About This Spot
Stepping into Sam & Ella's Chicken Palace in the heart of Tahlequah feels like entering a time-honored neighborhood gem where the pace slows just enough to savor good company and even better food. The walls are playfully adorned with roosters—nods to the quirky name that keeps visitors guessing—and the inviting warmth of the space effortlessly blends rustic charm with the familiarity of a beloved local haunt.
Despite what the name might suggest, this is a pizza place through and through, where the focus settles on hearty, comforting pies and thoughtfully crafted sandwiches rather than chicken. The atmosphere hums with a casual friendliness, where laughter might drift over a table stacked with cheesy garlic bread or artichoke toast, and the satisfying stretch of gooey cheese signals the kind of craftsmanship baked into each slice. The menu invites a gentle sense of discovery, from rich, meaty favorites to creative veggie options, each one delivered with a kind of steady, unpretentious warmth that makes everyone feel welcome—whether you’re a Tahlequah regular or a first-time visitor.
It’s the kind of place where the crust is exactly right: perfectly baked, with just enough bite to hold up under generous, flavorful toppings without ever losing its homey feel. Subs and wraps add layers of familiar comfort, filling the air with hints of spices and slow-simmered flavors that linger in pleasant memory long after the meal ends. Above all, what stays with you is the sense of having found a corner spot where good food meets good-hearted service, wrapped in an atmosphere that’s both lively and laid-back—where the company and the context matter just as much as the plates arriving at your table.
What's Available
Outdoor seating Onsite services Takeout Dine-in Fast service Serves local specialty Lunch Dinner Solo dining Wheelchair accessible entrance Wheelchair accessible parking lot Wheelchair accessible restroom Wheelchair accessible seating Alcohol Coffee Comfort food Small plates Vegetarian options Counter service Dessert Seating Table service Bar onsite Restroom Casual Cozy Historic Trendy College students Family-friendly Groups Tourists Accepts reservations Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Good for kids High chairs Kids' menu Free parking lot Free street parking Parking Dogs allowed inside Dogs allowed outside
Guest Reviews
Was really good pizza. My man loved the "capps" (mushrooms) and we had the garlic bread with cheese (delicious) we ordered a pepperoni pizza with pineapples (don't judge me) jalapenos and onions and it was GREAT! Will definitely go back again. Super cute roosters everywhere. Just figured the name out the other day.....samandellas....get it... These people are funny. And they sell pizza not chicken freaking great. Recommended
We’re from Tulsa, and this was hands-down the best pizza we’ve had in an extremely long time. Sam & Ella’s absolutely delivered — perfectly baked crust, flavorful toppings, and that classic, cozy pizza-parlor charm. The meatball sub was truly out of this world — tender, seasoned just right, and packed with flavor. One of those sandwiches you’re still thinking about the next day! And the service? Even better. Friendly, fast, and genuinely welcoming. You can tell this place takes pride in what they do. If you’re anywhere near Tahlequah, do yourself a favor and stop in. We’ll definitely be back!
Been eating Sam & Ella’s pizza for over 20 years. They still got it. Tastes just as it did in the early 2000’s. One of the best pizzas I’ve had, not just in OK, but anywhere I’ve been.
We were in town from the dallas area for the 4th of july weekend and didn't want to cook after driving in. We ordered several pizzas and sub sandwiches and garlic and artichoke toast for our large group. We called it in, they repeated the order back perfectly, and estimated 40 minutes. When we walked in me and my friend commented on the ambiance of the place- it seems super charming inside. We didn't get a chance to really look around because our food was ready on the bar for us. We told the girl at the counter we would be right back to make a second trip cuz we had a lot of food and when we got out to the car and turned around she was standing there with the rest of our order. The food was hot and delicious. Photo of the breads and my pizza (ham and bacon- medium) Highly recommend
Went to this place over a year ago and still think about how good the pizza was!! I went in expecting chicken but was surprised to find it was a pizza place. But it was a darn good one!! I genuinely don't remember what appetizer we got, I just remembered not being too impressed with it. The pizza was a large pepperoni and black olive. The cheese pull was reminiscent of TMNT cartoon, it was that gooey and delicious. Service was great. Place was fairly empty when I went but it was still friendly service. Definitely recommend.
If you like great tasting pizza, just go to Sam and Ella’s. Word to the wise, there is lots of cheese and toppings on their pies. And yes, go ahead and order the bread. It’s fantastic. There was a slight char to the crusts that’s just tasty. You know it’s coming out of a good oven. We were in Tahlequah for our state fire caucus meeting. It’s in a very neat location in downtown. Parking could be an issue during peek hours.
> 
> 
> 
