Besides Starbucks (which I think is highly overrated), where do you like to have coffee?
Coffee is a cult.
People are always offering me cups of it. They have funny smiles and sometimes hold the cups with both hands close to their heart.
They even have their own type of mugs.
DoubleShot on Boston near 18th. Roasts his own beans, then grinds them himself. Latte with whole milk keeps me running for hours.
Doubleshot is the place. I have had acceptable coffee other places, but none can compare with Doubleshot.
Is this the same place that was featured last year in the Tulsa World?
Doubleshot is fine. Gypsy or Saffron may be the better choice, depending on what you're looking for, when you're planning to go. and where you want to be.
I drink way too much coffee to be driving miles to get it. And the difference is generally minimal. I won't generally bother with Doubleshot, but I will make the trip to Gypsy. I take General Weirdness over Yuppie Bliss anyday.
Saffron is closer, they see me at least 3 times a week. Live bands, and open mic nights. Breakfast even.
Brian at Doubleshot is kind of a "character", but his coffee, by far, is the best.
You don't have to listen to the Doubleshot-Nazis. You can make your own decisions.
Pound for pound, head to head, Doubleshot has the edge. It's not overwhelming, but Doubleshot is generally better. There are things that Gypsy and Saffron offer that Doubleshot doesn't. Same with Shades of Brown. And they're all good at something. So it depends on what you're looking for, not what some dude on some forum wants for you.
Stay local, you can't go wrong. They all beat the crap out of Starbucks.
I guess the question leaves room for interpretation. Some will choose ambience over the actual product however if you are looking for great coffee DoubleShot wins going away! The shop itself (inside) is not uncomfortable.
I have had cups all over this country and few compare. I found a roaster in SF that does it well and one in both Portland and NO that I liked but I'm not convinced that they were better than Brians.
As a matter of fact, I just returned from St. Louis this afternoon. While there i had the opportunity to cup with my Bro'-in-law (who drinks far more coffee than I think is healthy). He's had D-shot and he agreed none came close. I brought him a pound of Brazil and you should have seen him light up! He travels much more frequently than I and he has repeatedly commented on how we have a gem of a coffee roaster here in Tulsa and he has yet to find a roast that compares.
Don't go looking for Candy coffee there; although I like the Mocha's, most prefer the sugary swizzles from the environmentally conscientious multi-national.
I guess if you are looking for feel of the shop itself...I've felt comfortable in Shades of Brown in Brookside. They have separate rooms in the back for small groups and then have comfortable spaces up front as well as comfy chairs out on the sidewalk.
that may be one thing D-shot doesn't excel at. The outside seating looks out onto a small parking lot and a dead street. But then, I don't particularly care about that as I am too busy chatting it up with the Barista's or staring at my arms waiting oh so impatiently for them to lift my coffee cup up to my lips to guide the great D-shot coffee INTO ME!
They all sound interesting, so I just might try a different one every week until I find 'the' one that I love. And I agree, we should stay local whenever possible.
Starbucks SUCKS. They're all over Britain, and I just don't understand why they have such a following! I went to tiny coffee shops while in England and their brew was awesome. Same in France...great coffee, but Starbucks???[xx(]
I'm not a coffee drinker yet, so my opinion is worthless... But, south Tulsa has Kaffe Bona (//%22http://www.kaffebona.com/%22) and Nordaggio's. The Farm shopping center also has a little local coffee shop - Coffee Grinder (//%22http://www.farmshoppingcenter.com/coffee_grinder.htm%22).
Broken Arrow has a shop with a goofy name that sounds nice - Arabica Dabra's (//%22http://www.arabicadabras.com/%22)
No one has mentioned Cafe Cubana. In addition to liking the coffee, I really enjoy the atmosphere of Cafe Cubana. Saturday mornings--especially during farmer's market--it is always packed--people talking politics, reading the paper, etc... There's outdoor seating, and people bring there pets. Also, now that the owner has kids of his own, its a lot more kid friendly. The owner is a bit more pleasant than the guy at DoubleShot, though I also enjoy that coffee.
quote:
Originally posted by pmcalk
No one has mentioned Cafe Cubana. In addition to liking the coffee, I really enjoy the atmosphere of Cafe Cubana. Saturday mornings--especially during farmer's market--it is always packed--people talking politics, reading the paper, etc... There's outdoor seating, and people bring there pets. Also, now that the owner has kids of his own, its a lot more kid friendly. The owner is a bit more pleasant than the guy at DoubleShot, though I also enjoy that coffee.
Is this on Cherry Street?
Cafe Cubana is on cherry street directly south of Jason's Deli. It's good coffee, but unless you are in the mood for stale cigar smoke, it's not the place to be.
If you can wade through the high schoolers, Tor at Nordaggios roasts his own coffee as well. I have not been to the one at the riverwalk yet, but the original 81st and Lewis store is still excellent, again, if you can go when it's not filled with kids.
quote:
Originally posted by iplaw
Cafe Cubana is on cherry street directly south of Jason's Deli. It's good coffee, but unless you are in the mood for stale cigar smoke, it's not the place to be.
You cannot smoke inside Cafe Cubana. I have been going there for several years, and have never been bothered by cigar smoke.
Can't wait for Topeka Coffee in the Mayo, talk about atmosphere.
If you are in the Burbs, Kaffe Bona is good. I wasn't overly impressed by Cubano or Gypsy. Doubleshot is definitely good coffee but it is overpriced and the staff is attitude-y.
Tulsa definitely needs a Peets!
I see a lot of local bands and attend a lot of open mics. Gypsy is great for atmosphere. It's in the old Gypsy Oil Building in Brady Distict. Nice art, REAL cozy seating areas. Of course, don't bother going if you're a homophobe.
Saffron is a much better venue for live bands. The food is good, and some of their specialty foo-foo coffees (and other drinks) beat the crap out of anything in town. Don't bother going if you like "good service" or if you ONLY drink regular black coffee.
One of those two, has a better doubleshot...than Doubleshot.
quote:
Originally posted by MichaelC
I see a lot of local bands and attend a lot of open mics. Gypsy is great for atmosphere. It's in the old Gypsy Oil Building in Brady Distict. Nice art, REAL cozy seating areas. Of course, don't bother going if you're a homophobe.
Saffron is a much better venue for live bands. The food is good, and some of their specialty foo-foo coffees (and other drinks) beat the crap out of anything in town. Don't bother going if you like "good service" or if you ONLY drink regular black coffee.
One of those two, has a better doubleshot...than Doubleshot.
Saffron is good. I like their food. They just added a reuben to their menu. Their coffee is not as good as Doubleshot IMO... but it is still good. And you are right, they do a nice job with the readings, live music, and funky, eclectic atmosphere. I go to both places.
If you just want the best possible coffee and a nice place to chat or read a book, I'd say Doubleshot is the spot. If you want a good cup of coffee plus a meal and a little entertainment, Saffron is the place to go.
quote:
Originally posted by inteller
Here's what Gypsy needs to do. They need to provide a coffee pickup service facing Cincinatti for all of us coming to work.
Oh yes, that's exactly what Gypsy needs. God forbid that one of the lard arses in this town walk a few feet for coffee.
This town needs to be more automobile friendly.
quote:
Originally posted by inteller
quote:
Kafe Bona is crap. wasnt worth the free coupon i used.
And this coming from someone who thinks Starbucks is a good cup of coffee.
Hooray for sameness!
I'd hate to try a local Denver or Houston place.
Why even go to Denver or Houston? You can go to Wal-Mart and Applebee's right here.
Inteller, the reason we travel (I hope) is to broaden our horizons and TRY different things. I saw tons of Americans frequenting MC Donalds in Europe, and also Starbucks. Why the heck would you travel to eat the SAME boring food/drinks you already have here????
Arguing taste is a huge waste of time.....
Agreed, burner. So here's the message:
1) Try all the local coffee shops.
2) Figure out which one is your favorite.
3) Spend money there regularly!
Help out the local joints who put out a good cuppa.
quote:
Originally posted by inteller
ah yes, we should support local businesses no matter how crappy they are.
Not every local business is crap in Tulsa. If it is, just don't frequent it.
quote:
Originally posted by Breadburner
Arguing taste is a huge waste of time.....
True....Either you have it, or you don't.
quote:
Originally posted by inteller
ah yes, we should support local businesses no matter how crappy they are.
Notice how I said support the "good" local businesses? Quit being a turd.
quote:
Originally posted by inteller
quote:
Originally posted by azbadpuppy
quote:
Originally posted by inteller
quote:
Kafe Bona is crap. wasnt worth the free coupon i used.
And this coming from someone who thinks Starbucks is a good cup of coffee.
at least i can get my cup of starbucks anywher I go....can you get kafe bona in Denver or Houston?
You may not get Kafe Bona in Denver but I'm positive that you will find a great local coffee shop there. You may also stumble upon crap but it's finding the ones that provide a great service and product and do well to promote and make the City/Neighborhood a great place to be that make the search worth it. Would it hurt to find and reward an individual who has the courage and creativity to start a small business and (hopefully) offer a taste of the local flavor (not necessarily speaking of just the coffee)?
I understand the comfort in being able to rely on the consistency of Starbucks but imagine how boring our country would be if every block in every city had the same offering. This is why we promote local culture and commerce; it defines who we are; helps us maintain our sense of American identity. Hopefully Starbucks and Wal-Mart are not our identity.
Again, I have to remind you that I have introduced many non-Tulsans to DoubleShot and they have ALL come away with similar reactions 'WOW, what a great coffee!' Raving that they cannot find that quality of coffee in their City. I can't imagine any of them telling me that our Starbucks in Utica Square is the best Starbucks that they have ever been in. I certainly don't find myself saying "I can't wait to get the Starbucks on Spring St. near Lafayette in Soho in Manhattan because you haven't been to a Starbucks until you've experience Starbucks Soho style" No, it's the same ol'frappucino that I get here in Utica Square. Or, while I'm in Soho near Lil'Italy you might argue that for sandwhiches I might as well just go to Subway because you can get a great/reliable deli sandwich anytime. If i follow your lead then 'Holy Crap' I would have never experienced one of the greatest delis I've ever encountered at the corner of Mulberry and Spring/Broome? (you can't miss it) run by the same family that opened it over 100 years ago, the sandwiches are freaking amazing. But maybe you'll never know.
I may be going to the extreme here. I'm sure inteller and the like appreciate good craftsmenship and creativity but if you limit yourself to those 'tried and true' chain products you are cheating yourself and our city of a wonderful variety.
quote:
Originally posted by OurTulsa
quote:
Originally posted by inteller
quote:
Originally posted by azbadpuppy
quote:
Originally posted by inteller
quote:
Kafe Bona is crap. wasnt worth the free coupon i used.
And this coming from someone who thinks Starbucks is a good cup of coffee.
at least i can get my cup of starbucks anywher I go....can you get kafe bona in Denver or Houston?
You may not get Kafe Bona in Denver but I'm positive that you will find a great local coffee shop there. You may also stumble upon crap but it's finding the ones that provide a great service and product and do well to promote and make the City/Neighborhood a great place to be that make the search worth it. Would it hurt to find and reward an individual who has the courage and creativity to start a small business and (hopefully) offer a taste of the local flavor (not necessarily speaking of just the coffee)?
I understand the comfort in being able to rely on the consistency of Starbucks but imagine how boring our country would be if every block in every city had the same offering. This is why we promote local culture and commerce; it defines who we are; helps us maintain our sense of American identity. Hopefully Starbucks and Wal-Mart are not our identity.
Again, I have to remind you that I have introduced many non-Tulsans to DoubleShot and they have ALL come away with similar reactions 'WOW, what a great coffee!' Raving that they cannot find that quality of coffee in their City. I can't imagine any of them telling me that our Starbucks in Utica Square is the best Starbucks that they have ever been in. I certainly don't find myself saying "I can't wait to get the Starbucks on Spring St. near Lafayette in Soho in Manhattan because you haven't been to a Starbucks until you've experience Starbucks Soho style" No, it's the same ol'frappucino that I get here in Utica Square. Or, while I'm in Soho near Lil'Italy you might argue that for sandwhiches I might as well just go to Subway because you can get a great/reliable deli sandwich anytime. If i follow your lead then 'Holy Crap' I would have never experienced one of the greatest delis I've ever encountered at the corner of Mulberry and Spring/Broome? (you can't miss it) run by the same family that opened it over 100 years ago, the sandwiches are freaking amazing. But maybe you'll never know.
I may be going to the extreme here. I'm sure inteller and the like appreciate good craftsmenship and creativity but if you limit yourself to those 'tried and true' chain products you are cheating yourself and our city of a wonderful variety.
Amen to that![:)]
My dream is to one day travel the world without the inconvenience of having to experience anything new. Imagine the day when we can travel from Timbuktu to Istanbul, stay at a Marriott, eat at Fridays, drinks Starbucks coffee.... If it doesn't have a Cheesecake Factory, why bother going there?
I hate individualism--its just so different.
As I have recently joined the WiFi set, I've been to many of the local coffee shops. While it might not fit the Coffee Shop role, Panera Bread is the best. Then Cafe Cubano and Kafe Bona.
After that, there are a bunch of good ones. Saffron is great as long as you aren't in a hurry and don't want the waitress to bother you with refills. The food and drinks are really unusual and good. I'm usually in to kill time, so the lack of service doesn't bother me.
If you haven't been to Gypsy's on Poetry night, you haven't lived. Don't go ef you are easily offended.
Shades of Brown is interesting. Many of the patrons look like they should work at Borders or Barnes and Noble if you know what I mean.
I've been to Doubleshot a couple of times and enjoyed it. Nordaggio's is very comfortable.
Heck, I don't mind Java Dave's.
For atmosphere it's Gypsy over Shades of Brown.
quote:
Originally posted by Kenosha
Brian at Doubleshot is kind of a "character", but his coffee, by far, is the best.
the atmos at gypsy and saffron is bohemian circa 2006. double shot's brew is MUCH stronger, and has that delightful "multiuse" look that seems popular in downtown tulsa, is in that 18th/boston area, where there is no shortage of live music on weekends... shades of brown on brookside is a good haunt as well. coffee by the cup is expensive here! [in tulsy town]
but my fave brew is made at home, that way, i can better control the quality and grind of bean, and refills are free! [:P]
quote:
Originally posted by OurTulsa
I guess the question leaves room for interpretation. Some will choose ambience over the actual product however if you are looking for great coffee DoubleShot wins going away! The shop itself (inside) is not uncomfortable.
I have had cups all over this country and few compare. I found a roaster in SF that does it well and one in both Portland and NO that I liked but I'm not convinced that they were better than Brians.
As a matter of fact, I just returned from St. Louis this afternoon. While there i had the opportunity to cup with my Bro'-in-law (who drinks far more coffee than I think is healthy). He's had D-shot and he agreed none came close. I brought him a pound of Brazil and you should have seen him light up! He travels much more frequently than I and he has repeatedly commented on how we have a gem of a coffee roaster here in Tulsa and he has yet to find a roast that compares.
Don't go looking for Candy coffee there; although I like the Mocha's, most prefer the sugary swizzles from the environmentally conscientious multi-national.
I guess if you are looking for feel of the shop itself...I've felt comfortable in Shades of Brown in Brookside. They have separate rooms in the back for small groups and then have comfortable spaces up front as well as comfy chairs out on the sidewalk.
that may be one thing D-shot doesn't excel at. The outside seating looks out onto a small parking lot and a dead street. But then, I don't particularly care about that as I am too busy chatting it up with the Barista's or staring at my arms waiting oh so impatiently for them to lift my coffee cup up to my lips to guide the great D-shot coffee INTO ME!
Nothing compares to PEET's! The best at home or in their shops, unfortunately [as far as I know] they are only dotted along the west coast!
[}:)]
quote:
Originally posted by MichaelC
quote:
Originally posted by inteller
Here's what Gypsy needs to do. They need to provide a coffee pickup service facing Cincinatti for all of us coming to work.
Oh yes, that's exactly what Gypsy needs. God forbid that one of the lard arses in this town walk a few feet for coffee.
This town needs to be more automobile friendly.
How about a more pedestrian friendly DT? Gypsy could just put kiosks at corners on the walkways, and the lardasses could either ride bikes, trolleys, or electric carts.
oh, wait, I forget, this is Tulsa! lol
[}:)]
quote:
Originally posted by BKDotCom
Hooray for sameness!
I'd hate to try a local Denver or Houston place.
Why even go to Denver or Houston? You can go to Wal-Mart and Applebee's right here.
ROTFLMAO! Too Much! Is there a StarBucks in that Mart store?
[;)]
quote:
Originally posted by art_cat
quote:
Originally posted by OurTulsa
I guess the question leaves room for interpretation. Some will choose ambience over the actual product however if you are looking for great coffee DoubleShot wins going away! The shop itself (inside) is not uncomfortable.
I have had cups all over this country and few compare. I found a roaster in SF that does it well and one in both Portland and NO that I liked but I'm not convinced that they were better than Brians.
As a matter of fact, I just returned from St. Louis this afternoon. While there i had the opportunity to cup with my Bro'-in-law (who drinks far more coffee than I think is healthy). He's had D-shot and he agreed none came close. I brought him a pound of Brazil and you should have seen him light up! He travels much more frequently than I and he has repeatedly commented on how we have a gem of a coffee roaster here in Tulsa and he has yet to find a roast that compares.
Don't go looking for Candy coffee there; although I like the Mocha's, most prefer the sugary swizzles from the environmentally conscientious multi-national.
I guess if you are looking for feel of the shop itself...I've felt comfortable in Shades of Brown in Brookside. They have separate rooms in the back for small groups and then have comfortable spaces up front as well as comfy chairs out on the sidewalk.
that may be one thing D-shot doesn't excel at. The outside seating looks out onto a small parking lot and a dead street. But then, I don't particularly care about that as I am too busy chatting it up with the Barista's or staring at my arms waiting oh so impatiently for them to lift my coffee cup up to my lips to guide the great D-shot coffee INTO ME!
Nothing compares to PEET's! The best at home or in their shops, unfortunately [as far as I know] they are only dotted along the west coast!
[}:)]
Peets is the best. There are a couple of ones around Boston and Chicago, but otherwise they are only on the West Coast. You can normally buy Peets beans at Safeway, but not in Tulsa for some reason.
Just a little FYI. Saffron appears to have closed. Bummer. I never made it there.
I go to Coppertown (86th Street, Owasso) and Nordaggio's in Owasso. Both very good -- I stay away from Starbuck's - I might go sometime, but the one in Owasso is always so friggin' busy.
quote:
Originally posted by Cubs
I go to Coppertown (86th Street, Owasso) and Nordaggio's in Owasso. Both very good -- I stay away from Starbuck's - I might go sometime, but the one in Owasso is always so friggin' busy.
New one just opened on Cherry Street where the old bookstore used to be. Creatively named, The Coffee House on Cherry Street. Looks busy.
Does it have wifi?
Funny how people get all p issy about mundane things like coffee and who's is best and who's isn't.
Frankly, the best coffee I've had in Tulsa comes from my house. It is prepared from fresh ground beans flavored with New Mexico pinon by Dutch royalty using fresh filtered well water. That is when I want an aromatic flavored coffee. For breakfast she uses a good dark roast of something or other (she won't tell me) that is excellent with farm fresh eggs and home smoked ham.
When out on the road, doubleshots is pretty good, but I spend way too much time on the road to worry about a particular coffee house. I do know that Starbucks is way too bitter to be a good cup of coffee. Panera has wifi, which I find essential if I am sitting down, as well as good (not great) coffee. The Java Dave's at midway on the Turner Turnpike is good, again, not great. For a quick cup of cheap coffee, QT has the best around. I haven't tried Kum & Go lately so I don't know if they have leveled out since their takeover, but the time or two I tried it, it was mediocre. Haven't been back in a long time as I feel I know what I am getting when I go to QT or Java Dave's or Panera, but lack of consistency can really annoy me.
I hate being in OKC where I don't know where to go for good coffee. Loves or Flying J is too inconsistent for my taste.
Talking about "on the road", IMHO, the most consistently good coffee anywhere is McDonalds. I hate their food, but the coffee is good anywhere.