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Kendall Whittier: Tulsa’s Most Underrated Neighborhood

Written by Tulsa Remote Staff | Aug 5, 2025 10:16:32 PM

Kendall Whittier, located just two miles east of downtown Tulsa, is one of the city’s most underrated neighborhoods. It's a place where history, culture, and creativity come together in a vibrant, walkable district. Once Tulsa’s first suburban shopping district along Route 66, Kendall Whittier has transformed into a hub for art, food, and local business while celebrating its rich Hispanic heritage.

Today, it is home to an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, breweries, murals, and gathering spaces that keep people coming back. The neighborhood also hosts the Tulsa Farmers' Market, a staple that brings fresh produce, handmade goods, and local flavor to the heart of the community.

To see what’s happening around the district, check out Kendall Whittier on Instagram.

 

FOOD AND DRINK
Kendall Whittier is a destination for food lovers and beverage enthusiasts, offering everything from artisan coffee and fresh baked pan dulce to craft beer and wood fired pizza.
  • Killer Wail Barbeque Food Truck – Parked right by Heirloom Rustic Ales, Killer Wail brings the flavors of Central Texas–style barbecue to Tulsa with perfectly smoked meats and plenty of heart. Founded by an Austin native who moved to Tulsa a decade ago, the business began with a passion for authentic barbecue, learned through dedication and a lot of YouTube research. Today, the mobile trailer can be found parked outside local breweries, serving at special events, and catering everything from meetings to celebrations.

  • Heirloom Rustic Ales – A neighborhood brewery known for its creative small batch beers and community focused atmosphere. Whether you’re sipping a seasonal sour or a crisp lager, Heirloom is the perfect place to meet friends and enjoy the laid back Kendall Whittier vibe. During the day, the space transforms into Coffee @ Heirloom, a cozy coffee shop serving locally roasted brews, pastries, and good conversation  that makes  it a true all-day neighborhood spot.

  • Dante’s Woodfire – Wood fired pizzas with crispy crusts and fresh toppings are the specialty at Dante’s. With a menu that blends classic and creative combinations, it is a cozy spot to enjoy alongside a local brew.

  • Calaveras Mexican Grill – A lively eatery bringing vibrant Mexican flavors to Kendall Whittier. Known for its bold tacos, creative margaritas, and colorful atmosphere, it is a go to for both lunch and dinner.

  • She Brews Coffee House – More than just a coffee shop, She Brews is a mission driven cafe providing second chances for women transitioning out of incarceration. The coffee is excellent, the pastries are fresh, and the community spirit is unmatched.

  • Pancho Anaya Bakery – A beloved local institution serving authentic Mexican baked goods, from conchas to tres leches cake. The smell alone will draw you in, and the flavors will keep you coming back. With roots dating back to 1912 in Michoacán, Mexico, Pancho Anaya has been sharing its tradition and passion with Tulsa for more than 20 years.


    nightlife & Bars

    When the sun goes down, Kendall Whittier offers an inviting mix of neighborhood bars and music friendly venues, each with its own character. 

  • The Whittier Bar – A music friendly bar that frequently hosts live performances and fosters a strong sense of local community.

  • Thelma’s Peach – One of Tulsa’s newest destinations for music and arts. This comfortable and inclusive venue is the latest addition from the team behind Peachtown, a local collective known for curating unique live performances and immersive sensory experiences. Located in the heart of Kendall Whittier, Thelma’s Peach continues the tradition with a welcoming space for all.

  • Bar 473 – A modern bar set inside a reimagined Route 66 gas station. Known for its creative cocktails and casual, welcoming atmosphere.

ARTS, CULTURE, & ENTERTAINMENT

Kendall Whittier is one of Tulsa’s top districts for art and culture, with plenty to see and do year round.

  • Circle Cinema – Tulsa’s only nonprofit independent theater, showing everything from indie films and documentaries to classics and community events.

  • Whittier Square – The historic heart of Kendall Whittier, complete with its neon clock tower and community events like the Tulsa Farmers Market.

  • Oklahoma Walk of Fame – A sidewalk installation celebrating influential Oklahomans who have shaped the state’s history and culture.


SHOPPING

From vintage treasures to handmade ceramics, Kendall Whittier’s small businesses make it a shopper’s paradise. Each shop has its own personality and charm, making this district perfect for exploring at a leisurely pace.

  • By.Everyone - A boutique known for inclusive, stylish apparel and accessories. By.everyone offers timeless, wearable pieces in a warm, welcoming setting.

  • SoBo Vintage  - A carefully curated collection of vintage clothing, furniture, and home goods. Every visit brings the chance to discover a unique find.

  • Addis Ceramics - A working studio and shop featuring handmade pottery and ceramic art. Each piece is crafted on site, making every purchase truly special.

  • Jo and June  - A modern boutique with a bohemian feel, offering apparel, jewelry, and lifestyle goods that are both relaxed and refined.
  • Tulsa Farmers' Market - One of the city’s best open-air markets, bringing fresh produce, baked goods, flowers, and artisanal products to Whittier Square each season.


MURALS AND PUBLIC ART

Kendall Whittier is an open air gallery, with colorful murals that reflect the district’s creativity, diversity, and community pride. A walk through the neighborhood reveals vibrant works by local and regional artists, perfect for exploring and photographing.

  • Buena Onda by Brady Scott
    A bright, uplifting piece that captures the neighborhood’s welcoming spirit.

  • Face the Day by John Hammer
    A bold, graphic mural that inspires optimism and energy.

  • Selfie Wall by Ghazal Ghazi (ZYNB)
    A playful backdrop designed for photo taking and sharing.

  • Scissortail Flycatcher by Donald “Scribe” Ross
    A striking tribute to Oklahoma’s state bird, blending nature and street art.

  • Endangered Species by Kathleen Neely and Roger Peet
    A vivid reminder of the beauty and fragility of wildlife.

  • Travel with Care
    Part of the Kendall Whittier Walls Project, encouraging safe travel and community connection.

WHY VISIT KENDALL WHITTIER

Kendall Whittier’s charm lies in its authenticity. It is a district that has embraced its past while welcoming the future. It is walkable, inclusive, and buzzing with local flavor. From sipping a craft beer at Heirloom to catching an indie film at Circle Cinema, shopping for handmade ceramics, or snapping a selfie in front of a mural, Kendall Whittier offers something for everyone.

It may be one of Tulsa’s most underrated neighborhoods, but that is exactly what makes it special. Visit once, and you will see why locals love to linger here.

 
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