We decided to check out a new eating spot on the 11th Street alignment of Route 66 in Tulsa, even though the restaurant itself isn’t new.
Freddie’s Hamburgers has been a favorite of Tulsans since 1954. It has spent most of its years at 802 S. Lewis Ave. But in May, it opened another location at 9130 E. 11th St., east of Memorial.
Freddie’s reportedly fries chopped onions in its hamburger meat. I didn’t detect the onions, but it was a mighty tasty burger regardless — lots of flavor, crisp edges on the meat with all the fixin’s in a toasted bun.
Oklahoma is an embarrassment of riches with hamburger joints — outstanding ones like Hank’s Hamburgers, the Anchor Inn and a slew of onionburger places in El Reno, to name a few. Freddie’s deserves to be included in the higher echelons.
What really impressed us was Freddie’s “fresh cut fries.” Freddie’s manages to fry the fries crisp on the outside but the potato remains soft on the inside.
Freddie’s also serves Frito pies, ribeye steak sandwiches, grilled chicken sandwiches and coneys. It has what it calls a char-burger on its menu — instead of frying the meat, it’s seared on a grill.
We also noticed that Freddie’s had a Route 66 Special on its menu: two junior burgers, french fries and a small milkshake for $5.66. To “upgrade” the fries and milkshake sizes, it’s 66 cents more. And for you Southerners out there, Freddie’s serves sweet iced tea.
We knew Freddie’s was going to be a good place when we saw one police officer and two members of a local transport union eating there. It’s a good harbinger of a cafe’s food when both cops and union grunts are spotted.
Freddie’s only has about four tables, but there’s plenty of counter seating. Its hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. It’s closed Sunday. The phone number is 918-836-5600. It’s just down the road a bit and across the street from the Oasis Motel.
My childhood friend Charlie happened to be in town on his birthday and what better way to celebrate! We grew up around East Central Elementary and by the time we got to high school, Hank’s was established on E. Admiral just west of the traffic circle. We participated in the mad dashes around the circle for a hamburger, coney and a Pepsi for lunch. Seemed like it was 50¢ for all three. Much time has passed since the 50’s and Hank’s and Freddie’s have evolved over the years. I spotted the new Freddie’s on 11th about a month ago, but couldn’t take the time to stop. So, Charlie and I went back about 45 years and had their Deluxe with cheese, fries and a drink. What a treat. As you can see from the picture, it’s hard to walk away unsatisfied! I’ll be going back soon!!
This definately is the best hamburger place in all of Tulsa. The atmosphere is great and Freddie is charming. The service is incredible and the best hamburgers I have ever tasted.
Make sure you stop at this great place!!
Kate- This is the best hamburger I have ever tasted! Very great service. Everyone should try it. It is a great place to eat and a steal for the money. I will go back again and again.
I remember Freddie’s in Bixby, Ok in the mid to late ’80’s. It was excellent then and still is.