(10.0)

The Red Cup

The Red Cup
3122 N Classen Blvd
Oklahoma City, OK 73118
(405) 525-3430
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Map

Everyone who writes for OkcBites has been frequenting the Red Cup for quite some time now. Most of the time we all go there together and the conversation inevitably turns to us talking about how we really need to review this place. We always end up taking pictures and talking about what we might say, but these little impromptu brainstorm sessions never really result in anything productive. I think that’s partly because we’re lazy but also because none of us want to attempt to put this place into words. In fact I’m firmly convinced that President Obama’s (it feels good to type that) speech writer would have trouble describing the greatness of this place. So with that small disclaimer I am going to attempt to do it.

I think it might be better to think of the Red Cup as a state of mind rather than merely a restaurant. The actual building is an old house that has been painted green. The roof is adorned with a giant inviting red cup. There is a decent sized patio that allows smoking and dogs, while there are a few other tables nestled in a little grove of shade trees complimented by a soothing little waterfall pouring into a small pond.

On any given day you can expect to see a very eclectic clientele. You might look in one direction and see men and women dressed to impress working on some type of presentation. A casual turn of the head might reveal a small group of college students doing some desperate last minute cramming before an afternoon test. A turn of the head in another direction might result in a group of friends trying to piece together the events of the night before over coffee. One thing about the Red Cup is there always seems to be a state of tranquility within the walls. There might be 20 people in a line being held up by one indecisive person (usually BJ) but nobody seems to act inconvenienced or rushed (except for me, if it is BJ). The environment just feels very relaxing and harmonious.

It is also a guarantee that the Red Cup will have something decent coming out of the Speakers. The music will not be too loud, but it won’t be a whisper either. It is just the right volume for perfect background music. More often than not it is Neil Young, but I have also heard the likes of The Beatles and even Tom Waits. There is something about good music and good conversation that makes food tasted a little bit better.

Speaking of food I guess it is about time I touched on what they have available. This little restaurant has some of the most incredible food available in Oklahoma City, and everything on the menu will leave a person with a strong desire to return. When I go I try and force myself to order something different every time, but I have really only been successful with this a hand full of times. I have tried everything from their Peanut Butter, Banana and Honey Sandwich to their Red Beans & Brown Rice, but I consistently find myself revisiting their Veggie Burger. The Veggie Burger patty is made of lentils and I think it’s made in house. It comes with lettuce, tomato, jack and mayo tucked in between a delicious toasted onion bun. Most of the sandwiches are served with Fritos which for some reason just add a little something extra to the meal. My wife typically gets the Gringo Salad which consists of lettuce, rice, beans, olives, onion, tomato, carrots, salsa-vinaigrette, sour cream and tortilla chips all mixed into a colorful bowl. She swears by this and very rarely deviates from this dish. Since my wife and I are both vegetarians the Red Cup is kind of a safe haven for us. They have plenty of meat free options, and you never have to worry about what type of meaty substance might accidentally sneak into your dish. As you can imagine I could go on and on about how great the food is, but I think you get the point. I’ll let you judge for yourself. Also, if you’re a coffee lover please do yourself a favor and drive past Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts. Just keep on going until you reach the Red Cup. I can, without hesitation, say that my favorite coffee in all of Oklahoma City comes from the Red Cup. In fact we purchase bags of it from them and make it at work. There is one stipulation when it comes to ordering their coffee. It must be coupled with one of their amazing desserts. They have a wide array of delicious baked goods to choose from, and each one is just as satisfying as the next. The decision making process basically comes down to what you prefer. Personally I find it impossible to leave without indulging in one of their apricot bars. If you’re on a diet I recommend skipping dinner or spending an extra hour on the treadmill, but damn sure don’t let one of these baked goods slip through your grasp.

I try not to just throw around perfect 10’s, in fact the only other one I’ve ever given has been Bangkok, but occasionally everything about a place just feels right.  I hope I’ve at least done a decent job describing what a wonderful little place this is. Probably the most interesting thing about the Red Cup is that while the patrons might appear diverse they really aren’t that different from each other. Everyone there is just looking for some great food, good conversation and a relaxing environment to enjoy both in. I’m sure everyone who has eaten at the Red Cup has their own reasons for loving the place. These just happen to be a few of mine.

(9.0)

The Undergound

The Underground
1621 S Douglas Blvd
Oklahoma City, OK 73130
(405) 733-7720

OK, let’s begin with an apology – no pictures. I usually stop by this place at 6 AM and am in no mood for taking pictures. Plus the lighting would suck.

Now with that out of the way a short review – I have only had their coffee but they offer the other accoutrements that most places have (scones, muffins etc.). The coffee is excellent as they know what they are doing. Free Wi-Fi and games in a decidedly upscale modern environment always make for a comfortable visit. I usually like my coffee house to have more of a folksy lesbian feel (read Red Cup) but this place feels much more born again (I have seen a few bible study groups here) – if ya know what I mean.

But really none of this is why I frequent this place. Service. The guy that owns the place runs the place and makes you want to come back. A good guy that has taken a chance, invested some money and ALOT of hard work and is proud of what he offers. This translates into everything – including the java – and just makes you kinda feel guilty for going to Starbucks instead.

So stop by, have a cup, take some pictures and send ‘em to me. I obviously need some help.