Bean There

Coffee Houses have a long tradition of being places to gather for a good cup of coffee and for good, stimulating conversation.

The coffee house trend in Tulsa continues with The Coffee House on Cherry Street.

While I will miss the view of the old dusty bookstore that used to be on this corner location, this new space has been transformed into a very cozy and welcoming Coffee House.

The interior is divided into small sitting rooms with tables, chairs, and lounging couches. Local artists (even the budding children artists from Marquette School just west of the Coffee House) have some of the work displayed on the walls for viewing and for sale.

Walls have been painted to fit the setting and do a fine job of providing a calm, relaxing and just enjoyable place for spending time.

I stopped in one day during lunch to sample a little bite for my noon meal. Several customers had been served and were doing their own things--one person working on a laptop; a few individuals were lounging around a coffee table enjoying casual conversation and sipping their "Bottomless Coffee" ($3.10); and two girls sitting in close proximity of me were apparently catching up on the latest news in their worlds.

Behind where I sat is a shelf of items for purchase--a local brand, Topéca Coffee and other coffee essentials.

A large glass counter carried most of what was available for lunch this day, as well as many sweets to enjoy with a drink. Sandwiches, quesadillas and salads were my options. I ordered a Greek Salad and a Quesadilla ($6.50) and a large Cappuccino ($3.60).

While I waited for my lunch to be prepared, I had time to check out what else The Coffee House offers. Breakfast items include muffins ($2), croissants ($2), cinnamon roll ($2.59), bagel and cream cheese ($1.79), yogurt and granola ($4), oatmeal ($2.25), sausage roll (regular, cheddar, jalapeno $2.25), and pannini. Also, pastries and biscotti are available.

Drinks are plenty and various at The Coffee House. "So Hot. ." and "So Cold. ." are the two main categories. The So Hots include Latte, Cappuccino, Café Mocha, Baby Chino, Hot Chocolate, Chai, Americano, and Just Coffee ($1.60). Teas include green, lemon, peach, raspberry, orange/spice, Earl Grey and herb.

So Cold include such beverages as Italian Soda, Cremosa, Iced Latte, Flava, Fountain Soda, Chai, Mocha, Tea.

My lunch arrived and I was eager to eat. The Greek Salad was large and very fresh. The veggies were chopped in large pieces (which I enjoy because each bit is a rich and full flavor of the vegetable).

Coffee Houses have a long tradition of being places to gather for a good cup of coffee and for good, stimulating conversation.

The coffee house trend in Tulsa continues with The Coffee House on Cherry Street.

While I will miss the view of the old dusty bookstore that used to be on this corner location, this new space has been transformed into a very cozy and welcoming Coffee House.

The interior is divided into small sitting rooms with tables, chairs, and lounging couches. Local artists (even the budding children artists from Marquette School just west of the Coffee House) have some of the work displayed on the walls for viewing and for sale.

Walls have been painted to fit the setting and do a fine job of providing a calm, relaxing and just enjoyable place for spending time.

I stopped in one day during lunch to sample a little bite for my noon meal. Several customers had been served and were doing their own things--one person working on a laptop; a few individuals were lounging around a coffee table enjoying casual conversation and sipping their "Bottomless Coffee" ($3.10); and two girls sitting in close proximity of me were apparently catching up on the latest news in their worlds.

Behind where I sat is a shelf of items for purchase--a local brand, Topéca Coffee and other coffee essentials.

A large glass counter carried most of what was available for lunch this day, as well as many sweets to enjoy with a drink. Sandwiches, quesadillas and salads were my options. I ordered a Greek Salad and a Quesadilla ($6.50) and a large Cappuccino ($3.60).

While I waited for my lunch to be prepared, I had time to check out what else The Coffee House offers. Breakfast items include muffins ($2), croissants ($2), cinnamon roll ($2.59), bagel and cream cheese ($1.79), yogurt and granola ($4), oatmeal ($2.25), sausage roll (regular, cheddar, jalapeno $2.25), and pannini. Also, pastries and biscotti are available.

Drinks are plenty and various at The Coffee House. "So Hot. . ." and "So Cold. . ." are the two main categories. The So Hots include Latte, Cappuccino, Café Mocha, Baby Chino, Hot Chocolate, Chai, Americano, and Just Coffee ($1.60). Teas include green, lemon, peach, raspberry, orange/spice, Earl Grey and herb.

So Cold include such beverages as Italian Soda, Cremosa, Iced Latte, Flava, Fountain Soda, Chai, Mocha, Tea.

My lunch arrived and I was eager to eat. The Greek Salad was large and very fresh. The veggies were chopped in large pieces (which I enjoy because each bit is a rich and full flavor of the vegetable). They included sweet red onion, cubed Feta cheese, tomato, green pepper, Kalamata olives (rich and meaty Greek olives soaked in wine vinegar) and cucumber. With the wine and vinegar dressing, this was very enjoyable.

The quesadilla was a large flour tortilla filled with many pieces of chicken and cheese then pressed in a pannini press to heat the sandwich. Lettuce and tomato were served on the side. This was quite tasty and most filling. In fact, both were too much for one sitting. (There remains were a snack later in the day.)

The cappuccino was served in an oversized cup and was satisfying. Lots of froth on top and strong coffee below--perfect to carry me through the long afternoon.

While too cold to take advantage of the outdoor seating on this particular day, the front room of The Coffee House opens out to a deck overlooking Cherry Street; this will be great seating area for warmer weather.

There can never be too many coffee houses in Tulsa--with each one boasting of their own style, The Coffee House on Cherry Street is a perfect mid-town location to fill up on a daily dose of java.

The Coffee House on Cherry Street

1502 E. 15th

779-6137

Hours:

Mon.-Thurs. 6:30am-11pm

Fri.-Sat. 6:30-12am

Sun. 7am-11pm

Rating:

Atmosphere *****

Food *****

Service *****