As soon as you hit the door Nelson's has that classic feel and look that lets you know whoever is cooking up these meals has been cooking for a long time, and I personally LOVE THAT Food is displayed buffet style and server to you. I walked in and the patrons as well as the people working were very friendly, you can tell it's a good place with lots of regulars. I let the woman at the front know I was ordering a Too good to go order and she went and grabbed it for me. In my surprise plate was a roll, chicken pot pie, baked beans and fried okra. Everything was tasted and I especially loved the baked beans, they have a taste that just reminds you of home. This is a good place with good people, definitely will return. read more

Nelson's Buffeteria - Baked beans, pot pie, fried okra, fresh rolls - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Tulsa, Oklahoma

Server She didn't say her name. I wish servers would tell visitors their name, so we know whom provided the service. Ambiance Old time diner Food So far pretty tasty. The ham is a bit fatty. The eggs tasted fresh, the gravy was good. Overall Its a quite little hole in the wall diner. Good food, polite service. Military Nope read more

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The only thing I'm upset about.... Is that it took me so long to go try out this Tulsa staple!! Some co workers and I decided to stop here for lunch and I'm so glad it was recommended because I will be going back. The atmosphere was lively and busy as you were greeted by a small band at the front door. After moving through the line, I was up to order. I had to go with a classic and what I heard Nelson's was known for, their chicken fried steak. The chicken fried steak was massive and delicious! Topped with some white gravy, I honestly wouldn't recommend going here with your mother because you might end up slapping her it's so good! I had the coleslaw which was a little sweeter to my liking, but still pretty good along with their rolls. I can't say enough about this place.... Go check it out... preferably without your momma!! read more

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A rare find in this era of corporate chain restaurants. Nelson's reminds me of the coffee shops and cafes I went to with my parents and grandparents. Still family owned, Nelson's has a classic vibe and the food lives up to what you'd hope for in a classic cafe. I understand the lunch buffet is the big draw here. Service, food and coffee fill ups were perfect. Why 5 stars? This isn't a 5 star restaurant, but it meets every expectation you'd have of a cafe. Clean, attentive staff, simple yet perfectly prepared food. So, 5 stars for being exceptional at what it is, an old school. Family owned cafe. read more

Nelson's Buffeteria - Full Nelson. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Tulsa, Oklahoma

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Super awesome historic restaurant since 1929! Loved the chicken fried chicken with mashed potatoes gravy corn green beans and rolls! Awesome service by Savannah! 10 stars bravo! read more

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Excellent breakfast. Bacon, eggs, hashbrowns, biscuit and gravy. Need to come back and try their lunch buffet. It looks pretty good. Your basic diner atmosphere. Prompt service. Reasonable prices.a read more

Nelson's Buffeteria - Biscuit and gravy - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Tulsa, Oklahoma

Everything was amazing!! I was shocked by the quality of their chicken fried steaks! We will return. Great food, great employees, great price. read more

Amazing service great food and great service!! Yummy lemon pie!!! Relaxing Thank you!! read more

Nelson's Buffeteria - Menu 2024 - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Tulsa, Oklahoma

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We wanted some breakfast before our flight home and did not want a chain. We found this place and couldn't be happier that we stopped. Everyone ordered something different and they were all delicious. Portions were large and service was quick and very polite. I had quite possibly the best french toast I have ever had. Prices were very reasonable. read more

Great diner atmosphere! Home cooking with really good sides. Peach cobbler was amazing. On Fridays at lunch they have a combo group playing Western swing. It was really enjoyable!! read more

Great food! Great service! This is a Tulsa landmark. They have been in business for 96 years. Go try it!

This is the quintessential dirty and equally awesome diner you want for breakfast. I have only been in here once but I want to go back. It has this feel like a legit monster, the mail man, a steel mill operator and a state senator could all be eating scrambled eggs at the same time and at the same place 2 tables apart. It's rare in this day and age a spot draws all classes and delivers this filling and awesome breakfast to everyone. The day I came in I'm fairly certain my server was "medicated" but she still did very well. I'm not at all trying to be judgey but it's the vibe I got. Like I said she did a fine job but ya know, it fit the environment and I'm not even mad. My drink was never empty, my order came out as requested and I left full and a worthy tip was added to my bill, Any way, come in, eat, join a room full of others as they fuel up to tackle the day and enjoy being a part of dining with the folks that make it all happen every day. read more

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Took my wife for her first visit, Just like I remember 25 years ago!!! Food and service both outstanding. Local legend. read more

Stepping into Nelson's was like stepping into the past. That is except for the prices. It looked just like the diners I remember when I was a child. It was decorated with pictures of Nelson's in its early days. It's a very fun setting to dine in. It's called a buffeteria but the breakfast was just table service. We both got eggs, bacon, hash browns, and a huge biscuit and gravy. The food was delicious and plentiful. The service couldn't have better. Our server, Red, took excellent care of us. The other servers and manager also asked us if we needed anything. It's been years since I've been in a restaurant where servers not assigned to our table volunteered to do anything for us except tell our server. So often, I can't find my server and tell a server I need something. The response is always, "I will tell your server." At Nelson's I didn't have to even ask. The servers were asking all the tables if they needed anything. I left my glasses on the table. When I went back, I didn't even have to go in. As I stepped out of the car, Red ran out with my glasses. Can't wait to try their chicken fried steak for lunch. read more

Nelson's Buffeteria - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Tulsa, Oklahoma

My go to for some good home cooking pan fried steak with mash and creamy Mac and cheese, the fried cabbage is also very tasty. Home made big ol rolls with butter, gimmie the carbs hahaa, lunch is crazy packed go early or later but they close at 2pm. $12.99 plate I think, meat and two sides. Parking is tight squeeze be careful. Ladies are pretty good waitresses except Missy in the cap didn't ask or bring a refill or To-go drink nor checked back on us... hmm not like her. She sitting on her phone... but that's reflected in her tip. Cafeteria line style lunch, always a daily blue plate special for those on a budget! Try it out you will not be disappointed! Save some room for them homemade pies!!! Chocolate is my FAVORITE read more

Our timing today was perfect. We opened the front door to Nelson's Buffeteria at 11:00 on the money. The lunch buffet was out and the friendly personnel were ready to fill plates. We were in our booth eating at 11:05. The classic Oklahoma's favorite meal for me; Chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes, cream gravy and fried okra. My wife substituted mac and cheese for the okra. Both excellent meals. One of the top chicken fried steaks in Oklahoma. The restaurant is not fancy. It is functional and comfortable. The staff is friendly and hustles. Parking is a bitch. If you aren't is a spot by 11:30 "No Chicken Fried Steak for You!" Try again tomorrow. When we left it was tough to even get out. The lot was full, with cars circling bumper to bumper, competing for a spot. read more

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Ordered up the Full Nelson breakfast at Nelson's Buffeteria this morning...man was it good! Crispy bacon, perfect over easy eggs, tasty hasbrowns, and the fluffiest pancakes I have had in a long time! Definitely the best breakfast I've had in Tulsa or OKC! read more

Nelson's Buffeteria - Full Nelson breakfast! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Tulsa, Oklahoma

Yuck. Our food was absolutely gross. Oklahoma get better standards. Asked for burrito and got an omelette, waitress takes it back to cook and then beings me back a tortilla literally just laid on top. The eggs literally tasted like grease. The French toast was burnt. My cinnamon roll was old and then zapped in a microwave. I realize you can't trust reviews in this state. As a chef. Do NOT GO HERE. You're better off at McDonald's. read more

Such a uniquely Tulsa experience. The food was good but the down home service and communal feel of the dinning room are what make it special. read more

This place is so consistent with their food and service. You can always depend on quickly getting your food which is delicious and the service is wonderful. read more

My wife and I drove up to Nelson's to try it out, based on the pictures they have posted on their website. BIG MISTAKE!!! The pictures are very misleading. It was without a doubt some of the worst food we have ever had. We had to get a to go box after just a few bites, and took it home and feed it to our animals. It only took one to go box, because the portions were very small. Total cost for this mistake $32.50 , I had to leave a one star rating, because it wouldn't go no lower. read more

Fast good and always consistent, that's why I come here every time I get the chance. Chicken fried steak and the mashed potatoes and gravy are the best. read more

Amazing food! The chicken fried steak, "Hello Chicken Fry!!!", is amazing. The Nellie burger, chicken fried chicken, and the rare chicken and noodles are also delicious. Don't miss out on their yeast rolls or a biscuit if you're so inclined. The chocolate sheet cake is also delicious. Service is good for how busy they are during lunch. You can expect a refill, ask for chocolate cake, and they will write the check so you can quickly get on your way. It's a diner atmosphere with great smells! The live music on Fridays I could seriously do without. read more

Alright if you haven't tried this Buffeteria run, fly, magic carpet your way to this place! Hurry it's only open until 2pm! Friendly folks reminding America why it's great! Lordy the lunch specials! Friday fried catfish (smooth and sweet) or baked cod (but wait don't get caught up in fish!) Every day is a new blue plate special. Every day they're serving drippin beef, chicken fried steak, chicken fried chicken and Salisbury steak. Cream gravy like your mama stood in there making the roux. Mashed taters to die for! Coleslaw, grannys cabbage (I seen her with my own eyes!), sweet kernel corn, green beans with a hint of bacon, fried okra like it was just picked and thrown in the oil! I'm sure I'm missing a veggie, that's just what we ate or I remember seeing. Ask for a roll, hell ask for 5. You're welcome! Nothing was super salty! Sweet tea, right on point! My diabetus didn't bark at all. Seriously folks, EAT HERE! Make the long drive. You'll thank me later!! My daddy would have loved this place! Ooooo forgot about the 5 crammed musicians into a tiny space playing gospel and swing music! Throw a $5er in their bucket when you can! read more

Nelson's Buffeteria - Chicken fried chicken! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Tulsa, Oklahoma

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Amazing food! And everyone there was so nice excellent service. Felt right at home. Would recommend to aanyone.

Been wanting to try this place for a while. Finally made it there for lunch. We arrived around noon and it was busy but not packed. You order at the line so you have to be prepared. We struggled with that. The man behind the counter was helpful. Hubs and I shared a plate and Little Mama got a kids meal (we didn't know they had one and he pointed it out so that was helpful). We got chicken fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, fried okra and an extra side of cabbage. Everything was hot with great flavor. I wouldn't order the chicken again though because the breading separated immediately. Cabbage was excellent as were the rolls. Too full for dessert. Prices were reasonable. Everyone was very friendly but service was slow and spotty. I had to get up to get to-go containers and flag someone down to clear out plates. The waitress also wrote our bill down wrong and we had to have it corrected at the register. If you want the daily special, get there early. They were out of meatloaf by the time we left and there was a line out the door. I would go back. read more

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Non Greasy hash brown and omelettes were superb! This was the first time I've ever been here. And it won't be my last. The service was attentive and it would be nice if they played music instead of listening to everyone's stories. I would've taken pictures, but I ate it all gone before I thought about it . Excellent Food. read more

My go to for the best chicken fried steak in Tulsa. It is always crowded but the service is quick so it moves pretty quick. The only downside is the hours, they are only open 7-2 M-F. On Fridays they have live music but it isn't overly loud. read more

Nelson's Buffeteria - Chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Tulsa, Oklahoma

The food is fabulous home style pie is out of this world like memaw use to make and the staff feels like family they make you feel at home

Great food. Good service. And on certain days they have music. I will definitely eat there again.

This place is perfection. My husband had chicken fried chicken, mashed potatoes, Mac & cheese. I had Chicken Fried Steak, mashed potatoes, and okra. Friendly service, simple but well kept interior dining room. What can I say? This place is an institution and they deserve all accolades. The ambiance is lively, friendly, and approachable. The consistency on the mashed is incredible, the cream gravy is what dreams are made of and everything is cooked perfectly. Lots of wonderful places to have comfort food, but I'll always love Nelson's and it was a treat to take my husband there for the first time. read more

Nelson's Buffeteria - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Tulsa, Oklahoma

Good coffee, good food. Fresh, crispy and delicious. Wife said it's some of the best French toast in town and the biscuits melt in your mouth. Typical small diner but they have a breakfast buffet. TV a little too loud, tables slightly sticky. Would come again if in the area. read more

Nelson's Buffeteria - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Tulsa, Oklahoma

Some of the best comfort food!! I also kinda like the cafeteria style service set up.

Stopped in for breakfast and sure glad we did. This little place is now going to be our go to breakfast place in Tulsa. When we arrived, a little before 11am about half the tables were taken. We sat down and the server took our order and brought our drinks. Right about 11am the place filled up fast with a long line for the buffet, but they are obviously well prepared as they kept that line moving at a good pace. As for our food both my wife and I went with the Chicken Fried Steak with Hash browns, Biscuits and Gravy and two Eggs. Everything was cooked perfectly, the over medium eggs were spot on, with all the whites set but the yolks still runny, the hash browns a beautiful golden brown, the chicken fried steak was perfectly seasoned, the breading was crispy golden and the meat was juicy and flavorful. The biscuit and gravy were both good as well although I will say the gravy was just regular gravy not sausage gravy. The server did a great job. Even though she was busy she took the time to briefly chat with us and the people at other tables and watching her interact with the customers you could tell she had worked there for quite some time and the regulars liked her. I would say if you are looking for a good filling diner breakfast or blue plate special lunch and you are in the are then this is the place for you. read more

Stopped by this week for a trip down memory lane. I haven't had a meal from Nelson's since they left downtown in the early 2000's. But my memories of their chicken fried steak was still fresh in my mind. I was not disappointed with my lunch. Not only did the chicken fried steak taste the same, but the mashed potatoes and gravy were also excellent. Come hungry and leave happy. read more

I've heard this place is classic Tulsa, so I had to try it! It certainly has that diner/ cafeteria style feeling. I really enjoyed their hash browns and gravy for biscuits, but I had higher hopes for their biscuits! However, you can't beat their prices, and the coffee isn't bad. The waitresses are all very kind, too. Pie was my real motivation for coming, so I'll have to plan a trip back just to grab a piece of their famous pies! read more

Food is very comforting. Such wonderful flavor.The service is nice. Everyone is such a warm soul.

My palate is not the best when it comes to breakfast items. It doesn't help that I'm easily pleased and I love anything fried. So it's not a surprise that I had the chicken fried steak that comes with egg and 2 sides items. I chose scrambled egg, hash brown, and biscuit and gravy. As you can see, they give you A LOT of food. Not entirely sure if I was hungry on this particular day or not but I pretty much ate everything. Everything was good to me. The service is excellent. My waitress was very attentive. She came by 3 times to check on me and I was by myself. Overall, I had a good experience and would definitely come back. read more

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I love this place. It's a nice little hole in the wall place with great food. I've been eating at Nelson's for about ten years. The food has always stayed the same and I'm dang grateful for it. If you ever want good country comfort food, this is the place to go. The prices have gone up quite a bit from what I remember. It costed $28 for me and my coworker. So just be prepared for that. I do love the food though. While I don't eat pie, I've been told their pie is amazing! I don't think you will be disappointed if you go to Nelson's. read more

Great homemade food!!! It was hard to decide because everything looked amazing!! We need more places like this!! We'll definitely be back. read more

Nelson's Buffeteria - Chicken fried chicken and chicken fried steak. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Tulsa, Oklahoma