Best Coffee Houses in Tulsa, Oklahoma

While larger coffee shops franchises have the benefit of offering fairly predictable beverages at every location, local coffee shops tend to be the favorites of citizens of any particular town. The cozy atmospheres offered at these coffee shops are often what draw their customers, along with their unique takes on "traditional" coffee shop beverages. For anyone visiting or living in Tulsa, Oklahoma, here is a list (and descriptions) of the top three independently owned local coffee shops:

Shades of Brown: A favorite for people of all backgrounds, Shades draws its customer base from both Tulsa University and Oral Roberts University students as well as many other local Tulsans. Described in one word, Shades could be referred to as "chill." Located in the Peoria/Brookside District of Tulsa, many of the customers of Shades may best be described as the "artsy" type, with wardrobes that would seem more at home in Portland, Oregon than Tulsa, Oklahoma. The lighting in Shades of Brown is dim, providing for a cozy atmosphere. Most of the furniture inside is vintage and the music played tends to be from a wide variety of acoustic artists. Free wireless internet is available. The food items for sale are advertised as being mostly "healthier" and made from organic products. The drink prices at Shades of Brown are around average or slightly on the higher side for a coffee shop, with one of their specialties being their soy chai tea. Décor at Shades changes regularly, as the wall art features exhibits from various local artists. Open till at least 12am every night, Shades is great for late studying or hangouts.

Coffee House on Cherry Street: The Coffee House on Cherry Street, often called "CHOCS" by those who frequent it, is located in downtown Tulsa on Cherry Street, just as its name suggests. Both outdoor and indoor seating is available, with the outdoor seating next to a small fireplace for which customers can purchase and roast marshmallows over. The drinks at CHOCS are all decently priced and of fine quality. My only personal complaint would be that they seem to often serve their hot drinks at a less than steaming temperature, so they cool down faster than I would prefer them to. Seating indoor at Cherry Street differs depending on the day, as customers and workers tend to rearrange the furniture fairly frequently. However, there are always both tables and couches as seating options. There is also a piano in one of the back corners of this shop, which can provide great entertainment if a skilled player is performing. Cherry Street seems to attract a large amount of college students and church groups. Free wireless internet is available. The hours for Cherry Street depend upon the night of the week.

The Gypsy: More popular for its furniture and setting than its actual coffee or beverages, the Gypsy attracts a different group of people than really either Cherry Street or Shades. Some customers complain that it tends to attract mostly "scene" high-schoolers, but it really has a greater variety of patrons than just that one group. Located in the downtown area on Cincinnati Street in the Brady Arts District, Gypsy offers great funky interior design features, from crazily colored art to Bohemian murals. If you are just looking for a unique coffee shop to buy a beverage at, then the Gypsy might by a fun choice. Free wireless internet is available.