By Katharine Kelly

Definitely not a common household term when it comes to restaurants, gastropubs, originating in Britain, are public houses specializing in more than just the usual pub grub fare of alcohol, fish and chips, kidney pie, bangers and mash and pasties.

Oscar's Gastropub (the word a combo of pub and gastronomy), lead by owner and executive chef Eli Huff, continues the British gastropub craze here in Tulsa. The atmosphere has a modern, casual, classy feel. The newly refinished wooden floor, the deep olive green and cream color scheme and the ceiling-to-floor curtain, which serves as a divider between the dining area and raised south side that can be used for somewhat private gatherings, all bring Oscar's up a notch to a place catering to more than a beer crowd.

The evening I dined here, more people were still in their office attire of ties and slacks, dresses and dress suits. In fact, I, in my blue jeans, was almost underdressed.

When my guest and I arrived, it took a minute or two for someone to seat us. Looking around, a few tables were occupied with large groups, a few people were at the bar, and the overall feel was warm and inviting. We were seated, and our server for the evening greeted us.

We reviewed the drinks, finding 24 beers on tap and decided to sample Marshall Brewing Co.'s Atlas India Pale Ale ($5) and Sundown Wheat ($6). Both were very good choices, the Atlas having a kick, as my friend said, and the Wheat smooth and mellow.

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Mexican cuisine doesn't rank at the top of the list when thinking about healthy dining, but Libby Auld, owner of Eloté Café & Dining, double dares you to come in and try some of her food.

Libby and her husband Jeramy dedicated themselves to opening a Mexican restaurant that offered a healthy experience. "Beans, rice and corn are healthy and nutritious," Libby said. Her mission was to prepare it in a way that would be healthy to her customers.

"I want people to feel good about eating a burrito," she explained.

And it seems she has done just that.

Most Tulsans recognize the location of Eloté Café & Catering, 514 S. Boston, as the historic location of the much loved Nelson's Buffeteria, and Libby is happy to be in this convenient downtown location.

An interesting concept at Eloté is the "green" look that customers find. "I was born 'green,'" said Libby. "I'm into this eco stuff. Growing up my dad hated to see us waste anything. He would compost, and I continue to do it."

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7875 E. 71st St., 286-8380

Start things out with some of Santino's bruschetta, made with roma tomatoes, olive oil, basil, garlic and Romano cheese and served with garbanzo bean hummus. For dinner, try the lasagna bolognese, baked with ricotta cheese, Italian sausage, prosciutto and basil leaves. Or try the sausage and peppers dinner, served with penne pasta, Italian sausage, bell peppers and the house marinara sauce.

HOURS: MON-SUN 5PM-10PM

1503 E. 15th St., 582-4777

7877 E. 51st St., 270-4777

8204 .S Harvard, 492-4777

8222 E. 103rd St., 366-4777

Since 1957, Hideaway has been a staple for pizza fans. Pizza options abound here. Try the Little Kahuna, made with olive oil garlic sauce and topped with mozzarella, provolone, chicken, bacon, sun-dried tomato and feta cheese. For something a little meatier, try the Big Country, topped with pepperoni, Italian sausage, Canadian bacon, cheddar cheese and bacon. The creative types can make their own pie from Hideaway's many topping choices.

HOURS: SUN-THURS 11AM-9:30PM; FRI-SAT 11AM-10:30PM

2847 E. 15th St., 712-9293

Nothing says breakfast like a glazed doughnut. And with so many varieties, Wolfey's most likely has your donut of preference. But if you're looking for something a little meatier in the morning, try a sausage roll or a ham and cheese roll. How about a beverage to wash that donut down? All the classic morning drinks are available, including coffee, cappuccino, and juice.

HOURS: MON-FRI 5AM-2PM; SAT 5-11AM