Hodges Bend

If you are looking for a classy coffee experience, this is it. Reminiscent of a saloon from the 1800’s, Hodges Bend provides a unique atmosphere that is rivaled by none. The expensive chandeliers, high-class furniture, and elegant bar provide sophistication that is unbeknownst to the average coffee enthusiast. Not only do they have great coffee, but they also serve excellent alcoholic beverages. Hodge’s Bend is a place where you can enjoy a cup of coffee or grab a drink on the weekends; a truly dignified venue where gentlemen feel at home.

Coffee House on Cherry Street

The Coffee House on Cherry Street– our regular caffeinated-watering hole boasts locally roasted beans (see below for more on Tulsa area roasters!), a cozy atmosphere, and a delectably fresh assortment of foods; they also have a highly satisfying array of beverages. Whether you are a true coffee connoisseur or a social sipper in need of a pick-me-up, CHOCS has something for everyone! Some of our favorites include the Dirty Chai, Polar Bear, and their well-crafted lattes. If you are stopping by on a nice day, be sure to take advantage of their wonderful porch seating! You can even bring your pooch to keep you company while you study.

The Phoenix

As you enter The Phoenix you are immediately immersed in a book lover’s paradise. The counter is made of books and the menu names all reference notable literary works. The Phoenix also includes a separate library room where you can read one of the many books located on the shelf or study in a cozy chair by the fireplace. The coffee was pleasing to my taste buds, but the drink selection felt eerily similar to Starbucks; they seemed to only have syrupy lattes and frozen dessert drinks. While the coffee is not the best, they have a savory selection of edible items to choose from. Be sure to drop by The Phoenix, located in the up and coming Pearl District, and check out their book collection!

The Gypsy Coffee House

If you are looking for a comfortable spot to pass the day away in peace, Gypsy Coffee House, located in the heart of downtown, offers a pleasant escape from the toils of daily life. Though its coffee may not be worthy of ravings, they offer a wide selection of drinks; my favorite is the $3 pot of tea that they serve complete with a mini-honey pot and vintage-looking chinaware. The quiet, soothing atmosphere, the abundance of natural light and the variety of seating-from the backroom filled with pillows and poofs to sit on to the comfy diner style booths, makes the Gypsy homey in the most memorable of ways.

Shades of Brown

Shades of Brown, or “Shades” as the cool kids call it, is another coffee shop we call home. Located on Brookside, Shades hosts a variety of local art, often obscure, but always enjoyable, and a wide variety of seasonal drinks and delectable pastries. Not only will you find unique art and delicious drinks, but you will also discover the elusive hipster. Known as the hip hangout of Tulsa, Shades is teeming with a large population of unusual specimens. A hipster on a mac is found crammed in every seat, room, and corner, eyeing you pretentiously. Don’t let that deter you from checking out this rare gem of a coffee shop, and discovering your hip-side.

Local Roasters:

The extent of the local coffee scene comes as a surprise to many as coffee is not generally something one immediately associates with Tulsa, Oklahoma. However, we do indeed host a fairly impressive regime of local roasters. Topeca, probably the most well known roaster supplies many of the popular coffee shops with its multitude of delicious blends. However, as it is also sold by the local grocers, you cannot always rely on Topeca’s beans to be the freshest available. DoubleShot Coffee Company, in contrast, roasts their beans twice weekly and works in conjunction directly with coffee farmers all over the world to provide the freshest coffee beans they feel possible. If you are seeking anything other than a hot cup of black coffee or a freshly brewed Americano, you may wish to seek your caffeine supplement elsewhere as you will be hard pressed to find anything with the words “mocha” or “frozen” anywhere in the store.