Tulsa sits at the crossroads of three regional cuisines -- Midwestern, Southern, and Southwestern -- and all three are represented well in the city's restaurants.
The Midwestern influence shows up in the diners, drive-ins, and pizza joints. Sonic Drive-Ins and Braum's Ice Cream are Oklahoma institutions. Goldie's Patio Grill is perhaps the burger most closely associated with Tulsa, with its unique seasonings and pickle bar. Hideaway Pizza, beloved by Oklahoma State graduates from Stillwater, now has Tulsa locations.
The Southern influence is everywhere. Biscuits and sausage gravy for breakfast, chicken-fried steak and fried okra for dinner. Barbecue is where all three traditions converge -- Oklahoma-style ribs, bologna, and hot links alongside Texas-style brisket and Kansas City-style sweet sauces.
The Southwestern influence brings chili in every form (on spaghetti with beans and cheese, in a cup with crackers, on a dog or burger), plus tacos, enchiladas, and salsa from fast-food to upscale.
India Palace on S. Lewis is an excellent introduction to Indian cuisine if you have not tried it, with a generous lunch buffet. Cici's Pizza locations around town offer cheap all-you-can-eat pizza buffets.