The Vault Restaurant is a casual American restaurant and cocktail bar at 620 S Cincinnati Ave, Tulsa, OK 74119, in downtown Tulsa’s Deco District. Opened by restaurateur Libby Billings in 2012, it occupies the former First National Auto Bank, a striking 1959 modernist building. Travelers come for scratch-made lunches, weekend brunch, craft cocktails, and the chance to eat inside a piece of Tulsa’s automobile-age architecture.
What to Expect at The Vault Restaurant
The building is central to the experience. Its broad glass walls, strong horizontal lines, and concrete structure belong to a different architectural generation from downtown’s ornate Art Deco towers. Originally designed around drive-through banking, it now accommodates relaxed dining and private gatherings without losing its midcentury character. The retro furnishings suit the architecture rather than turning the room into a bank-themed attraction. Visit during daylight to appreciate the glazing and the relationship between the building and its street frontage.
The kitchen focuses on scratch-made American food, with separate weekday lunch, main-selection, and weekend brunch menus. Lunch runs until 4 p.m. on weekdays, making this useful for a late meal between downtown sights. Saturday changes pace: brunch finishes at 3 p.m., and main selections begin at 4 p.m. The drinks program includes cocktails, wine, beer, and nonalcoholic choices; cocktail classes offer a more structured alternative to simply stopping for a drink. Consult the official menus for current dishes and dietary options, and discuss allergies directly with the staff.
- 1959 bank architecture: Glass and concrete frame a former auto bank, contrasting with nearby prewar towers.
- Scratch-made cooking: American lunch and dinner menus make the restaurant practical for a full meal rather than just drinks.
- Weekend brunch: Saturday and Sunday service runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Cocktail program: Craft drinks share the menu with wine, beer, and nonalcoholic selections.
- Private gatherings and classes: Event bookings and scheduled cocktail classes give groups additional ways to experience the building.
The Vault Restaurant at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 620 S Cincinnati Ave, Tulsa, OK 74119 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Downtown Tulsa, Deco District |
| Operating Hours | Monday–Friday 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Saturday brunch ends at 3 p.m.; main selections begin at 4 p.m. |
| Admission / Price Range | No admission charge; moderately priced dining ($$). Current food and drink prices appear on the official menus. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 60–90 minutes; longer for drinks or a group meal. |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Downtown Tulsa Transit services; Denver Avenue Station is approximately a 15-minute walk. Nearby curbside parking and paid downtown lots have posted restrictions. |
| Official Website & Phone | The Vault official website; +1 918-948-6761 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Reserve through the official website for weekend brunch, Friday or Saturday dinner, and larger parties. Arrive near the start of brunch or before the weekday noon lunch period if a quieter meal matters to you. Casual clothing fits the setting; budget separately for cocktails, tax, and gratuity. Drivers should read individual meter and lot signs rather than assume downtown parking is free. Transit riders can use MetroLink Tulsa to plan service to downtown and walk from the Denver Avenue Station area.
The former bank contains dining and event spaces on different levels, so wheelchair users should request an accessible table and confirm the entrance route and restroom access when reserving; upper-level event arrangements deserve particular attention. Families bringing strollers should also mention them when booking. Build a short architecture walk around lunch: the Gothic Revival Holy Family Cathedral is about five minutes away, while the Philtower and Philcade, both on Boston Avenue, are roughly five to ten minutes away. Their ornate detailing makes an instructive contrast with The Vault’s postwar modernism.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours, and when is the best time to visit?
The Vault opens at 11 a.m. Monday–Friday and 10 a.m. on weekends, closing at 10 p.m. Monday–Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. Choose weekday opening time for lunch or 10 a.m. for weekend brunch.
How expensive is The Vault, and should I reserve?
Expect moderate, $$-tier restaurant pricing rather than an admission fee. Reservations are sensible for popular dining periods; use the official website for booking and current menu prices.
How much time should I allow?
Allow 60–90 minutes for a seated meal. Add another 30 minutes if you want cocktails and a short look at the building’s exterior.
Is it suitable for families and diners with mobility needs?
The casual dining format suits families, particularly at lunch and brunch. For mobility needs, arrange the table location and accessible route directly with staff before arrival.
When planning your Tulsa travel guide or comparing verified american restaurant and event venue in Tulsa, pair this stop with standout local spots including Discovery Lab, Amelia's Wood Fired Cuisine, Tours of Tulsa, and Tulsa Club Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton (0.2 km away).
