Under the definition of “neighborhood diner,” you just might find an entry for Brookside by Day’s midtown Tulsa location. Conveniently situated in the heart of Brookside, BBD (as the regulars call it) has been dishing up delicious and affordable food for two decades. Some of the friendly, and often very entertaining, wait staff has been there since the beginning, calling their regular customers by name and placing their orders without needing to ask.
BBD’s walls are decorated with framed photographs; many are large beautiful professional black and whites of downtown Tulsa from a bygone era. Others are small color photos that, when taken together, seem to trace the history of the restaurant’s personnel themselves - parties, weddings, Frisbee dogs in action. A big chalkboard hangs on the wall spelling out the day’s specials (often with a humorous description) in brightly colored chalk. Breakfast options (served until 2 p.m. each day) are listed on one side of the laminated yellow menu, while lunch items (choose from burgers, sandwiches, quesadillas and more) are found on the flip side.
BBD’s serves its appetizing menu with quintessential diner ware. Large white ceramic plates arrive stacked high with fluffy pancakes ($4.50 for a short stack), omelets (a basic one starts at $6.50) or my son’s favorite, a giant iced cinnamon roll ($4.95) that fills the plate. Satisfyingly thick yellow earthenware mugs hold fresh hot coffee that is continually topped-off by attentive staff. Seating options include the requisite counter with stools or blue and white tile topped tables with white metal chairs and blue seat cushions.
On a recent Sunday, the place was jammed inside with families, older couples reading papers, and tables of young twenty-somethings recovering from Saturday night. Tulsa’s new mayor was seated at the counter, eating his breakfast and greeting his constituents. The outside tables, with their people-watching view of Peoria, were just as full. Excellent food, great service and a welcoming atmosphere - it’s no wonder BBD is a Tulsa tradition. Open Monday-Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., BBD midtown is located at 33rd and Peoria. For more information, phone (918) 745-9989.