Editor's note: This story is featured in OU Daily's Best of Oklahoma guide, which is available around campus in March-April. Check out other featured stories at the bottom of this article.
A nod to traditional New Orleans-style cooking, Nola’s Creole & Cocktails lies at the heart of Tulsa’s bustling business district, Cherry Street.
The restaurant is found in an old elementary school basement and is designed to mimic 1920s-30s New Orleans. There are five dining areas, including an enclosed patio that is available year-round.
“It’s Cajun Creole cuisine on steroids,” manager Jay Howell said. “If I had an elevator pitch, I’d say we are Oklahoma’s finest Cajun experience.”
Originating in 18th century New Orleans, Creole cuisine was influenced by French, Spanish, Italian, Caribbean, West African, Native American and Mexican cuisines, and typically features seafood, tomatoes and rich sauces. In a different part of Louisiana, Cajun cuisine was developed around the same time with French, African American, German, Italian and Spanish influence. Seafood is central to the spicy cuisine, along with the “holy trinity” of Cajun food: celery, onion and green bell peppers.
The driving force behind Nola’s, both cuisines remain a staple in New Orleans and other parts of Louisiana.
Howell was hired at Nola’s before it opened in 2018, working alongside owner Brett Rehorn to give Oklahoma an authentic Cajun and Creole experience. Rehorn’s love of the cuisines led him to create Nola’s. Rehorn also owns Kilkenny’s Irish Pub and The Hemingway.
“He designed the concept and really did a fantastic job of bringing elements from other famous sites within New Orleans to sort of homogenize a New Orleans feel for us,” Howell said.
Howell has visited New Orleans many times, and wants customers to be able to have a dining experience that feels like they’re actually in the city.
“Part of the reason why I think Nola’s is near and dear to my heart is that I have done the best that I could trying to bring elements from the actual main staples of New Orleans to our building,” Howell said.
Howell grew up in Tulsa and referred to the city as a vibrant place that displays entrepreneurial experience. He believes Nola’s brings an element of education to the table.
“Nola’s works because there is a need to bring cultural education and food savviness to a sophisticated audience,” Howell said.
Nola's on Feb. 3.
Menu items include classics like “Ya Mama’s Gumbo” and “Ju Ju Jambalaya” as well as specialties such as “Bourbon Street Baby Backs” and the popular “Voodoo Chicken.” They also serve a variety of cocktails, such as the New Orleans-inspired “Milk Punch,” signature “Good Omen” and classic “House Old Fashioned.”
General manager Jason Ashing, who has worked at Nola’s since May 2021, said that he believes the restaurant industry in Tulsa is underappreciated until people see it for themselves. He said he’s met people from across the country who are pleased by Tulsa’s food and the inviting atmosphere of the city.
Cherry Street features the highest number of locally owned businesses in Tulsa, including shops, art galleries and over 20 restaurants. Ashing said the Nola’s team gets along well with their neighbors and they all work together with the Cherry Street Association.
Along with the culture built by the restaurants in the area, Ashing said he especially enjoys working at Nola’s because of the clientele and their response to the restaurant’s atmosphere.
“I just love being a part of that,” Ashing said. “I’m very proud to work here because I think it’s a very unique restaurant in Oklahoma. I don’t think there’s really anything else like it.”
Nola’s can be found at 1334 E. 15th St. The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
This story was edited by Emma Blakley and Shelby Emery. Sophie Hemker, Grace Rhodes, Mary Ann Livingood and Nikkie Aisha copy edited this story.
