Don't understand the public transportation comment but I am excited to announce that they ordered more/new chairs! lol I was there today and Melody was un-boxing a stack of new pressed wood ones. Apparently the old ones are to stay and these are a supplement. I guess that is a good sign if they run out of seats from time-to-time.

So does this mean that Steve will be doing a chair testing event in the near future?

I assume we are still talking about Coffee Slingers on this thread, right?

I think they suffer from a couple of problems. The whole atmosphere is a little stark. Coffee houses need to be comfortable places people want to go hang at. I think the room is too big and the surfaces too hard making sounds echo. It is worse with less people and activity as it just sounds and looks cavernous and empty...not inviting.

Second, their product is not special enough to command their prices. They have premium prices and average products. I frequent coffee shops across North America and the well supported ones are neighborhood stores with great coffee.

The third thing that hurts them is lack of pedestrian traffic. Coffee shops are neighborhood destinations at night and profit from walk-by impulsive traffic by day. There aren't complementary destination shops of businesses clustered nearby where visitors there could "discover" Coffee Slingers.

Just my thoughts, fwiw.

I assume we are still talking about Coffee Slingers on this thread, right?


Second, their product is not special enough to command their prices. They have premium prices and average products.

I have to ask, where do you buy your coffee - gas stations? How is $2 for an Americano, and a good tasting one at that, "premium prices"? Their drink prices are average at worst, certainly less than the big chain and in-line with most coffee houses in the local area.

I know you are trying to imply I have no taste, but I will let that pass.

I travel extensively, not only in the US but around the world for my work. I frequent coffee shops all over as it is something I really enjoy. And yes, I will buy gas station coffee if it is the best in the area. Only status seekers buy from a brand if the product is no good. I have frequented many very successful shops and see many fold. I try lots of different places to find what I like.

I would love to give glowing reports on Coffee Slinger, but I cannot. I repeat, IMHO, the product is average and the prices above average. The room is not intimate or inviting or necessarily "cool". And while I will continue to go there I do it to support a local business, and not because it is the best coffee around. If they improved the experience, I would overlook the lack of specialness in the product, or vica versa.

Sorry I can't jump up and down for an average product.

Attitude Slingers!
Too bad because their coffee is really good. But jeez...

Rover, I don't understand your line of reasoning. They are "the only" french press coffee shop I have come across (at least anywhere near downtown). Starbucks will do a French Press if you ask for it and select the bean but otherwise French Pressed cups are hard to find here.

On Sunday or after hours I am forced to try other coffees such as Red Cup, Cuppies and Joe, or Starbucks- all the other coffee I have experienced in OKC is a 3 to 1 ratio of stoutness.

Plus, they rotate bean selections and sometimes offer Elemental Coffee (an excellent and growing local roaster).

Personally, I hate getting coffee out of a pot that has set on the counter for a couple hours. So, I completely disagree with everything you have said- and I have traveled extensively too. Coffee Slingers offers the best product in the central city- bar none.

As for the atmosphere- its all business. Half of the people in there are working "out of Coffee Slingers" on laptops. I have even tried committee meetings in the house. It is European in its design and is clean, clean, clean. They scrub it and sweep it meticulously.

All coffee houses do not have to be "Central Perk" on friends. If I want to fall asleep on a couch or oogle a bunch of coeds I'll go to Cuppies or Red Cup. Otherwise, Coffee Slingers has proven to be an absolute substitute for the office cubicle and great networking space for progressive people who like great coffee.

Finally, i'm glad their filling a void on Broadway and there style offers a direct contrast to the Java Dave's which is good. We need new ideas and new products in this city and le Slingers hits the target.

And so, I will try them again. I am always willing to re-evaluate and give a local business the benefit of the doubt. And I will come on here and admit if I am wrong and willing to change my opinion.

By the way, I disagree with it being like a European coffee shop. Of course, most of my out of country travels are Italy and France, and some to England and Germany. And even here, I use them as a second office on the road, so I don't use the sofa's and soft chairs. I use the tables, the internet and try the different offerings. I like the robust blends (I need the caffeine :) ) and so I tend to favor the Euro or even Middle Eastern coffee (love Arabic coffee). Also love the coffee in Brazil. I don't look for comfy, but do look for clean and for coffee experts behind the bar, not some high school kids like work at Starbucks who wouldn't know good coffee from bad.

That said, sometimes I do go out from the hotel at night and seek out a good cup of coffee at a comfy place. I'm a happily married guy who travels and am just looking for a nice after dinner end to the day where I can go sit alone and have a "dessert" coffee. I don't like the bars, so I go find a nice coffee shop. It's a great bonus when I can go back to the same place I found earlier in the day to do a little business, and can also feel comfortable at night. That's what I guess I base my opinions on.

Coffee Slingers serves by far the best coffee in the metro. If you have not done so already, you should definitely check out their short water americano.

I know you are trying to imply I have no taste, but I will let that pass.


Don't be silly...I wasn't implying you have "no taste" - I'm obviously suggesting your point about their exorbitant pricing is patently false and the only plausible reason to state such a thing is from having skewed point of view.

If someone doesn't like 'Slingers - fine, no argument here.
If you don't care for their choice of blends - fine, no argument here.
If you don't like the locale or atmosphere - fine, no argument here.

...but for someone to suggest they're overpriced at $2-3 or that their quality is substandard (particularly for Oklahoma) - they either have an agenda or simply don't know what they think they know about coffee.

My only peeve with Slingers is there credit card policy of a minimum charge... That violates the credit card agreement of all credit card companies. They can't do that, nor charge any extra for smaller bills.

I don't know why you would suggest I have an agenda. I just don't happen to believe that Coffee Slingers is the end all and be all that you do. And I have had some fairly extensive exposure to what markets outside of OKC have to offer, so I share it. Why do you try to discredit my opinion if I happen to disagree. And I don't believe I said "exorbitant" prices - if I did, I misspoke. But they are higher than I pay in most cities for similar drinks...and that's a fact.

So, with your fanatical defense, does that mean YOU have an agenda. Are you friends with the owner, or have some ownership position, or a vested interest in their lease? (See how silly that argument is?)

Look, I love OKC. My wife thinks I should be a tour guide as I tell everyone I know everywhere I go what a great place it is to live in. But that doesn't mean I have to get in lock-step and love EVERYTHING that exists here regardless of what I think about it. You love Coffee Slingers, so bully to you. I don't hate it, but I just am not as in love with it as you. I still don't care for the room and I am still less than impressed with the product. But that is MERELY my OPINION. I certainly have been wrong before. But I do know what I like and it is from a position of experience.

I don't know why you would suggest I have an agenda. I just don't happen to believe that Coffee Slingers is the end all and be all that you do.


Once again, you're just silly - no one suggest you actually had an agenda, merely one possibility for someone making baseless statements. Perhaps try rereading what is actually being stated before making yet another claim.



Why do you try to discredit my opinion if I happen to disagree...But that is MERELY my OPINION..

Prices are what's at issue and they aren't opinion based - they're numbers that, held in context with any other local shop, demonstrate your criticism to be incorrect.


So, with your fanatical defense, does that mean YOU have an agenda. Are you friends with the owner, or have some ownership position, or a vested interest in their lease? (See how silly that argument is?)

If I were making unreasonable statements (as you have) then your argument might not be so silly. My defense of them in the face of false statements isn't equal to making the false statements - now if you think so, that's silly. I understand the concept that "you know what you like", and you are clearly free to express that opinion. My major issue with you has been the comments concerning prices and secondarily your position that their coffee is of sub-par quality, it's not, even if you don't car for it.

I was at coffeeslingers this morning for the first time in a few weeks. The new furniture is a nice addition and the coffee is as good as ever. People throng to Java Daves only two blocks away so it cant be the location. it just takes time for a new business to develop steady business.

I don't know why you would suggest I have an agenda. I just don't happen to believe that Coffee Slingers is the end all and be all that you do. And I have had some fairly extensive exposure to what markets outside of OKC have to offer, so I share it.

I'm curious as to what/where you refer coffee in OKC. If Coffee Slingers isn't the best (and I will readily admit that I will relegate my opinion on that to the central city) then what is above them in the metro at large that you would recommend?

Okay, I give up. Your pricing opinion trumps my experiences. And your judgement of what is good and what is not trumps mine. So, your "facts" are the only ones to be considered. I should have known better than to offer any other viewpoint or, heaven forbid, offer anything that didn't sing praise.

Great coffee, shockingly pretentious staff.

I guess, Blazer, we'll be at odds in two different threads. :-)

I was in Slingers this morning and Melody and staff were smiling, bright, cheerful and very attentive. I even stood and talked to Melody for about 5 minutes discussing the Ghouls Gone Wild parade.

I've noticed as of late that when she has more staff in there to assist with people, she herself is much more relaxed in her own demeanor.

Guess not everyone has had the same experience with her. Too bad, she's a great gal. Maybe just harder to get to know than others. Not everyone (myself included) is really good at small talk and idle chitchat. It takes a while for me to warm up to folks. Maybe that's why I get her.

My thought has always been their approach to coffee-making and serving... maybe Blazer asked for something that they don't like to do...

Coffee Slingers is still going strong! The best Macchiato i've had in the state.

I hope I never set foot in that place again, no more business meetings there! The quality might be good, but customer service means something to me, and Melody and crew clearly don't have it.

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I hope I never set foot in that place again, no more business meetings there! The quality might be good, but customer service means something to me, and Melody and crew clearly don't have it.

Seriously. Do you really feel that much of a need to come on and denounce this place time and time and time again? You said about 5 pages ago that you didn't like the service and intended never to take a client in again.

I would have to assume you've abided by that credo. If not, that's your problem, not CS's, right?

We get it. You don't like it. Don't you think it's time to move on?

I didn't take a client, THEY wanted to meet me there, other way around.

He's entitled to his opinion. I hate the place too. They're rude and it's uninviting. The product isn't any better than other shops in OKC and they serve their brew with a smile.

I didn't take a client, THEY wanted to meet me there, other way around.
Metro, may I suggest trying Beatnix? Dave and his crew are very friendly, they serve Elemental Coffee, and the place has a pretty cool vibe.

Regardless of anything else, I still think they make the best latte in town.

I have been going to Slingers since they first opened, and I never have been treated poorly. I can't go anywhere else in town for coffee; theirs is simply the best.

I went yesterday morning for the 1st time, while it was a little pricey, its the best latte I have had in town. If I am ever in the area in the morning, I will stop by again.

Let me delicate in this thread: have I experienced treatment at Coffee Slingers that some would consider rude? Yes. Do I think it was meant that way? Or was it more of a weak moment? I'd say the latter... I suspect some would say there are times when I don't mean to be rude, but in my hurry I come off that way anyway.

I probably won't go back until they stop with the ridiculous 'minimum charge' nonsense...

You want my money or not?

I hope I never set foot in that place again, no more business meetings there! The quality might be good, but customer service means something to me, and Melody and crew clearly don't have it.

She was especially chipper this morning Metro. Basically I forewarn newcomers that are meeting me there and watch other people such as yourself with amusement.

It is some of the best fresh pressed coffee with the best business atmosphere.

If anybody wants to know what is going on with rail transit, Coffee Slingers in the morning is the place to be! lol No, actually there are seriously a bunch of volunteers who individually have found the place on their own and now just show up.

I got about 5 hours of work don there and three meetings. It is a highly productive place to meet people and enjoy a great cup.

Regarding the $10 thing, they have somewhat combated that by allowing you to charge $10 or more to a card that can be used for smaller purchases. They are just trying to minimize the impact of the card company fees on their bottom line.

I just went on an expedition while in San Francisco to find the best Macchiato. I went where the Coffee mags raved and the locals recommended. With complete confidence I can say that Coffee Slingers was not surpassed, even in San Francisco.

It is absolutely shocking that we have a local coffee bar of that caliber in Oklahoma City. They know what they are doing.

I've never experienced rudeness at Coffee Slingers before, and I've even chit chatted with the employees and they were great. Maybe they're just rude to people wearing a tie or something? My only complaint is the hours..closed at 7? Sheesh, that's missing out on a lot of business--and probably a lead reason why they're not very well known. I've tried to take friends there for the first time and they were closing down..they're missing out on some of the most social periods of the day by closing at 7, and that's bad for a coffee shop, which serves a social function more than anything else. I hope nobody is seriously going to coffee shops just for the coffee..

I probably won't go back until they stop with the ridiculous 'minimum charge' nonsense...

You want my money or not?

I don't believe Visa or MasterCard allows merchants to set minimum transactions

I don't believe Visa or MasterCard allows merchants to set minimum transactions

Visa allows up to a $10 minimum purchase requirement on their credit cards but not debit.

Visa allows up to a $10 minimum purchase requirement on their credit cards but not debit.

Is that new?...All the stuff I read says it should not be done and can be reported to Visa if a merchant is doing this...Not that I would

Visa says "Always honor valid cards in your acceptance category, regardless of the dollar amount of the purchase. Imposing maximum or minimum dollar amounts in order to accept a Visa card transaction is a violation of the Visa rules."1

Is that new?...All the stuff I read says it should not be done and can be reported to Visa if a merchant is doing this...Not that I would

Visa says "Always honor valid cards in your acceptance category, regardless of the dollar amount of the purchase. Imposing maximum or minimum dollar amounts in order to accept a Visa card transaction is a violation of the Visa rules."1

http://usa.visa.com/about_visa/ask_visa/index.html#anchor_4

I have been to numerous merchants of various descriptions that have a minimum purchase requirement to use a credit card. Legal or not, it's common.

My only complaint is the hours..closed at 7? Sheesh, that's missing out on a lot of business--and probably a lead reason why they're not very well known.

Well, for a long time they were open till 9. I went there often during those hours and it was incredibly "slow." They are open later on Saturdays and now open on Sundays. They weren't open on Sundays before. Regarding the minimum charge, it sounded to me by the owner that she was not very satisfied with their card service provider.

I think the future business will come as Automobile Alley evolves. Right now, it needs some serious housing to get businesses to stay open later. I wish that the Bob Howard people would do housing in their buildings at 10th/Broadway instead office space. AA has plenty of that already.

I just want to say Coffee Slingers has the best coffee ever! When I'm in the area I always order the mocha with two extra shots of expresso so, four shots in total haha! I love it! I wish they offered a 16oz size for me though.. They also get their pastries from Prairie Thunder, and I make sure to always get the blueberry scone or crumble bar which are both to die for as well as the blueberry cream cheese muffin. I just wish I lived closer. I frequent The Underground here in MWC and it's funny how both the ladies at Coffee Slingers and The Underground are very similar in their attitudes. Anyways, I have never had a frown from Coffee Slingers. I think their service is very speedy and all the staff have been nothing but always very kind to me. I hope they don't ever close down, because they really do have the best coffee in OKC.

With Bicycle Alley going out next to Slingers, what do you guys think is a complimentary business that could go into that cool space? Coffee Slingers has established a solid audience with slots of foot traffic throughout the day. It would be cool if something worked with the people going there. Perhaps it would help foster longer hours at Slingers.

It'd be great if a bookstore moved in. Full Circle, perhaps?

It'd be great if a bookstore moved in. Full Circle, perhaps?

I completely agree with that sentiment via Taylor's closing downtown. Heavy emphasis on newspapers and magazines seems to me like a winner concept.

Congrats CS on making it 3 years. You've brought a great deal of energy to downtown OKC. At the b-party in the building now as we speak. Great crowd.

Melody just announced they are putting a roastery in next door. They will start roasting their own beans.

Interesting.

It'd be great if a bookstore moved in. Full Circle, perhaps?

Full Circle would need a larger space, but the north end of downtown would be a perfect fit for them.

Has anyone at Coffee Slingers considered putting sidewalk seating outside?

I'm not sure they have enough space to do so, but I think it's a great idea. They've got a couple of chairs lined up against the front of the window.

Yeah, they usually have one bistro table and two chairs, but they could easily fit more.

Use the roof garden instead.

They are busy banging on the other side of the wall from me as I type. The interior wall is about to be torn down and the space expanded. They are putting in a roastery.

Also, new tables, chairs, and a laptop bar are going in.

Congrats to Coffee Slingers for making it on the list of Americas top 25 Coffee Houses.

http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2012/01/americas-coolest-coffeehouses/250517/#slide21

Well deserved, based on not a lot of experience on my part. I do try coffee everywhere I go and have yet to find a better latte. I had a superb cup of coffee in Da Nang the other day, but it was just a filter coffee.

Their throwing an all day Anniversary party today. Free drinks this morning and a barista competition later this afternoon. Live DJ music as well.

Their throwing an all day Anniversary party today. Free drinks this morning and a barista competition later this afternoon. Live DJ music as well.

Very glad their business has done so well. They are in the minority of business owners.

Great review of Melody Harwell and why Coffee Slingers coffee is as great as it is.

Going Pro | Fresh Cup Magazine (http://www.freshcup.com/going-pro/)