The Vault Tulsa Oklahoma is a really wonderful and cool restaurant where we had the good fortune to dine the other night.
Welcome to The Vault Tulsa Oklahoma
I’m interrupting my actually itinerary to tell you all about a fantastic evening with had in Tulsa OK because we were hosted by the General Manager William Tarlton. I’ll get back to reporting about our travels in the proper order in the post after this one.
L’Chaim
The Vault in downtown Tulsa has a very cool vibe. The restaurant is in a wonderful two story building that was once a bank. hence the name! Once you come through the double entry doors you are welcomed by a bright Mid-Century Modern space.
Brief History of First National Auto Bank now The Vault
The Vault resides in the historic First National Auto Bank. The building was designed by McCune, McCune and Associates and built between 1958-1960. At the time it was the world’s largest autobank and had six drive through lanes. In addition to the bank lobby and drive through lanes, First National Auto Bank featured a park for families as well as a second story glass private conference room. Its iconic Mid-Century Modern zig zag roof, colossal concrete details and largest panes of glass in Oklahoma made it worthy of being featured in architectural magazines.
Mid-Century Modern Style
The bank’s second story conference room (the room where Steve and I dined), in true 1960’s banking style, had a full bar, warming plate, oven and even exterior lighting for late night meetings on the balcony patio. In the basement there was a massive 15-foot by 40-foot vault in addition to 10,000 square feet of storage and offices.
The building changed hands many times, but continued to operate as a bank for about sixty years. It closed its doors in the late 1990’s.
Homage with a Contemporary Twist
In 2012 after completing an extensive historical renovation, Tulsa native and OSU Culinary School graduate, Libby Billings, opened The Vault in the former auto bank building. Her menu is a collection of classic American fare and craft cocktails with retro influences throughout.
Billings is a leader in Tulsa’s restaurant industry due to her commitment to sustainability and urban revitalization. Billings has no investors and is proud to be a role model for other women and girls who want to follow their entrepreneurial dreams.
Our experience
There was a festive Wedding Rehearsal Dinner going on in the ground floor dining room, so we were escorted via elevator to the second floor. Both levels are surrounded by outdoor tables for dining. Our table for two was situated with a great view of the dining room and bar. The floor to ceiling windows offered a beautiful panoramic view of the balcony and downtown.
Thanking our delightful and beautiful server TaTa
Our server, Talice, told us to feel free to call her TaTa. She put us right at ease and set the tone for the evening. I asked what her favorite dishes were and we took her recommendations. She did not steer us wrong!
Spinach and Hearts of Palm Dip
We started off with a couple glasses of Malbec and the Spinach and Hearts of Palm Dip. The luxuriously dip of spinach, hearts of palm, garlic, Parmesan and cream cheese was baked and served in an adorable cast iron skillet. Surround it were garlic toasts and pretty green tortilla crisps. The dip was ultra creamy and was contrasted nicely by the crisp accompaniments.
Hearts of Palm Salad
For our second course Steve ordered the Hearts of Palm Salad with romaine, avocado, slivers of red onion, hearts of palm and shavings of Parmesan cheese with a coriander vinaigrette.
The Auto Bank Salad
My salad choice was the fruity Auto Bank Salad. Very fresh mixed greens, strawberries, apples, shaved red onion, mint, basil, candied pecans and feta cheese were deftly dressed with a honey vinaigrette.
Steve’s Bank Teller Pasta
Off to a delicious start that led to a really tasty main course. Steve’s big bowl of Bank Teller Pasta was fabulous! Pan seared jumbo shrimp, al dente rotini pasta, sun-dried tomato cream sauce, bacon, spinach, mushrooms and Parmesan all tossed together to create a party in your mouth.
My Steak Frites
I had been craving steak for weeks, so I ordered the Steak Frites. My 8-ounce flat iron steak was grilled to a perfect mid rare and anointed with creamy, funky blue cheese crumbles, The steak sat atop a bed of yummy seasoned French fries, and the whole shebang was drizzled with a beautiful balsamic vinegar reduction.
Steve and I actually bickered over whose dish was better. In this case we both won!
Our desserts were decadent and plentiful. TaTa wanted us to try everything but we narrowed it down to three:
Chocolate Inheritance Cake
The Chocolate Inheritance Cake, a black velvet chocolate cake with raspberry reduction filling, served with chocolate coins.
Bourbon Berry Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream
The Bourbon Berry Crisp, assorted berries with crisp topping served warm with Vanilla Ice Cream.
Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Pineapple Upside Down Cake, vanilla cake, pineapple, cherries and brown sugar glaze.
As we waddled back to our car we couldn’t help but reflect on the fantastic evening we had enjoyed at The Vault Tulsa Oklahoma
Disclaimer: This restaurant hosted us for dinner in exchange for a dedicated blogpost. But the opinions expressed are 100% my own.
