Hidden away in Tulsa’s 18th and Boston district, FarmBar transforms farm-to-table dining into an unforgettable adventure that proves Oklahoma’s agricultural bounty deserves serious respect 🚜.
This isn’t your typical restaurant experience—it’s a celebration of local farmers and producers wrapped in a cozy, intimate setting that feels both upscale and refreshingly down-to-earth.
How Farmbar rebuilt after the fire
In February 2022, disaster struck when a massive blaze at neighboring BurnCo Barbeque threatened to end FarmBar’s story before it truly began.
The fire completely destroyed BurnCo’s building, and while a firewall saved FarmBar from total destruction, the restaurant suffered extensive smoke, water, and electrical damage that forced them to close their doors for five grueling months.
Co-owner and Chef Lisa Becklund described walking into the restaurant after the fire as heartbreaking—“There was so much smoke. I mean, this place you can see through, it was just full of smoke.”
But true to Oklahoma’s resilient spirit, FarmBar’s team didn’t let the setback define them 💪.
While repairs were underway, they opened pop-up restaurants to keep their staff employed and their passion for local cuisine alive.
This silver lining led to the creation of Il Seme, their second Tulsa location near 5th and Main.
The community rallied around the beloved restaurant, with fundraisers at Mercury Lounge and a GoFundMe raising over $20,000 to support employees during the closure.
After months of rebuilding, repainting, and completely restoring the interior, FarmBar triumphantly reopened in July 2022 with their signature burger night—proving that sometimes the best comebacks are served with a side of determination 🔥.
Food Highlights
- $10 Backyard Burger: The star of Tuesday night burger specials, featuring locally-sourced Oklahoma beef from their whole animal butchery practice—an incredible value that keeps locals coming back week after week
- Pimento Cheeseburger: A customer favorite that elevates the classic Southern spread with FarmBar’s signature touch, described by diners as wonderfully rich and satisfying
- Bulgogi Burger: An innovative fusion creation that brings Korean-inspired flavors to Oklahoma beef, offering adventurous eaters something uniquely delicious
- Goat Cheese Ravioli with Fried Rosemary: Part of their rotating tasting menu, featuring house-made pasta with locally-sourced goat cheese and aromatic herbs that showcase the restaurant’s commitment to fresh ingredients
- Chicken Roulade with Sage Jamón: A sophisticated dish from Grassroots Ranch chicken that demonstrates Chef Becklund’s technical prowess, featuring layers of blue cheese and jamón with a rich beurre blanc
- Country Bird Bakery Sourdough: Fresh-baked bread from James Beard-nominated baker Cat Cox, served with sweet cream butter and often enhanced with creative spreads like gochujang
Atmosphere
FarmBar radiates warmth and intimacy without a trace of pretension, creating the perfect balance between elevated dining and genuine hospitality 🌟.
The open kitchen allows diners to watch the culinary magic unfold, while the chef’s counter seating provides front-row access to the action and opportunities to chat with Chef Becklund and her team.
Plush seating and thoughtfully curated background music enhance the ambiance without overwhelming conversation, while soft lighting sets the stage for memorable evenings.
The restaurant feels both upscale and hole-in-the-wall simultaneously, with beautiful outdoor patio seating available when weather permits and charming dog art adorning the walls.
Bottom Line
Visit FarmBar for their legendary $10 Tuesday burger nights that offer incredible value, experience Chef Lisa Becklund’s James Beard-nominated excellence through multi-course tasting menus, enjoy the interactive chef’s counter where you can watch culinary artistry unfold, support a resilient local business that embodies Oklahoma’s comeback spirit, and discover why food critics call it “literally the finest dining establishment in all of Tulsa” 🏆. Whew!
Address: 1740 S Boston Ave, Tulsa, OK 74119
📞 (918) 576-6967
🕔 Open Tue-Sat, 5:00 PM–11:00 PM (closed Sun-Mon)