This Tulsa institution is what food reality shows dream of. Fantastic selection of standby menu along with seasonal fresh selections. This may not be a $5 lunch, but it also isn't a pretentious micro-serving hoity-toity place like Bodeans for example). This is a regular earthy place to get exceptionally great seafood. Definitely worth the drive and not out of the way if you're near the zoo. Last time I had an excellent tuna fillet fresh in from Hawaii. If the food inspires you to "try this at home" they have a market right in the store.
(5)
Sara S.
Despite being in a slightly shady part of Tulsa, this place was quite delicious! They had a wide selection of seafood to choose from, the menu including frog legs even, and there was a fresh fish market right inside the store. Not necessarily cheap, but definitely for the right reasons. Very down to earth. I had grilled salmon and popcorn shrimp with a side of mashed potatoes and onions rings. It came with hush puppies and a little bowl of butter. Although I found out that I was allergic to shrimp while dining there, the food was definitely worth it.
(4)
Bailey T.
*Technically 4.5 stars because for Tulsa seafood, White River is as good as it gets! I'm so happy I finally got to try this place - it's pretty out of the way and is definitely a hole in the wall, but it's so worth the drive. Definitely a Tulsa gem in my book! It's a little pricey for a dive, but you get so much food at such a good quality that I'd consider it an expense worth making. There are tons of options, but I went for the broiled snapper platter (which, along with the fish and two hush puppies, comes with two sides - I chose salad and a baked potato, but their onion rings looked amazing and definitely tempted me). I could barely finish it all, but I wanted to because it was all so yummy! The snapper was seasoned to perfection, and even though it came with a cup of butter, all I needed was a little lemon and it was great. The only reason I'm not giving it a full 5 stars is because the sides are pretty much just eh. The hush puppies were good albeit a little spicy for me, and the baked potato was good but no better than anything you could make at home - it though I appreciated that it came with sides of sour cream and butter without me having to ask for them. The salad was mediocre, basically just a bag mix with dressing on it, but I'm not very picky when it comes to salad sides so I was happy. But you should pretty much just come here for the fish and not expect the sides to be anything special - they're good, but definitely not 5 star quality. All the staff was super friendly and really contributed to the cool divey, local feel to the place. If you're in Tulsa and craving some authentic seafood, White River is the place to go!
(4)
Tom O.
Had the sea bass but I could swear it was tilapia even though they had fresh sea bass in the display case. The ones in the case were nice and thick and the piece I got was thin like a fillet of tilapia. Swap-o-rama It had good seasoning but was over cooked and dry. Salad was nothing special and the spicy rice was just ok. Hush puppies were dry and overcooked. Decor old and dated not much in the way of atmosphere. Smells a bit rank when you first walk in That said the fish looks fresh which is hard to find these days. I would try it again but I will pick out my fish next time to be sure. Not a good date place.
(3)
Jamie B.
I can not say enough about this place to all of my friends. Who would think that you could get such great fish in Tulsa. This is a must visit when I am in town. The Sea Bass is amazing and the oysters are a great way to start off your meal. Be sure to visit on Tuesday or Wednesday to get some lobster. The service is fast and friendly, and the prices are just right!
(5)
Tyrone S.
White river fish is what a fish place is suppose to be! Fresh cooked to order paradise! Not really super seasoned but just fresh made and the fish is left To its own flavoring! We love this place
(5)
Johnny S.
The history of this place is amazing! Line out the door at 11:45 am. I've heard no line after 1 o'clock in the afternoon. Specialty is fried fish dinners looks like 12.95 to 14.96 average price range. But you could easily share the dinners as they come with two sides and hush puppies. They have cups and bowls of gumbo or red beans and rice! If you like fried fish and Cajun type food you absolutely have to try this place! I know it's been around at least 30 years. 2 miles north of Admiral on Sheridan. They also have a separate fresh fish market for taking out the prices look reasonable to me.
(4)
Hannah B.
Delicious "hole in the wall." Don't let the outside fool you, the food is full of flavor! I came with a group for lunch and service was quick. I got grilled mahi mahi with a salad and rice.. It came with 2 hush puppies as well. Everyone at the table was very satisfied. It was extremely busy- must be a popular place in the area!
(4)
Katie V.
White River is the only place we go to get seafood. The food is WONDERFUL. They have a good variety of grilled, broiled, and fried fish options as well as wonderful sides. Every meal comes with hush puppies which are fantastic. I usually go for the shrimp or scallops with cole slaw and potato salad. I've also heard great things about their gumbo too. It's in a random location and the atmosphere leaves much to be desired but you come here for the great food. It is definitely casual. You go up to the counter to order and then they bring your food to your table. There is stark fluorescent lighting and the tables are grouped together oddly so you sometimes feel pretty close to the table next to you. But it's always busy so I guess they have to cram people in there! My only complaint is that around dinner time they start cleaning out some of the cases and the restaurant fills with the smell of chlorine - not very appetizing. But other than that, I love it!
(4)
Micheal P.
White River Fish Market looks suspect at best on the outside. Inside, it has all the charm of a no-name diner, but the fish they're slinging are top quality. First of all, it should be noted that this place costs more than you might expect. With tip and drink, my meal was $20. Second, you might feel like the fried options are the way to go. They're good, but the real treasure is with the broiled plates. So fresh! So perfectly seasoned! If you're going to pay $20 for a plate of fish, don't let a fried breaded covering hide the flavor! The sides are done well, so at the end of the day I didn't feel bad that I had paid $20 for my dinner. Still, the value isn't good enough to merit five stars.
(4)
Madelyn R.
Great seafood for a great price. You order at the counter, they don't take a name but always know who to give your food to, find a seat and wait for the goodies to come out. I would recommend this for lunch or dinner. Casual attire and a relaxing atmosphere.
(5)
Zachary W.
Perfection in simplicity and organization found in chaos. Perfectly describes this local favorite. I'm not the biggest fan of seafood and didn't really grow up eating it (fresh fish wasn't readily available in the middle of the Ozarks). However, through travels and becoming an adult, my taste buds have expanded and I like a good grilled or broiled piece of fish, scallops, shrimp and raw oysters. So White River Fish Market is probably something that I should have tried a long time ago, being that I've been in Tulsa since 2006. This place gets constant good reviews...on the national level. Well finally got around to going, just had to have the parents come in to babysit so the wife and I could have our first sans baby date night. The warnings about getting their early are true, because there will be a line. We lucked out, only having to wait about 10 minutes to place our orders. Advice would be to come after 7:30, where the traffic noticeably died down because I believe they close around 8:30. Anyways, I ordered the scallop dinner and got potato salad and green beans as a side, along with a half-dozen oysters. Wife got grilled halibut and a 1/4 lb of shrimp cocktail. After paying, you just find a place to sit. No ticket number, no table card or anything. Yet, soon after finding a table, we were served with a appetizer. No clue how it's done, but they seem to have established some sort of mind reading mechanism or slight of hand tricks, because without them, it would truly be a chaotic situation. Oysters were great, could really tell that they were fresh. Same with the shrimp and there was a lots of it. Scallops were broiled perfectly and light seasoned with Cajun spices and served with a side of drawn butter, which was unnecessary, but certainly welcome. Here again is where White River truly shined. The simplicity of how the scallops were cooked, just lead to the perfection of the dish. Meals seem pricey at first, but don't be fooled, the amount and quantity of food is worth it. You could easily pay the same at a fancy establishment and get something less worthwhile. Will definitely have to return.
(5)
Melissa B.
I'm shocked that this place is always packed. For a fish market I expected the smell of fish but wow! Quality vs price again, not impressed. My husband ordered the broiled platter. Fish was fishy, the hush puppies were very dense and lacked flavor. I ordered the fish sandwich. There was hair in the breading and on my sandwich. They did refund my money. Fries were not crispy but hot The highlight of the meal was the red beans and rice. We won't go back.
(1)
Cesar M.
This place is great Visiting a friend and he brought me here right from the airport. Had the fried combo, fish, scallops, shrimp, and other stuff that I had never seen before. Do not judge me, growing up in a semidesertic place the only seafood we had was ground, dried shrimps, LOL. Anyway, everything was great, sides were good and the fried goodness did not disapoint. Service was exellent, the guy at the register was super helpful and the girls taking the food the tables were really nice. One recomendation to their system and more for them than the customers is that you place the order and then they take the food to your table. I saw a couple of the girls having a hard time figuring out what table to take the food to, simple number system would take care of that. WRFM, good food, nice service and good prices
(4)
David J.
I don't usually make a habit of eating at 'hole in the wall' restaurants without first being referred by a reliable source. So it was with this place. My Dad recommended it. When we pulled up I thought to myself, based on the outside/inside atmosphere, what are we getting ourselves into...then it occurred to me there was a line 10 ft line of people out the door trying to get in. That's always a good sign. I was completely blown away at how good the food was. I got the catfish sample platter (not sure if that's what it was actually called) but it came with fries, hush puppies, crab cakes and scallops (and catfish of course). More than enough food to get the job done. Everything was incredible! Fresh, cooked perfect, looked great and tasted even better than it looked. I will definitely be going back. I left one star off due to atmosphere, which is probably how they keep costs reasonable, aside from that, 5 stars all the way.
(4)
Ballbuster F.
Best seafood in Tulsa and very fair prices for a whole lot of food. Huge shrimp was fantastic and my wife Lobster was out of this world. If you have read some of the other reviews, it is out of the way and the building is not the greatest. REMEMBER do not judge a book by its cover, definitely rings true here. The only thing I wasn't pleased with was the potato salad, that could of been better. We will be making this a weekly trip.
(5)
John J.
If you're in the mood for some excellent seafood, this is the place to go. White River has many delicious options, but many are deep fried - it may not be good for your heart, but it's absolutely delicious. I had the pleasure of tasting several different dishes from White River Fish Market. I tasted fried catfish, fried clams, and fried shrimp. The shrimp were the perfect mix of fishy meat and crunch. I also love the flavor of clams and oysters - I could definitely taste the freshness of the clams. I don't usually like catfish, but I tried it this time and it was excellent when dipped in tartar sauce. The sides are just as good. I tasted the red beans and rice, potato salad, and hush puppies. I didn't love the red beans and rice, but it received great reviews from the rest of my table. The potato salad was excellent, with a rich mayonnaise flavor. The hush puppies were big, crunchy, and flavorful. I could have eaten about twenty of them. Overall, it's not a really fancy place - it's very casual. The portions are generous so there is always plenty to take home. The only major downside to this restaurant is that it's not in a convenient location (north/east Tulsa) and the parking lot leaves a lot to be desired. Still, I highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)
Ambs W.
Legit fish market. Fresh fish and you can take some home to cook for dinner, so bring your cooler! Order at the counter and grab a seat. Hush puppies were great. Fried shrimp poor boy was average (I've had some stellar po'boys in San Diego, so they had stiff competition). My grandma's stuffed crab was good and my uncle's boiled shrimp looked great. I'd recommend ordering something non-fried in hindsight. You're not going here for ambience, by the way. It's a fish market that serves food. I'm glad I went but wouldn't necessarily need to go back again.
(3)
Tasting T.
LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS PLACE! It is order at the counter but you still get friendly service. THe food is awesome and fresh though we are in Oklahoma. I have been coming to this place since I was a little kid and I will keep going for as long as they are open!
(5)
David E.
This is a little gem. Granted, the outside looks a bit worn but the jam packed parking lot was the first clue. The seating is almost family style with long tables along with individual tables mixed in. You go and order at the counter and then they bring your food out to you. It has a homestyle cafeteria feel to it but the food is rock solid. I had the broiled seafood plate - tilapia, shrimp and scallops. Man it was very very tasty. Everything was cooked to perfection and seasoned well. I hate under and overcooked fish but it was just the right amount of flakiness. It is also a fish market so you walk by their seafood case with giant flounder, huge crab legs, etc. It didn't smell like a fish market so you know it's fresh. It's on my list the next time I get back to Tulsa.
(5)
Jason C.
Family took me here while in town. Great food at good price. The combo plate are good but the grilled fish was great.
(5)
Taneisha G.
The first time I checked in, the power had went out and I couldn't order any food. I was really sad because I saw other customer's plates and the food looked really good and fresh. Today I had the fried perch combo with the onion rings and spice rice for $11.89. Everything was great. The hush puppies were to die for. The rice was seasoned very well. The fish was nice and crispy. The food was very filling.
(5)
Kelli A.
Great food! And we tried almost everything on our first visit: the broiled platter with shrimp, tilapia, and oh the scallops), the fried catfish, the broiled flounder, potato salad, double Cole slaw, beans and gumbo. We can't find anything to complain about. But I love an out of the way or off the beaten path, strip mall, laundry mat feeling kind of place. Every piece of seafood was cooked perfectly. The service was fast, super friendly and accommodating. We arrived at 2pm so there was only a small line. It did not smell fishy at all like one reviewer commented. What an awesome place. I'm so sorry we don't have time to stop again on our way through back to Denver.
(5)
Scott B.
This place is the best! Long lines, but worth the wait. Food is on point and service is fast. Love the broiled whole flounder!
(5)
Beth O.
Fish kabob great with very fresh fish. Excellent onion rings. Fresh, cold tomato wedges are a good side but wouldn't recommend the green beans. Lobster tail above average. Looks can be deceiving -- looks like a whole in the wall, but tasty food, very nice staff and was worth the drive that's a bit off the beaten path.
(4)
Glenn K.
First visit on Good Friday 2015 about 7:30. WhiteRiver closes early 8:30 on Friday and Saturday. The place was packed with a line of about 30 diners. But the staff moved us quickly so we were seated in 15 minutes. This place is a Market first is what you have to remember but I am reviewing the restaurant . 3 solid stars for the experience and food. The facility is worn but functional. Black duct tape on some of the booth seats is an indication their priorities are not on appearance. Our party of 3 had a fried shrimp platter (the girls shared) and I had the Catfish&Shrimp platter. You get two sides with and two Outstanding ! HushPuppies. Really outstanding. The catfish fillets were battered but a very thin crunch and not cornmeal based . The fish was very good and fresh tasting. However Very disappointed because I'm sure the shrimp were not fresh but breaded and frozen from the factory. Butterflied,battered, frozen and definitely not wild caught but farm raised. That said they were ok once you dipped them in the thin cocktail sauce provided. The 4 sides we chose were a baked potato,cole slaw,onion rings and pintos. Huge portions and all deserve high praise for being homemade fresh and seasoned well,Another huge disappointment in no Beer no wine no nothing except $2.45 iced tea. TheStaff? The staff takes your order at the counter then you pay and find a table. They bring your food and then that's it. We had to hail a passing waitress for a refill. But she checked on us a second time so I didn't feel ignored. I want to like this place more but it will take another visit.
(3)
Scott K.
Outbound flight? Eat here! Three minutes from the Tulsa International Airport terminal you can have truly excellent seafood. Wide selection, with your choice of fried, broiled or grilled, and a choice of two great side dishes. It would be nice if they served beer and wine but I guess we can't have everything. I fly out of Tulsa every week and don't like Tulsa's in-airport restaurants, for several reasons, but love White River. And... you won't find a more friendly waitstaff anywhere.
(5)
Tap S.
This was my first time in Tulsa so this restaurant was highly recommend! At first glance its a whole in the wall place but once you're in there you feel right at home. The staff was very friendly and was well engaged with me and my group of 8. We had no clue what to order but the staff explained the menu and the sides that we could choose. Once we placed our orders we then found seating and had our drinks brought to us by one of the nicest servers. She was an older lady with a great sense of humor as we were able to share laughs. The restaurant has the freshest selection of seafood I've ever seen and at a great price. I ordered the sea bass with a side of rice and a fresh salad. The food was amazing. I must say the kitchen staff is quick because we did not have to wait longer than 25 minutes while it was crowded to get our food. What made it even better was the desert! We had quite a few options of cheesecake and pumpkin pie to choose from. If you are looking for fresh seafood and good lighthearted conversation then look no further!
(5)
Debbie V.
incredible seafood! I had the fried shrimp, hushpuppies, spicy rice and green beans. my husband had the fried clams, fries and coleslaw. my son had the broiled trout, rice and onion rings. everything was so delicious . my son was impressed with the amount of food we got. my husband and I have plenty of leftovers plus we picked up a quart of gumbo to go for later at their seafood market. casual atmosphere. definitely one of the best seafood places around.
(5)
James R.
Been eating here since i was a kid. The place has grown quite a bit over the years. As a fish market for being in the middle of the country it is not too bad. Obviously it can't be compared to a coastal fish market but they have a decent selection. Lunch and dinner can expect to be packed. The meals are decently priced, everything is cooked I believe except for maybe some oysters. A tuna steak meal with two sides and hush puppies comes to just under $20. Be sure to tell them how you want something cooked or it will come out the way THEY want to cook it. For example if you get the tuna steak unless you say otherwise it tends to come out well done where as I prefer mine just seared and mostly rare. All in all a good Tulsa tradition.
(4)
Steph B.
Unbelievable. I've been flying to Tulsa for years and never ate hear until today. This is the best seafood and at a reasonable price. You would think you you were on the Gulf Shores and not Tulsa.
(5)
Sarah M.
You know what? There was nothing fishy about this place. I was welcomed aboard and loved every second of my experience here. True statement: I'm juuuuussstttt starting to like fish. Right now, I'm known to only have sushi and have not truly enjoyed anything else... until NOW! I had the opportunity to schedule a lunch meeting with a great guy and told him he could choose where we went. I'm not gonna lie, when he told me this was his choice I was nervous. I told him what a big deal it was that I was going to get fish and he assured me to trust him. There are other menu items like chicken, but I went for the grilled tilapia which came with two delicious hushpuppies and two sides of choice -I chose pinto beans and french fries. The fish... didn't have a fishy aftertaste and I dominated the plate while enjoying ever tender bite. The accompanied sides were perfect and of plenty! Next time, I will split a meal with a friend. The service was killer. Every. single. person, who served us was all smiles and that translated into a comfortable and kind atmosphere. When I told someone it was my first time dining here and I loved it, he went and got me a complimentary slice of heavenly pie and said "Welcome aboard!" I'm all aboard!
(5)
Ash S.
Service was amazing. Never had an empty glass. I ordered the grilled mahi-mahi. It was a touch over cooked but still had excellent flavor. I had a side of pinto beans, which were excellent (almost as good as my grandma's). I also had a side salad. However, the lettuce was brown and a little soggy. The hush puppies were outstanding. All in all I would definitely go back and it's worth giving it a shot!
A Tulsan who knows about White River Fish Market is a Tulsan you can trust. Classic soul food with whole fish. Choose a fish, ask for "broiled" or "fried", pick two sides, and you're set. The fish are flown in daily, just like Bodean's. I always get the Flounder - you have to work through the bones but it's worth the time. Tilapia is much more manageable if you're a little skeptical of eating fish right off the bones. Cafeteria style tables encourage you to get friendly with your neighbor, but there are smaller tables for those who'd rather eat with their group. Parking lot is always packed and you never know who you'll run into. I was there most recently with a newbie. She told the manager it was her first time at White River and he gave us a free piece of pie. Holy Nemo - that slice of pie was heaven. Lemon zest, buttermilk pie. My mouth is literally watering right now. Bring your wallet for this meal - your meal will cost you between $15 and $20 per person - but it's a big meal and it's worth it. Friendly staff | Unique Tulsa Experience | Delicious soul food
(5)
Kristi E.
Fried fish doesn't usually appeal to me but I had to try the combo -- catfish, scallops, shrimp, stuffed crab. The catfish was probably the best I've had anywhere. Really fresh and not greasy at all. I don't know if the tartar sauce is homemade but there was something addictive about it. Definitely a fun local spot with southern flair. Sides were just okay (which is why I'm giving four stars).
(4)
Vikki M.
It was ok for the price I thought we'd get better I've been really wanting to go try the lobster cuz I've never had lobster and I wasn't impressed the lobster tasted like a gooey duck :( I will not be returning sadly ......
(3)
Geary J.
If your looking for seafood style home cooking you've found it. White River has been a go to place for us for over 30 years. Each dish cooked fresh and served hot and fast be a friendly staff. One of my Cajun friends swears by their jambalaya! Their onion rings are huge!
(5)
Luis T.
This is the second time I have been here. I came here a year ago when I drove down from Kansas City, and this place left me with wanting to come back. Fantastic fish and seafood.
(5)
Aaron W.
I am BLOWN AWAY with this place! As we show up, the parking lot is FULL. We were able to find a spot fairly quick and were excited as a full parking lot is usually a GOOD SIGN that this place will be great! We walked into the restaurant and the place was PACKED. Several people were enjoying some of the FRESHEST fish that I have seen in a long time! The restaurant was clean and a little run down however, I think it added to the ambiance of it being a fish market. As we got ready to order our food we were able to see a gorgeous assortment of fish, scallops, shrimp, frog legs and more! The staff was very friendly and professional. I ended up keeping it fairly simple and ordered one of my favorite fish, the fried Catfish and Shrimp. Along with this order I was able to get 2 sides free, so I chose their seasoned rice and green beans. We all sat down and waited for a few mins then the Calvary of food started to pour out of the kitchen. WOW did it look great! The green beans looked freshly picked and steamed. Every bite was filled with an onion, bacon flavor and the beans were cooked perfectly. The Rice was not sticky and had a nice light spicy flavor that worked well with the green beans and the main course. The Catfish was AMAZING. I will have to say that this catfish looked and tasted like it had just been caught, skinned and fried in the few mins that my meal was prepared. The Catfish was crisp on the outside and warm and moist on the inside. It needed nothing but to be eaten the way it was, perfectly seasoned and UNFORGETTABLE. The Shrimp was butterflied and fried to perfection as well. The only issue that I had with this whole AMAZING meal is a personal preference of mine. The tarter sauce was good but to me had to much onion. Instead, I used some malt vinegar to eat my hushpuppies. They were a little dry but they were very flavorful and the malt vinegar gave them the moisture that they lacked. Even though I have said a few minor things, I don't see this restaurant receiving anything less than 5 stars! IT WAS THAT GOOD!
(5)
Sunshine I.
The 5 stars is for the red beans and rice. Do yourself a favor and order a bowl. Friendly staff and good service.
(5)
R H.
Top notch! I was not expecting to find such a gem in the armpit of Ttown, but Yelp strikes again. Great customer service, fast paced environment. It seems like they are going to mess everything up, and then it is all perfect. I had the catfish dinner and my pal had the whole grouper. Everything was excellent from the Chicken and Shrimp Gumbo to the entrees to the sides. Excellent Hushpuppies. I will be back everytime I have to catch an afternoon flight out of Tulsa. I didn't read the history, but my buddy told me he read somewhere that this place had been there since the 30's or 40's, and no doubt why... The fish was excellent, fast, and fairly affordable(for those of you who concern yourselves with cost of delicious food.).
(5)
Staci M.
Wow, two disappointments in one day! I ordered the fried combo. Two scallops, two hush puppies, a stuffed crab, and two shrimp, cole slaw and baked potato, all for $15.00 bucks. The scallops could of had great potential, had they not been so greasy. The scallop itself was very succulent, it was just too greasy and left a puddle of grease on my plate. The other fried items were nothing to brag about. Kinda bland and the batter was not the yummy cornmeal and pepper kind. With that said.....the baked potato, hush puppies and iced water were the best items consumed. I will not be back, unless it is to purchase items from the seafood counter, to prepare on my own. And all the positive reviews for this place, not sure why? It really makes me wonder what quality of food folks are use to? If you know how to cook and do so yourself, you will understand that the food here is just ok and you can do way better at home on your own, for half the price.
(2)
Tom H.
This is going to be a standard stop when in Tulsa for business. This is a must if you are a seafood fan. Get in line to pick your meal from the seafood case, then how to have it prepared: broiled, fried or grilled. My broiled whole flounder was perfect! My companions had the grilled shrimp and the whole rainbow trout. Nothing fancy just fresh nicely prepared. I'm not a fan of hush puppies but they do have them. Sides are what they are: side dishes. The star of the meal is the fish. They even have a fish market/case at one end to purchase and prepare at home. Very casual. What a treat!
(4)
Emily F.
White river fish market is an excellent place to get fish. I ordered the grilled sea bass and it was cooked perfectly with a flakey texture and a good flavor enhanced by just the right amount of seasoning. The sides on the other hand were pretty bland and nothing special. Overall it was a nice meal.
(4)
David B.
Pretty average today for lunch. Remember it being much better. Ordered some fried cod with fries and onion rings and was pretty disappointed. The fish was chewy, the fries were limp and the onion rings were pretty embarrassing (the worst I've ever seen). Maybe I caught them on a bad day, but I won't be back for a while. Too bad.
(2)
Nancy R L.
Good, good, good and fresh. The selection of seafood is great and cooked a couple different ways to meet the pallet of those who like it fried, broiled or grilled - AND the prices are reasonable. The average meal is +/- $15. My only disappointment was that they were out of oysters (and at $7 a half dozen it was truly a disappointment). The atmosphere is one of familiarity. Family style seating with friendly folks (there are some window booths and tables for 2-4). Service is expedient and the food is hot. As a visitor a long way from home this place is truly welcoming. Make sure if you're in the area to grab a bite here.
(4)
Heather A.
Unfortunately the hype did not meet expectations :( The meal was quite expensive for the taste. I got broiled shrimp. It was super chewy and seemed like the seasoning was just sprinkled on top which made the flavor of the shrimp taste like it had previously been soaked in tap water. My husband got smoked salmon which tasted like liquid smoke smeared on both sides, no flavor soaked in :( The green beans were from a can, not even fresh. And the hush puppies were as dry as croutons.
(1)
Will M.
Lots of fresh seafood everywhere. Definitely a hole in the wall but you can tell they take a lot of pride in the cleanliness and freshness. I had the shrimp PoBoy. I had to ask for mayo - most of the ones I get usually already have mayo. The fried shrimp was good and the sandwich overall was good. I also had potato salad - it was just ok. The fries were pretty good but not great. Definitely worth a trip and a good value. Not a fancy place and in a little bit of a rough area.
(4)
Amy K.
A coworker and I were given a tip to hit this place up for lunch. It was definitely worth it! I ordered the broiled sampler that had tilapia, shrimp, and a bunch of sides. The value is definitely there, and the service was fantastic. They have plenty of choices (many of which are fried), and also sell fresh/frozen seafood. I can't speak of the prices, but it definitely looked legit! This will be a staple!
(5)
Mary S.
Horrible management! I arrived at 8:04! And was turned away, the place full of people and workers still preparing food for people who arrived 4 min. Ago. I am from out town, never been to Tulsa. Horrible welcome to this city. Frankly I'd never come here again!
(1)
Steven S.
There is nary a place In Tulsa where such delicious fish can be had. Nearly any fish item you get will be perfect and delicious. The Seabass is great, catfish and shrimp, swordfish, k bob, flounder; basically you can't go wrong. The sides are great homestyle sides; but be wary of the tomato slices, salad. The red beans and rice are the best I've had, coleslaw and pinto beans are also delicious. Wonderful hush puppy's The buttermilk pie is tart and more like a lemon chess, perfect ending. I could sit in here and people watch for hours (and have) it's just great.
(5)
Chris V.
If you stay near the airport this is the only nearby restaurant. It's in a rough neighborhood but don't let that stop you from going. It's a seafood market were it's not only a restaurant but actually sell fresh fish. I ordered the sea bass grilled and it was pretty good, the fried food everybody else ordered looked delicious. Did get the red beans and rice as my side it was ok. You don't really expect much from a seafood restaurant in the middle of the country but this little spot was a surprise.
(4)
Donna H.
I am relying on my husband to judge the quality of the fish, since it would be fine with me if I never saw another fish. The broiled combo shrimp and scallops were tender and tasty. The tilipia is mild fish and I think was better fried than broiled. The hush puppies are spicier than the usual hush puppy, my husband like them, I didn't. The salad was a non fancy iceberg salad and the potato was a nice size with butter, I didn't use the sour cream. The potato salad was creamy and pretty good. The cole slaw was good. It did smell like fish today and my husband chose to sit over by the market counter, which is where the odor was the strongest. :( The big negative was it was cold inside. I asked them to turn the fans off and they did. All the employees were especially nice today. The two cashiers know how to take orders for the the line that was going out the door. Burn Company could take some lessons in order management.
(4)
Jeffrey R.
White River is easily the best seafood on the north-side of Tulsa, and other than atmosphere- rivals any seafood restaurant in town. They've been in the same location for decades, and as such, are the only business on this side of town where older ladies can be seen standing in line, down the sidewalk- after dark. Very close to the airport, so take advantage during a long layover if you're not a local. The Roughy/Shrimp combo is recommended, as well as the gumbo. While you're at it- take home some fresh salmon from their market.
(4)
Anthony L.
Lets see, paramedics arrive as I get here and the sweet old woman in line next to me say "I'm just glad it isn't me" CLASSIC! Anyway, the food and service was great
(4)
William Randolph B.
Fresh and scrumptious grilled, broiled, or fried fish of many choices. In an older part of town but the reason is the airport cargo road is a mile away. Fresh means quick, and the location ensures that. Broiled Lobster tail is my favorite, next is fried giant butterflied shrimp. Fun casual place to eat. Always busy, but more so on Fridays. Group long table seating areas available 1st come 1st served.
(5)
Michele P.
Amazing seafood! Who knew Tulsa, OK could have a place with good fish? The hubby and I dropped in to town for a football game. Followed Yelp to this hidden gem! Don't let the neighborhood appearance fool you, this place was great! We had the tilapia combo: broiled tilapia, shrimp, scallops. Sides of cole slaw and tomatoes. The hush puppies were soooo worth the calories!!! If you're ever in Tulsa, come by! You won't be disappointed!!
(5)
Trey H.
A true Tulsa classic.... If you want the freshest seafood, this is the place.... I don't like them, but all my friends say that their oysters are DELICIOUS.... I have never smelled anything fishy in here... it is always clean, fresh, and busy as hell.. I ordered the grilled Mahi dinner, which was great... I was with good friend Ben and his gal Jennifer... they got the oysters and some really good shrimp dish I was uncertain of.. Great place, all their food is good, and they have the best hushpuppies you can find..
(4)
Jose L.
I enjoyed the taste of the fresh fish. This is my favorite fish restaurant. I loved it!!!
(4)
JL R.
Fantastic! Fresh fish and seafood in Tulsa...I was so pleasantly surprised. Here on business with colleagues and they said it is a must. They were right! I had the scallops and they were cooked perfectly. The amount they give you is more than enough along with two delicious sides. The line is long but moves fast and the staff is attentive and friendly. I would eat there everyday! If you're not close, it's worth the ride.
(5)
Jeremy M.
Me and my wife Not usually a big fish eaters but love this place and pretty much all there fish recommend it to everyone else who really don't like fish you will love it also
(5)
Jerry G.
As long time customers to this Tulsa original, we're never disappointed. Unassuming and simple, this is where to go for plain old good food. Although a large percentage of their menu is fried seafood, the grilled dinners are excellent - my favorite is the halibut. Whenever I'm in north Tulsa, a stop to the market is a treat - a tremendous assortment of fresh fish. 5 stars because it deserves it.
(5)
Simon L.
A friend took me to this restaurant and I had never heard about it. The store/restaurant was nice and they seemed to have a good selection. When we received our food, they were brought out one at a time. I ordered the catfish and shrimp meal with french fries and onion rings. The food was bland and wasn't very tasty. The onion rings were over fried. I don't think I'm likely to returns to this restaurant, but over all cleanliness was great.
(1)
Matt E.
Not bad but I think it is a little over rated. I had the tuna steak and it was very dry. I will probably give it another chance though but will order something different.
(3)
Steve A.
I am here once a week every time I'm in town. It really is a Must eat place... Great Tuna and everything else.
(5)
Alex D.
I love this place over and over. It's in the ghetto so bring your concealed carry! The food is worth it. Scallops are the best you'll find.
(5)
Fuk Y.
We had the broiler seafood combo and the fish skewer. Everything was excellent. Ah, hush puppies were very good . Once I started on this one, I could not stop eating.
(5)
Ross G.
Was in the Tulsa area on vacation and quickly feel in love with the place. We actually came twice to try a different item and was never let down
(5)
Charles C.
I had the kabob, spicy rice and cole slaw. The fish was bland. The rice was bland. The cole slaw was bland. The hush puppies were cold. The tea was good. But that hardly makes up for the cafeteria like taste of the other dishes. I've eaten seafood in New Orleans and Houston. This seafood was way below anything in those cities. Disappointed. Will never eat here again.
(2)
Trevor H.
I love driving across the 38th parallel (ok, 17th St. North) to find the hidden treasure (hidden from me at least) in the run-down shopping center. As will immediately be apparent from 1145-on at lunch time--from the completely full lot--this place must be pretty good. So it was. For ~ $15 per you're going to get a huge lunch--entree, hush puppies, and two sides. Prepare. Wife had grilled shrimp and I the grilled Halibut ("just for the halibut, right ?"). Philosophy on seafood is that i could get a fried plate at Capt D's, so I'm going to try fish unencumbered by breading/ grease. Shrimp - 4 stars; good flavor, just enough seasoning. Halibut - 3 stars; I ordered based upon the favorable reviews & also bc halibut is a naturally oily fish--thinking it would be a worthy test of their grilling ability (no blackening this day). Flavor was on point, though sadly it was overcooked (the risk of grilled fish). Sides - 3 stars avg (fries and coleslaw was better; beans ok. Ambiance - 3 stars--crowded lunch joint. Service --5 stars; friendly, they make a note of what you order & where you sit. Server walked straight toward our table. Missing the chaos that one expects at a BBQ joint: you don't have to stay vigilant here to make sure your food doesn't get claimed : - ) Verdict: good for a big, hungry-man's lunch when you have an hour & a half roundtrip (if you're coming from downtown). Probably a special occasion lunch. But worthy of the commitment.
(4)
Garen M.
Great fish this far inland??? White River has it! Go for the food, not the location or the atmosphere. Sketchy part of town, dumpy looking place, spartan interior, but GREAT FISH. They start with a wide variety of good fresh flown-in fish and offer it served fried, grilled, or broiled. Good seasonings and delicious sides. The servers are exceptional and very friendly. There is also a fresh fish market in the building. I had the privilege to sit near the market while eating and was amazed at the knowledge and service of the fishmongers. If you like fish, this is a good place to go. You'll always find a good crowd of fellow fish lovers.
(4)
Camille A.
Hush puppies were yummy so was the catfish!
(3)
Patti S.
Just had lunch here with my husband yesterday. OMG! It was great!! Food was good, place was clean, fresh, no fishy smells, bathrooms were clean!! We will be back, you can count on it!
(5)
John S.
Well this place looks like in a dump and what a crappy area around here, but lots of fresh fish, flown in daily I am told. What lines tonight, did I miss something? Shrimp cocktail had big deveined prawns of no flavor and "interesting texture" I have not noted before in "fresh shrimp". The Gumbo was bland and shrimp used were tiny that reminded me of bagged dried shimp I've only seen at Louisiana convenience stores. Hushpuppies, fried onions mediocre and not edible to my taste. Fried fish of several types tried was all very good especially the "whole catfish", but broiled fish lacked a lot. The broiled Salmon and Halibut had "very soft" textures I haven't experienced before in these fish and flavorless. The Mahi-Mahi was OK at best. If you like fried fish, give this a try. Servive was excellent and friendly, servers here are real pros as this place bustled.
(2)
Russell M.
This place is a true "find"! Thanks to previous Yelp reviews, I tried it for dinner tonight. Great food, service and host! Catfish when done right doesn't need a sauce or anything and theirs sure was done right! Gumbo was amazing and best hush puppies ever!! I'd give more thumbs up if I had more than two!!!
(5)
Daniel B.
White River is one of my top favorite restaurants in Tulsa, and has been for several years. Yes the interior is nothing to write home about, it is in a somewhat sketchy part of town, and the entire restaurant smells like fish...but all of these things add to the experience! They have a huge selection of seafood that can be prepared in a variety of ways, whether it be grilled, broiled, fried, etc. My personal favorites are the fried jumbo shrimp, grilled halibut, or (if you want to work a little bit), the fried whole flounder. Gumbo is a must have before any meal...and sweet potato pie is mandatory after meals. Show up on Tuesday or Wednesday nights for lobster tail dinners, which I believe will set you back about $22. As others have mentioned previously, this is the freshest seafood in Tulsa...I am assuming this is due to the close proximity to the airport. I highly recommend White River to any seafood fan. This place is also an excellent spot for people watching, as the clientele is as diverse as the selection of seafood!
(5)
James W.
Good eats, loved it
(5)
Debra C.
Absolutely delicious! Was visiting Tulsa on business and our local office Mgr recommended we go........I was skeptical about going anywhere for fish in a state that has no beach. But was wrong......absolutely fresh and delicious. You know it's fresh when you walk in and you don't even smell fish. Shrimp po-boy and gumbo were great......only downside was it was served with cocktail sauce no remoulade. (And they really need to put forth the effort and make a decent cocktail sauce instead of the mass produced version they have.......the fish is So outstanding its almost a crime to put the cheapo sauces they use on it.......and cocktail sauce with no horseradish?? Bummer..) for that reason alone...4 stars. The gumbo was delicious....very flavorful and loaded chicken, sausage and shrimp. The grilled halibut and swordfish were unbelievable. Always packed so you know it's got to be good.
(4)
Dore A.
Great fish and onion rings. Had broiled flounder, which I highly recommend. Husband got the fried combo and though I am not a catfish fan even that was good. Great stuffed crab. Rough part of town, not a place for a fancy dinner. Great hole on the wall find. Staff was very friendly.
(5)
Jeff S.
Only thing missing was a kick in the nuts. Met a friend for lunch at WRFM today. We've both been there several times over the years, and have never really had any issues. Not so today. Had the Fried Sampler platter, which I think is a tad overpriced for what you get, but that's another issue. My main gripe was nothing was hot. It was barely even warm. And bland. The sampler had 1 piece of catfish, 2 butterflied shrimp, 2 batter fried scallops, 1 stuffed crab and 2 hushpuppies. I got onion rings and green beans for sides. Catfish was overcooked, under seasoned, and, did I mention cold? Hush puppies were cooked almost to the point of being inedible. The shrimp were pretty good, but cold. The scallops were actually quite good. Given a big plate of those (hot, please) I could embaress myself. The stuffed crab was also almost all stuffing, overcooked and cold. Onion rings had good flavor, breading was falling off a little much, but I understand that. They would've been far better had they been warmer. Green beans were green beans. Nothing much more to say there. Overall, for pocket change shy of $20 for lunch, I left most disappointed. I considered the possibility of sending the order back but it was a lost cause. You couldn't reheat it without further overcooking it, and the place was very busy. Service was mediocre, but it was the lunch rush, and the place was packed, so I can sorta give a pass on that. That said, the servers were NOT in the least bit cordial. Not even a little. I don't expect a lot out of seafood at a place like Captain D's, but for $20 for lunch, I expect a darn site more than I got today. Probably won't be back, which is a shame, because I've had several very good meals at WRFM over the years.
(2)
Nicole B.
Fish was awesome! The wait was ridiculous, but I suppose that would be expected with a packed restaurant that makes your fish to order. The hush puppies were amazing. I was not a fan of the onion rings. The restaurant was very cold and felt like I needed to rush out. The decor made me feel like I was in a cafeteria. I understand this is a fresh fish market but they could definitely step up their game and class the place up.
(4)
Trina J.
This is a really neat place in a sketchy part of town. Gotta try the red beans with beef and sausage. It's a real treat. I also had onion rings. The lobster tail was okay but couldn't hold a candle to a fresh lobster in New England. Worth a try.
(3)
Don F.
Wow! Is all I can say. Tulsa has better seafood markets than St. Louis! This grill is attached to a seafood market that is incredibly stocked. I was in awe touring it waiting for lunch. Bowl of gumbo tasted just like NOLA, including no loss of quality in the seafood. They have the biggest oysters on the half shell. They are all well shucked no hangers on, and no sand! Yum. The Seafood kabob was served with melted butter. The fish was still moist and perfectly cooked despite huge pieces. Thye came with a side of red beans and rice that reminded me of the French Quarter. It is not a trip to Tulsa without a trip here!
(5)
Philip S.
So glad I made the trek to White River Fish Market. The line down the hall to get to the order counter was initially daunting, but clearly these people are accustomed to crowds. The line moved quickly, I ordered and found a place at one of the large communal tables. This place has been here since the 1930s, and clearly the focus is not on fancy smanshy dining ambiance, but the cluttered cafeteria decor seemed perfect for me. My drink order quickly appeared, somewhat mysteriously as I'm not sure how they tracked where I was seated. Anyway, in spite of the crowd, the food came quickly as well. I started with oysters on the half shell, something I wouldn't order just anywhere. But seeing the volume of fish and seafood moving through this place I took a chance that they might be good, and I want disappointed. Fresh and as delicious as I've had in Miami at half the price... and they were HUGE! I followed with a fried combo of catfish filets and shrimp, and ended with some delicious buttermilk pie. All delicious. Good service, good quality fish/seafood, and great prices. I will be back.
(4)
Tom P.
Every visit to Tulsa, includes a trip to the White River Fish Market. This is not a fancy place, and not in the greatest part of town, but it is well worth a visit. Everything is fresh, and there a so many options. From the fried options of shrimp and catfish, to the grilled halibut are so good. I also start every meal with a cup of their gumbo, which isn't the best that I have had, but it is good, and I order it every visit.
(4)
Ed G.
I've eaten the Sea Bass here about 10 times this past summer. It's fantastic.
(5)
Noel E.
Fish was over cooked and green beans were tough. Crab cake had a fishy flavor like it wasn't fresh. Prices were reasonable. Service was adequate.
(2)
Tammy H.
If you are looking for great seafood in Oklahoma this is it! This place is NOT fancy you are only going here for the food. I love that when you order they take the fresh fish right out of the case, bread it and cook it right there in front of you, haven't had fish that fresh since we left Florida! It was very clean and for those needing handicap restrooms the stall is around 8 x 10 and very clean. We will be going back anytime we are in Tulsa.
(5)
Cody R.
Some of the most fresh seafood you can get in the area. It's not the nicest looking place but you don't typically go to a restaurant for its looks. I've recently had to change my diet and one of the things I can eat is fish so I have been coming here a lot lately. My favorite is the grilled salmon. It is grilled to perfection every time with a Cajun rub. It's a good sized portion. Halibut and trout are amazing. My parents love their fried catfish. I love fried catfish but I've been trying to stay away from the fried foods. There is lots of different kinds of fish and you can choose fried, broiled, or grilled. The dinners come with sides and my personal favorite is the pinto beans. Their fries and baked potatoes are a good choice too. They have homemade pies for dessert. I'm not much a dessert person so I have not tried them but they look good. Aside from eating at the restaurant they also have a real market where you can pick fresh cuts of fish to take home. They are fairly priced and you can't beat how fresh it is. The place as I said before is not the nicest looking but it is always clean. The staff is very friendly and make you feel at home. If you love fresh fish definitely give it a try.
(4)
Chris B.
Amazing fresh fish in the middle of nowhere. A real local joint as well. You might even run into your neighbor!
(4)
Mike D.
After my family raved about this place and I saw the reviews on Yelp, I was excited see what this seafood place nowhere near the water had to offer. The atmosphere is definitely that of a hole in the wall with the stripped down decor, water stained ceilings, seafood on display and gaggle of white haired folks sitting at tables with mismatched chairs. This would be very charming if the food had been good, but instead, it seemed more like a hospital cafeteria. The fish on display looked old and the tuna and salmon were closer in color to each other than one would hope. When ordering oysters, the cashier didn't know what type of oysters they were, where they came from. I should have known better than to order them, but when they arrived, they were plump with a firm texture and flavorless. The rest of the meal was average. We shared a variety of fried foods and desserts, but nothing was too memorable. My family seemed to enjoy their meals, so maybe my taste buds were just off for the night. The service was mixed, they got a couple of things wrong on our order and overcharged for an item. But they servers were polite and always offering to refill drinks and provide sauces. I won't be back, there's got to be better seafood in Tulsa somewhere.
(2)
Bruce A.
What a great dive!! if you like fried or broiled fish with hush puppies, slaw, or beans, this is the place. Reminds me of the great little diners in Georgia. Real southern comfort food. Congratulations White River! The fish is sooooo fresh!
(4)
Richard P.
I was told by a very close friend that my last review wasn't fair. He said "Richard, you just don't understand this place. There is much more to this place than what you gathered from your last visit. There IS more." So I went again. There isn't. This place is trash. Bland food, soggy fries, and fried fish that fell apart when trying to pick it up.
(1)
Todd M.
Every time I'm in Tulsa I have to stop on here. It's conveinently located on the way to airport. They have tremendous seafood. Well prepared. Tues and wed is lobster special. Not much ambiance but who needs it when the food is this good.
(4)
Ben A.
Hands down the best meal I've had in Tulsa. I ordered grilled halibut, which was fresh and cooked just right. Good selection of fresh seafood, side items and reasonably priced, just don't expect an elegant setting.
(5)
William L.
Never thought that a fish market in a land locked state would be good. Had broiled mahi mahi and it was fresh and moist. It seemed like all of Tulsa was here since the parking lot was jammed packed. We needed to park in the lot next door. It's also very clean and dry for a fish market.
(4)
Dee F.
This was a great find by the airport. Its for sure in a dumpy neighborhood. But it's only on mile or less from the airport. But it's way out of the way frrom any point of interest in Tulsa. Great fish and sides. Seafood in Tulsa you say? Well it's not really seafood... its more like River or Lake Food.
(4)
Amanda K.
Just go. Trust me. the place defines "hole in the wall" for real. But the food is fantastic! you could go in a tuxedo, or jeans and raggedy tshirt. customer base is all over. Just go.....
(5)
Charlie G.
One of my favorite places to eat in Tulsa. Best fish. But my favorite thing is the mixture of people that dine there. A really slice of America!
(5)
Maria A.
We had their gumbo and it was very good!
(5)
Gary M.
This is a very good place to go and eat fish. The food is very good but the employees lack in friendlyness. The register operator who took our order could care less that we were there. But we were there for the food. I had the gumbo and it was very flavorful. The hush puppies were hot and fresh but the coleslaw was bland. My wife had the broiled shrimp and was happy with the flavor, quality and quantity. I would go back. I would have given them a four star review for the foods but the atmosphere will drop it to a three star.
(3)
Dennis H.
They have perch, which is my wife's favorite. Always the best and freshest fish in town, in a no nonsense atmosphere. Tuesday and Wednesday's lobster special is always a hit with us.
(5)
Jay S.
I've been wanting to eat here for some time now ever since I read about this place on RoadFood.com roadfood.com/Restaurant/… I am originally from Louisiana and I was a bit disappointed by this long time and popular place....mainly because of the service but also the quality of the clams. Very crowded on a Friday early evening,this is an classic ole time Tulsa restaurant, evidently in business since 1932...a combination fish market and cafeteria like restaurant located in a marginal neighborhood north and east of downtown. I actually prefer casual non fancy restaurants that so long as they serve good food and the retro sign out front is great! You order at the counter and take a seat in the expansive dinning room and wait to have your order delivered. How they know where you seat is a mystery but we sat down and waited a full 20 minutes before anyone even came to offer a glass of water...and it was about 105* outside! Very annoying. I got the Fried Combo....eventually......1 fine tasting catfish fillet,2 rather bland shrimp, 2 quite succulent scallops and an just alright stuffed crab for $13.95....accompanied by a crisp small salad and good fries. Dane got the fried clams which were truly awful. Now granted he is originally from Massachusetts ...clam heaven but how a good seafood restaurant can serve these gnarly,chewy,rubbery strips of mostly breading masquerading as clams is truly beyond me.They were truly terrible. Overall I am leery of going back and think I will look elsewhere for some quality seafood....even a chain like Cheddar's was better than this.
(2)
Josh P.
Great Food, I have never had anything from here that i didn't like. This is about as fresh of seafood as you're gonna get in The middle of the United States. Tried many different things and do not have a single complaint. Great buttermilk pie. Go there.
(4)
Scotty B.
Good fish. Really enjoyed stuffed flounder. But the combination of a fresh fish market and a restaurant means unless you REALLY like the smell of raw fish, the funk will be distracting.
(3)
Karen S.
Ok if you are looking for fancy eat somewhere else... If you want fresh seafood in a state with no ocean frontage... eat here... we fly into Tulsa two or three times a year and I found this place on Yelp... and we've eaten no where else in Tulsa since...in fact we plan our flight times based on arriving in Tulsa at diner time so we can we eat here. We had the raw oysters two different times and they are fantastic... they were shucked after we ordered them... my husband loves the potatoe salad... made the old fashioned southern style.. mashed.... we'll be back over and over again... it is just minutes from the airport so if you are flying into Tulsa give it a try... step back into time... overlook the decor... and enjoy a good down to earth seafood dinner... oh and by the way... (for the benefit of those who called this place a "hole in the wall") we have had many of our best meals at "hole in the walls" and places that have been in business for forever... this in one of those gems...
(4)
Wes B.
Great little "hole-in-the-wall" for both grilled & fried fish, lobster, even grilled shark! Oh I'll be back... count on it.
(4)
Justin B.
Here is a hole in the wall that has some tasty fish. I had the fried flounder and it was great. Nothing fancy, just fried flounder and a touch of salt. I would wait to review the place until I had a better sampling but our party of 10 all had very good meals. The place was packed too (had to wait in line a bit). My late grandfather, an ex-professional ocean fisherman, would like this place (he would only go to a restaurant that drew a crowd). A few notes: This is an ugly restaurant \ fish store. Don't go here for ambiance or atmosphere (unless you like "fishstore-sheik"). Don't go here for the neighborhood (and I stress "hood" - lock your car!). Do go here to satisfy those fried seafood cravings.
(4)
Chad F.
Ate Lunch here today and it was very good. You order at a large counter and they bring your order out to you. They have a good selection of fish. Majority of the items they fry, however they do a good job of broiling. The Scallops and Shrimp are Killer. I have had the fried which is good. I like the broiled version better. Each dinner plate comes with 2 sides, Rice and Slaw are killer. The Gumbo, I almost forgot. This is very good here. Nice flavor full of shrimp and chicken along with rice. Price are good for what you get. Large communal tables and booths fill this place. Not much atmosphere here, however the food makes up for that. They have a nice market at one side with good affordable prices. The place however does smell a bit. If you can get past that you are in for some killer fare from the sea given that Tulsa is LandLocked!
(4)
Phillip M.
I drove by this place many times thinking it was to seedy, damn it's a good place.
(5)
lisa g.
I ate lunch here on a week day last week. I was having a HUGE craving for fried scallops and at a little before noon, they had no scallops. I tried the fried clams instead. The best thing I can say is that they weren't greasy. Other than that, the clams, the slaw and the fries that came with them were kind of "blah". I suppose it's probably better than one of the chain fried fish joints, but for a $14.00 lunch, I expected better. Next time I'll try Jazmos on 15th street when I have a fried seafood craving. I think in a city like Tulsa, you can't expect too much in the seafood category.Bodean's have gone downhill, and I'v yet to try Joe's Crab Shack. I'v heard it has one of those "fun & zany" motifs, and that has scared me off.
(2)
Aaron M.
Best gumbo in the world White River sets up at the fair every year always a first stop can't get enough also the market in store is the great
(5)
BBQ B.
You would never guess that this place has great fresh seafood from the outside!
(5)
Michael M.
True, the ambience is a bit like eating in an emptied-out pharmacy, but that's also part of what gives WRFM its charm. You'll only find locals inside, and it's one of the few restaurants in Tulsa that has ever received a mention on NPR's Splendid Table. As for the fish, it's flown in daily and is the freshest Tulsa has to offer. Get your fish done any way you want it, but for a quick and economical lunch, try the out-of-this world red beans and rice, which comes with their famous hush puppies. Enjoy one of Tulsa's best kept secrets!
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Loud Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
James W.
This Tulsa institution is what food reality shows dream of. Fantastic selection of standby menu along with seasonal fresh selections. This may not be a $5 lunch, but it also isn't a pretentious micro-serving hoity-toity place like Bodeans for example). This is a regular earthy place to get exceptionally great seafood. Definitely worth the drive and not out of the way if you're near the zoo. Last time I had an excellent tuna fillet fresh in from Hawaii. If the food inspires you to "try this at home" they have a market right in the store.
(5)Sara S.
Despite being in a slightly shady part of Tulsa, this place was quite delicious! They had a wide selection of seafood to choose from, the menu including frog legs even, and there was a fresh fish market right inside the store. Not necessarily cheap, but definitely for the right reasons. Very down to earth. I had grilled salmon and popcorn shrimp with a side of mashed potatoes and onions rings. It came with hush puppies and a little bowl of butter. Although I found out that I was allergic to shrimp while dining there, the food was definitely worth it.
(4)Bailey T.
*Technically 4.5 stars because for Tulsa seafood, White River is as good as it gets! I'm so happy I finally got to try this place - it's pretty out of the way and is definitely a hole in the wall, but it's so worth the drive. Definitely a Tulsa gem in my book! It's a little pricey for a dive, but you get so much food at such a good quality that I'd consider it an expense worth making. There are tons of options, but I went for the broiled snapper platter (which, along with the fish and two hush puppies, comes with two sides - I chose salad and a baked potato, but their onion rings looked amazing and definitely tempted me). I could barely finish it all, but I wanted to because it was all so yummy! The snapper was seasoned to perfection, and even though it came with a cup of butter, all I needed was a little lemon and it was great. The only reason I'm not giving it a full 5 stars is because the sides are pretty much just eh. The hush puppies were good albeit a little spicy for me, and the baked potato was good but no better than anything you could make at home - it though I appreciated that it came with sides of sour cream and butter without me having to ask for them. The salad was mediocre, basically just a bag mix with dressing on it, but I'm not very picky when it comes to salad sides so I was happy. But you should pretty much just come here for the fish and not expect the sides to be anything special - they're good, but definitely not 5 star quality. All the staff was super friendly and really contributed to the cool divey, local feel to the place. If you're in Tulsa and craving some authentic seafood, White River is the place to go!
(4)Tom O.
Had the sea bass but I could swear it was tilapia even though they had fresh sea bass in the display case. The ones in the case were nice and thick and the piece I got was thin like a fillet of tilapia. Swap-o-rama It had good seasoning but was over cooked and dry. Salad was nothing special and the spicy rice was just ok. Hush puppies were dry and overcooked. Decor old and dated not much in the way of atmosphere. Smells a bit rank when you first walk in That said the fish looks fresh which is hard to find these days. I would try it again but I will pick out my fish next time to be sure. Not a good date place.
(3)Jamie B.
I can not say enough about this place to all of my friends. Who would think that you could get such great fish in Tulsa. This is a must visit when I am in town. The Sea Bass is amazing and the oysters are a great way to start off your meal. Be sure to visit on Tuesday or Wednesday to get some lobster. The service is fast and friendly, and the prices are just right!
(5)Tyrone S.
White river fish is what a fish place is suppose to be! Fresh cooked to order paradise! Not really super seasoned but just fresh made and the fish is left To its own flavoring! We love this place
(5)Johnny S.
The history of this place is amazing! Line out the door at 11:45 am. I've heard no line after 1 o'clock in the afternoon. Specialty is fried fish dinners looks like 12.95 to 14.96 average price range. But you could easily share the dinners as they come with two sides and hush puppies. They have cups and bowls of gumbo or red beans and rice! If you like fried fish and Cajun type food you absolutely have to try this place! I know it's been around at least 30 years. 2 miles north of Admiral on Sheridan. They also have a separate fresh fish market for taking out the prices look reasonable to me.
(4)Hannah B.
Delicious "hole in the wall." Don't let the outside fool you, the food is full of flavor! I came with a group for lunch and service was quick. I got grilled mahi mahi with a salad and rice.. It came with 2 hush puppies as well. Everyone at the table was very satisfied. It was extremely busy- must be a popular place in the area!
(4)Katie V.
White River is the only place we go to get seafood. The food is WONDERFUL. They have a good variety of grilled, broiled, and fried fish options as well as wonderful sides. Every meal comes with hush puppies which are fantastic. I usually go for the shrimp or scallops with cole slaw and potato salad. I've also heard great things about their gumbo too. It's in a random location and the atmosphere leaves much to be desired but you come here for the great food. It is definitely casual. You go up to the counter to order and then they bring your food to your table. There is stark fluorescent lighting and the tables are grouped together oddly so you sometimes feel pretty close to the table next to you. But it's always busy so I guess they have to cram people in there! My only complaint is that around dinner time they start cleaning out some of the cases and the restaurant fills with the smell of chlorine - not very appetizing. But other than that, I love it!
(4)Micheal P.
White River Fish Market looks suspect at best on the outside. Inside, it has all the charm of a no-name diner, but the fish they're slinging are top quality. First of all, it should be noted that this place costs more than you might expect. With tip and drink, my meal was $20. Second, you might feel like the fried options are the way to go. They're good, but the real treasure is with the broiled plates. So fresh! So perfectly seasoned! If you're going to pay $20 for a plate of fish, don't let a fried breaded covering hide the flavor! The sides are done well, so at the end of the day I didn't feel bad that I had paid $20 for my dinner. Still, the value isn't good enough to merit five stars.
(4)Madelyn R.
Great seafood for a great price. You order at the counter, they don't take a name but always know who to give your food to, find a seat and wait for the goodies to come out. I would recommend this for lunch or dinner. Casual attire and a relaxing atmosphere.
(5)Zachary W.
Perfection in simplicity and organization found in chaos. Perfectly describes this local favorite. I'm not the biggest fan of seafood and didn't really grow up eating it (fresh fish wasn't readily available in the middle of the Ozarks). However, through travels and becoming an adult, my taste buds have expanded and I like a good grilled or broiled piece of fish, scallops, shrimp and raw oysters. So White River Fish Market is probably something that I should have tried a long time ago, being that I've been in Tulsa since 2006. This place gets constant good reviews...on the national level. Well finally got around to going, just had to have the parents come in to babysit so the wife and I could have our first sans baby date night. The warnings about getting their early are true, because there will be a line. We lucked out, only having to wait about 10 minutes to place our orders. Advice would be to come after 7:30, where the traffic noticeably died down because I believe they close around 8:30. Anyways, I ordered the scallop dinner and got potato salad and green beans as a side, along with a half-dozen oysters. Wife got grilled halibut and a 1/4 lb of shrimp cocktail. After paying, you just find a place to sit. No ticket number, no table card or anything. Yet, soon after finding a table, we were served with a appetizer. No clue how it's done, but they seem to have established some sort of mind reading mechanism or slight of hand tricks, because without them, it would truly be a chaotic situation. Oysters were great, could really tell that they were fresh. Same with the shrimp and there was a lots of it. Scallops were broiled perfectly and light seasoned with Cajun spices and served with a side of drawn butter, which was unnecessary, but certainly welcome. Here again is where White River truly shined. The simplicity of how the scallops were cooked, just lead to the perfection of the dish. Meals seem pricey at first, but don't be fooled, the amount and quantity of food is worth it. You could easily pay the same at a fancy establishment and get something less worthwhile. Will definitely have to return.
(5)Melissa B.
I'm shocked that this place is always packed. For a fish market I expected the smell of fish but wow! Quality vs price again, not impressed. My husband ordered the broiled platter. Fish was fishy, the hush puppies were very dense and lacked flavor. I ordered the fish sandwich. There was hair in the breading and on my sandwich. They did refund my money. Fries were not crispy but hot The highlight of the meal was the red beans and rice. We won't go back.
(1)Cesar M.
This place is great Visiting a friend and he brought me here right from the airport. Had the fried combo, fish, scallops, shrimp, and other stuff that I had never seen before. Do not judge me, growing up in a semidesertic place the only seafood we had was ground, dried shrimps, LOL. Anyway, everything was great, sides were good and the fried goodness did not disapoint. Service was exellent, the guy at the register was super helpful and the girls taking the food the tables were really nice. One recomendation to their system and more for them than the customers is that you place the order and then they take the food to your table. I saw a couple of the girls having a hard time figuring out what table to take the food to, simple number system would take care of that. WRFM, good food, nice service and good prices
(4)David J.
I don't usually make a habit of eating at 'hole in the wall' restaurants without first being referred by a reliable source. So it was with this place. My Dad recommended it. When we pulled up I thought to myself, based on the outside/inside atmosphere, what are we getting ourselves into...then it occurred to me there was a line 10 ft line of people out the door trying to get in. That's always a good sign. I was completely blown away at how good the food was. I got the catfish sample platter (not sure if that's what it was actually called) but it came with fries, hush puppies, crab cakes and scallops (and catfish of course). More than enough food to get the job done. Everything was incredible! Fresh, cooked perfect, looked great and tasted even better than it looked. I will definitely be going back. I left one star off due to atmosphere, which is probably how they keep costs reasonable, aside from that, 5 stars all the way.
(4)Ballbuster F.
Best seafood in Tulsa and very fair prices for a whole lot of food. Huge shrimp was fantastic and my wife Lobster was out of this world. If you have read some of the other reviews, it is out of the way and the building is not the greatest. REMEMBER do not judge a book by its cover, definitely rings true here. The only thing I wasn't pleased with was the potato salad, that could of been better. We will be making this a weekly trip.
(5)John J.
If you're in the mood for some excellent seafood, this is the place to go. White River has many delicious options, but many are deep fried - it may not be good for your heart, but it's absolutely delicious. I had the pleasure of tasting several different dishes from White River Fish Market. I tasted fried catfish, fried clams, and fried shrimp. The shrimp were the perfect mix of fishy meat and crunch. I also love the flavor of clams and oysters - I could definitely taste the freshness of the clams. I don't usually like catfish, but I tried it this time and it was excellent when dipped in tartar sauce. The sides are just as good. I tasted the red beans and rice, potato salad, and hush puppies. I didn't love the red beans and rice, but it received great reviews from the rest of my table. The potato salad was excellent, with a rich mayonnaise flavor. The hush puppies were big, crunchy, and flavorful. I could have eaten about twenty of them. Overall, it's not a really fancy place - it's very casual. The portions are generous so there is always plenty to take home. The only major downside to this restaurant is that it's not in a convenient location (north/east Tulsa) and the parking lot leaves a lot to be desired. Still, I highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)Ambs W.
Legit fish market. Fresh fish and you can take some home to cook for dinner, so bring your cooler! Order at the counter and grab a seat. Hush puppies were great. Fried shrimp poor boy was average (I've had some stellar po'boys in San Diego, so they had stiff competition). My grandma's stuffed crab was good and my uncle's boiled shrimp looked great. I'd recommend ordering something non-fried in hindsight. You're not going here for ambience, by the way. It's a fish market that serves food. I'm glad I went but wouldn't necessarily need to go back again.
(3)Tasting T.
LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS PLACE! It is order at the counter but you still get friendly service. THe food is awesome and fresh though we are in Oklahoma. I have been coming to this place since I was a little kid and I will keep going for as long as they are open!
(5)David E.
This is a little gem. Granted, the outside looks a bit worn but the jam packed parking lot was the first clue. The seating is almost family style with long tables along with individual tables mixed in. You go and order at the counter and then they bring your food out to you. It has a homestyle cafeteria feel to it but the food is rock solid. I had the broiled seafood plate - tilapia, shrimp and scallops. Man it was very very tasty. Everything was cooked to perfection and seasoned well. I hate under and overcooked fish but it was just the right amount of flakiness. It is also a fish market so you walk by their seafood case with giant flounder, huge crab legs, etc. It didn't smell like a fish market so you know it's fresh. It's on my list the next time I get back to Tulsa.
(5)Jason C.
Family took me here while in town. Great food at good price. The combo plate are good but the grilled fish was great.
(5)Taneisha G.
The first time I checked in, the power had went out and I couldn't order any food. I was really sad because I saw other customer's plates and the food looked really good and fresh. Today I had the fried perch combo with the onion rings and spice rice for $11.89. Everything was great. The hush puppies were to die for. The rice was seasoned very well. The fish was nice and crispy. The food was very filling.
(5)Kelli A.
Great food! And we tried almost everything on our first visit: the broiled platter with shrimp, tilapia, and oh the scallops), the fried catfish, the broiled flounder, potato salad, double Cole slaw, beans and gumbo. We can't find anything to complain about. But I love an out of the way or off the beaten path, strip mall, laundry mat feeling kind of place. Every piece of seafood was cooked perfectly. The service was fast, super friendly and accommodating. We arrived at 2pm so there was only a small line. It did not smell fishy at all like one reviewer commented. What an awesome place. I'm so sorry we don't have time to stop again on our way through back to Denver.
(5)Scott B.
This place is the best! Long lines, but worth the wait. Food is on point and service is fast. Love the broiled whole flounder!
(5)Beth O.
Fish kabob great with very fresh fish. Excellent onion rings. Fresh, cold tomato wedges are a good side but wouldn't recommend the green beans. Lobster tail above average. Looks can be deceiving -- looks like a whole in the wall, but tasty food, very nice staff and was worth the drive that's a bit off the beaten path.
(4)Glenn K.
First visit on Good Friday 2015 about 7:30. WhiteRiver closes early 8:30 on Friday and Saturday. The place was packed with a line of about 30 diners. But the staff moved us quickly so we were seated in 15 minutes. This place is a Market first is what you have to remember but I am reviewing the restaurant . 3 solid stars for the experience and food. The facility is worn but functional. Black duct tape on some of the booth seats is an indication their priorities are not on appearance. Our party of 3 had a fried shrimp platter (the girls shared) and I had the Catfish&Shrimp platter. You get two sides with and two Outstanding ! HushPuppies. Really outstanding. The catfish fillets were battered but a very thin crunch and not cornmeal based . The fish was very good and fresh tasting. However Very disappointed because I'm sure the shrimp were not fresh but breaded and frozen from the factory. Butterflied,battered, frozen and definitely not wild caught but farm raised. That said they were ok once you dipped them in the thin cocktail sauce provided. The 4 sides we chose were a baked potato,cole slaw,onion rings and pintos. Huge portions and all deserve high praise for being homemade fresh and seasoned well,Another huge disappointment in no Beer no wine no nothing except $2.45 iced tea. TheStaff? The staff takes your order at the counter then you pay and find a table. They bring your food and then that's it. We had to hail a passing waitress for a refill. But she checked on us a second time so I didn't feel ignored. I want to like this place more but it will take another visit.
(3)Scott K.
Outbound flight? Eat here! Three minutes from the Tulsa International Airport terminal you can have truly excellent seafood. Wide selection, with your choice of fried, broiled or grilled, and a choice of two great side dishes. It would be nice if they served beer and wine but I guess we can't have everything. I fly out of Tulsa every week and don't like Tulsa's in-airport restaurants, for several reasons, but love White River. And... you won't find a more friendly waitstaff anywhere.
(5)Tap S.
This was my first time in Tulsa so this restaurant was highly recommend! At first glance its a whole in the wall place but once you're in there you feel right at home. The staff was very friendly and was well engaged with me and my group of 8. We had no clue what to order but the staff explained the menu and the sides that we could choose. Once we placed our orders we then found seating and had our drinks brought to us by one of the nicest servers. She was an older lady with a great sense of humor as we were able to share laughs. The restaurant has the freshest selection of seafood I've ever seen and at a great price. I ordered the sea bass with a side of rice and a fresh salad. The food was amazing. I must say the kitchen staff is quick because we did not have to wait longer than 25 minutes while it was crowded to get our food. What made it even better was the desert! We had quite a few options of cheesecake and pumpkin pie to choose from. If you are looking for fresh seafood and good lighthearted conversation then look no further!
(5)Debbie V.
incredible seafood! I had the fried shrimp, hushpuppies, spicy rice and green beans. my husband had the fried clams, fries and coleslaw. my son had the broiled trout, rice and onion rings. everything was so delicious . my son was impressed with the amount of food we got. my husband and I have plenty of leftovers plus we picked up a quart of gumbo to go for later at their seafood market. casual atmosphere. definitely one of the best seafood places around.
(5)James R.
Been eating here since i was a kid. The place has grown quite a bit over the years. As a fish market for being in the middle of the country it is not too bad. Obviously it can't be compared to a coastal fish market but they have a decent selection. Lunch and dinner can expect to be packed. The meals are decently priced, everything is cooked I believe except for maybe some oysters. A tuna steak meal with two sides and hush puppies comes to just under $20. Be sure to tell them how you want something cooked or it will come out the way THEY want to cook it. For example if you get the tuna steak unless you say otherwise it tends to come out well done where as I prefer mine just seared and mostly rare. All in all a good Tulsa tradition.
(4)Steph B.
Unbelievable. I've been flying to Tulsa for years and never ate hear until today. This is the best seafood and at a reasonable price. You would think you you were on the Gulf Shores and not Tulsa.
(5)Sarah M.
You know what? There was nothing fishy about this place. I was welcomed aboard and loved every second of my experience here. True statement: I'm juuuuussstttt starting to like fish. Right now, I'm known to only have sushi and have not truly enjoyed anything else... until NOW! I had the opportunity to schedule a lunch meeting with a great guy and told him he could choose where we went. I'm not gonna lie, when he told me this was his choice I was nervous. I told him what a big deal it was that I was going to get fish and he assured me to trust him. There are other menu items like chicken, but I went for the grilled tilapia which came with two delicious hushpuppies and two sides of choice -I chose pinto beans and french fries. The fish... didn't have a fishy aftertaste and I dominated the plate while enjoying ever tender bite. The accompanied sides were perfect and of plenty! Next time, I will split a meal with a friend. The service was killer. Every. single. person, who served us was all smiles and that translated into a comfortable and kind atmosphere. When I told someone it was my first time dining here and I loved it, he went and got me a complimentary slice of heavenly pie and said "Welcome aboard!" I'm all aboard!
(5)Ash S.
Service was amazing. Never had an empty glass. I ordered the grilled mahi-mahi. It was a touch over cooked but still had excellent flavor. I had a side of pinto beans, which were excellent (almost as good as my grandma's). I also had a side salad. However, the lettuce was brown and a little soggy. The hush puppies were outstanding. All in all I would definitely go back and it's worth giving it a shot!
(3)John C.
Came here for the first time thanks to a few quality reviews. I have to admit that everyone was on point with this one because the food was amazing! I brought my mother, brother, and fiancé here and all were very pleased with their food and experience. The fish was absolutely fresh, and the wait staff did a wonderful job making sure we had everything we needed. The area of town, the higher prices, and the long lines were the only draw backs, but the long lines in that area of town should tell you something about their food! I tried a little bit of everything and can confidently say the shrimp skewer, fried catfish, grilled salmon, and jumbo shrimp are all worthy of ordering again! I hope they keep up the great work because I can see WRFM becoming a frequented spot with our family!
(4)Aaron M.
A Tulsan who knows about White River Fish Market is a Tulsan you can trust. Classic soul food with whole fish. Choose a fish, ask for "broiled" or "fried", pick two sides, and you're set. The fish are flown in daily, just like Bodean's. I always get the Flounder - you have to work through the bones but it's worth the time. Tilapia is much more manageable if you're a little skeptical of eating fish right off the bones. Cafeteria style tables encourage you to get friendly with your neighbor, but there are smaller tables for those who'd rather eat with their group. Parking lot is always packed and you never know who you'll run into. I was there most recently with a newbie. She told the manager it was her first time at White River and he gave us a free piece of pie. Holy Nemo - that slice of pie was heaven. Lemon zest, buttermilk pie. My mouth is literally watering right now. Bring your wallet for this meal - your meal will cost you between $15 and $20 per person - but it's a big meal and it's worth it. Friendly staff | Unique Tulsa Experience | Delicious soul food
(5)Kristi E.
Fried fish doesn't usually appeal to me but I had to try the combo -- catfish, scallops, shrimp, stuffed crab. The catfish was probably the best I've had anywhere. Really fresh and not greasy at all. I don't know if the tartar sauce is homemade but there was something addictive about it. Definitely a fun local spot with southern flair. Sides were just okay (which is why I'm giving four stars).
(4)Vikki M.
It was ok for the price I thought we'd get better I've been really wanting to go try the lobster cuz I've never had lobster and I wasn't impressed the lobster tasted like a gooey duck :( I will not be returning sadly ......
(3)Geary J.
If your looking for seafood style home cooking you've found it. White River has been a go to place for us for over 30 years. Each dish cooked fresh and served hot and fast be a friendly staff. One of my Cajun friends swears by their jambalaya! Their onion rings are huge!
(5)Luis T.
This is the second time I have been here. I came here a year ago when I drove down from Kansas City, and this place left me with wanting to come back. Fantastic fish and seafood.
(5)Aaron W.
I am BLOWN AWAY with this place! As we show up, the parking lot is FULL. We were able to find a spot fairly quick and were excited as a full parking lot is usually a GOOD SIGN that this place will be great! We walked into the restaurant and the place was PACKED. Several people were enjoying some of the FRESHEST fish that I have seen in a long time! The restaurant was clean and a little run down however, I think it added to the ambiance of it being a fish market. As we got ready to order our food we were able to see a gorgeous assortment of fish, scallops, shrimp, frog legs and more! The staff was very friendly and professional. I ended up keeping it fairly simple and ordered one of my favorite fish, the fried Catfish and Shrimp. Along with this order I was able to get 2 sides free, so I chose their seasoned rice and green beans. We all sat down and waited for a few mins then the Calvary of food started to pour out of the kitchen. WOW did it look great! The green beans looked freshly picked and steamed. Every bite was filled with an onion, bacon flavor and the beans were cooked perfectly. The Rice was not sticky and had a nice light spicy flavor that worked well with the green beans and the main course. The Catfish was AMAZING. I will have to say that this catfish looked and tasted like it had just been caught, skinned and fried in the few mins that my meal was prepared. The Catfish was crisp on the outside and warm and moist on the inside. It needed nothing but to be eaten the way it was, perfectly seasoned and UNFORGETTABLE. The Shrimp was butterflied and fried to perfection as well. The only issue that I had with this whole AMAZING meal is a personal preference of mine. The tarter sauce was good but to me had to much onion. Instead, I used some malt vinegar to eat my hushpuppies. They were a little dry but they were very flavorful and the malt vinegar gave them the moisture that they lacked. Even though I have said a few minor things, I don't see this restaurant receiving anything less than 5 stars! IT WAS THAT GOOD!
(5)Sunshine I.
The 5 stars is for the red beans and rice. Do yourself a favor and order a bowl. Friendly staff and good service.
(5)R H.
Top notch! I was not expecting to find such a gem in the armpit of Ttown, but Yelp strikes again. Great customer service, fast paced environment. It seems like they are going to mess everything up, and then it is all perfect. I had the catfish dinner and my pal had the whole grouper. Everything was excellent from the Chicken and Shrimp Gumbo to the entrees to the sides. Excellent Hushpuppies. I will be back everytime I have to catch an afternoon flight out of Tulsa. I didn't read the history, but my buddy told me he read somewhere that this place had been there since the 30's or 40's, and no doubt why... The fish was excellent, fast, and fairly affordable(for those of you who concern yourselves with cost of delicious food.).
(5)Staci M.
Wow, two disappointments in one day! I ordered the fried combo. Two scallops, two hush puppies, a stuffed crab, and two shrimp, cole slaw and baked potato, all for $15.00 bucks. The scallops could of had great potential, had they not been so greasy. The scallop itself was very succulent, it was just too greasy and left a puddle of grease on my plate. The other fried items were nothing to brag about. Kinda bland and the batter was not the yummy cornmeal and pepper kind. With that said.....the baked potato, hush puppies and iced water were the best items consumed. I will not be back, unless it is to purchase items from the seafood counter, to prepare on my own. And all the positive reviews for this place, not sure why? It really makes me wonder what quality of food folks are use to? If you know how to cook and do so yourself, you will understand that the food here is just ok and you can do way better at home on your own, for half the price.
(2)Tom H.
This is going to be a standard stop when in Tulsa for business. This is a must if you are a seafood fan. Get in line to pick your meal from the seafood case, then how to have it prepared: broiled, fried or grilled. My broiled whole flounder was perfect! My companions had the grilled shrimp and the whole rainbow trout. Nothing fancy just fresh nicely prepared. I'm not a fan of hush puppies but they do have them. Sides are what they are: side dishes. The star of the meal is the fish. They even have a fish market/case at one end to purchase and prepare at home. Very casual. What a treat!
(4)Emily F.
White river fish market is an excellent place to get fish. I ordered the grilled sea bass and it was cooked perfectly with a flakey texture and a good flavor enhanced by just the right amount of seasoning. The sides on the other hand were pretty bland and nothing special. Overall it was a nice meal.
(4)David B.
Pretty average today for lunch. Remember it being much better. Ordered some fried cod with fries and onion rings and was pretty disappointed. The fish was chewy, the fries were limp and the onion rings were pretty embarrassing (the worst I've ever seen). Maybe I caught them on a bad day, but I won't be back for a while. Too bad.
(2)Nancy R L.
Good, good, good and fresh. The selection of seafood is great and cooked a couple different ways to meet the pallet of those who like it fried, broiled or grilled - AND the prices are reasonable. The average meal is +/- $15. My only disappointment was that they were out of oysters (and at $7 a half dozen it was truly a disappointment). The atmosphere is one of familiarity. Family style seating with friendly folks (there are some window booths and tables for 2-4). Service is expedient and the food is hot. As a visitor a long way from home this place is truly welcoming. Make sure if you're in the area to grab a bite here.
(4)Heather A.
Unfortunately the hype did not meet expectations :( The meal was quite expensive for the taste. I got broiled shrimp. It was super chewy and seemed like the seasoning was just sprinkled on top which made the flavor of the shrimp taste like it had previously been soaked in tap water. My husband got smoked salmon which tasted like liquid smoke smeared on both sides, no flavor soaked in :( The green beans were from a can, not even fresh. And the hush puppies were as dry as croutons.
(1)Will M.
Lots of fresh seafood everywhere. Definitely a hole in the wall but you can tell they take a lot of pride in the cleanliness and freshness. I had the shrimp PoBoy. I had to ask for mayo - most of the ones I get usually already have mayo. The fried shrimp was good and the sandwich overall was good. I also had potato salad - it was just ok. The fries were pretty good but not great. Definitely worth a trip and a good value. Not a fancy place and in a little bit of a rough area.
(4)Amy K.
A coworker and I were given a tip to hit this place up for lunch. It was definitely worth it! I ordered the broiled sampler that had tilapia, shrimp, and a bunch of sides. The value is definitely there, and the service was fantastic. They have plenty of choices (many of which are fried), and also sell fresh/frozen seafood. I can't speak of the prices, but it definitely looked legit! This will be a staple!
(5)Mary S.
Horrible management! I arrived at 8:04! And was turned away, the place full of people and workers still preparing food for people who arrived 4 min. Ago. I am from out town, never been to Tulsa. Horrible welcome to this city. Frankly I'd never come here again!
(1)Steven S.
There is nary a place In Tulsa where such delicious fish can be had. Nearly any fish item you get will be perfect and delicious. The Seabass is great, catfish and shrimp, swordfish, k bob, flounder; basically you can't go wrong. The sides are great homestyle sides; but be wary of the tomato slices, salad. The red beans and rice are the best I've had, coleslaw and pinto beans are also delicious. Wonderful hush puppy's The buttermilk pie is tart and more like a lemon chess, perfect ending. I could sit in here and people watch for hours (and have) it's just great.
(5)Chris V.
If you stay near the airport this is the only nearby restaurant. It's in a rough neighborhood but don't let that stop you from going. It's a seafood market were it's not only a restaurant but actually sell fresh fish. I ordered the sea bass grilled and it was pretty good, the fried food everybody else ordered looked delicious. Did get the red beans and rice as my side it was ok. You don't really expect much from a seafood restaurant in the middle of the country but this little spot was a surprise.
(4)Donna H.
I am relying on my husband to judge the quality of the fish, since it would be fine with me if I never saw another fish. The broiled combo shrimp and scallops were tender and tasty. The tilipia is mild fish and I think was better fried than broiled. The hush puppies are spicier than the usual hush puppy, my husband like them, I didn't. The salad was a non fancy iceberg salad and the potato was a nice size with butter, I didn't use the sour cream. The potato salad was creamy and pretty good. The cole slaw was good. It did smell like fish today and my husband chose to sit over by the market counter, which is where the odor was the strongest. :( The big negative was it was cold inside. I asked them to turn the fans off and they did. All the employees were especially nice today. The two cashiers know how to take orders for the the line that was going out the door. Burn Company could take some lessons in order management.
(4)Jeffrey R.
White River is easily the best seafood on the north-side of Tulsa, and other than atmosphere- rivals any seafood restaurant in town. They've been in the same location for decades, and as such, are the only business on this side of town where older ladies can be seen standing in line, down the sidewalk- after dark. Very close to the airport, so take advantage during a long layover if you're not a local. The Roughy/Shrimp combo is recommended, as well as the gumbo. While you're at it- take home some fresh salmon from their market.
(4)Anthony L.
Lets see, paramedics arrive as I get here and the sweet old woman in line next to me say "I'm just glad it isn't me" CLASSIC! Anyway, the food and service was great
(4)William Randolph B.
Fresh and scrumptious grilled, broiled, or fried fish of many choices. In an older part of town but the reason is the airport cargo road is a mile away. Fresh means quick, and the location ensures that. Broiled Lobster tail is my favorite, next is fried giant butterflied shrimp. Fun casual place to eat. Always busy, but more so on Fridays. Group long table seating areas available 1st come 1st served.
(5)Michele P.
Amazing seafood! Who knew Tulsa, OK could have a place with good fish? The hubby and I dropped in to town for a football game. Followed Yelp to this hidden gem! Don't let the neighborhood appearance fool you, this place was great! We had the tilapia combo: broiled tilapia, shrimp, scallops. Sides of cole slaw and tomatoes. The hush puppies were soooo worth the calories!!! If you're ever in Tulsa, come by! You won't be disappointed!!
(5)Trey H.
A true Tulsa classic.... If you want the freshest seafood, this is the place.... I don't like them, but all my friends say that their oysters are DELICIOUS.... I have never smelled anything fishy in here... it is always clean, fresh, and busy as hell.. I ordered the grilled Mahi dinner, which was great... I was with good friend Ben and his gal Jennifer... they got the oysters and some really good shrimp dish I was uncertain of.. Great place, all their food is good, and they have the best hushpuppies you can find..
(4)Jose L.
I enjoyed the taste of the fresh fish. This is my favorite fish restaurant. I loved it!!!
(4)JL R.
Fantastic! Fresh fish and seafood in Tulsa...I was so pleasantly surprised. Here on business with colleagues and they said it is a must. They were right! I had the scallops and they were cooked perfectly. The amount they give you is more than enough along with two delicious sides. The line is long but moves fast and the staff is attentive and friendly. I would eat there everyday! If you're not close, it's worth the ride.
(5)Jeremy M.
Me and my wife Not usually a big fish eaters but love this place and pretty much all there fish recommend it to everyone else who really don't like fish you will love it also
(5)Jerry G.
As long time customers to this Tulsa original, we're never disappointed. Unassuming and simple, this is where to go for plain old good food. Although a large percentage of their menu is fried seafood, the grilled dinners are excellent - my favorite is the halibut. Whenever I'm in north Tulsa, a stop to the market is a treat - a tremendous assortment of fresh fish. 5 stars because it deserves it.
(5)Simon L.
A friend took me to this restaurant and I had never heard about it. The store/restaurant was nice and they seemed to have a good selection. When we received our food, they were brought out one at a time. I ordered the catfish and shrimp meal with french fries and onion rings. The food was bland and wasn't very tasty. The onion rings were over fried. I don't think I'm likely to returns to this restaurant, but over all cleanliness was great.
(1)Matt E.
Not bad but I think it is a little over rated. I had the tuna steak and it was very dry. I will probably give it another chance though but will order something different.
(3)Steve A.
I am here once a week every time I'm in town. It really is a Must eat place... Great Tuna and everything else.
(5)Alex D.
I love this place over and over. It's in the ghetto so bring your concealed carry! The food is worth it. Scallops are the best you'll find.
(5)Fuk Y.
We had the broiler seafood combo and the fish skewer. Everything was excellent. Ah, hush puppies were very good . Once I started on this one, I could not stop eating.
(5)Ross G.
Was in the Tulsa area on vacation and quickly feel in love with the place. We actually came twice to try a different item and was never let down
(5)Charles C.
I had the kabob, spicy rice and cole slaw. The fish was bland. The rice was bland. The cole slaw was bland. The hush puppies were cold. The tea was good. But that hardly makes up for the cafeteria like taste of the other dishes. I've eaten seafood in New Orleans and Houston. This seafood was way below anything in those cities. Disappointed. Will never eat here again.
(2)Trevor H.
I love driving across the 38th parallel (ok, 17th St. North) to find the hidden treasure (hidden from me at least) in the run-down shopping center. As will immediately be apparent from 1145-on at lunch time--from the completely full lot--this place must be pretty good. So it was. For ~ $15 per you're going to get a huge lunch--entree, hush puppies, and two sides. Prepare. Wife had grilled shrimp and I the grilled Halibut ("just for the halibut, right ?"). Philosophy on seafood is that i could get a fried plate at Capt D's, so I'm going to try fish unencumbered by breading/ grease. Shrimp - 4 stars; good flavor, just enough seasoning. Halibut - 3 stars; I ordered based upon the favorable reviews & also bc halibut is a naturally oily fish--thinking it would be a worthy test of their grilling ability (no blackening this day). Flavor was on point, though sadly it was overcooked (the risk of grilled fish). Sides - 3 stars avg (fries and coleslaw was better; beans ok. Ambiance - 3 stars--crowded lunch joint. Service --5 stars; friendly, they make a note of what you order & where you sit. Server walked straight toward our table. Missing the chaos that one expects at a BBQ joint: you don't have to stay vigilant here to make sure your food doesn't get claimed : - ) Verdict: good for a big, hungry-man's lunch when you have an hour & a half roundtrip (if you're coming from downtown). Probably a special occasion lunch. But worthy of the commitment.
(4)Garen M.
Great fish this far inland??? White River has it! Go for the food, not the location or the atmosphere. Sketchy part of town, dumpy looking place, spartan interior, but GREAT FISH. They start with a wide variety of good fresh flown-in fish and offer it served fried, grilled, or broiled. Good seasonings and delicious sides. The servers are exceptional and very friendly. There is also a fresh fish market in the building. I had the privilege to sit near the market while eating and was amazed at the knowledge and service of the fishmongers. If you like fish, this is a good place to go. You'll always find a good crowd of fellow fish lovers.
(4)Camille A.
Hush puppies were yummy so was the catfish!
(3)Patti S.
Just had lunch here with my husband yesterday. OMG! It was great!! Food was good, place was clean, fresh, no fishy smells, bathrooms were clean!! We will be back, you can count on it!
(5)John S.
Well this place looks like in a dump and what a crappy area around here, but lots of fresh fish, flown in daily I am told. What lines tonight, did I miss something? Shrimp cocktail had big deveined prawns of no flavor and "interesting texture" I have not noted before in "fresh shrimp". The Gumbo was bland and shrimp used were tiny that reminded me of bagged dried shimp I've only seen at Louisiana convenience stores. Hushpuppies, fried onions mediocre and not edible to my taste. Fried fish of several types tried was all very good especially the "whole catfish", but broiled fish lacked a lot. The broiled Salmon and Halibut had "very soft" textures I haven't experienced before in these fish and flavorless. The Mahi-Mahi was OK at best. If you like fried fish, give this a try. Servive was excellent and friendly, servers here are real pros as this place bustled.
(2)Russell M.
This place is a true "find"! Thanks to previous Yelp reviews, I tried it for dinner tonight. Great food, service and host! Catfish when done right doesn't need a sauce or anything and theirs sure was done right! Gumbo was amazing and best hush puppies ever!! I'd give more thumbs up if I had more than two!!!
(5)Daniel B.
White River is one of my top favorite restaurants in Tulsa, and has been for several years. Yes the interior is nothing to write home about, it is in a somewhat sketchy part of town, and the entire restaurant smells like fish...but all of these things add to the experience! They have a huge selection of seafood that can be prepared in a variety of ways, whether it be grilled, broiled, fried, etc. My personal favorites are the fried jumbo shrimp, grilled halibut, or (if you want to work a little bit), the fried whole flounder. Gumbo is a must have before any meal...and sweet potato pie is mandatory after meals. Show up on Tuesday or Wednesday nights for lobster tail dinners, which I believe will set you back about $22. As others have mentioned previously, this is the freshest seafood in Tulsa...I am assuming this is due to the close proximity to the airport. I highly recommend White River to any seafood fan. This place is also an excellent spot for people watching, as the clientele is as diverse as the selection of seafood!
(5)James W.
Good eats, loved it
(5)Debra C.
Absolutely delicious! Was visiting Tulsa on business and our local office Mgr recommended we go........I was skeptical about going anywhere for fish in a state that has no beach. But was wrong......absolutely fresh and delicious. You know it's fresh when you walk in and you don't even smell fish. Shrimp po-boy and gumbo were great......only downside was it was served with cocktail sauce no remoulade. (And they really need to put forth the effort and make a decent cocktail sauce instead of the mass produced version they have.......the fish is So outstanding its almost a crime to put the cheapo sauces they use on it.......and cocktail sauce with no horseradish?? Bummer..) for that reason alone...4 stars. The gumbo was delicious....very flavorful and loaded chicken, sausage and shrimp. The grilled halibut and swordfish were unbelievable. Always packed so you know it's got to be good.
(4)Dore A.
Great fish and onion rings. Had broiled flounder, which I highly recommend. Husband got the fried combo and though I am not a catfish fan even that was good. Great stuffed crab. Rough part of town, not a place for a fancy dinner. Great hole on the wall find. Staff was very friendly.
(5)Jeff S.
Only thing missing was a kick in the nuts. Met a friend for lunch at WRFM today. We've both been there several times over the years, and have never really had any issues. Not so today. Had the Fried Sampler platter, which I think is a tad overpriced for what you get, but that's another issue. My main gripe was nothing was hot. It was barely even warm. And bland. The sampler had 1 piece of catfish, 2 butterflied shrimp, 2 batter fried scallops, 1 stuffed crab and 2 hushpuppies. I got onion rings and green beans for sides. Catfish was overcooked, under seasoned, and, did I mention cold? Hush puppies were cooked almost to the point of being inedible. The shrimp were pretty good, but cold. The scallops were actually quite good. Given a big plate of those (hot, please) I could embaress myself. The stuffed crab was also almost all stuffing, overcooked and cold. Onion rings had good flavor, breading was falling off a little much, but I understand that. They would've been far better had they been warmer. Green beans were green beans. Nothing much more to say there. Overall, for pocket change shy of $20 for lunch, I left most disappointed. I considered the possibility of sending the order back but it was a lost cause. You couldn't reheat it without further overcooking it, and the place was very busy. Service was mediocre, but it was the lunch rush, and the place was packed, so I can sorta give a pass on that. That said, the servers were NOT in the least bit cordial. Not even a little. I don't expect a lot out of seafood at a place like Captain D's, but for $20 for lunch, I expect a darn site more than I got today. Probably won't be back, which is a shame, because I've had several very good meals at WRFM over the years.
(2)Nicole B.
Fish was awesome! The wait was ridiculous, but I suppose that would be expected with a packed restaurant that makes your fish to order. The hush puppies were amazing. I was not a fan of the onion rings. The restaurant was very cold and felt like I needed to rush out. The decor made me feel like I was in a cafeteria. I understand this is a fresh fish market but they could definitely step up their game and class the place up.
(4)Trina J.
This is a really neat place in a sketchy part of town. Gotta try the red beans with beef and sausage. It's a real treat. I also had onion rings. The lobster tail was okay but couldn't hold a candle to a fresh lobster in New England. Worth a try.
(3)Don F.
Wow! Is all I can say. Tulsa has better seafood markets than St. Louis! This grill is attached to a seafood market that is incredibly stocked. I was in awe touring it waiting for lunch. Bowl of gumbo tasted just like NOLA, including no loss of quality in the seafood. They have the biggest oysters on the half shell. They are all well shucked no hangers on, and no sand! Yum. The Seafood kabob was served with melted butter. The fish was still moist and perfectly cooked despite huge pieces. Thye came with a side of red beans and rice that reminded me of the French Quarter. It is not a trip to Tulsa without a trip here!
(5)Philip S.
So glad I made the trek to White River Fish Market. The line down the hall to get to the order counter was initially daunting, but clearly these people are accustomed to crowds. The line moved quickly, I ordered and found a place at one of the large communal tables. This place has been here since the 1930s, and clearly the focus is not on fancy smanshy dining ambiance, but the cluttered cafeteria decor seemed perfect for me. My drink order quickly appeared, somewhat mysteriously as I'm not sure how they tracked where I was seated. Anyway, in spite of the crowd, the food came quickly as well. I started with oysters on the half shell, something I wouldn't order just anywhere. But seeing the volume of fish and seafood moving through this place I took a chance that they might be good, and I want disappointed. Fresh and as delicious as I've had in Miami at half the price... and they were HUGE! I followed with a fried combo of catfish filets and shrimp, and ended with some delicious buttermilk pie. All delicious. Good service, good quality fish/seafood, and great prices. I will be back.
(4)Tom P.
Every visit to Tulsa, includes a trip to the White River Fish Market. This is not a fancy place, and not in the greatest part of town, but it is well worth a visit. Everything is fresh, and there a so many options. From the fried options of shrimp and catfish, to the grilled halibut are so good. I also start every meal with a cup of their gumbo, which isn't the best that I have had, but it is good, and I order it every visit.
(4)Ed G.
I've eaten the Sea Bass here about 10 times this past summer. It's fantastic.
(5)Noel E.
Fish was over cooked and green beans were tough. Crab cake had a fishy flavor like it wasn't fresh. Prices were reasonable. Service was adequate.
(2)Tammy H.
If you are looking for great seafood in Oklahoma this is it! This place is NOT fancy you are only going here for the food. I love that when you order they take the fresh fish right out of the case, bread it and cook it right there in front of you, haven't had fish that fresh since we left Florida! It was very clean and for those needing handicap restrooms the stall is around 8 x 10 and very clean. We will be going back anytime we are in Tulsa.
(5)Cody R.
Some of the most fresh seafood you can get in the area. It's not the nicest looking place but you don't typically go to a restaurant for its looks. I've recently had to change my diet and one of the things I can eat is fish so I have been coming here a lot lately. My favorite is the grilled salmon. It is grilled to perfection every time with a Cajun rub. It's a good sized portion. Halibut and trout are amazing. My parents love their fried catfish. I love fried catfish but I've been trying to stay away from the fried foods. There is lots of different kinds of fish and you can choose fried, broiled, or grilled. The dinners come with sides and my personal favorite is the pinto beans. Their fries and baked potatoes are a good choice too. They have homemade pies for dessert. I'm not much a dessert person so I have not tried them but they look good. Aside from eating at the restaurant they also have a real market where you can pick fresh cuts of fish to take home. They are fairly priced and you can't beat how fresh it is. The place as I said before is not the nicest looking but it is always clean. The staff is very friendly and make you feel at home. If you love fresh fish definitely give it a try.
(4)Chris B.
Amazing fresh fish in the middle of nowhere. A real local joint as well. You might even run into your neighbor!
(4)Mike D.
After my family raved about this place and I saw the reviews on Yelp, I was excited see what this seafood place nowhere near the water had to offer. The atmosphere is definitely that of a hole in the wall with the stripped down decor, water stained ceilings, seafood on display and gaggle of white haired folks sitting at tables with mismatched chairs. This would be very charming if the food had been good, but instead, it seemed more like a hospital cafeteria. The fish on display looked old and the tuna and salmon were closer in color to each other than one would hope. When ordering oysters, the cashier didn't know what type of oysters they were, where they came from. I should have known better than to order them, but when they arrived, they were plump with a firm texture and flavorless. The rest of the meal was average. We shared a variety of fried foods and desserts, but nothing was too memorable. My family seemed to enjoy their meals, so maybe my taste buds were just off for the night. The service was mixed, they got a couple of things wrong on our order and overcharged for an item. But they servers were polite and always offering to refill drinks and provide sauces. I won't be back, there's got to be better seafood in Tulsa somewhere.
(2)Bruce A.
What a great dive!! if you like fried or broiled fish with hush puppies, slaw, or beans, this is the place. Reminds me of the great little diners in Georgia. Real southern comfort food. Congratulations White River! The fish is sooooo fresh!
(4)Richard P.
I was told by a very close friend that my last review wasn't fair. He said "Richard, you just don't understand this place. There is much more to this place than what you gathered from your last visit. There IS more." So I went again. There isn't. This place is trash. Bland food, soggy fries, and fried fish that fell apart when trying to pick it up.
(1)Todd M.
Every time I'm in Tulsa I have to stop on here. It's conveinently located on the way to airport. They have tremendous seafood. Well prepared. Tues and wed is lobster special. Not much ambiance but who needs it when the food is this good.
(4)Ben A.
Hands down the best meal I've had in Tulsa. I ordered grilled halibut, which was fresh and cooked just right. Good selection of fresh seafood, side items and reasonably priced, just don't expect an elegant setting.
(5)William L.
Never thought that a fish market in a land locked state would be good. Had broiled mahi mahi and it was fresh and moist. It seemed like all of Tulsa was here since the parking lot was jammed packed. We needed to park in the lot next door. It's also very clean and dry for a fish market.
(4)Dee F.
This was a great find by the airport. Its for sure in a dumpy neighborhood. But it's only on mile or less from the airport. But it's way out of the way frrom any point of interest in Tulsa. Great fish and sides. Seafood in Tulsa you say? Well it's not really seafood... its more like River or Lake Food.
(4)Amanda K.
Just go. Trust me. the place defines "hole in the wall" for real. But the food is fantastic! you could go in a tuxedo, or jeans and raggedy tshirt. customer base is all over. Just go.....
(5)Charlie G.
One of my favorite places to eat in Tulsa. Best fish. But my favorite thing is the mixture of people that dine there. A really slice of America!
(5)Maria A.
We had their gumbo and it was very good!
(5)Gary M.
This is a very good place to go and eat fish. The food is very good but the employees lack in friendlyness. The register operator who took our order could care less that we were there. But we were there for the food. I had the gumbo and it was very flavorful. The hush puppies were hot and fresh but the coleslaw was bland. My wife had the broiled shrimp and was happy with the flavor, quality and quantity. I would go back. I would have given them a four star review for the foods but the atmosphere will drop it to a three star.
(3)Dennis H.
They have perch, which is my wife's favorite. Always the best and freshest fish in town, in a no nonsense atmosphere. Tuesday and Wednesday's lobster special is always a hit with us.
(5)Jay S.
I've been wanting to eat here for some time now ever since I read about this place on RoadFood.com roadfood.com/Restaurant/… I am originally from Louisiana and I was a bit disappointed by this long time and popular place....mainly because of the service but also the quality of the clams. Very crowded on a Friday early evening,this is an classic ole time Tulsa restaurant, evidently in business since 1932...a combination fish market and cafeteria like restaurant located in a marginal neighborhood north and east of downtown. I actually prefer casual non fancy restaurants that so long as they serve good food and the retro sign out front is great! You order at the counter and take a seat in the expansive dinning room and wait to have your order delivered. How they know where you seat is a mystery but we sat down and waited a full 20 minutes before anyone even came to offer a glass of water...and it was about 105* outside! Very annoying. I got the Fried Combo....eventually......1 fine tasting catfish fillet,2 rather bland shrimp, 2 quite succulent scallops and an just alright stuffed crab for $13.95....accompanied by a crisp small salad and good fries. Dane got the fried clams which were truly awful. Now granted he is originally from Massachusetts ...clam heaven but how a good seafood restaurant can serve these gnarly,chewy,rubbery strips of mostly breading masquerading as clams is truly beyond me.They were truly terrible. Overall I am leery of going back and think I will look elsewhere for some quality seafood....even a chain like Cheddar's was better than this.
(2)Josh P.
Great Food, I have never had anything from here that i didn't like. This is about as fresh of seafood as you're gonna get in The middle of the United States. Tried many different things and do not have a single complaint. Great buttermilk pie. Go there.
(4)Scotty B.
Good fish. Really enjoyed stuffed flounder. But the combination of a fresh fish market and a restaurant means unless you REALLY like the smell of raw fish, the funk will be distracting.
(3)Karen S.
Ok if you are looking for fancy eat somewhere else... If you want fresh seafood in a state with no ocean frontage... eat here... we fly into Tulsa two or three times a year and I found this place on Yelp... and we've eaten no where else in Tulsa since...in fact we plan our flight times based on arriving in Tulsa at diner time so we can we eat here. We had the raw oysters two different times and they are fantastic... they were shucked after we ordered them... my husband loves the potatoe salad... made the old fashioned southern style.. mashed.... we'll be back over and over again... it is just minutes from the airport so if you are flying into Tulsa give it a try... step back into time... overlook the decor... and enjoy a good down to earth seafood dinner... oh and by the way... (for the benefit of those who called this place a "hole in the wall") we have had many of our best meals at "hole in the walls" and places that have been in business for forever... this in one of those gems...
(4)Wes B.
Great little "hole-in-the-wall" for both grilled & fried fish, lobster, even grilled shark! Oh I'll be back... count on it.
(4)Justin B.
Here is a hole in the wall that has some tasty fish. I had the fried flounder and it was great. Nothing fancy, just fried flounder and a touch of salt. I would wait to review the place until I had a better sampling but our party of 10 all had very good meals. The place was packed too (had to wait in line a bit). My late grandfather, an ex-professional ocean fisherman, would like this place (he would only go to a restaurant that drew a crowd). A few notes: This is an ugly restaurant \ fish store. Don't go here for ambiance or atmosphere (unless you like "fishstore-sheik"). Don't go here for the neighborhood (and I stress "hood" - lock your car!). Do go here to satisfy those fried seafood cravings.
(4)Chad F.
Ate Lunch here today and it was very good. You order at a large counter and they bring your order out to you. They have a good selection of fish. Majority of the items they fry, however they do a good job of broiling. The Scallops and Shrimp are Killer. I have had the fried which is good. I like the broiled version better. Each dinner plate comes with 2 sides, Rice and Slaw are killer. The Gumbo, I almost forgot. This is very good here. Nice flavor full of shrimp and chicken along with rice. Price are good for what you get. Large communal tables and booths fill this place. Not much atmosphere here, however the food makes up for that. They have a nice market at one side with good affordable prices. The place however does smell a bit. If you can get past that you are in for some killer fare from the sea given that Tulsa is LandLocked!
(4)Phillip M.
I drove by this place many times thinking it was to seedy, damn it's a good place.
(5)lisa g.
I ate lunch here on a week day last week. I was having a HUGE craving for fried scallops and at a little before noon, they had no scallops. I tried the fried clams instead. The best thing I can say is that they weren't greasy. Other than that, the clams, the slaw and the fries that came with them were kind of "blah". I suppose it's probably better than one of the chain fried fish joints, but for a $14.00 lunch, I expected better. Next time I'll try Jazmos on 15th street when I have a fried seafood craving. I think in a city like Tulsa, you can't expect too much in the seafood category.Bodean's have gone downhill, and I'v yet to try Joe's Crab Shack. I'v heard it has one of those "fun & zany" motifs, and that has scared me off.
(2)Aaron M.
Best gumbo in the world White River sets up at the fair every year always a first stop can't get enough also the market in store is the great
(5)BBQ B.
You would never guess that this place has great fresh seafood from the outside!
(5)Michael M.
True, the ambience is a bit like eating in an emptied-out pharmacy, but that's also part of what gives WRFM its charm. You'll only find locals inside, and it's one of the few restaurants in Tulsa that has ever received a mention on NPR's Splendid Table. As for the fish, it's flown in daily and is the freshest Tulsa has to offer. Get your fish done any way you want it, but for a quick and economical lunch, try the out-of-this world red beans and rice, which comes with their famous hush puppies. Enjoy one of Tulsa's best kept secrets!
(5)