With an eviction moratorium set to expire June 30, the city of Tulsa and its community partners working to prevent them, and increase knowledge of landlord/tenant rights and funding options.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Eviction Moratorium is set to expire at the end of the month, with a higher number of eviction cases expected to be heard in Tulsa County courts starting in July, the city said in a news release Tuesday.
The city and community partners are working to prevent evictions through various programs, such as the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) and the Gold Star Landlord program.
The city and its partners, including Tulsa County, Housing Solutions Tulsa, Restore Hope Ministries and Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma continue to work with judges and others to educate residents on the options available for those facing eviction, the release said.
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“The City of Tulsa has been more focused on eviction prevention over the last two years than perhaps at any other moment in our history,” Mayor G.T. Bynum said. “Through our Emergency Rental Assistance Program and Gold Star Landlord program, the objective is to work with both tenants and landlords to prevent evictions and homelessness of our most vulnerable and lower-income families.”
Since the launch of ERAP in March 2021, the City and Restore Hope have successfully distributed nearly $4 million in rental and utilities assistance to more than 1,000 households affected directly or indirectly by COVID-19 who have had difficulty paying rent and utilities.
“COVID-19 created a burden on so many of our neighbors,” said Jeff Jaynes, executive director of Restore Hope Ministries. “Tenants bore the weight of mounting debt and the fear of losing their home.
“Landlords were burdened by their own bills piling up and few places to turn. Our hope for ERAP is that we can release those burdens and help people look to the future again. With ERAP paying back debt and even some future rent, our hope is that Tulsans can once more dream of a better day to come.”
In addition to ERAP, the City’s Gold Star Landlord Program provides incentives and rewards for landlords and property managers who engage in the best rental practices. Currently, there are more than 12 Gold Star landlords in Tulsa.
“In the beginning of the pandemic our company had agreed that our company wouldn’t do any type of evictions,” said Scott Gordon, CEO of SLG Properties, “A lot of the tenants are families, and it’s important to allow and be able to meet their needs even in times of crisis because of the pandemic, it put them in a bad situation.”
Gordon, along with all other Gold Star landlords, are also part of the Early Settlement Mediation Program offered at no cost. The service offers tenants and landlords a way to voluntarily resolve disputes outside of a courtroom.
“The Early Settlement Mediation Program is an important resource to help landlords avoid the high costs of eviction, especially when a tenant has not paid rent,” City of Tulsa Housing Coordinator Kristin Maun said.
“A survey by Housing Solutions found that 75% of landlords rarely or never collected back rent from a tenant through an eviction judgment, and they incurred additional costs through eviction, including costs of preparing a unit for reletting and vacancy.”
The program has a 75 percent rate of settlement, and 94 percent of those settlements are successful.
More information about the Early Settlement Mediation Program can be found online at bit.ly/settlementmediation.
Restore Hope Ministries distributes $4 million in rent and utility assistance
Restore Hope Ministries has surpassed $4 million in rent and utility assistance through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), the organization said.
More than 900 applicants in the 20 eligible counties have received funds through the program, which assists landlords and tenants by paying past due rent, utilities (water, gas, and electric) and, in some cases, forward rent for up to three months.
Restore Hope received more applications in the first month of its launch than approximately ten years of requests prior to COVID-19.
Due to the enormous increase in applications, Restore Hope has made emergency adjustments, including staff increases, modifications to streamline the application process, and increasing website capacity.
Restore Hope prioritizes cases based on need, for example, prioritizing those with an eviction date.
More than 80% of the funds distributed have gone to families earning below 30% of the annual median income.
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The Tulsa Day Center will receive the first grant from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, the city of Tulsa and Tulsa Authority for Economic Opportunity announced June 21.
Our favorite patios and parklets to enjoy the warmer weather
Brook Restaurant
The Brook Restaurant and Bar
201 E. Second St.
An ideal place for people-watching, the ground-floor patio is open to the public. As always, we LOVE the cheese-fries.
The Goat
The Goat Bar & Kitchen
222 S. Kenosha Ave.
The patio area at this new addition to the East Village neighborhood wraps around two sides of the building, giving diners plenty of vantage points from which to watch life’s rich pageant. The food has a distinctive Middle Eastern flair, paired with its range of craft cocktails, wines and beers.
Queenie’s Plus
Queenie’s Plus
1816 Utica Square
Queenie’s Plus moved up the sidewalk this year to a larger space, complete with a much larger patio area that faces 21st Street. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a breakfast treat or lunch.
Roosevelt’s
Roosevelt’s
1551 E. 15th St.
The restaurant’s staff used the down-time to spruce up its patio area and space out the tables to put more distance between groups of diners. Otherwise, the same good vibes and fine foods remain at this Cherry Street hot spot.
Farm Bar
Farm Bar
1740 S. Boston Ave.
The Tulsa World’s pick as the best restaurant of 2020 has a covered patio outside its entrance, equipped with fans and heaters, to allow diners to savor chef Lisa Becklund’s 10-course tasting menu in the cool of the evening.
The Wild Fork
The Wild Fork
1820 Utica Square
The Wild Fork is another Tulsa landmark that took advantage of the lockdown to transform itself, with a completely renovated interior and slightly slimmed down menu. The restaurant’s sidewalk seating was also given a boost with new seating and an expanded footprint. The food — and the people watching — are just as good as ever.
Bird & Bottle
Bird & Bottle
3324 E. 31st St.
Bird & Bottle’s neighbors gave the restaurant permission to put tables out on the sidewalks to augment the small open space it uses for outdoor seating. It’s something of a secluded spot, but it’s likely you’ll be too focused on chef Stephen Lindstrom’s food to miss any people-watching.
The French Hen
The French Hen
319 E. Archer St.
The interior of the new French Hen is spectacular, to say the least. But the restaurant’s patio area gives one the sense of dining at a Parisian outdoor cafe in the middle of downtown Tulsa. Whether enjoyed inside or out, chef Kathy Bondy’s food is superb.
Lowood
Lowood
817 E. Third St.
One of Tulsa’s finest restaurants just happens to have one of the city’s finest patios. That’s one reason why it fills up quickly, as seating here is first-come, first-served.
Society Burger South
Society Burger South
9999 S. Mingo Road
One of the more spacious patios of any local restaurant can be found at this south Tulsa restaurant, where people can enjoy its specialty burgers and craft beers as well as a bit of the great outdoors.
The Chalkboard
The Chalkboard
1324 S. Main St.
What general manager Tracey Sudberry once described as the most under-utilized space in the Ambassador Hotel was transformed earlier this year with louvered awnings, fans and heaters, new tables and chairs, to create a comfortable space in which to enjoy the Chalkboard’s acclaimed cuisine.
Duet
Duet
108 N. Detroit Ave.
Duet’s patio also serves as the stage for many of the local, regional and national jazz acts that perform there regularly. But it’s also a good place to enjoy Duet’s array of good food and libations.
Big Whiskey's
Big Whiskey’s
4532 E. 51st St.
When this outpost of a small regional chain moved into town, it completely transformed the space once home to the Green Onion, adding a spacious patio on the building’s north side. It’s a good place to work one’s way through the restaurant’s extensive drinks menu.
Kai Vietnamese
Kai Vietnamese
201 W. Fifth St.
About half a dozen or so tables take up the patio area of this family restaurant, which is almost always full on pleasant days. Enjoy one of the variations of pho, the savory broth loaded with noodles and your choice of proteins.
Mother Road Market
Mother Road Market
1124 S. Lewis Ave.
Mother Road Market reopened its patio area to give its merchants who weren’t able at the time to handle curbside delivery a way to serve their customers. Now, with the market’s app, one can have just about any dish from any vendor delivered to one’s socially distanced table.
Arnie's Bar
Arnie’s Bar
318 E. Second St.
Arnie’s renovated its courtyard area last year, adding a stone fireplace and a mosaic of the classic “Lovely Day for a Guinness” image.
Elote
Elote
514 S. Boston Ave.
Libby Billings helped kickstart the parklet boom in downtown Tulsa, turning a parking space or two into a welcoming place to enjoy Elote’s signature puffy tacos and other area-sourced Mexican specialties.
Hotel Indigo's Roof Sixty-Six Bar and patio
Hotel Indigo’s Roof Sixty-Six Bar
121 S. Elgin Ave.
Hotel Indigo’s rooftop patio, home to the Roof Sixty-Six Bar, boasts some of the best views of Tulsa. Because the patio faces west, visitors are also able to grab epic sunset photos during their stay.
Cafe Ole
Cafe Ole
3509 S. Peoria Ave.
Cafe Olé has been a dining destination on Brookside for 30 years, serving up Southwestern-inspired cuisine with some Oklahoma flair. The “Tin Pan Tuesday” specials let you sample street foods for $2 each, and the housemade queso is a must.
The Penthouse Bar at The Mayo
The Penthouse Bar
Mayo Hotel, 115 W. Fifth St.
Almost 20 stories off the ground, what better way to enjoy a specialty cocktail and one of Tulsa’s phenomenal sunsets?
East Village Bohemian Pizza
East Village Bohemian Pizza
818 E. Third St.
This East Village spot has a cozy patio space that is the perfect place to enjoy some treats, such as the Craigie’s Angry Bee pizza, which tempers the bite of hot peppers with honey.
Amelia's
Amelia's Wood Fired Cuisine
122 N. Boston Ave.
Amelia’s offers patio seating in the heart of the Tulsa Arts District. Enjoy a glass of wine or one of the wood-fired pizzas while people-watching on the patio.
Rocking R Ranch House
Rocking R Ranch House
7501 E. Kenosha St., Broken Arrow
The Rocking R Ranch House at Forest Ridge Golf Club offers patio seating in nice weather. Try the Sweet Heat shrimp appetizer, featuring crispy shrimp tossed in a sweet and spicy aioli.
Laffa
Laffa
111 N. Main St.
Right in the heart of the Tulsa Arts District, Laffa Medi-Eastern Restaurant and Bar has a great patio to watch the world go by. Check out the Mezze Medley — small shareable plates with a huge piece of laffa bread. Our favorites are the West African hummus with sweet potatoes and peanuts, or the Anatolian labneh, a creamy yogurt dip.
Fassler Hall
Fassler Hall
304 S. Elgin Ave.
Enjoy a view of the Tulsa skyline at the biergarten at Fassler Hall. Grab a beer and an order of duck fat fries.
Dead Armadillo
Dead Armadillo Brewery
1004 E. Fourth St.
Grab a brew and relax in the outdoor area at Dead Armadillo Brewery.
Elgin Park
Elgin Park
325 E. Reconciliation Way
Pizzas dominate the menu of this family-friendly sports bar, with its 55 TV screens. One of the more unusual, but tasty, choices is the white potato — thin potato slices topped with pecorino cheese, rosemary and onion on a relatively thin and crispy crust.
Margaritaville
Margaritaville
River Spirit Casino Resort, 8330 Riverside Parkway
The patio of the Margaritaville restaurant is part of a triple-decker outdoor venue. Above Margaritaville is the Salty Bar, an area typically reserved for private events, with lounge furniture and a dedicated bar area. On the ground level is the Landshark Pool Bar, which serves the resort’s guests in the lounge pool and the hungry and thirsty trekkers along the River Parks trails.
Oren
Oren
3509 S. Peoria Ave., Suite 161
This stunning restaurant on Brookside features a plush patio that is perfect for drinks.
ol'Vine
ol’Vine Fresh Grill
3523 S. Peoria Ave.
The front patio is good for people-watching in Brookside, and the back courtyard has been popular among evening diners. Both are dog friendly. Try the shrimp and grits.
Stumbling Monkey
The Stumbling Monkey Bar & Grill
8921 S. Yale Ave.
The patio was the main reason owner Todd Billingsly took over the space that used to be Jameson’s Pub, to make it a venue for live music and televised sports, as well as dining.
Bricktown Brewery
Bricktown Brewery
3301 S. Peoria Ave.
Bricktown Brewery in Brookside specializes in local and regional craft beers. As for the food, the Loaded Nachosaurus is a perfect partner for a flight of beers.
Dilly Diner/Dust Bowl Lanes & Lounge
Dilly Diner/Dust Bowl Lanes & Lounge
402 E. Second St./211 S. Elgin Ave.
Guests can get a two-for-one deal here. The Dilly Diner courtyard has a bocce ball court, picnic tables and playhouses for the kids. The quirky Dust Bowl patio has artificial grass-covered sofas and spring stools. A walkway connects the two.
McNellie's South City
McNellie’s South City
7031 S. Zurich Ave.
This companion restaurant to McNellie’s Pub downtown has become a popular destination spot for south Tulsans looking for a great brew, outstanding pub food and a good time. We recommend the lobster roll or the top-flight fish and chips.
Los Cabos
Los Cabos Mexican Grill & Cantina
151 Bass Pro Drive, Broken Arrow
300 Riverwalk Terrace, Jenks
9455 N. Owasso Expressway
The three Los Cabos restaurants have amazing patios, but we’re particularly partial to the Broken Arrow location. Overlooking the water, it’s the perfect place to hear live music and sip a margarita. Our patio pick: the fried avocados.
Waterfront Grill
Waterfront Grill
120 Aquarium Drive, Jenks
This Jenks favorite sits right on the banks of the Arkansas River. With a diverse menu of sushi, salads, burgers and homestyle classics, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Try the Sunday brunch with an omelet station and fresh mimosas.
The Vault
The Vault
620 S. Cincinnati Ave.
The patio areas flank out from the second-floor, 1960s-retro themed Tom Tom Room and give diners a variety of downtown views. The Clipper Ship chicken is a free-range chicken with Cutty Sark beurre blanc, served with whipped potatoes and veggies.
In the Raw On the Hill/In the Raw Vu
In the Raw On the Hill/In the Raw Vu
6151 S. Sheridan Road, 309 E. Archer St.
Enjoy top-quality sushi along with sweeping views of Tulsa, whether from the On the Hill location atop one of south Tulsa’s highest points, or for the penthouse of one of downtown Tulsa’s newest additions, the Vast Bank building, just across the street from ONEOK Field.
Fat Guy's Burger Bar
Fat Guy’s Burger Bar
140 N. Greenwood Ave.
This patio, just outside Fat Guy’s and close to the gates to ONEOK Field, rocks on game days for the Drillers and Roughnecks. The Fat & Juicy burger features two beef patties stuffed with butter and blue or American cheese. Fries come with your choice of out-of-the-ordinary dipping sauces.
R Bar & Grill
R Bar & Grill
3421 S. Peoria Ave.
Diners flock to the patio at R Bar for the inventive food and great patio that sits on one of the busiest corners of Brookside. Try anything at weekend brunch.
The Rooftop
The Rooftop
214 S. Main St., Broken Arrow
This hot spot in the center of Broken Arrow’s fast-growing Rose District features spectacular views, along with craft cocktails, about 30 craft beers and excellent pizzas. Try the Rooftop Blues with artichoke hearts, blue cheese, bacon and a tomato-basil pesto.
Blue Moon
Blue Moon Cafe
3512 S. Peoria Ave.
This neighborhood spot is a funky place for breakfast or lunch. You can't go wrong with the quiche or yummy baked goods.
Doc's Wine and Food
Doc's Wine & Food
3509 S. Peoria Ave.
Try the shrimp and grits or the Creole scramble. And don't forget the Cajun Bloody Mary.
Brookside By Day
Brookside by Day
3313 S. Peoria Ave.
This classic on Peoria has what may be the best breakfast in Tulsa. Try any of the omelets and make sure to check out the chalkboard specials.
Tucci's
Tucci’s
1344 E. 15th St.
Tucci’s has been bringing a touch of Little Italy to Cherry Street for a couple of decades, offering a wide selection of specialty pizzas, pastas and entrees. Be sure to try the signature Lemonata salad.
Chimi's
Chimi’s
1304 E. 15th St.
Find Sonoran-style Mexican food with one of the best quesos in town. Get a frozen margarita, order the street tacos and take in the view of the skyline.
Mi Cocina
Mi Cocina
1342 E. 15th St.
This popular spot on Cherry Street is the place to be for a leisurely Sunday brunch or a happy hour Mambo taxi, a sangria-swirled frozen margarita.
Stonehorse Cafe
Stonehorse Cafe
1748 Utica Square
Chef Tim Inman’s innovative and satisfying cuisine makes this Tulsa restaurant a classic.
Broken Arrow Brewing
Broken Arrow Brewing Co.
333 W. Dallas St., Broken Arrow
The historic building formerly housed the Broken Arrow Light and Power Co. and Ice House building. It has an inviting patio with a fireplace.
Cabin Boys Brewery
Cabin Boys Brewery
1717 E. Seventh St.
Enjoy a variety of games and some of Tulsa's best beers on the all-ages patio at Cabin Boys.
Welltown Brewing
Welltown Brewing
114 W. Archer St.
This may be one of the nicest brewery spaces in Tulsa, with a rooftop to enjoy Welltown's beers.
Heirloom Rustic Ales
Heirloom Rustic Ales
2113 E. Admiral Blvd.
This Kendall-Whittier brewery is an elegant space to enjoy a beer, and the indoor/outdoor space flows seamlessly.
Inner Circle
Inner Circle Vodka Bar
410 N. Main St.
This Tulsa Arts District bar has an amazing patio with comfortable seating, easy access to food trucks and games like oversized beer pong and Jenga. Try any of the cocktails with house-infused liquors.
3 Tequilas Mexican Grill and Cantina
3 Tequilas Mexican Grill and Cantina
3308 S. Peoria Ave.
Chany Clacken drinks a margarita on the patio of 3 Tequilas Mexican Grill and Cantina in Brookside.
The Hunt Club
The Hunt Club
224 N. Main St.
A double-decker patio gives a bird’s-eye view of live bands and action in the Tulsa Arts District.
Empire Bar
Empire Bar
1516 S. Peoria Ave.
This is a great spot to have a drink with friends on a lazy evening.
George's Pub
George’s Pub
108 N. First St., Jenks
This comfy and festive outdoor patio is in the middle of downtown Jenks. It takes your worries away. Try the fish and chips.
Saturn Room
Saturn Room
209 N. Boulder Ave.
Take a trip to the islands with the tiki-themed Saturn Room, which has one of the best patios in town with sweeping skyline views.
