The Hemingway — Restaurant in Tulsa

I want to start first by saying our first experience here was world class, which is why we were so excited to come back. Sadly, however, our experience last night was a stark departure from that.

If you read through the negative reviews, you'll see people mention the terrible and rude service. This is accurate of our experience as well.

It was date night for my husband and I and we popped in, in hopes of sitting at the bar for a cocktail before our dinner reservation at the restaurant down the street. It had been recommended to us by close friends who go there often, to enjoy the bar which is open seating if the table seating is booked out. So we decided to give it a try.

When we met with the host, there seemed to be some confusion about whether the bar was open seating, as it usually is, or on a waitlist.. We could see the bar from where we were standing and there were about a handful of open spots available, so we were hopeful.

He left to ask his manager if we could sit in the bar and when he came back, he said there was a waitlist. Confused, we asked if the bar was open seating, and he said "sometimes it is, but sometimes it's not."

He then said he could put our names on the waitlist if we wanted, which was 1.5 to two hours. At that point we decided it didn't make sense and before we left we asked for clarity if there were any nights that the bar did have open seating...

This was when the server who was standing behind the host, abruptly interrupted and scolded us, "Here's how it works. The bar is on a waitlist, if you want to sit there you have to put your name on the list."

I was shocked that A) she interrupted the host so rudely, and B) that she spoke to us in such a condescending tone.

I calmly commented back to her that we were just trying to gain understanding and she didn't need to speak to us like that. She looked surprised that I was bold enough to speak up, and inauthentically said, "the host is new and has a hard time explaining things. I was just trying to help it make it sense to you," then rolled her eyes.

I couldn't believe the server was literally gaslighting us.

We looked at the host, who clearly felt bad and embarrassed, and said thank you to him and turned to leave.

No sooner did we get around the corner do we hear the server say with vitriol, "God. I don't know how many times we explain it for them to get it."

At this point I had had enough, I turned around and said "excuse me but we can hear you." Honestly, the whole restaurant could have heard her.

Shocked that I wasn't going to accept her bullying us, she quickly changed her tone and said "I was just trying to help you understand." To which I said, "No you weren't, you were being very rude and condescending. I don't know what your problem is but this is entirely inappropriate for you to speak to us like this and make a comment about us like that as we were leaving."

That is when I was surprised to see that the floor manager was right there standing next to the server, who upon witnessing this whole scene, walked up to my husband and I to literally shoo us out like dogs, without apologizing for the remarks of the rude waitress and what became the most uncomfortable and unfortunate experience we have ever had at a fine dining restaurant.

Having had over 12 years of service in the hospitality industry, I could hardly believe this entire situation: That the waitress thought it was even remotely appropriate to treat a guest in this way, that her reaction was tolerated by management, that the manager didn't have the emotional intelligence or leadership ability to better handle the situation and treat us greater dignity and respect.

I don't normally leave negative reviews for places, but given the reputation The Hemingway seeks to maintain, and how inexcusable this whole thing was, it needed to be addressed. I just hope the General Management cares enough to address it internally. It's not right for anyone to be treated like that by staff at...

I flew into Tulsa from Boulder to take some friends to The Hemingway on Cherry Street, one of Tulsa's newest steakhouses.

The Hemingway cost a pretty penny but it is absolutely delightful. It's the kind of place you'd visit at least once a year for a special occasion, an anniversary or a romantic evening, splurging with friends or a high-end business dinner. We were there to celebrate a birthday.

The ambiance is stunning; limited to 14 tables and a few bar seats, the restaurant is relatively quiet making it easy to converse. The background music was perfect, the appetizers were delicious, and the filet mignon melted like butter in our mouths.

We shared 3 sides and all started with a caesar salad. The roasted garlic that accompanied the salad, and some other dishes, were incredible. Most everyone drank cocktails throughout the evening vs. wine but the selection looked great. We finished with a pot de creme (chocolate) which was breathtakingly good.

Our Server, Mel, was nearly flawless with one exception. We loved the appetizer, Devils on Horseback, so much that we ordered another one which we were charged for on our final bill. Sadly, it was never delivered to the table.

We didn't quibble. It truly was the only thing Mel missed the entire evening but otherwise, he was spot on when it came to superb service, timing, and follow-up while quietly and covertly taking care of everyone's needs.

The supporting table attendants were excellent too and took care of small details like using bread crumbers between settings throughout the evening. We never had to ask for more water (a cardinal sin most restaurants commit). It's been a long while since I've had the kind of service Mel and the team provided. In fact, the only comparable service I've ever had was at the Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok, Thailand.

The Hemingway may be working out a few small kinks given that it's Tulsa's newest steakhouse yet during our visit, they seemed to get it right.

Finally, one member of our party is disabled and uses a wheelchair. The Hemingway was very accommodating from the reservation to the seating. They gave clear instructions as to where to park and enter the building so that we could use the elevator (The Hemingway is located on the basement floor of a building on Cherry Street) and it was fairly easy to navigate the wheelchair through the restaurant.

Our final bill for four people was around $450+ and we left Mel a tip of around $140 due to his professionalism, kindness, and attentiveness. Expect to pay around $150+ per person with tip included. The prices aren't listed on the website hence I'm sharing the cost for a great night out. You won't be disappointed so go ahead...

If there's one place in Tulsa, Oklahoma, that captures the essence of fine dining with a nod to one of America's greatest storytellers, it's The Hemingway. From the moment you step into this subterranean gem, you're transported into a world where elegance meets culinary art.

From the get-go, the service here is nothing short of masterful. Our server, was not just attentive but genuinely passionate about ensuring every detail of our meal was perfect. Her recommendations for both wine and food pairings were spot-on, enhancing our dining experience to levels I hadn't anticipated. The staff's knowledge of the menu and their ability to make each guest feel special is a testament to the restaurant's commitment to excellence.

The wine list at The Hemingway is extensive, curated with the same care and detail as their dishes. We enjoyed a glass of red that paired exquisitely with our steaks, thanks to our servers suggestion.

Where do I even start? The food here is simply divine. The French onion soup was a deconstruction that, while initially surprising, became a favorite with its delicate broth and perfectly caramelized shallots. The steaks, oh the steaks! Cooked to an impeccable medium-rare, they melted in your mouth, accompanied by sides like the mac and cheese, which deserves its own chapter in culinary history. The presentation of each dish was thoughtful, with an adventurous yet respectful twist on classic offerings, embodying the spirit of Hemingway's innovative narrative style.

Entering through a side door and descending into the restaurant gives it an exclusive, almost secretive feel. The ambiance is cozy yet sophisticated, with dark woods and crystal chandeliers setting a scene straight out of the 1920s. It's the perfect setting for a special occasion or when you're in the mood for a memorable dining experience that feels both intimate and grand.

The Hemingway isn't just a restaurant; it's a culinary story. Every course tells its tale, from the appetizers to the desserts. This place has quickly become a Tulsa tradition for those seeking not just a meal, but an experience. If you're looking for a dining adventure that combines masterful service, delightful food, and an atmosphere that whispers of literary elegance, this is your spot. Highly...