Buzzin’ around town

The best places to get caffeinated in Tulsa

“At Starbucks I like ordering a ‘tall venti in a grande cup.’ That’s basically me asking for a small large in a medium cup.”

This quote from “This Book Has No Title” by Jarod Kintz comments on the absurdity of corporate coffee. Kintz’s self-published books are those you would find in any neighborhood coffee house, inspiring weird conversations from the over-caffeinated. Thoughts such as these are born of the creative types huddled in these places, these sacred, wonderful containers of the building blocks of our communities. 

Artistic people don’t always want to gather at bars, but instead in places where creativity is worn like a badge. Coffee shops have united communities for years, providing a casual environment for exchanging ideas, sharing thoughts, and sipping a house roast. When I was a restless young adult, I frequented Gypsy Coffee House, which opened downtown in 2000 after a massive renovation of the historic building. There, I was introduced to poetry and acoustic guitar via open mic. I remember the clove-cigarette smoke and strong coffee in the air as I realized there was a whole world out there, right here.

Foolish Things Coffee Company // 1001 S. Main St.
Featuring coffee from Mariposa Coffee Roasters in Norman and Blueprint Coffee Roasters in Saint Louis, Foolish Things supports our regional roasters.

Cafe Cubana // 1340 E. 15th St.
Cubana thrives because of its consistently good coffee drinks and the loyalty of its regular customers. You might spot a Tulsa legend if you are there at the right time.

Double Shot Coffee Company // 1730 S. Boston Ave.
There isn’t anyone as serious about coffee as Brian Franklin, owner and roastmaster. He’s done his research and his passion comes through in his product.

Nordaggio’s Coffee // 8156 S. Lewis Ave., Suite C
Opened in 1998, a once tiny espresso bar has become a long-lived southside tradition.

The Coffee House on Cherry Street // 1502 E. 15th St.
The coffee is great and the pastries are delicious, with plenty of gluten free options.

Shades of Brown Coffee // 3302 S. Peoria Ave.
The down-to-earth atmosphere and local art make this spot comfortable, relaxing, and perfect for sipping coffee.

Gypsy Coffee House // 303 MLK Jr. Blvd.
Open seven days a week, this is where late-night coffee culture was born in the 918.

Topeca Coffee // 115 W. 5th St #169
Home of a “seed to cup” approach to the business of coffee; the beans come from the family farm in El Salvador and are roasted right here in Tulsa.

Otherwise noted:
Joebot’s Coffee Bar // 119 S. Detroit
Chimera Cafe // 212 N. Main St.
The Phoenix // 1302 E. Sixth St.

Allison's Dishes

The Village on Main in Jenks is sponsoring Jenks Saturday Market, a family-friendly market every Saturday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. until the end of September. From face painting to bounce houses, the kids can find something fun to do while you shop for locally grown vegetables, snack on nosh from food trucks, and listen to live music. The market is situated on the south side of Main Street at 7th in the parking lot of the former Green Acres Market, where parking is ample. The market is pet-friendly, too, so bring your dog.

Chris and Amanda West moved to Tulsa after Hurricane Katrina and they brought the flavor of New Orleans with them. They opened Lasalle’s New Orleans Deli at 6th and Boston this year, making classic Cajun fare in a quick-service environment. The food is so good that the line often stretches out the door. The muffuletta sandwiches are delicious, but I would recommend the Oyster Po Boy special, available on Thursdays. They run out fast because it’s that darned good.

According to Christy Moore, founder of Stone Soup Community Venture, one in five Tulsans don’t know where their next meal will come from. This startling statistic served as inspiration to implement change and open the first “pay what you can” community kitchen in Tulsa. It’s a pop-up kitchen called Tulsa’s Table that will provide a meal in exchange for a donation or a commitment to volunteer in the cafe. Phillips Theological Seminary at 901 N. Mingo Road will host the event, providing a space to creatively meet the hunger needs of our community.

Leon’s on Brookside is my happy-hour spot because they have a great selection of local craft beer and the bartenders are fantastic. COOP F5, a hoppy, grapefruit-forward IPA made in Oklahoma City, is the beer feature for June. At Leon’s, you can get a pint for $3. To sweeten the deal, every Wednesday, any of the brick oven pizzas are $5. The portion size is just right for one person and it’s a heck of a deal. Try the ‘Green Eggs & Ham” pizza—it has two sunny-side-up eggs, Canadian bacon, pesto, and just the right amount of mozzarella.