As a Dallas, Texas native (married to a native Bartian), it took me a while to wrap my head around this small town way of life! But the longer I’ve lived in Bartlesville, the more I appreciate it! It’s pretty easy to find local gems, and you never know who you’ll run into when you’re on a date night! Whether you live in Bartlesville or have a visit planned, I wanted to share our top three favorite date night restaurants that my husband and I rotate between regularly. We live here, love this town, and these are the places we regularly enjoy and send friends to!

Whether you’re a couple booking a session with me from Tulsa or someone who’s been here for years but hasn’t ventured out lately, I hope this helps you feel like a local…or at least like you’re being guided by one!

1. Sterling’s Grille – Best Bartlesville Restaurant

This is a more elevated pick and our go-to for quiet, intentional nights out. Sterling’s was our pick for our first date night post-partum after having each of our girls, which makes it particularly sentimental. It’s also where we do our quarterly family business meetings—checking in on goals, finances, and marriage rhythms. Our two favorite things about it – the environment is quiet and the food is consistently delicious.

We’re loyal to Sterling’s steaks, of course. And we always say yes to the brussels sprouts (often on special) and the roasted potatoes. It’s probably the nicest Bartlesville food spot in town and such a grounding place for us when we need to slow down and reconnect!

2. Frank & Lola’s – Top Places to Eat in Bartlesville

F&L’s is more casual (although, most everywhere is in Bartlesville) and one of our go-to Friday spots since it’s the only weekend night they’re open. This is our top pick when sending out-of-town clients out after their session, especially if they’re asking for something classic Bartlesville!

I typically order the pulled pork, partially because it has the best Mexican flair and a little kick, but it’s also big enough for leftovers! And you cannot leave without trying their bread pudding! We are not dessert-out people, but there’s a reason this one has a big reputation!

If you get there and there’s a wait (which is likely, unless you’re right at 5PM!), we recommend heading across the street to Cooper and Mill, a local Bartlesville brewery where you can grab a beer and hang out while you wait for your table.

3. Painted Horse Bar & Grille – Bartlesville Restaurants

Painted Horse is one of those lunch or dinner spots with something for everyone. The menu is deep and dependable! Hearty burgers, grilled chicken, and salmon, everything’s flavorful and filling. My personal favorite is the steak salad, which is secretly huge and packed with roasted potatoes, steak, and greens. It is surprisingly enough to satisfy Jonathan, who eats the equivalent of 2-3 adults in one meal, hah!

The bar is in the center of the restaurant, which gives it a fun energy, and there’s a second-floor balcony you can sit on to overlook the space. It’s big enough that we rarely have to wait, and it just feels relaxed and comfortable.

Painted Horse is perfect for at-home date nights too. It’s probably our top-pick for take-out!

Bonus Bartlesville Calendar Recommendations (for your next visit!)

If you’re driving in for a session, or just want to turn your date night into a little weekend getaway, here are a few of our favorite extra things-to-do and stops:

• Dillard’s Outlet at the mall – This is low-key a huge draw for visitors. Locals know it, too. It can have a lot of off-season stuff, but a lot of great deals!
• Speaking of shopping, Unhinged (downtown) and Second Street Resellery (Eastland Shopping Center) are my favorite locally-owned options!
• Moxie on Second – Perfect for gifts and home decor! Also located downtown.
• Kiddie Park – Top of the list for family-friendly things to do in Bartlesville! If you’re bringing kids along, this is a must!
• The Pioneer Woman Mercantile – we’re not far from Pawhuska, and this makes for a great breakfast or lunch trip!

If you’re reading this because you’re planning a photo session (or considering one), I hope this gives you a glimpse of what life feels like around here – and who you’d be working with. We love this town, we love this work, and we love sharing our rhythms with people who maybe haven’t yet experienced the joy of small-town Oklahoma!

Whether you’re booking a session or booking a table, I hope this helped you plan your next Bartlesville memory!