This Oklahoma Restaurant Transforms Afternoon Tea Into an Alice in Wonderland–Style Experience

Is your afternoon tea routine stuck in a boring rut, or have you found a spot in Oklahoma that transforms it into something genuinely magical?

Locals are buzzing about a dining destination that turns a traditional British custom into a whimsical adventure straight out of a storybook, complete with towering ceilings, vintage charm, and enough quirky details to make the Mad Hatter jealous.

Whether you think afternoon tea should stay classic or go full fantasy, this place is sparking serious debate among Oklahoma City foodies.

A Historic Bank Vault Becomes Your Tea Party Wonderland

A Historic Bank Vault Becomes Your Tea Party Wonderland
© Tellers

Walking into Tellers feels like tumbling down the rabbit hole, except instead of landing in a fantasy forest, you find yourself inside a stunning 1930s bank building that has been lovingly transformed into one of Oklahoma City’s most talked-about dining destinations.

The soaring Art Deco architecture, original teller windows, and gleaming marble floors create an atmosphere that is equal parts grand and whimsical, setting the perfect stage for an afternoon tea experience unlike any other.

This is not your grandmother’s stuffy tea service. The space itself tells a story of transformation, where financial history meets culinary creativity in the most delightful way possible.

Original architectural details have been preserved with care, giving diners a genuine sense of stepping back in time while enjoying thoroughly modern hospitality.

The building’s past life as a bustling financial institution adds layers of intrigue to your visit. You can almost imagine bankers in crisp suits conducting business where you now sip your Earl Grey and nibble delicate pastries.

The juxtaposition of old-world elegance and playful tea party vibes creates a dining experience that feels both sophisticated and wonderfully unexpected.

Every corner of this space invites exploration and discovery, much like the curious adventures of a certain blonde girl chasing a white rabbit through Wonderland.

Where Christmas Turns Into Pure Enchantment

Where Christmas Turns Into Pure Enchantment
© Tellers

When the holiday season arrives, Tellers transforms into something that would make even the Queen of Hearts gasp with delight. The already impressive space becomes draped in twinkling lights, garlands, and decorations so elaborate that visitors plan trips specifically to witness the spectacle.

Reviewers consistently rave about the Christmas decor, calling it a must-see attraction that rivals any holiday display in the state.

The team behind the magic clearly understands that more is more when it comes to festive cheer. Every surface, every corner, every architectural detail gets the holiday treatment, creating an immersive winter wonderland that feels straight out of a storybook.

Families make it an annual tradition to book afternoon tea during December just to experience the visual feast.

Locals debate whether the decorations get better each year, with many claiming that the bar keeps getting raised to impossible heights.

The combination of vintage architecture and modern holiday glamour creates a unique aesthetic that photographs beautifully and makes every guest feel like they have stepped into a magical realm.

Even those who visit regularly throughout the year make special return trips during the holidays, drawn back by the promise of experiencing their favorite restaurant transformed into something even more extraordinary and enchanting than usual.

The Bar Inside a Vault That Defies Imagination

The Bar Inside a Vault That Defies Imagination
© Tellers

Perhaps the most wonderfully absurd feature of Tellers is the bar tucked inside the original bank vault downstairs. Yes, you read that correctly.

Where money once sat secured behind thick steel doors, cocktails now flow freely in one of the coolest drinking spots you will ever encounter. This is the kind of detail that makes Tellers feel less like a restaurant and more like a carefully curated experience designed to surprise and delight at every turn.

The vault bar has become legendary among Oklahoma City locals, who recommend starting your afternoon tea experience with a pre-meal drink in this intimate, utterly unique space.

The thick walls, heavy door, and industrial charm create an atmosphere that is both cozy and thrilling, like you are part of an exclusive club with the best-kept secret in town.

Bartenders here are skilled craftspeople who take pride in their work, mixing creative cocktails that taste as good as the space looks. The juxtaposition of sipping a carefully crafted beverage in a former high-security vault adds an element of playful rebellion to the experience.

Guests often linger longer than planned, reluctant to leave this hidden gem even when their table upstairs is ready, captivated by the novelty and charm of drinking in a space with such fascinating history.

Service That Makes You Feel Like Royalty

Service That Makes You Feel Like Royalty
© Tellers

The Mad Hatter’s tea party was chaotic and confusing, but the service at Tellers is the complete opposite. Guests consistently praise the staff for being attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely warm, creating an atmosphere where you feel valued from the moment you arrive until the last bite of dessert disappears from your plate.

This level of hospitality transforms a good meal into a memorable experience.

Servers here do not just recite menu items; they tell stories about the building, offer thoughtful recommendations based on your preferences, and check in at just the right moments without being intrusive.

Many reviewers mention specific staff members by name, a sure sign that the team has mastered the art of personal connection.

Even when the restaurant is packed, which happens often given its popularity, the service remains smooth and professional. The staff clearly takes pride in their work and understands that they are not just serving food but creating special moments for birthdays, anniversaries, and everyday celebrations alike.

New servers receive grace and encouragement from understanding guests, who recognize that everyone is working hard to maintain the high standards Tellers is known for.

The result is a dining environment where hospitality feels genuine rather than scripted, warm rather than formal, and perfectly suited to the whimsical tea party atmosphere.

An Atmosphere That Balances Elegance and Whimsy

An Atmosphere That Balances Elegance and Whimsy
© Tellers

Striking the right balance between fancy and fun is no easy feat, but Tellers manages it with seemingly effortless grace. The space is undeniably elegant, with its soaring ceilings, polished marble, and vintage architectural details, yet it never feels stuffy or intimidating.

Families with children feel welcome alongside couples celebrating anniversaries, creating a wonderfully diverse crowd that adds to the lively energy.

The open floor plan, with the bar positioned centrally and dining areas flowing around it, encourages a sense of community and shared experience. You can admire the space from multiple angles, discovering new details with each visit.

The acoustics allow for conversation without excessive noise, creating an environment where you can actually hear your dining companions.

Natural light filters through tall windows during daytime service, adding warmth and highlighting the beautiful architectural features. As evening approaches, the lighting shifts to create a more intimate, romantic ambiance that feels completely different yet equally appealing.

This versatility makes Tellers suitable for virtually any occasion, from casual weekend brunch to special celebration dinners. The atmosphere adapts to your mood and needs while maintaining its distinctive character, proving that a restaurant can be both sophisticated and approachable, grand and welcoming, all at once.

A Building With Stories to Tell

A Building With Stories to Tell
© Tellers

Every great Wonderland needs a rich backstory, and the building housing Tellers delivers in spades.

Constructed in the 1930s as the First National Bank, this architectural gem has witnessed decades of Oklahoma City history, from economic booms to challenging times, serving as a financial cornerstone of the downtown area for generations before its transformation into a dining destination.

The Art Deco design reflects the optimism and bold aesthetic choices of its era, with details that modern construction simply cannot replicate.

Original teller windows remain intact, offering tangible connections to the building’s banking past and serving as conversation starters for curious diners who want to know more about what they are experiencing.

Preservation efforts have been thoughtful and respectful, honoring the building’s heritage while adapting it for contemporary use. Walking through the space feels like participating in living history, where past and present coexist in harmony rather than conflict.

Staff members are well-versed in the building’s history and enjoy sharing tidbits with interested guests, adding educational value to the dining experience.

Learning that you are enjoying afternoon tea in a space that once bustled with bankers and businesspeople nearly a century ago adds depth and meaning to every sip and bite, connecting you to Oklahoma’s past in a deliciously tangible way.

The Perfect Venue for Special Occasions

The Perfect Venue for Special Occasions
© Tellers

Birthdays, anniversaries, proposals, reunions, and milestone celebrations all find a perfect home at Tellers. The combination of stunning visuals, excellent service, and memorable atmosphere creates the ideal backdrop for life’s important moments.

Guests frequently mention celebrating special occasions here, drawn by the knowledge that their event will feel truly extraordinary rather than routine.

The staff excels at making celebrants feel recognized and valued, often surprising birthday guests with complimentary desserts that arrive with a flourish. These thoughtful touches demonstrate genuine care rather than obligatory gestures, elevating the experience from nice meal to cherished memory.

The photogenic nature of the space means your celebration will be beautifully documented, with every snapshot capturing both your joy and the gorgeous surroundings. Social media feeds fill with images of happy diners raising glasses beneath those soaring ceilings, spreading word of Tellers to wider audiences.

Even first-time visitors often remark that their casual lunch or dinner felt like a celebration simply because of the environment.

The space has a way of making ordinary days feel special and special days feel absolutely magical, which is precisely what you want when marking important moments with loved ones in a place that treats every guest like royalty.

Accessibility That Welcomes Everyone

Accessibility That Welcomes Everyone
© Tellers

True hospitality means ensuring that everyone can participate in the experience, and Tellers takes accessibility seriously. The venue is ADA-compliant, allowing guests with mobility challenges to enjoy the same stunning atmosphere and excellent service as everyone else.

This commitment to inclusivity reflects modern values while honoring the building’s historic character.

Families with young children find the space welcoming and accommodating, with staff who understand that little ones bring energy and occasional chaos to the table. High chairs are available, and the menu offers options that appeal to younger palates alongside more adventurous selections for grown-ups.

The elevator provides an alternative to the iconic escalator for those who need it, ensuring that physical limitations do not prevent anyone from accessing the main dining room. Parking options include valet service, which simplifies arrival for guests who might struggle with walking longer distances from remote parking spots.

Dietary accommodations can be discussed with knowledgeable servers who work with the kitchen to address allergies and preferences. The goal is clearly to create an experience where everyone feels welcome, valued, and able to participate fully in the magic, regardless of age, ability, or dietary needs, making Tellers a truly inclusive destination.

A Downtown Location Worth the Journey

A Downtown Location Worth the Journey
© Tellers

Tellers occupies prime real estate in the heart of downtown Oklahoma City, making it easily accessible for both locals and visitors exploring the area.

The location inside The National, Autograph Collection adds to the sense of occasion, as the hotel itself exudes sophistication and style that complements the restaurant perfectly.

Parking is available in the adjacent garage, with elevators that whisk you directly to the restaurant level for maximum convenience.

While there is a nominal parking fee, the ease and security make it worthwhile, especially when you are dressed up for a special occasion and do not want to walk blocks from a distant spot.

The downtown setting means you can easily combine your meal with other activities, from exploring nearby galleries and shops to catching a show or sporting event. Tellers makes an excellent pre-theater dinner spot or post-event celebration venue, fitting seamlessly into a full day of urban adventures.

Being centrally located also means the restaurant draws a diverse crowd of downtown workers, hotel guests, theater-goers, and destination diners who make the trip specifically for the Tellers experience.

This mix of regulars and first-timers creates dynamic energy that keeps the atmosphere fresh and exciting with every visit to this Oklahoma City gem.

Address: 120 N Robinson Ave, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

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