Riverfront Restaurants Coming To Tulsa

By Jeffrey Smith, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- The forecast is a welcome one for the staff of a Tulsa riverfront restaurant getting ready to open in a few days. Last minute preparations are underway at Elwood's Restaurant near 19th and Riverside.

Elwood's opens its doors on Friday morning, and by the end of this summer, there'll be another new restaurant open along the river. Residents say it's an important step in the city's future.

The food is already being prepared at Elwood's. For the first time in nearly two years, Tulsa will have a riverfront restaurant. Elwood's will serve deli sandwiches, hot dogs, and other lunch foods.

Owner Tom Dittus has hired a staff of 10 to keep the place running seven days a week.

"We feel like it's an important landmark for the city; I think it'll draw people from all over the place," said Elwood's owner Tom Dittus.

A spot of land just 10 yards away from Elwood's will be home to a 200-capacity restaurant called the Blue Rose Cafe. That restaurant will open by the end of this summer.

Tulsans say they're excited by any development that takes advantage of the river.

"It's key; it's just key," said Tulsa resident Allynn Young. "Especially in Oklahoma now, with the BOK Center and everything coming in, just being able to monopolize on the river, it's just a wonderful natural resource to be able to use."

Dittus says his food's perfect for a family picnic, but he also knows what it takes to make joggers happy after a long workout.

"Created a bar area here, just got the flat screens in today. And cold beer, cold beer, cold beer," he said.

Residents say they can't wait to check it out.

"I think it's an excellent location, and I hated to see the last one go - the Rivers Edge," Allynn Young, Tulsa resident, said. "I love it, and there can be a place for the community."

Construction on the Blue Rose Cafe could begin as early as next week, when Dittus receives his final permit from the city. He says the cafe will open by the end of August.