Tulsa Scenes: The Coffee House on Cherry Street

By Michael Williams

As I walked through the door, I was overwhelmed by the fragrant aroma of coffee. Coffee drinkers were scattered around the room in ones and twos on the couches and chairs provided for them.

A small wall separated conversation nooks from each other. Cabinets filled to overflowing with books, board games, and records provided entertainment for the customers. The shop reminded me of a home that had been refitted as a place of business.

People, old and young, chatted with their friends as soft music filled the air. To my right, a pair of older gentlemen discussed Tulsa’s building projects, while behind me, a group of college students talked about the activities on their campus. Other people browsed through books or worked on computers.

Although I was in a business, I felt like I was passing time at an old friend’s home. The modern art on the wall highlighted the unusual nature of this business in a city filled with chain coffee shops.

Although I do not even drink coffee (my request for hot chocolate drew surprised murmurs from the staff), I found the Coffee House on Cherry Street to be relaxing and friendly in a way that Starbucks could never match.

Above: Coffee House customer Jack Alexander