One thing I really like about Tulsa is that, from a foodie perspective, it offers a diverse variety of restaurants and food types. From midwest comfort food to Caribbean fare to southern-style deliciousness, this little city has it all. In fact, I have yet to have anything even close to a bad meal here. And one of the best I had on my recent visit was a two-piece catfish place from Sweet Lisa's. This tiny little spot is basically takeout-only (though they do have a couple of very small tables by the door...which I nicely asked if I could eat at so my catfish didn't get cold walking back to my hotel, and they very kindly obliged). It's not a fancy spot by any means, but it's homey and has that family-owned vibe that I love in a small restaurant. The catfish meal came with two sides. It was hard to choose, but I picked house-baked mac 'n cheese plus blackeyed peas. It was all just incredibly delicious. The catfish was perfectly, tenderly fried. The mac was creamy and cheesy. And the blackeyed peas tasted like they'd been simmering for hours (with healthy chunks of a ham hock swimming in their delicious broth). I also grabbed a piece of their lemon cake, which I enjoyed later for a hotel dessert. It was all...incredible! I was there on a day when a new employee was learning the ropes, and she was so sweet and friendly, asking all my questions since I'd never been there before. While I ate at that little table by the door, a steady stream of customers arrived to grab their takeout orders. This place is popular! read more

See all

I visited during the Juneteenth Festival, so the restaurant was understandably busy. Because of the crowd, the food took a little longer than expected to come out, but not excessively so. Most importantly, everything arrived hot and fresh, which I always appreciate when a restaurant is handling a large volume of customers. The service was friendly throughout my visit. The restaurant offers both dine-in and takeout options, with a good amount of seating available inside as well as televisions throughout the space. I ordered the four-piece wing meal, which came with two sides. I chose the collard greens and mac and cheese, along with the cornbread that came with the meal. The mac and cheese was the biggest disappointment for me. It was not particularly cheesy or flavorful, and it reminded me more of a stovetop boxed mac and cheese than a traditional homemade soul food version. It did not appear to be baked, although I could be mistaken. The collard greens were decent, but they also lacked some of the depth of flavor I was hoping for from a soul food restaurant. They were enjoyable enough, but not especially memorable. The cornbread was easily my favorite part of the meal. It was thick, moist, slightly sweet, and full of flavor. I would happily order that again. As for the wings, they were cooked very well. They were hot, juicy, and not dry at all. While I thought they could have used a bit more seasoning or flavor, the texture and preparation were excellent. One thing that did catch my attention was the dessert selection. Everything looked delicious, and if I were to return, it would likely be to try one of the desserts rather than another entrée. Overall, the experience was pleasant, and the staff handled the festival crowd well. While the food did not quite meet my expectations for a soul food spot, there were a few highlights, particularly the cornbread and the well-cooked wings. read more

Sweet Lisa's Cafe - Chicken wings and cornbread - Soul Food Near Me - Tulsa, Oklahoma

See all

I had been so excited to see Black Wall Street. After being irritated at knowing the history and just imagining how beautiful and thriving the area once was, I thought some comfort food would hit the spot. I had a vegetable plate after staring at the menu and only seeing protein options of fish (swai, catfish, talapia), chicken, or pork chop. Black eyed peas were good; cabbage was over cooked beyond recognition and was brown; green beans were too salty, which I exchanged for mac & cheese; and the fried green tomatoes were sliced sandwich thin--the fry coating might have been thicker than the actual tomato slice. All I could taste was the fried coating. Another order was whole fried catfish, catfish filet, wings, mac & cheese, and green beans; peach cobbler for dessert and blue Kool-Aid. The cobbler was ice cold, straight from the cooler with soggy crust, no cinnamon/nutmeg. My vegetables were luke warm. Best thing for me was the cornbread and peas. $50 on mediocre food. Such a let down. I expected so much more. Wishing I didn't have a 2 day reservation, I was ready to get back on the road and head home. read more

See all

The warm, friendly greeting as soon as we walked in the door just complimented the great food. The portions were plenty and flavor was right on point. So glad we made this our meal stop before strolling thru the Greenwood District (aka Black Wall Street). We did eat our meal there, a little tight, they are mostly designed for To Go orders. Will definitely come here again read more

Sweet Lisa's Cafe - Sweet Lisas café, Greeneood District, Tulsa, Ok - Soul Food Near Me - Tulsa, Oklahoma

See all

This is not a sit down and eat restaurant. It is more of a walk in order and leave, but the food looks delicious. The sweet potatoes are not overcooked still firm just how I like. Broccoli rice is decent Pork chops are humongous and the breading is tasty but should have been cooked less time. Yes, I would recommend that you go and maybe try something besides the pork chops or ask that they cut back on the frying time. Their dessert cabinet when you first walk in is very tempting ! read more

See all

Wow!!! Amazing food!!! We shared a catfish platter (3 pieces) with (2) sides, we had Mac n Cheese and Yams. It was a great time indeed!!! The service was super nice, great hospitality, it's a pick up n go spot but it's tables outside to eat at as well. It was nice to sit out and enjoy the late morning. read more

Sweet Lisa's Cafe - Menu - Soul Food Near Me - Tulsa, Oklahoma

See all

Sweet Lisa's is back!!!!!!! Temporarily Ok...so "the streets" are saying they took a hiatus and although this is my first time trying it - I was excited.... Visiting black wallstreet (greenwood) is a + The food is delish (always a +) The presentation is nice (a +) Seating / Parking is limited read more

See all

Visited Sweet Lisa's after the Greenwood museum - it is a takeout place but there are a couple of tables outside. We only had to wait about 15 minutes for our food to be ready and everything was really good! We thought the catfish was excellently cooked and was crispy with a good flavor. For our sides, we got the fried okra and Mac and cheese - both were good and what you would expect from soul food. The staff was really friendly, we will definitely be back when we visit Tulsa! read more

Sweet Lisa's Cafe - Fried catfish, okra, and mac and cheese - Soul Food Near Me - Tulsa, Oklahoma

Carry Out Only. No seating inside. I came down the historic Black Wall Street to find Wanda Js. But it was gone and in its place was Sweet Lisa's Cafe. And you know what, the fried chicken wasn't all that bad. I could be wrong, but the only fried chicken I saw on the menu were wings and breast. So I got three wings and two sides and a piece of cornbread. The wings were actually pretty good. They were really big wings so that was nice. I don't know that they brined the chicken before hand because I didn't taste a lot of flavor in the meat, but the breading was probably Flour and cornstarch. They were very crispy due to the cornstarch and they had a pretty mild flavor. Not a lot of seasoning which that's the way I prefer it. The sides were ok. I had cabbage and mac and cheese, and the cabbage was really flavorful and all was served hot, but just in a Styrofoam clamshell to go plate . I enjoyed the ambience of my truck and the music of my choice. Wished they would have had a dining area. I got three wings two side piece of cornbread and a bottle of water all for $18. That seems a REALLY high for just three wings carry out. But you'll have to decide that for yourself. I think $13 would have been reasonable. But then again, I'm not making those decisions. Times are tough, I get it. read more

Sweet Lisa's Cafe - 3 wings 2 sides, cornbread, bottle of water = $18 - Soul Food Near Me - Tulsa, Oklahoma

See all

Nice little soul food takeout spot in the historic Greenwood District. Traditional and delicious soul food eatery with classic fare for decent prices. read more

Fried Catfish: DELICIOUS! Candied Yams: DELICIOUS! Mac & Cheese: DELICIOUS! Collard Greens: DELICIOUS! My family and I are counting down the days until we travel through Tulsa again, so we can stop by Sweet Lisa's. The customer service is also efficient. (I forgot to snap a pic before digging in ‍) read more

The food put us to sleep as good soul food should. Everything was seasoned well and cooked to perfection. We enjoyed smothered chicken, catfish, burgers, chicken sandwich and several sides. Gave 4 instead of 5 stars because the desserts were disappointing. If I'm ever in town again I will definitely re-visit Sweet Lisa's Cafe for a hot delicious plate of southern comfort. read more

I have enjoyed food in this location from multiple owners over the years. This was the first time visiting Sweet Lisa's. My friend and I each got one the specials which that day was Chicken Fried Steak. The sides we choose were Mashed potatoes and Fried Green Tomatoes. We had a choice of Toast or cornbread. There is not much seating inside. Three or four small tables. We got one of them to soak in the ambiance. Some people got carryout and others choose to eat inside. There are a couple of small tables outside. Out food came in a "to go" styrofoam clamshell plate with plastic utensils. There was a regular stream of customers coming and going that day. The food was great. The steak was too large to eat everything there, so we opted to take it home with us. I really believe when I had it for lunch the next day that it tasted better than the day before. The service was great and my friend and I had a good time. read more

Our family would HIGHLY recommend stopping at this great restaurant! We had the fried wings, mac-n-cheese, and hamburger and fries. Everything was fresh, crispy and very delicious. If you have time, visit this place, it's legit! The staff were very polite and were patient as the menu had a variety of foods to pick from. Service was fast! read more

This has been the best food I've had since visiting the city. The wings and catfish were fried to perfection. The red beans and rice and the yams were amazing! read more

Sweet Lisa's Cafe - Catfish - Soul Food Near Me - Tulsa, Oklahoma

See all

The food was amazing, probably one of the best burgers I have ever eaten. Great atmosphere with music playing that was a real vibe. Highly recommend the burger if you do come here. A lot of fries at places like this are bland, but here they had a ton of flavor. read more

Was in town for work. Stopped off the Peoria exit to fill up gas and get some lunch before my flight. Saw Sweet Lisa's and it looked good! Ordered the fried chicken sandwich with Mac n cheese. Probably the best Mac n cheese I've ever had! Super good! The chicken coating (cornmeal maybe?) was super good, crispy with tender chicken. I wish there was some kind of sauce on the sandwich, was my only complaint but still very good. read more

Sweet Lisa's Cafe - Fried Chicken Sandwich Mac and cheese - Soul Food Near Me - Tulsa, Oklahoma

Mane, lucca here! Looked up "Sweet Lisa's Cafe" on Yelp to see what it was working with, but little did I know. Walked in and seen the menuI didn't know what to do, so I just started ordering. Got the catfish, green beans, and cabbage on one order, then ordered the (4) chicken wings, mac and cheese, and yams, OMG. FISH - crispy. CHICKEN - beautiful, if my plates were a woman, it would have been love at first sight. All I can say is - YOU DONT KNOW, until you KNOW! Go check them out. read more

Sweet Lisa's Cafe - Catfish, cabbage, and green beans! - Soul Food Near Me - Tulsa, Oklahoma

See all

If you're in the area definitely give this place a try. My wings were seasoned & fried to perfection! The sides were flavorful. My daughter said her catfish was crispy and well seasoned. We will return. read more

I love SOUL food and this is a great place for it but this place is so difficult to find. I drive around the plaza 2 times before I was able to locate it. The place is big but the sign is so small that one could easily miss. The food is great though. I had the catfish combo with broccoli and Mac and cheese for the sides. I would recommend the fried catfish. I also heard that the fried chicken wings are also good. They also serve neck bones here too. read more

See all

Sweet Lisa's will not disappoint if it's soul food you're looking for! It's A family owned business that I've been going to for years. On this trip I had 3pc catfish (2 fried & 1 grilled) dinner, sautéed broccoli & greenbeans. And 2 pc wings (yeah I was hungry). It was yummy as usual. The atmosphere is laid back and family friendly. The owners children participate in family business as well. Overall a great soul food experience read more

See all

Ordered fried catfish combo, the catfish was too stale also wanted to place an order of chicken breast they did not have any my next choice was wings and they were out! Service could've been better. read more

Remarkably good Oklahoma-style food here. The chicken fried steak and gravy is very good, as are the desserts. Get the banana pudding!

Soul Food, MOMMA's cooking, all the same this is some original everything made from scratch down home cooking. Call ahead and order if you need to go, but dine in is just as good as well! Chicken fry was crunchy and meat was just as big as breading, gravy was delish and Ol' fashion kind! Service was nice and friendly, inside was clean and fresh, and prices reasonable $9-11 for lunch plate plus drink. I will Be back for the Famed Fried Catfish and don't forget my hot sauce haha Yes pie and cakes and desserts for that sweet tooth as well read more

Sweet Lisa's Cafe - Chicken Fry mmmhhhh so delish - Soul Food Near Me - Tulsa, Oklahoma

Sweet Lisa's is the best soul food restaurant in Tulsa and a important business presence in North Tulsa. I highly recommend the fried whole catfish or the very large fried chicken wings. The meats are quite good and most of them are made to order. However the sides (a large staple on the soul food plate) are average. The beans are often under cooked. The greens are ok. The Mac and cheese is not quite cheesy enough. It lacks that nice browned crust on top. The staff is ok but not particularly warm or trusting. But that's another story. read more

Very good! We all had something different and it was all very good. Extremely run down and the fact that everything is in styrofoam is annoying but the good was excellent! Soul food at its best read more

Fish, fish, fish....you don't need to eat anything else here, but I bet if you ate the chicken or pork chops they'd be delicious. Seen this place on yelp with good reviews and as my husband loves fried fish (catfish and crappie) thought we'd give it a try. Unassuming place, almost didn't find it, kinda hidden in the corner of a small shopping center. Glad we did. This is our go to place for fish. read more

See all

This use to be the spot back in the day. Went the other day and I will not go back. Ordered fried catfish man n cheese and fried green tomatoes. Everything was fried in old grease. It was dark and the fish was fried wayyy too hard. Fried the fish so long I might as well had bought a bag of pork rinds. Only thing I enjoyed was the pink lemonade! read more

Their fried catfish is the best. The seasoning is so tasty. My sides were mashed potatoes & Mac & cheese. They were also so good. Highly recommend the catfish! I will definitely be back! read more

Great catfish but the red beans and rice were lacking flavor. I think they ysed canned beans!! I used to brag about the seared broccoli but I think they are using frozen instead of fresh. It was a soggy mess. The customer service is really lacking as well. The ladies at the counter are very short and curt. read more

I love there food!!! Everything was really good. The peach cobbler was so amazing. It was my very first time being in the famous Tulsa so I knew I really wanted soul food. The only disappointment I had is the girls in the front they weren't really nice and got an attitude because I asked for a receipt. If the owner had nicer staff I think she would be in a better position and have a perfect restaurant read more

BRUHHHHHHH!!! If y'all love you some got damn food...BRUHHHHH!!! COME THROUGH TO SWEET LISA'S MF CAFE!!! I'm 24 6'4 and weigh 300 lbs and this food had me full and all kinds of satisfied! From the fried catfish to the yams to the ALL AMERICAN MAC & CHEESE and I can't forget to mention the gahhh damn sweet tea and pink lemonade!!! EVERYTHING WAS STRAIGHT FIRE! The customer service is awesome and just the vibe of the place is awesome! I wish I took a pic of a plate with my food on it but it was just too good to let it sit much longer! Y'all gotta eat here b, it's lit! read more

Sweet Lisa's Cafe - Soul Food Near Me - Tulsa, Oklahoma

Great place to go if you want a home cooked meal without having to do the work. The fried catfish is really good and I always get the macaroni and cheese. They have a really large dessert selection too. read more

Fat Me likes the fried catfish and mac & cheese. Pork chops were ok but on the dry side. The crispy crust makes up for it somewhat. Skinny Me does not exist so Fat Me will be back to eat more. read more

Let me start by saying this is a 10 star restaurant. The 5 stars doesn't come close to the quality of food, the friendliness of the staff, and the personal and professionalism the owners display. The fish, the roast, the fried chicken and veggies all were amazing. We made more than one visit to this restaurant in our short stay in Tulsa. I live in Texas but I have never been treated with a smile and great service. You will not be disappointed. read more

Sweet Lisa's has a dynamite breakfast option. Sweet Lisa's participated in Tulsa's Best of Brunch and walked away with third place! They have great brunch options. They also continuously give back to community--my second favorite thing about them besides the food. For best of brunch they made a breakfast scramble, and it was my husband favorite meal offered. Give this place a try! It could be your new go to brunch spot! read more

I was served my food with a live ant on my plate. It didn't look all the clean. Perhaps soul food isn't for me. Friend had the fried porkchops and said they were good, but......that ant on the plate had me freaked. read more

The first time I came to sweet Lisa's I ordered the fried chicken wings they were a little on the Burnt side but the side's were good. About a year later I came back and tried the catfish which was really great very well seasoned and the fries were good too! Their Deserts are huge! But tasty! The staff are pretty friendly and Id recommend this to anyone! read more

From Cali to Tulsa ok. Me and my family Was looking for a soul food place and found this place and so glad we came! Great customer service & delicious food!! read more

I had the catfish with beans and fish, it was amazing. It was much better than what I had in NOLA. Would recommend this place to anyone.