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!
