Terry Bowler
Google
Had a business lunch at Smoke Woodfire Grill in Tulsa, and while the food wasn’t quite what I’d hoped for this time, there were still plenty of positives that made the experience worthwhile.
We arrived right at 11 AM and were seated immediately, which was perfect for our meeting. The ambiance was warm, quiet, and inviting—ideal for a productive and relaxed business lunch.
Our server, Savannah, was absolutely fantastic. From the moment we sat down, she was friendly, attentive, and accommodating. She took our drink orders while we waited for the rest of our group, and stayed on top of things without being overbearing.
The menu offered a wide variety of appealing options, and I appreciated how thoughtfully it was put together. While waiting, the boss ordered the Fried Calamari and Potato Croquettes. The calamari was just okay—nothing wrong with it, but nothing memorable either. I didn’t try the croquettes, but they were well-presented and others at the table seemed to enjoy them.
I eventually chose the Reuben Sandwich, which is one of my all-time favorites. It arrived looking fantastic—generous portion, beautifully grilled marble rye, and a pile of fries cooked perfectly crispy as requested. But when I took a bite, something just didn’t sit right. The corned beef had an unusual seasoning—maybe allspice or something similar—that gave the sandwich an odd flavor. I asked Savannah about it, and she went straight to the kitchen to get clarification. She came back, explained what spices were used, she asked if I was allergic to any of those. I said no but told her the sandwich tasted odd. She immediately offered to replace the dish with something else. I declined, but she asked again—her commitment to making things right was impressive.
Interestingly, my colleague who ordered the same sandwich had a similar reaction, so I think it just wasn’t our kind of seasoning. It’s worth noting that I’ve eaten at Smoke before and had a fantastic meal, so I know this place can deliver great food. This particular dish just didn’t land for me.
✅ Easy, fast seating at lunch
✅ Great location and relaxing vibe
✅ Attentive and kind service—Savannah was excellent
✅ Thoughtful menu with a good range of options
❌ The Reuben was a miss due to unusual seasoning
Despite this one-off experience, I’ll definitely return to try something different. The service was exceptional, and everything else about the visit—from the atmosphere to the hospitality—makes this a place worth coming back to.