osage Nation within ~a mile in different directions. The BOK Center is in Creek (Musckogee) land, basically north of the highway is Cherokee land, NE of downtown highways is basically Osage. My understanding is the Osage did things differently, which may have made development more complicated for a long while. There was actual politics and probably racial politics involved.

(Incidentally, this also means 3 large casinios within a few miles of the BOK Center. Osage Casino. Cherokee - Hard Rock. And Creek - Riverspirit Casino/Margaritaville. If that's your thing.)

4) Perception. The north side has long been considered the "other" side of the tracks for several reasons (mostly racism & economics). There are amazing areas in north Tulsa, and crappy areas in south Tulsa. But the perception may have hindered development by the time the politics would allow it.

Once the development pattern was established (post war probably) it just continued. Then the highways followed development and reinforced it.
 

cyfanatic13

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Best churches to go on Sunday morning?

(I'm not going but don't want you thinking all ISU fans are alcoholic degenerates)


(I kid, I kid to all the alcoholic degenerates)
 
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JesseTU

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Jan 1, 2013
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Best place(s) downtown to watch the tournament games on TV.
Best casinos and strip clubs.

Thanks in advance.

I'm not a sports bar guy - but I think Elgin Park has the most TVs downtown. Fassler Hall is a downtown beer hall with lots of TVs also.

- - -

Casinos depends on what you want. There are three large casinos. All hotels, casinos, multiple bars or restaurants, and whatever else goes with it:

Osage just NW of downtown - Just expanded the complex and it's plenty big. I know there is a brewery inside it ,but haven't been since the remodel. Maybe the smallest of the three if that's a plus to you? Not sure anymore.
https://www.osagecasino.com/

Hardrock / Cherokee Casino - 170k square feet of gaming space alone. Several hotel towers and multiple bars/resturants and music venues. E. on I244 / I44 for maybe 10 miles. Always expanding it. Golf course. Word of mouth says they have a great poker room.
https://www.hardrockcasinotulsa.com/

Riverspirit / Margaritaville / Creek Nation - 200k square feet of gaming space. 1 hotel tower. Outdoor pool and bar overlooking the river. You can get to this one on a scooter down the Rivertrails if you so desired. Restaurants/bars (Ruth's Chris if that's your thing). I think they have a sports bar, not sure about the others--- but probably somewhere to watch a game at any of them.
http://www.riverspirittulsa.com/


- -

Night Trips is the strip club I hear mentioned the most. I haven't been there in years, FWIW.
 
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JesseTU

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Jan 1, 2013
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Best churches to go on Sunday morning?

(I'm not going but don't want you thinking all ISU fans are alcoholic degenerates)


(I kid, I kid to all the alcoholic degenerates)

I'd tend to go to the church of hiking at Turkey Mountain, Redbud, or Oxely Nature Reserve. Or the Church behind the Bicycle Handle Bars with the free bikes along the (mostly flat) river trails. If you have kids - you need to take them to the Gathering Place. A ~$450,000,000.00 FREE park that just opened along the river about a mile south of downtown. Not a typo, hundreds of millions of dollars. Seriously, it's basically a free amusement park designed for kids. I say that should count as Church under a travelers dispensation (proof that I used to be a good Catholic, well, a decent Catholic, kindna).
https://www.gatheringplace.org/

For architecture - check out Boston Avenue Methodist Church, the Cathedral, Trinity Episcopal or get inside any of the other downtown churches for amazing windows. This town had money int he 1920s, they knew how to build cool sh!t in the 1920s.

For curiosities, check out the giant praying hands at the campus of ORU. The entire campus is a trip. They probably have church there too. ;P

If you really really want a church, we have plenty. I'm sure your pastor can steer you in the right direction. :)
 

ComCY

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Oct 31, 2016
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Elgin Park Brewery is the official "spot" for Iowa State Alumni according to their website. Should be packed.

Another question: What the heck is a Golden Hurricane and why is it Tulsa's mascot, and is it any relation to Trump's pee tapes?
 

jcyclonee

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Apr 12, 2006
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Minneapolis
Damn, this is distracting. I'm blaming you for my lack of productive. Yep, all your fault. I'm not a very good pop culture person, but here goes...












*no claim of quality is made, your taste may vary, had to stop the list at some point because it got to things I've never heard before quickly... :cool:

List of Songs About Tulsa

Quick list of Artists from/living in the Tulsa area:
Woody Guthrie
Bob Wills
Garth Brooks
Trisha Yearwood
Hanson
Chet Baker
JJ Cale
Leon Russell
Reba McEntire
Ronnie Dunn
Wayman Tisdale
Danny Boy (House of Pain, we've adopted him)
Jack White (White Stripes, adopting him)

Hanson? You sure you want to claim them?
 

JesseTU

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Jan 1, 2013
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Elgin Park Brewery is the official "spot" for Iowa State Alumni according to their website. Should be packed.

Another question: What the heck is a Golden Hurricane and why is it Tulsa's mascot, and is it any relation to Trump's pee tapes?

Elgin Park will work just fine! A bit of a hike, but I wouldn't hesitate to walk it.

Golden Hurricane...

We were the Tulsa Tornadoes. In ~1922 we realized some school named Georgia Tech was using the name. Before the next game we adopted a new name, that let us keep the same logo. Those Georgians changed their name wince, but we have embraced the suck and are sticking with Golden Hurricane.

Pee references and all.

Also, before someone else points it out, Tulsa spelled backwards is ...
 

JesseTU

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Jan 1, 2013
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Is there a rodeo on every block or is my generalization incorrect?

Not since The Incident, which we have scrubbed form history and really aren't supposed to talk about.

Looks like there is a Pinto horse show in town at the Fairgrounds this weekend. The cattle auctions are every Monday out at the stockyards, so you could stick around for that. There isn't a rodeo this weekend that I know of, but The PBR Tour comes through Tulsa in August, so you'll have to come back to catch that if it's your thing.

I'm sure there are some honkytonks with a mechanical bull around town, which I encourage you to record and post on YouTube after telling the operator no one has ever managed to make you fall off.

Fun fact: Oklahoma's state penitentiary in McAlster held a prison rodeo inside the prison until 2010, shipping inmates in from other prisons to compete. They want to bring it back.
 
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jcyclonee

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Not since The Incident, which we have scrubbed form history and really aren't supposed to talk about.

Looks like there is a Pinto horse show in town at the Fairgrounds this weekend. The cattle auctions are every Monday out at the stockyards, so you could stick around for that. There isn't a rodeo this weekend that I know of, but The PBR Tour comes through Tulsa in August, so you'll have to come back to catch that if it's your thing.

I'm sure there are some honkytonks with a mechanical bull around town, which I encourage you to record and post on YouTube after telling the operator no one has ever managed to make you fall off.

Fun fact: Oklahoma's state penitentiary in McAlster held a prison rodeo inside the prison until 2010, shipping inmates in from other prisons to compete. They want to bring it back.
The movie Stir Crazy was based on a real event?
 

JesseTU

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Jan 1, 2013
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Hanson? You sure you want to claim them?

Yep, I'm okay with it. Their music isn't my thing, but they are unrecognizable from the young band of the 1990s (physically obviously, but also musically) and definitely talented (being in a band your whole life will do that). They have a large following around the world and way more people than you think come to Tulsa every year from all over for "Hanson Day." Also gracious guys if you bump into them around town.

Their 2017 tour included dates in Germany, the Netherlands, France, Switzerland, Italy, Belgium, England, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Canada and 30 dates in the US. They have 21 North American cities left on their calendar this year - including the Greek Theater in LA, State Theater in Minneapolis, and the Filmore in Miami (just venues I recognize).

So yeah, their still a thing. Who would have thunk it? And who would have thunk I'd be discussing Hanson on an Iowa State sports message board? Check that one off my list, I guess.





 
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ZB4CY

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Dec 17, 2012
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Wow, y'all are asking some tangential Tulsa questions. Well, okay...

I think it's because TPD is really good at solving murders (over 90% I think). The national average isn't nearly as good and I'd guess it is more fulfilling for viewers when they are usually resolved in an episode or postscript. At the same time, we sadly must have enough "interesting" murders to keep the cameras rolling:
83 murders in 2017
65 in 2018

For comparison, Des Moines had:
25 in 2017
13 in 2018

In Tulsa's defense, Des Moines is 217k people with 645k in the metro. Tulsa is 413k with 1.2 million metro.


The show is something I hear about every now and then, and a few people really don't like it. But generally it isn't something that even comes up.


https://www.tulsaworld.com/news/tul...cle_88d4812b-0c12-5240-9926-307cd8f7da8e.html

https://www.desmoinesregister.com/s...ictim-guns-murder-kill-dead-trial/2336539002/

Wasn't expecting such a thorough answer! Nice!

Makes sense though, usually have the same cities on that show and 85% of the time they solve it.
 

JesseTU

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Jan 1, 2013
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The movie Stir Crazy was based on a real event?

Dunno.

But UHF was filmed in Tulsa, what is now Welltown Brewing is in it all the time. Gotta love Weird Al.

The Outsiders was written by a Tulsa high school student, based in Tulsa, filmed in Tulsa, and the Outsiders House is now a museum with Danny Boy (House of Pain) heavily involved.

Rumble Fish (another Francis Ford Copella film) was filmed in Tulsa, parts at the bar now known as Valkyrie in the Arts District.

August: Osage County

The Killer Inside Me

Unsurprisingly the old movie "Tulsa"

That one scene from Friends... ;)

Damn nit, now I'm answering questions that weren't even asked.
 
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capitalcityguy

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Des Moines
Des Moines is hosting 1st /2nd Rounds as well. The downtown entertainment district appears to have worked to designate certain bars per team. I believe they work with alumni associations or similar at each school to help arrange. See:

Court Ave District just posted this on their FB page:

Bradley - The Exchange
Florida - Shag's
Louisville - Tonic (on Court)
Michigan - Annie's Irish Pub / 1908 Draught Haus
Michigan State - Beer Can Alley
Minnesota - Johnny's Hall of Fame
Montana - The Stuffed Olive
Nevada - The Copper Cup


Gotta believe similar is occurring in Tulsa. Anyone find a similar type of list for Tulsa?