Strip Mall Gems

[PonderInc]

Since I think strip malls are generally ugly and unappealing, I rarely think to eat at restaurants located in them.  Recently, however, I went to Phil's Diner (just south of the Ranch Acres Homeland store), and was thrilled to learn they had great food.  I've driven by this place a thousand times, but never stopped in before.

Halim and Mimi's was another "strip mall gem."  Unassuming but delicious. (Sadly, Halim and Mimi have just retired.)

What other strip mall gems have I been missing out on?  If you have a favorite restaurant (or bar) that's in a strip mall--something that transcends its plain exterior--let's hear about it!

[FOTD]

Please refer to them as "hole in the wall" restaurants....
The best places to eat in town are found in those holes....

[waterboy]

quote:Originally posted by PonderInc

Since I think strip malls are generally ugly and unappealing, I rarely think to eat at restaurants located in them.  Recently, however, I went to Phil's Diner (just south of the Ranch Acres Homeland store), and was thrilled to learn they had great food.  I've driven by this place a thousand times, but never stopped in before.

Halim and Mimi's was another "strip mall gem."  Unassuming but delicious. (Sadly, Halim and Mimi have just retired.)

What other strip mall gems have I been missing out on?  If you have a favorite restaurant (or bar) that's in a strip mall--something that transcends its plain exterior--let's hear about it!

I like Phil's for breakfast. Usually forget about it though. Right around the corner is Hong Kong Buffet (north of the Signs company). And of course, Jim's Never On Sunday Coney Island for yeros sandwich.

[UnixGuru]

I really enjoy The Savoy restaurant at 61st and Sheridan. A friend and I eat there almost every Thursday for lunch. They have daily lunch specials (Thursday is Turkey and Dressing), and the also serve Breakfast.

[Conan71]

Here's the comments I've got on what's been mentioned:

I don't think there's anything real outstanding about Phil's I can't get elsewhere including at home, but they've got their following.  Savoy is very good, their cinnamon rolls are out of this world.

I ate at Halim & Mimi's yesterday.  We got there about 11:20 or so.  I'm used to it being more crowded.  I felt the food quality is still the same (had the tawook), but I just missed seeing Halim & Mimi.  They had really great re-call for names.  I hope people will give the new owners a fair chance.

I know it's been mentioned plenty but Napoli's at 33rd W. Ave & W. 61st is one of my favorite strip mall restaurants.

[HoneySuckle]

quote:Originally posted by Conan71

Here's the comments I've got on what's been mentioned:

I don't think there's anything real outstanding about Phil's I can't get elsewhere including at home, but they've got their following.  Savoy is very good, their cinnamon rolls are out of this world.

I ate at Halim & Mimi's yesterday.  We got there about 11:20 or so.  I'm used to it being more crowded.  I felt the food quality is still the same (had the tawook), but I just missed seeing Halim & Mimi.  They had really great re-call for names.  I hope people will give the new owners a fair chance.

I know it's been mentioned plenty but Napoli's at 33rd W. Ave & W. 61st is one of my favorite strip mall restaurants.

Who is running it now?

[NellieBly]

It's Phill's with two lls -- he's kinda picky about that apparently.

[HoneySuckle]

Who took over from Halim & Mimi's?

[NellieBly]

Business has been good enough to put the couple's two sons through college, and it will be enough for a retirement plan that includes a good deal of travel, Halim said.

He plans to be present at the restaurant for one week to assist the new owner, Ghalib Namaan.

Halim, who is in his 70s, and Mimi, who wouldn't reveal her age, say it is time to visit with their grandchildren and travel.

Retirement "will change our life for sure after 30 years," Halim said, "but we have a lot of things to be done."

[joiei]

I like Phill's for breakfast also.  I have never been there for lunch.  I will have to do that soon.

[inteller]

Hmong Cafe in Garnett Crossing  (31st/Garnett)

This is some of THE BEST asian food in Tulsa.  Everything is served family style so bring a friend and prepare to share.

[cannon_fodder]

My family and I walk to Phil's a couple times a year.  It has replaced Village Inn (4 blocks closer) for a number of reasons (the Inn sucks).  While I agree with Conan, sometimes its nice to have someone else cook, clean, and smell like grease.   MMMmmm, grease.

B-52's on the corner of 30th and Harvard is another one, as is Thyme right next to it.  And on 33rd and Harvard Bangkok Thai buffet is yummy.  Down the other way Steve's Sundry is good for a snack and the Chinese place in the same strip is mighty dang authentic.  

Man I love my area.

[RecycleMichael]

quote:Originally posted by inteller

Hmong Cafe in Garnett Crossing  (31st/Garnett)

This is some of THE BEST asian food in Tulsa.  Everything is served family style so bring a friend and prepare to share.

I have driven by this place a few times and never been in. I will now. Thanks.

[inteller]

quote:Originally posted by RecycleMichael

quote:Originally posted by inteller

Hmong Cafe in Garnett Crossing  (31st/Garnett)

This is some of THE BEST asian food in Tulsa.  Everything is served family style so bring a friend and prepare to share.

I have driven by this place a few times and never been in. I will now. Thanks.

nevermind the fact that the -waitresses- are smokin HAWT.  We're talking at and beyond Krista Flash HAWT.

[Ed W]

One of our favorites is Thai Siam near 41st and Sheridan.

I gotta watch those tiny little peppers, though, 'cause they give me hiccups!  It's kinda embarrassing.