The Brook Restaurant and Bar — Restaurant in Tulsa

The Brook: From Silver Screen to Supper Spot

Once a proud jewel of Tulsa’s theater scene, The Brook first opened in 1949 as a grand movie house, welcoming filmgoers beneath glowing neon lights and Art Deco charm. Today, its marquee still glows — but the screens are gone, replaced by clinking glassware and the hum of conversation. It’s no longer a temple for Fred MacMurray or South Pacific, but it remains a gathering place, now serving burgers instead of blockbusters.

My brother has a habit of dragging me into places I’ve either never heard of or flat-out misjudged — and once again, I was proven wrong. I’ve driven past The Brook dozens of times and dismissed it. Maybe the name didn’t scream “worth stopping for,” or maybe I assumed it was too upscale for someone in work boots and a high-vis vest. But there I was, walking toward what I thought was a side entrance, only to realize — nope, that’s the main one.

Before stepping inside, I was already drifting into nostalgia. Standing outside, waiting for my brother, I couldn’t help but think: How many thousands of people have come through this building? How many Saturday matinees, dates, and memories linger in its bones? And now I was joining that number — not for a movie, but for a meal and time with my brother.

Once inside, my anxiety began to fade. I wasn’t underdressed, and no one was giving me a second look. The space felt familiar in a way — like stepping into a restaurant that was once cool in the early 2000s but hadn’t quite moved on since. The lighting was dim, the decor a little tired, and there was a slight air of something lost — like a party that used to rage but now just coasts on the music.

We sat near the bar, which had a few regulars chatting up the staff. Not eavesdropping, but it’s hard not to catch bits of conversation and start wondering: Who are these people? What’s this place trying to be? The menu didn’t help much — part steakhouse, part diner, with random hints of Mexican and seafood. I wasn’t inspired, so I picked a fish dish with some kind of creamy sauce, tater tots on the side, and a Pepsi. When in doubt, keep it simple.

The bathroom carried the same early-2000s vibe — dark tones, dated tile — but thankfully, it was clean and seemed well maintained.

Our server was competent but a bit reserved, like she was going through the motions. The table next to us, though, had a waitress with a totally different energy — warm, upbeat, engaging. She ended up helping with our table too, and when she brought our food, her big, genuine smile was the most refreshing part of the visit.

The food? Serviceable. Not amazing, not bad. Just food — fuel with a side of nostalgia.

Well, what can I say? The Brook sits in a prime location where some truly standout restaurants thrive and bring a strong sense of identity to the area. But here, I felt like the place is a bit lost in its purpose. With such a rich historical backdrop, there’s so much potential — potential I’d love to see realized. A thoughtful redesign of the interior, a more focused and inspired menu, and a concept that embraces its roots could breathe new life into the space. One thing I’d absolutely keep? The candid, professional staff — they’re what kept the place feeling alive.

In the end, I enjoyed myself because I felt at ease. I was able to be present with my brother, and that alone made the visit worthwhile. But the food — the main reason we came — didn’t rise to meet the moment. And I think that’s what’s missing.

Still, I hope to come back someday and find a redefined Brook. One that finally knows what it wants to be — and proudly owns it. Thanks again...

The manager of this location is atrocious. We drove all the way in from Stillwater to celebrate my sons graduation at The Brook. The dining experience was fine, however, when we left the restaurant and headed to the parking lot my sisters rental car was on a tow truck…along with 4 others! She had parked between two other cars that were a part of a row of vehicles and although there were not “stripes” in the area the striping was terrible throughout the lot and difficult to tell what was parking and what was not. As we walked outside and saw her car loaded onto a tow truck the manager stood with hand on hip posturing and stated she waited “15 min” and was “blocked in.” She never came inside the Brook and asked for people to move, yet towing the cars of a row of people who were there celebrating (Mother’s Day, graduation, and prom)…seemed like best resolution to her problem. We were “fortunate” to just pay the drop fee of $75 and avoid a ruined weekend dealing with a rental company over an impounded vehicle. Although, I find it tasteless there was no effort to ask anyone to move cars before calling in a ghetto wrecker service who acted belligerently to the customers, what I found most appalling was the manager who did the calling and caused such a nightmare for so many people was illegally parked in a handicap zone. She claimed to be handicapped because she had an old injury “broken ankle,” however she was jumping around and trying to block her tag etc… when asked. She did not have proper verification to park where she was either. What is wrong with people? Although the lot is designated for multiple businesses she could have at least given her customers an opportunity to move their cars before going to such extreme measures and towing many vehicles to move her illegally parked truck. My bill was well over $200 without the tip and I have patroned this location no less than 30 times throughout the years, I will not be going back. The management should be ashamed, asserting power instead of being kind and courteous are basic principles of leadership. A simple announcement was warranted especially when you yourself are either breaking the law or milking the system when actual handicapped people need a...

One of my favorites now. If your old enough to remember back when TGI Fridays was in its prime... that's what this place reminds me of. It's really good pub food. Fries are fresh cut. Burger is solid. Couple different types of nachos are good. Salsa is meh. Chicken fried steak is good. Reuben is good. I mean, its pub style food, but it's all been pretty good.

The bar is a bit of an odd layout. Like there isn't much of a well, and all the premiums are above their head. I have not got drinks here, but I can't see them getting many drinks out with any level of efficiency, and there wasn't a big selection. It's just odd cause the physical location of the bar in the middle of the restaurant lends itself to having big income potential. I am not complaining, just making the observation that it's clearly better suited for lunch than for dinner.

The staff has been super cool and friendly every time I've been in there. Sort of a hipster vibe. Light hearted, lots of smiles, everyone is hustling, and food comes out fast. I asked the server, and they confirmed that almost everything on the menu is made from scratch. If I'm ever close, I always swing this way for lunch. Service is always good, and so...