Flavor of Oklahoma: Tulsa classic Arnold’s Hamburgers celebrates nearly 40 years of unchanged flavor

Arnold’s Old-Fashioned Hamburgers has been serving up sizzling patties and Tulsa nostalgia for nearly 40 years, and owner Frank Arnold says the secret is simple: nothing has changed.

Just off Route 66 in Tulsa’s Crystal City Shopping Center, Arnold’s Old-Fashioned Hamburgers has been a staple of the city’s food scene since the 1980s. The smell of fresh beef on the grill, the sparkle of classic cars, and the sound of Elvis still greet customers much the same way they did when the doors first opened.

Owner Frank Arnold says the restaurant’s success comes down to consistency.

“We haven’t changed our menu in probably 30 years,” Arnold said. “It’s real simple, and when you keep it simple, you can focus on quality rather than quantity.”

The burgers are made fresh daily with 100% beef ground in-house each morning. Each patty is seasoned with salt and pepper, smashed on the grill, and cooked for exactly three and a half minutes before being stacked on toasted buns with mustard, lettuce, tomato, pickles and onion. Fries are served golden and crisp, just as they were on day one.

“Cooking them the same way every time makes the difference between an okay burger and a really great burger,” Arnold said.

A Tulsa Tradition

For many, Arnold’s isn’t just about the food — it’s about the people. Regulars have been coming back for decades, often with family in tow. Arnold said he loves talking with customers and considers the restaurant an extension of his home.

“I grew up just about a mile from here, went to school three blocks from here, and worked down the sidewalk for five years,” he said. “So this is my home.”

The walls reflect that sense of nostalgia, decorated with vintage lunchboxes, frosty soda mugs and memorabilia that transport visitors back in time.

Looking Ahead

Arnold’s will celebrate its 40th anniversary next February, and Arnold said he’s planning a big celebration to mark the milestone. Despite nearly four decades of long hours and occasional burnout, retirement isn’t on his mind.

“I really don’t want to retire yet,” he said. “I like doing this. I like talking to customers. I’d get bored if I wasn’t doing something.”

For many Tulsans, the magic of Arnold’s is in its refusal to change. The burgers taste the same as they did 10, 20 or even 30 years ago, a steady reminder of simpler times along Route 66.