Back in the 1930s and 40s, America’s high society flocked to high-end supper clubs like New York’s Rainbow Room or Los Angeles’ Saucy Sister to enjoy an evening out. Dressed in tweed suits and drop-waist dresses, patrons sipped gin & tonics and dined on classic American fare as jazz greats like Dizzy Gillespie or the Count Basie Orchestra took the stage.
Supper clubs were the place to see and be seen. They offered a sense of community – a place to catch up with old friends and meet new ones while being pampered by attentive wait staff. Quite the opposite of today’s hurried meals, supper clubs encouraged patrons to linger; dinner was an event, a celebration, an evening-long hiatus from the stresses of life.
Fortunately, supper clubs are not entirely a thing of the past. In fact, they have been making a come-back in trendy locales across the country, and Tulsa is no exception. The new owners of Bluestone Steakhouse & Seafood, Bill and Sharon Tackett, are committed to giving this time-honored tradition new life in Tulsa.
Bluestone Steakhouse & Seafood looks and feels decidedly different from a standard restaurant. Tucked into the corner of a shopping center at 101st and Sheridan, the restaurant’s modest exterior belies an elegant yet relaxed dining experience. The ambience is intimate and moody with dark wood-paneled walls and a mid-century, circular fireplace framed by dining space. Tables are tastefully set with candles and tablecloths, and guests are presented with leather-bound menus by formally dressed waitstaff.
Despite the sophisticated atmosphere, Bluestone welcomes Tulsans as they are. Whether you choose to dress up or wander in donning jeans and a t-shirt, you will be treated like royalty. Owner Bill Tackett explains Bluestone’s inclusive philosophy: “We want people to realize that we are part of their community. We care about our customers. We want them to feel like they belong.”
The changing menu at Bluestone Steakhouse & Seafood is classic American cuisine made in-house with Certified Angus Beef ® taking center-stage. Bill spent years with one of America’s largest food service providers, introducing restaurants to this premium beef option with strict quality standards that ensure that each bite is exceptionally flavorful, tender and juicy. Now that the tables have turned, Bill vows he won’t serve anything less: “Most restaurants in Tulsa serve prime grade beef, but we only serve Certified Angus Beef. The difference is clear!”
Though you won’t find a better steak in Tulsa, steak isn’t the only thing on the menu. Salads, pastas and seasonal seafood like fresh Halibut and Sea Scallops are also prepared in-house by Bluestone’s culinary team. Whether it is vegetarian, vegan, keto or gluten-free, special diets and food restrictions can be accommodated as well.
For those not committed to a full meal, Bluestone has a loyal happy hour crowd, who stop in daily for drinks and half-priced appetizers from 4 to 6 p.m. They enjoy a fully-stocked bar while watching the bartender mix a signature cocktail or smoke a glass of bourbon. We even spotted some hard-to-find whiskeys like Booker’s and Blanton’s available by the glass.
Wine is an important accompaniment to the perfect steak, especially when served in crystal goblets. A Napa cab, a South American blend, or a Spanish Tempranillo stands up beautifully alongside a 25-day aged Porterhouse or a 30-day aged Blue Ribeye. An unoaked chardonnay would pair nicely with Panko Fried Goat Cheese or Strawberry Salad. A lighter pinot noir or pinot gris would complement the halibut nicely. And don’t forget to pop a bottle of chilled champagne for special celebrations!
A key piece of the supper club experience is live music, and Bluestone delivers there, too. From 6 p.m. to close every evening, live musicians perform on a baby grand piano or croon from a small stage. These soothing tunes create an atmosphere that is festive yet unpretentious.
Whether it is to treat yourself after a long day or to commemorate a special occasion, Bluestone is Tulsa’s supper club. Come join the family!
BluestoneSteakhouse.com | 918.296.9889
“We’re not pretentious. You can come in black tie or blue jeans, just come expecting a great dining experience. We’ll do our best to meet your expectations.” – Bill Tackett