Cups of Joe

The perfect cup of coffee is always in season.

Whether you prefer cold brew, a hot latte or a handcrafted espresso beverage, a visit to a local coffee shop can make your day. Next time you’re ready for a nice cup of coffee or tea, try one of these cafes around the corner.

Beanstalk Coffee & Sno

The Shops at Cascade • 3408 36th NW Ave Monday- Friday, 6 a.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday, 7 a.m.-9 p.m.• beanstalkcoffeeandsno.com

Enjoy artisanal espresso, with signature drinks like a honey lavender latte, a silverfox latte with homemade vanilla, a steamboat featuring Dutch chocolate and white chocolate or a golden goose latte featuring hazelnut, vanilla, brown sugar and half and half. A special drink menu changes with the seasons, too.

This summer’s standout treat is a full menu of snow cones. Exotic flavors like banana daiquiri, chirimoya, dill pickle, guava, orchid cream vanilla and rock and roll round out a list of more than 100 syrups. Beanstalk Sno Favorites include a combination of flavors, including coffee-based blends like Cappuccino and Cream. Other fun flavors, like Beanstalk Rainbow with banana, blueberry and cherry, and Salty Frog, made of fresh squeezed limes and salt, add whimsy for all ages.

Food choices include breakfast and lunch charcuterie boxes and fresh-baked items from Buttercream Bakery, La Baguette and Sconed are also available.

Not Your Average Joe

1001 Elm Ave • Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.; Friday: 7 a.m.-1 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-2p.m. nyaj.coffee/norman-menu

The coffee shop every Normanite should know about, Not Your Average Joe is actually a 501 (c) (3) that makes job opportunities possible for people of all abilities. Its mission “to inspire our community by including adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the creation of exceptional coffee in an encouraging atmosphere” speaks to the nonprofit’s purpose. Espresso beverages like Dragon’s Breath Mocha, a dark chocolate and chile-infused drink with orange and cayenne, and The Drink that Must Not be Named, with butter rum and a dash of magic, could be your next favorite. Horchata lattes and turtle lattes set themselves apart from the menu full of cortados, cubanos and cappuccinos. Sherpa chais and tea lattes offer an array of flavors. Smoothies, fruit-flavored refreshers, frozen lemonades, frappes and Red Bull cream sodas are excellent options to chill out with during blistering summer days. Burritos, scones, quiche and muffins are on the breakfast menu, with vegan choices. Lunch includes soup, salad and sandwiches, including a new take on Elvis’s own favorite: peanut butter, bacon, banana, made in Oklahoma honey and jam served on blueberry bread. The Dr. Pepper ice cream is a must-try! The cafe has four other locations: Midtown, at Homeland on May, at Homeland on Lincoln and in Broken Arrow. Its inclusive focus is intended to help change outcomes, as more than 80% of adults with developmental challenges are unemployed or underemployed after high school. Currently, the cafe employs 42 adults with special needs and an average of seven to 12 people with intellectual disabilities apply each time a new location opens. All donations are tax-deductible. Support youth in our community with coffee and treats that uplift in more ways than one.

StellaNova

1415 W Main St • Monday- Thursday, 6 a.m.- 8 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 6 a.m.-9 p.m. stellanova.com

StellaNova’s four locations, with one cafe in Norman and three in Oklahoma City, are recognized for their variety of espresso beverages. Flavored syrups like English toffee, Nutella and rose can be added to lattes and cappuccinos. Cold foam and a variety of milks, like almond, coconut, oat and soy, make beverages more customizable. Nitro cold brew and iced coffee are sure to please this summer and beyond.

Brewed coffee and tea lattes are also on the menu, along with tea frappes, lemonade and other non-coffee choices.

Bakery items like spinach pastries, cronuts and lemon loaf are perfect for on-the-go dining but lunch salads, sandwiches and wraps are also available.

Press & Plow

2596 W Tecumseh Rd #114 • Monday-Sunday, 6:30 a.m.-4 p.m. pressandplow.com

Press & Plow describes itself as “a purveyor of fine wine, spirits, coffee and provisions.” Its illustrative beverage menu shows the ratio of milk to espresso, coffee, flavorings and garnishes. A picture-perfect affogato, with steamed milk, espresso and ice cream, just might be the pick of the summer. Other seasonal drinks are sure to be announced.

The establishment’s name is also a nod to its alcohol offerings. Sparkling, red and white wines are available, along with an impressive selection of signature cocktails. The Hemingway, for example, features silver tequila, fresh grapefruit juice, lime and agave. The Watermelon Tango sounds perfect for hot afternoons, made with watermelon cubes, sliced jalapeno and sparkling wine. The best of both worlds comes together with Irish coffee.

Brunch seems like the perfect place to share both beloved beverages, along with favorites like pancakes and waffles. Fancier options like avocado toast, croque madame and the Press & Plow Breakfast plate with a choice of eggs, meat and potato or toast options might be your new go-to for a weekend or even a weekday morning out given the venue’s unique schedule. Tacos, salads and sandwich choices also make for ideal lunch options.

Dutch Bros Coffee

1230 W Main St • Sunday-Thursday, 5 a.m.- 10 p.m.; Friday & Saturday, 5 a.m.-11 p.m. dutchbros.com

New to Norman since January 2022, the franchise famous for its fun atmosphere has set up shop with its distinctive blue exterior and outdoor picnic tables. Originally founded in Oregon in 1992, Dutch Bros has steadily gained popularity as its “broristas” emphasize its casual ambience. With more than 500 locations in 13 states, Dutch Bros retains its personable qualities with menu items like muffin tops, blended Dutch freezes and the Rebel Energy Drink, with flavors such as Shark Attack, Electric Berry and Aftershock for a different caffeine punch. Sodas and smoothies make up part of its vast menu. The variety of cold beverages available throughout the year will make its drive-thru a popular spot this summer. Dutch Bros drinks like the Cocomo, a coconut mocha, Double Torture, an extra double shot of vanilla mocha, and the 9-1-1, a six-shot Irish creme breve, are known by devotees throughout the country. The franchise is locally operated, with designated Give Back Days in support of local non-profits, including Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma.

La Baguette Norman

2100 W Main St • Monday- Saturday, 7 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Brunch served weekdays until 11 a.m. and on weekends until 2 p.m. • www.labaguette.com

Known for its European baked goods, La Baguette also serves a robust menu of espresso beverages and teas. Lattes, cappuccinos and macchiatos are included but drinks like Caramello and Almond Joy make for memorable additions. Iced teas, Italian sodas and apple cider are excellent non-coffee options.

Brunch features eggs benedict, creme brulee french toast, pancakes, sandwiches and more. Lunch and dinner entrees like chicken crepes, pasta and quiche are tasty options. Stop in for a coffee and pastry or out-of-the-ordinary meal.