SMOKE. Woodfire Grill — Restaurant in Tulsa

Each time I go back I am pleasantly surprised with the quality of the food and the choices and range of protein that is offered. The chef seems to come up with different appetizers and specials, but what I like even better is that if it is something delish and popular it will go on the main menu rather than just stay seasonal.

This review is for March 11, 2022. I made reservations for at one time but was able to push the reservation back because we decided to start elsewhere for brews and an early appetizer. They are busy but not extremely busy that you can't get a table, but they are always packed for the weekend when we are there, and there is a reason if you like your food with a hint of smoky flavors. Hence the name "Smoke".

For this evening I was having dinner with my beau and a good friend from out of town, who had been aching to get back for dinner for quite some time, and it didn't disappoint. They were both happy with their meal choices and we all had plenty for leftovers. The 2 guys with me decided on the Crawfish stuffed fried Catfish, and I was the odd one out that had the Blakened Redfish, but I loved my choice.

We did start out with appetizers--the Crawfish Arancini, and this is one of the appetizers that was put on the main menu, so I am glad the chef listened to the customers delight of a wonderful creation. My beau had been raving about this dish ever since he had it the 1st time, a few months ago, and was very happy that it was there again. It did not disappoint.

For my main course, the blackened fish was blackended just right, and it was a good sized, thick, proportioned piece of fish. The smoked tomato Rissoto was wonderful as well, along with the sauce, but the one miss was the greenbeans, but who cares with the taste of the fish and Rissoto.

The guys raved over their meals--the crawfish stuffed catfish, and I did have a bite to be able to concur. They both enjoyed the atmosphere and the food, as did I. I don't always get desert, but we were feeling festive and we all ended up with a piece of Key Lime pie with a little whipped cream and a berry sauce. Yummy.

The one thing that I have knocked or took issue with, and only a couple of times, is 1 or 2 of the waitstaff. Good but not great. They just seem a little hurried/dismissive but not rude. I just think that they are trying too hard and they feel rushed themselves.

I know it's not an easy job, and I appreciate all waiters/waistaff/bartenders at all restaurants. It's crazy work and I know very well that customers can be difficult, but having said that, it is the only knock, and its very, very minor... Just go for the food, the comfort and the overall atmosphere and the warmth you feel from the workers that do work there.

I have been here for brunch a couple of times, with different people, and it's a very well done, tasty brunch, that offers enough sweet and savory flavors for all. As I said, whether it's brunch, lunch or dinner and you like a smoky flavor with your meal, go for the food. You shouldn't be disappointed. Hats off to the Chef...

Had a business lunch at Smoke Woodfire Grill in Tulsa, and while the food wasn’t quite what I’d hoped for this time, there were still plenty of positives that made the experience worthwhile.

We arrived right at 11 AM and were seated immediately, which was perfect for our meeting. The ambiance was warm, quiet, and inviting—ideal for a productive and relaxed business lunch.

Our server, Savannah, was absolutely fantastic. From the moment we sat down, she was friendly, attentive, and accommodating. She took our drink orders while we waited for the rest of our group, and stayed on top of things without being overbearing.

The menu offered a wide variety of appealing options, and I appreciated how thoughtfully it was put together. While waiting, the boss ordered the Fried Calamari and Potato Croquettes. The calamari was just okay—nothing wrong with it, but nothing memorable either. I didn’t try the croquettes, but they were well-presented and others at the table seemed to enjoy them.

I eventually chose the Reuben Sandwich, which is one of my all-time favorites. It arrived looking fantastic—generous portion, beautifully grilled marble rye, and a pile of fries cooked perfectly crispy as requested. But when I took a bite, something just didn’t sit right. The corned beef had an unusual seasoning—maybe allspice or something similar—that gave the sandwich an odd flavor. I asked Savannah about it, and she went straight to the kitchen to get clarification. She came back, explained what spices were used, she asked if I was allergic to any of those. I said no but told her the sandwich tasted odd. She immediately offered to replace the dish with something else. I declined, but she asked again—her commitment to making things right was impressive.

Interestingly, my colleague who ordered the same sandwich had a similar reaction, so I think it just wasn’t our kind of seasoning. It’s worth noting that I’ve eaten at Smoke before and had a fantastic meal, so I know this place can deliver great food. This particular dish just didn’t land for me.

✅ Easy, fast seating at lunch ✅ Great location and relaxing vibe ✅ Attentive and kind service—Savannah was excellent ✅ Thoughtful menu with a good range of options ❌ The Reuben was a miss due to unusual seasoning

Despite this one-off experience, I’ll definitely return to try something different. The service was exceptional, and everything else about the visit—from the atmosphere to the hospitality—makes this a place worth...

During our extended weekend in town for work and a conference, my wife and I spontaneously decided to dine here on our first night after being impressed by the overwhelmingly positive Google reviews. We were thoroughly impressed by the flavors of every dish we sampled! Our culinary journey began with the smoked pork belly appetizer, which was absolutely divine. I opted for the house salad with blackened chicken, while she chose the smoked trout salad—both generously portioned and bursting with flavor. We concluded our meal with a slice of peanut butter pie, accompanied by two types of jelly on the side and a dollop of peanut butter whipped cream. Absolutely delectable!

Eager to revisit, we attempted to return the next evening, only to be informed of an hour and a half wait—an understandable occurrence. However, undeterred, we made a reservation for the following night to savor the experience once more before departing.

On our second visit, we couldn't resist starting with the smoked pork belly appetizer again, and it was just as outstanding as we remembered. My wife, enamored by the smoked trout salad from our initial visit, ordered it again, while I decided to venture into new culinary territory by trying the lamb loin chops—a decision I certainly did not regret. The lamb was smoky, tender, and incredibly savory, surpassing my expectations. Opting to swap the fingerling potatoes for the parmesan-rosemary fries proved to be a great choice, complemented by a garlic aioli. Though I would suggest ensuring the fries are perhaps a bit more crispy. Additionally, the accompanying Brussels sprouts were executed to perfection—a challenging feat for many establishments. We also indulged in a side dish, opting for the hatch chili mac and cheese, which elevated the flavors without overwhelming the palate with heat. A pinch of extra salt perfected this dish.

If I were to offer a recommendation, although it's not significant enough to warrant deducting an overall star, it would be to consider upgrading the bathroom stalls. They have an odd design, appearing as though they were meant to be opaque but ended up being somewhat translucent, almost transparent. This lack of privacy can be disconcerting, as one can easily observe activities both inside and outside the stalls.

Despite this minor quirk, this restaurant unequivocally stood out as our favorite dining establishment during our...