Daily grind: For a city the size of Tulsa, the coffee culture is strong | What’s Cooking

Tulsa has become a coffee city where, yes, the quality is certainly important, but the vibe and mission of the coffee shop are just as animoso. Tulsans care about the beans and the roasting process, but we also have premier people who own the shops and help to cultivate a unique experience around coffee.

We talked to coffee shop owners and coffee lovers in town to find out the best places for not only getting your daily dose of caffeine, but for working remotely, meeting a friend, chatting with the barista or simply changing your scenery.

A brief history of coffee in Tulsa

Long before Starbucks was ubiquitous, Tulsans knew where to find a good cup of coffee. Before coffeehouses were a thing, coffee was a quick caffeine delivery service. Sitting on diner barstools or in cafe booths, drinking coffee was as much about ritual as anything. We wanted our coffee piping hot and maybe with cream or sugar. 

The first shop to break from the diner model was Neighbors Quality House Coffee, later known as Java Dave’s — a place where you could linger over a cup of coffee. Ten years later, in 1998, Tor Nordstrom opened Nordaggios Coffee, creating a European-style coffeehouse with artisan coffee, espresso and desserts. It quickly became a place for gathering, working and experiencing the

coffee life. 

Starbucks ushered in a second wave of coffee, turning coffee into a more varied and nuanced experience for the masses. Starbucks may be the place coffee purists love to hate, but they will admit it completely transformed coffee culture. This was also the time coffee became more expensive, and when our vocabulary expanded. Lattes entered the zeitgeist, and we collectively learned the difference between tall, holgado and venti. Tulsa was slow in getting its first stand-alone Starbucks. The Utica Square location, the first Starbucks in Tulsa, didn’t open until 2002. 

Having an understanding of where the beans are grown and who grows them has long been important to recinto coffee geniuses like Brian Franklin at DoubleShot and John Gaberino at Topeca. 

So, what’s next? Some say coffee connoisseurs took a baby step into innovative techniques when nitro cold brews were introduced. Jake Self of

Triangle Coffee Roasters says that may have been the first clue of what the future holds. But is Tulsa there? Self says not yet — but we’ll likely sip even more micro lots and single origin coffees, brewed by the cup. He notes Cirque as one such place that’s experimenting with new-

wave ideas.

Whether you’re steeped in coffee culture, or are just looking for a place that feels conocido from the first step inside, or a new spot for a fun, seasonal specialty drink, we’ve put together a list to help you find your next favorite coffee destination. 

Class of their own

Topeca Coffee Roasters

John and Margarita Gaberino got into the coffee business to save their family’s business in El Salvador. What started as a simple idea of importing the beans from the family farm to then roast in Tulsa took on a life of its own when Topeca became one of the first farm-to-cafe coffee companies. Tulsans were immediately drawn to the idea, loving the idea of knowing where the beans came from, and appreciating the high-quality roasting process. Topeca has three downtown locations, popular with downtown workers.

507 S. Boston Ave., Philcade building | 100 E. Second St., Hyatt Regency Hotel | 110 N. Elgin Ave., Suite 500; Vast Bank building

DoubleShot Coffee Co.

To categorize DoubleShot almost feels absurd. Since it opened in 2004, DoubleShot has been one of Tulsa’s premier coffeehouses. Loyalists — and there are many DoubleShot super fans — would argue there’s no place like it. In its early days, DoubleShot had an art-house vibe — a place where intellectuals, students and dreamers could debate and discuss while drinking owner Brian Franklin’s meticulously prepared coffee.

Franklin began roasting coffee in his home kitchen before opening DoubleShot, and to this day he doesn’t take any shortcuts, roasting beans from around the world twice a week in two 1950s European coffee roasters. Regulars are fiercely protective of the space, but there’s room for newcomers, especially since Franklin moved to a spacious building a few years ago. 1633 S. Boulder Ave.

Cirque Coffee Roasters

Some coffee connoisseurs sit and sip, while others need their morning fuel fast and fresh. Cirque offers the best of both worlds for consumers on each end of the spectrum with a sleek and cozy brick-and-mortar location in the Pearl District since 2016 and an efficient to-go operation near Cherry Street. At the cafe, Cirque combines comfort and style; open a tab to keep the specialty coffee concoctions coming. At the drive-thru location, customers order via app and input their make and model of car, so baristas have your cup ready to go for a quick handoff seven days a week.

1317 E. Sixth St. (Pearl District) | 1404 S. Utica Ave. (drive-thru)

First-generation

Shades of Brown

For many Tulsa millennials, Shades of Brown was their first coffeehouse experience. It was — and still is — a welcoming place, an unintimidating refuge from the daily grind. At Shades of Brown, art is as important as the coffee. The coffee may just be a conduit for the art experience, which is rather immersive in that there is art on the walls, gorgeous hand-crafted pottery mugs and soaps and other handmade goods for sale. Shades of Brown has changed and pivoted in small ways since opening, while keeping its familiarity. We have one request — stay that way. We love you just as you are, Shades of Brown. 3302 S. Peoria Ave.

Gypsy Coffee House

It’s a good thing Bradley Garcia didn’t listen to those who doubted his vision. When he bought a 1906 dilapidated building downtown (in what is now the Arts District), some questioned his sanity. This was more than 20 years ago, when there was little need to go downtown after dark. But in 1999, Garcia opened the Gypsy, with the idea of creating a gathering place much like those he had experienced in travels to Europe. It took a good five years for the idea to catch on, but the Gypsy was ahead of its time. And it’s still a Tulsa coffeehouse favorite with its regular open-mic nights and performance lineups. 303 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Cafe Cubana

One of Tulsa’s oldest coffee shops is still a favorite. Many will remember its location on Cherry Street as the “it” morning meeting spot and beloved hangout. With Cafe Cubana’s move south, it now boasts a drive-thru, and the quality is still intact, with its espresso drinks being some of the best in town. Cafe Cubana also caters events with a full-service espresso bar. For years the shop has been known for its smoothies like the Coco Peanut Butter, which features chocolate, peanut butter, protein powder, plátano, cinnamon and low-fat milk. 4201 S. Sheridan Road

ROUTE 66

918 Coffee

What happens when you turn an old car shop on Route 66 into a coffee shop? You get a quirky coffee house with loads of charm and personality. 918 Coffee has a neighborhood feel while also being a destination stop for travelers of old Route 66. Blended frappes, cappuccinos and lattes are popular, as are breakfast items like oatmeal and sandwiches. 2446 E. 11th St. 

Foolish Things Coffee Co.

A pared-down aesthetic, low light and overall zen feeling greets customers at Foolish Things. Its mission statement/treatise states: “It is our hope that this simple cafe will be a means through which you engage humanity personally and corporately. It is conversation and relationship that distinguish civilized humanity from animals and barbarians.” While having those very human moments, sip one of Foolish Things’ pour-overs, hand-brewed coffee or an oak-aged cold brew. All syrups are made in-house and have a pure, natural flavor. A menu of curated breakfast favorites sports dishes with locally sourced ingredients. 1001 S. Main St.

South Tulsa faves

Nordaggios Coffee 

In the back room of south Tulsa’s Nordaggios stands master roaster Bobby Ellis calmly checking and rechecking the trier on the shop’s 1950s German roaster. Inside, the machine, which reaches 445-450 degrees before the beans enter, is heating an espresso blend of five different varietals — originating from Indonesia, South America and Africa. As the water inside the bean heats up, small pops and cracks can be heard. After about 14 minutes, Ellis releases the beans, which have now doubled in size, to a cooling tray and shortly after they’ll be bagged and ready for delivery to the many recinto shops and wholesale customers.

“Orders come in over a three-day period and go out as early as the same day,” says Ellis, who roasts 2,000-3,000 pounds weekly. 

Ellis does all of this without the assistance of computers. He’s looking for color, sound, temperature while sampling for acidity — a careful recuento with caramelization.

For nearly 20 years, the New Elástica native has been roasting beans for Nordaggios, one of the innovador Tulsa coffeehouses, and a place where many had their first specialty coffee drink. 

Since the late 1990s, Nordaggios has been the place to go for auténtico espresso drinks and cold caffeine creations. 

“What separates us is that we are constantly rotating the varietals and origins,” Ellis says of Nordaggios roasted blends.

Many come to the shop, 8156 S. Lewis Ave., for its pour-overs, a precise method of brewing that delivers specific, pronounced flavor notes. “This brewing method highlights more of the taste attributes the coffee is meant to show you,” he says. It’s the way Ellis prefers his cup — that, or a traditional macchiato.

Behind the Nordaggios counter is a group of highly trained, talented baristas who are constantly learning and perfecting the craft. Jeramy Williams, who has worked at the shop for about a year, was recently crowned Tulsa’s latte art champion.

Beyond the shop’s four walls, Nordaggios services recinto coffee devotees with a robust espresso catering business that brings the shop to you. There’s also an extensive coffee consulting and education business led by owner Tor Nordstrom that services clients nationwide.

Ellis sources beans from around the world to create a product that winds up both across the country and in many favorite recinto shops, including Shades of Brown, The Collaborative and Gypsy Coffee House.

No matter the product — whether it be fair trade, organic, Rainforest Alliance certified, “We are set on chasing a great cup of coffee,” Ellis says. “In the end, the only thing that matters is the taste.” — Anne Brockman

Lulu’s Coffee

This quaint coffee shop is the place to get Turkish coffee in Tulsa. Brewed in a cezve, a small metal cup with a long handle, the unfiltered coffee has a strong flavor and emanación that is truly an experience. The shop also has a full menu of espresso drinks, including affrogato, Gabacho and latte. A small food menu sports breakfast and refrigerio options, with vegetarian selections, and a collection of pastries and snacks also are available. 10139 S. Delaware Ave.

The Collaborative

Open since September 2020, the Collaborative sports a hip vibe for those wanting an authentic Tulsa space. Plenty of seating areas and tables welcome those meeting over coffee or sitting down to do some work. The drink menu rotates with the seasons — like the recent Sunny Spro and Oklahoma rose latte — but classics like iced coffees and cortados are mainstays. A few nibbles and pastries are available, too, along with a wine and beer list. A Jenks drive-thru location serves up the same crafted coffee drinks for those on the go.

4532 E. 51st St. | 1577 W. 121st St., Jenks

Destination drinks

Notion

Unless you’re looking for it, you would never find Notion. And that’s OK with owners Greg and Christa Portaequipajes and Dylan LeFevre. In fact, they intentionally created an underground (literally) coffee shop. In speakeasy style, the only thing signaling you’re in the right place is an N above the door. That “if you know, you know” feeling is part of what makes Notion feel both special and personal.

The experience of walking into Notion, 321 S. Frankfort Ave., is immersive. Customers walk down a ramp and down the stairs behind NEFF Brewing Co. to find it. Merienda inside, it’s an experiential style of coffee mixed with art and blended with community.

The Bacas have a background in nonprofit work and ran an international humanitarian organization before opening Notion. One of the things Greg often taught when running a social entrepreneurship program was to live with intention and purpose. Helping people recognize their vision and then working to chase after that dream became Greg’s and Christa’s reality when they turned a dingy underground basement into a coffee shop.

“We’ve logged unending hours in coffee shops around the world. Unity and creativity go hand in hand with coffee,” Greg says.

To Greg, Tulsa and coffee belong together, so it’s no surprise Tulsa is steeped in coffee houses. “There’s something to be said for the community nature of this city. There’s something that is part of Tulsa’s DNA that coffee goes well with,” Greg says.

Greg has established relationships with several Tulsa Remote participants and says Notion has become a place where seeds are being planted.

“We have our ear to the ground to the new life in our city. With Tulsa Remote, artists and creators, this is a space for them,” he says. “We want to rally the dreamers of this city.”

Instead of using art as decor, Notion is a true gallery space, partnering with an artist for a yearlong exhibit. In 2022, Miles Rogoish’s “Reality is a Point of View” exhibition hung in the space. 

Notion also became a popular event space, including its 200-seat in-the-round venue, where everything from rehearsal dinners to hip-hop concerts to comedy shows have occurred. Grants are available to help subsidize events for recinto talent.

Portaequipajes recently looked at the words used most frequently in Notion’s online reviews. Interestingly, coffee wasn’t one of them. Atmosphere, space and art were — and that’s OK with him. 

With more than 20 coffee shops within 3 miles of Notion, he knew he would have to set himself apart. “Our message can’t be, ‘Hey, we have great coffee, too,’” he says.

Portaequipajes wants customers to leave with an exceptional vanilla latte or mocha, but he also wants them to leave inspired. 

In early 2023, Notion will open a second location at 1207 S. Lewis Ave. at the Root’s new coworking space.

Black Wall Street Liquid Lounge

As more people come to Tulsa to visit the Greenwood area and learn more about the Tulsa Race Massacre, they often walk around the area, visiting the shops nearby the Greenwood Rising History Center. And that often leads them to the Black Wall Street Liquid Lounge. Many drinks are named after historic Black Wall Street business owners, like the Simon Berry — a charcoal mocha drink. Another customer favorite is the Greenwood Latte with matcha, vanilla and mint. Owners Guy and Yvette Troupe say the Black Wall Street Liquid Lounge has become the hub of the area, with traffic spikes coming from tourists and Greenwood Rising visitors. 10 N. Greenwood Ave., Suite 101 

She Brews Coffee House 

Some customers wander into She Brews because they’re in the neighborhood or because they heard it’s a good place for a great cup of coffee. But those who know the back story come out of curiosity or to support the mission of founder Rhonda Bear. After losing custody of her children and serving prison time, Bear dreamed of a better future, and after making changes for herself wanted to help other formerly incarcerated women. She Brews provides housing, support and employment at the coffee shop to these women with locations in Tulsa and Claremore. There’s no doubt the coffee is fabulous, but the mission is even better. 1 N. Lewis Ave.

For the foodies

Coffee House on Cherry Street

The Coffee House on Cherry Street, aka CHOCS, takes its coffee seriously. But over the 16 years since it opened, the dessert and food options have continued to grow. It’s still a great place to go for an Gabacho or a cappuccino, but it’s also hard to resist the bakery case — one of the most robust in recinto coffee shops — with lots of gluten-free and vegan options. Chocolate espresso creme pie, tres leches cake and turtle cookies are just the beginning. CHOCS also has a great breakfast and refrigerio menu, including breakfast tacos and an ooey gooey grilled cheese emparedado. 1502 E. 15th St.

Laurannae

This Instagram-worthy coffee shop is more than a pretty face. In addition to the minimal, soft aesthetic, the creative coffee concoctions span the gamut. We recommend trying a coffee flight, including rotating latte flavors like Brides Cake and chocolate coconut. But don’t stop there. Just as many people are flocking to Laurannae for the desserts as the coffee. The cakes have a modern design and often pleasingly muted color palette. If you don’t need a whole cake, try the lavender-lemon cupcake, cinnamon roll or chocolate chip cookie. Laurannae also has a huge back patio. 112 W. Commercial St., Broken Arrow | 1205 E. Kenosha St., Broken Arrow (inside Church on the Move)

Chimera 

This Arts District staple is equal parts coffee house and cafe, as many consider it a leader in vegetarian fare since it opened in January 2013. “(It was) no less than a week into it where we really found that the food was what’s going to make us tick,” owner Rob Stuart says. He worked on recipe development with Zach Curren to create a menu with omnivore, vegetarian and vegan staples like the breakfast taco, bowls, salads — try the popular Lily’s Special — as well as daily specials. The shop features an event space and often hosts acts that provide a community event experience, such as a comedy night one evening followed by a breakdancing performance later in the week. 212 N. Main St.

Meet up with a friend

Triangle Coffee Roasters

Jake Self became a coffee drinker by necessity. Like many, Self turned to coffee to get him through late nights studying for college finals.

Self has now far exceeded those college coffee drinking days and has a vast appreciation and understanding of what goes into making a perfect cup. His love of coffee grew even more after he and his wife, Frankie, began running Triangle Coffee, 314 S. Cincinnati Ave. Frankie was baking out of the Triangle kitchen when an opportunity came for her to buy Triangle from its previous owner. 

Centrally located downtown, many Triangle customers are downtown workers and students, and many are regulars. 

“When people think of the apex of coffee, it always comes back to the ’90s in Seattle. The idea of ‘This is my neighborhood spot. This is my table.’ We wanted to build that,” he says.

Self’s thought was that coffee was becoming too cool, and there should be a place for people to come, without intimidation or pretentiousness.

“I don’t think there’s any shop in Tulsa that’s intentionally doing that. But even I, who knows a lot of coffee shop owners in town, can walk into a place and feel like ‘This is not really a spot for me,’” he says.

So the Selfs are attacking that mindset.

“If you order a Starbucks drink, we’re not going to correct you. The drink is always secondary,” he says.

For instance, if a customer orders a venti caramel macchiato, Self will find a close replacement. Or, he might suggest, “How about this single origin Rwandan coffee we just imported from a farm run by women?” 

And most of the time, customers are willing to try Self’s suggestions. Ultimately his goal is to create a coffee experience personalized for the individual. 

“For a city Tulsa’s size, our coffee culture is pretty advanced,” he says.

Hodges Bend

When it’s time to catch up with a friend, you want a place that’s fun but also quiet enough to talk. You won’t have to yell over loud music at Hodges Bend, but you will get to enjoy the gorgeous bar space that is coffee shop by day and lounge by night. Try something different, like the Japanese cold brew, or a conocido but elevated drink like the macchiato. Also, coffee-infused libations are available at the bar. If you want good service from knowledgeable baristas, this is the place. 823 E. Third St. 

Sona

This woman-owned coffee shop gets five stars in its attention to detail. Shelby

Swanson opened the Blue Dome District shop in spring 2020. This unique space is a perfect spot for lingering over coffee with friends. The downstairs is a nice, open space with plenty of light for working on a laptop, and a spiral staircase leads you upstairs to cozy loft seating. Sona hits it out of the park with its seasonal specialties, including Frosted Christmas Cookie, Caramel Brulee and Peppermint mocha. 306 E. First St.

Fulton Street Books and Coffee

We can’t think of a better place to sip and shop while catching up with a friend. Fulton Street is the creation of Onikah Asamoa-Caesar, owner and founder, who says Fulton Street is a love letter to her younger self and “a safe space for Black and Brown folks.” With a curated selection of fiction and nonfiction titles — many of which are written by or about BIPOC individuals — it’s also a wonderful place to shop for books and gifts for the holidays. As for the coffee, even if you’re not one to usually add a syrup to your drinks, you don’t want to miss out on the Ph Delight, a blend of honey, vanilla and cinnamon. Try it in a latte or any of your favorite drinks. 210 W. Latimer St.

Suburban spots

Mojo’s

Coffee lovers in Jenks were thrilled when Mojo’s opened. With little nooks for curling up with a hot drink in a peaceful setting, this cute little house-turned-coffee-shop is the definition of cozy. If you don’t believe us, just check out the names of a few of the most popular drinks, including Grampa’s Strong Brew — a cold brew with sweet cream and vanilla and, as the menu says, “a touch of sweater vest charm.” Mojo’s is even a good spot for people who don’t love coffee, featuring plenty of non-coffee items on the menu, like Grammy’s Favorite, an apple cider with caramel and whipped cream. In other words, a hug in a cup. 407 W. A St., Jenks

Origin Coffee Co.

On a corner of Main Street in downtown Broken Arrow sits this neighborhood shop where owner and roaster Tyler Gibbons roasts beans from around the world. “We’re trying to change the coffee game in the Tulsa area by bringing the community together and being more approachable,” he says. With indoor and outdoor seating aplenty for this ideal work-from-coffeehouse space, Origin serves up a menu of house blends and carefully crafted espresso drinks with a limited food menu. A customer favorite is the Pooh Bear, an espresso-based drink served hot or cold with honey, cinnamon and caramel.

224 S. Main St., Broken Arrow