Coffee Slingers

[mecarr]

I went there a while back and got a Chai. They said they would make it "authentic", which was okay by me because I assumed all the other chais I have had in my life were authentic too. Unfortunately, this chai wasn't that good. It had no sweet flavor to it at all. Basically it tasted like spicey milk. Maybe this is the way "authentic" chais are suppose to taste, but they should realize that most people who order Chais order them based on their experience with Chais from the past. I've never had a Chai that tasted like the one at coffee slingers.

I think the place is clean looking, but too plain. Not enough character. Compare this place to the Beatnix Cafe on 13th and Broadway. That place has character oozing from every corner, it has a definite theme to it. I think one problem Coffee Slingers has with their place is the same problem Brew Ha Ha had, in that it is too big. I think the best coffee shops are ones that have a small, huddled feel to it. Coffee Slingers isn't as big as Brew HaHa, but it's still big for a coffee ship, and unless there are a ton of people in it, it feels desolate.

I was really looking forward to going to Coffee Slingers, and the people that work there were nothing short of nice and pleasant. If I do go back next time I hope that I come away with a better opinion.

[EvokeCoffee]

Metro -

Their sign is on the way. Yes, they did do that themselves but just because that is only part of the work to be done.

Here is what the sign will look like.

[metro]

Gotcha, thanks for the heads up. In that case it won't be so bad if it's only temporary.

[EvokeCoffee]

I think the place is clean looking, but too plain. Not enough character. Compare this place to the Beatnix Cafe on 13th and Broadway. That place has character oozing from every corner, it has a definite theme to it. I think one problem Coffee Slingers has with their place is the same problem Brew Ha Ha had, in that it is too big. I think the best coffee shops are ones that have a small, huddled feel to it. Coffee Slingers isn't as big as Brew HaHa, but it's still big for a coffee ship, and unless there are a ton of people in it, it feels desolate.

I think it is important to realize that Coffee Slingers style is new to OKC while at the same time hip and in style for coffee industry favorites in the Northwest and across the country.

I like to think of it as refreshing for the OKC market - something away from the clutter of places like Java Dave's and others.

While I agree that shops without the array of couches and comfy arm chairs come off cold, stark, and uncomfortably big - give their chair and table a try some afternoon (hopefully after the loud banging from upstairs goes away!) with a book and a cup of coffee and see what you think.

[jenni_duncan]

I don't consider myself a expert on the subject by any means, so please take this as you will. Coffee Slingers is a delightful change because they don't look like any other shop in town, or operate like one. The owner is a champion barista, meaning she has competed, and to my knowledge won, a few barista competions and is trying to train all her employes to embrace traditional, purest espresso. If you have ever been, or are planning a trip, to Portland or Seattle, home to American Espresso, please check out Stumptown. They are one of the leading independent coffeeshops in the Northwest and you will quickly see that Coffee Slingers is trying to embody that NW Coffee atmosphere. Its very refreshing to see a shop like that in OKC, it means we're growing and expanding our horizons. I wish them all the best. By the way they do have a designated parking lot in the back...

[lpecan]

I don't consider myself a expert on the subject by any means, so please take this as you will. Coffee Slingers is a delightful change because they don't look like any other shop in town, or operate like one. The owner is a champion barista, meaning she has competed, and to my knowledge won, a few barista competions and is trying to train all her employes to embrace traditional, purest espresso. If you have ever been, or are planning a trip, to Portland or Seattle, home to American Espresso, please check out Stumptown. They are one of the leading independent coffeeshops in the Northwest and you will quickly see that Coffee Slingers is trying to embody that NW Coffee atmosphere. Its very refreshing to see a shop like that in OKC, it means we're growing and expanding our horizons. I wish them all the best. By the way they do have a designated parking lot in the back...

I think that's exactly the point. The owner's vision is to keep the shop different. While i wouldnt try to excuse a cap with too much milk, the philosophy there is to keep things authentic even if that's not what's popular. I think they do this not because they are turning their nose up at the masses, but because there are so many other shops catering to whats popular. They are not going to be able to compete in the coventional shop market. At the moment, they really are the only shop of its kind in okc.

Also, they actually sold out of their favorite espresso blend, so Id urge another try for the individual with the cap.

Lastly, they are having a guest barista from their roaster, barefoot roasters, pull some this friday and saturday night, so if you haven't given this place a try, tha might be a good time.

[OKCCrime]

I think that's exactly the point. The owner's vision is to keep the shop different.

Yes, I admire that and it seems like there is a path to business success for them in it. Consider the analogy of the Toyota Scion. The majority of people hate those boxy little cars, and call them ugly. However, some people are so totally jazzed by those cars that they become Toyota fanatics. Although the total number of fanatics is small, Toyota has entirely captured this nitch market and thus it is a profitable enterprise.

If Coffee Slingers can totally jazz a nitch coffee market (espresso drinkers I'm guessing), they should be able to make a go at it. However, I would suggest that they put a big big sign on the counter that says "This ain't your typical coffee shop. Don't order coffee here! Try an espresso or latte or Chai tea. If you don't like it, we'll brew you up a coffee for free." That way they can convert customers to their vision. They need to shout their vision from the rooftops else suffer the critical comments of the masses who have already bowed down to Starbuck's vision.

Business is about customers. There just aren't that many coffee drinkers in OKC that are tuned into the "hip style of the Northwest". Coffee Slingers needs to be lancing a crusade, which means tons of customer service, interaction, education and lots of publicity. Unfortunately, I don't see any of this happening yet. The owner should be on this forum telling us about her vision! Someone tell her to stop by!

[EvokeCoffee]

The owner should be on this forum telling us about her vision! Someone tell her to stop by!

I am sitting at Coffee Slingers as I type. I will mention it to Melody and invite her to join OKCTalk.

[BailJumper]

I noticed Java Dave's is micro managing again. They have new parking rules as to where you can park based on how long you're going to be in the cafe. I even heard them call out car tags/descriptions the other day on the PA and tell the owner's their car had been parked in the one hour too long and they need to move or be towed.

This from a cafe that is in no hurry to clean tables, the coffee is blah and the food is lately only decent. Staffing seems to be thier biggest issue. Every time I go in there it is new people and most are either rude or indifferent.

I love the energy Melody puts into Coffee Slingers and I'm glad it's got the small but growing feel. I can't wait to see how it will have changed (for the better) in a year or so.

[OKCCrime]

I noticed Java Dave's is micro managing again. They have new parking rules as to where you can park based on how long you're going to be in the cafe. I even heard them call out car tags/descriptions the other day on the PA and tell the owner's their car had been parked in the one hour too long and they need to move or be towed.

That is amazing! Talk about failing to cater to the needs of customers. That just has to kill their customer base.

This from a cafe that is in no hurry to clean tables, the coffee is blah and the food is lately only decent. Staffing seems to be thier biggest issue. Every time I go in there it is new people and most are either rude or indifferent.

Some time ago, I walked out of Java Daves swearing to never to return for similar reasons.

I love the energy Melody puts into Coffee Slingers and I'm glad it's got the small but growing feel. I can't wait to see how it will have changed (for the better) in a year or so.

I have high hopes too.

[jenni_duncan]

This thread has been the best part of my day! For a city with 1.5+/- million people and only a handful of independant coffeeshops, my husband and I were worried that our addictions to high quality espresso would not be met. However since we arrived in OKC a little over a month ago we have been delightfully shocked. Not only do we have great local shops, Slingers and Coco Flow being our personal favorites, but we have people talking, caring even, about the current and future of coffee in our great city. Five years ago I told my husband I would never move to OKC because it had nothing to offer, yet after being here a few short weeks, I concede that I may have been wrong, and happly so. I have high hopes for this city and its budding coffee enthusiasts.

[lpecan]

""

[lpecan]

Oh and @whomever said we should get Melody to this board. She's posted once: http://www.okctalk.com/okc-metro-are...lley-news.html ... I guess its just a matter of evoke getting her back on here.

I can't say how excited I am about all these people interested in coffee. Maybe someone can get someone from coco flow to post too!

-----

Also as an aside, referencing an above post. They are currently getting most of their pastries from Big Sky. They are waiting for Prairie Thunder to open, and maybe then they'll have a greater selection.

[Karried]

lol, my mouth is watering just reading about all these coffee posts ...

[jbrown84]

Do they have wireless? Because when I was there, it was password protected and I didn't see any mention of it in the store.

[EvokeCoffee]

Hey Jbrown - just ask one of the baristas. They will give you the password!

[OKCCrime]

Hey Jbrown - just ask one of the baristas. They will give you the password!

For easy reference, why don't you post the password here

[jbrown84]

Why have a password? I'm in the store, I bought something, I should be able to just get on there.

[EvokeCoffee]

It is just a way to keep people from squatting...

The password is coldbrew

[OKCCrime]

The password is coldbrew

I was joking!

[EvokeCoffee]

I don't think it is to much of a secret - they will tell you right out!

[GWB]

Why have a password? I'm in the store, I bought something, I should be able to just get on there.

So tell us, jb84, what was your experience like at Coffee Slingers today? DId you have a coffee drink? Anything to eat? I'm curious if you had a better experience there than I did last week.

[BailJumper]

I did ask about the Internet and was told it was available.

The only problem I see with squatters is that there are actually very few tables in the place. I'd add more tables and welcome the squatters - makes the place look busy and it's not like they are getting free refills. Java Daves is full of squatters and their business is great (I'm still not sure why as it took 22 minutes to get my breakfast sandwich the other day).

[Oh GAWD the Smell!]

Why have a password? I'm in the store, I bought something, I should be able to just get on there.

I did ask about the Internet and was told it was available.

The only problem I see with squatters is that there are actually very few tables in the place. I'd add more tables and welcome the squatters - makes the place look busy and it's not like they are getting free refills. Java Daves is full of squatters and their business is great (I'm still not sure why as it took 22 minutes to get my breakfast sandwich the other day).

Because squatters can sit in the parking lot, or across the street if they've got a Pringles can handy.

[jbrown84]

So tell us, jb84, what was your experience like at Coffee Slingers today? DId you have a coffee drink? Anything to eat? I'm curious if you had a better experience there than I did last week.

A posted a quasi-review in the "good coffee shops?" thread. Basically it came off pretentious to the point that I felt uncomfortable asking about the password.