You don’t expect to see a dog curled up next to a leather couch in a strip mall coffee shop, and that is exactly why Nordaggio’s Coffee stands out. I walked in for freshly roasted coffee and walked straight into a scene that felt more like someone’s living room than a storefront in South Tulsa.
The espresso drinks are handcrafted, the beans roasted in-house, and the fireplace adds a steady glow that makes it easy to settle in. Then you notice the quiet detail that changes everything.
Well-behaved dogs lounging beside their owners, completely at ease. Near the ORU campus, it doubles as a study spot, a meeting place, and a low-key hangout.
I came in for a latte. I stayed because few places make both you and your four-legged companion feel equally welcome.
A Roastery That Welcomes Four-Legged Guests
Walking into a café that smells like freshly roasted coffee is one thing, but finding one that lets your dog tag along transforms an ordinary coffee run into something memorable. The café sits at 8156 S Lewis Ave, Tulsa, OK 74137, right across from the CityPlex towers and near the Oral Roberts University campus.
This location makes it convenient for students, neighbors, and anyone exploring South Tulsa with a pet in tow.
Dogs are welcome as long as they stay off the furniture and behave calmly around other customers. The policy strikes a balance between creating a relaxed atmosphere and respecting everyone’s comfort.
Some visitors mention seeing well-mannered pups curled up near their owners’ feet while lattes and chai drinks make their way from the espresso bar to the tables.
The space itself feels lived-in rather than polished, with mid-century décor, coffee-themed art on the walls, and burlap bags of beans stacked in the corner. Natural light filters through the windows, and the hum of conversation stays low enough for laptops to stay open and dogs to nap undisturbed.
The fireplace adds warmth during colder months, and the overall vibe leans more toward neighborhood hangout than bustling chain.
Beans Roasted Fresh Every Week
The café roasts its own beans on-site, and the scent of that process fills the room several times a week. Customers mention walking in during a roast and feeling instantly wrapped in the rich, toasted aroma that lingers long after the roaster cools down.
The beans sold in bags are roasted at the start of each week, so freshness stays consistent without needing a printed roast date on every package.
This approach keeps inventory moving and ensures that what someone takes home hasn’t been sitting on a shelf for weeks. The café also grinds beans upon request at no extra charge, which saves a step for anyone without a grinder at home.
Buying a bag comes with a bonus: a free drink to enjoy while browsing or before heading out the door.
The roasting operation supplies other coffee shops around Tulsa, making this café a behind-the-scenes anchor for the local coffee scene. Baristas tend to know their way around different roasts and brewing methods, and they’re happy to suggest options based on taste preferences.
The emphasis on craft and quality shows up in every cup, whether someone orders a straightforward drip coffee or a more elaborate espresso drink with seasonal flavors.
Strong Espresso Drinks That Don’t Hold Back
Anyone who prefers their coffee on the bolder side tends to find what they’re looking for here. The espresso drinks lean strong, with a medium latte typically containing two double shots rather than the single or diluted versions found at larger chains.
This intensity appeals to people who want to taste the coffee itself, not just the milk or syrup that surrounds it.
For those who find the strength a bit much, ordering a large instead of a medium offers a simple fix. Both sizes use the same amount of espresso, but the extra milk in the large softens the punch without watering down the flavor completely.
Baristas seem aware of this preference and may suggest it if someone mentions wanting something less intense.
The café’s seasonal specials add variety without straying too far from the core coffee-forward philosophy. Past offerings have included drinks with honey and coconut foam, salted caramel, and hazelnut, each balanced to highlight the espresso rather than mask it.
The focus stays on craftsmanship, and the pacing behind the bar reflects that care, even when the line starts to build during busy mornings or weekend afternoons.
Cozy Seating That Invites Lingering
The furniture here feels more like someone’s living room than a typical café setup. Leather couches sit low and deep, the kind that pull you in and make getting up feel like a small effort.
A few tables with chairs offer more upright seating for those working on laptops or meeting with friends, but the couches remain the main draw for anyone planning to stay awhile.
The fireplace becomes a focal point during cooler months, adding both warmth and ambiance without overwhelming the space. Soft music plays in the background, and the overall noise level stays quiet enough for conversation or concentration.
Students from the nearby university often claim spots for study sessions, and the café’s layout accommodates solo visitors just as comfortably as small groups.
The décor leans industrial with mid-century touches, including quirky details like hairy cacti and coffee-inspired artwork scattered across the walls. Lighting stays dim but not dark, creating a relaxed mood that shifts naturally from morning brightness to evening calm.
The space doesn’t rush anyone out, and the vibe encourages people to settle in with a book, a laptop, or simply a second cup of coffee.
Chai Lattes Made From Scratch
Finding a chai latte that doesn’t taste like it came straight from a box can be surprisingly difficult, but this café manages to deliver something closer to the real thing.
Customers who order chai with extra spice or specific milk alternatives often report drinks that come close to their ideal cup, even if perfection remains elusive.
The chai here earns praise for its warmth and balance, with spices that taste intentional rather than generic. Oat milk and other dairy-free options blend well without separating or thinning out the drink, and baristas seem willing to adjust ratios based on individual preferences.
One visitor mentioned ordering it with no foam and extra chai, and the result hit closer to their ideal than most other spots in Tulsa.
The café’s commitment to making drinks from scratch rather than relying on pre-made mixes extends beyond espresso to teas and seasonal specials. This attention to detail shows up in consistency, with most reviews mentioning drinks that taste the same from visit to visit.
While the focus stays on coffee, the tea offerings hold their own and give non-coffee drinkers a reason to stop by just as often.
Pastries and Breakfast Items Worth Pairing
The café serves a rotating selection of pastries and breakfast items that complement the coffee without stealing the spotlight. Cinnamon rolls get frequent mentions in reviews, with their size and sweetness making them a popular choice for anyone settling in for a longer visit.
A pork belly croissant also appears on the menu, offering something savory for those who prefer salt over sugar in the morning.
The café doesn’t bake everything in-house, but the quality of what’s available stays consistent. For visitors with dietary restrictions, a gluten-free bakery sits right next door, making it easy to grab a pastry there and bring it back to pair with a drink.
This proximity adds convenience without requiring the café to stock every possible option itself.
Baristas may suggest pairings based on what someone orders, though the café doesn’t push food sales aggressively. The focus remains on coffee, with pastries serving as a pleasant addition rather than the main event.
Prices stay reasonable, and the portions feel generous enough to share or save for later without feeling shortchanged.
A Student-Friendly Atmosphere Near Campus
The café’s location across from Oral Roberts University makes it a natural landing spot for students looking for a quieter alternative to campus libraries or dorm rooms. The atmosphere stays calm most of the time, with noise levels that allow for focused work or conversation without constant interruptions.
Laptops open up at nearly every table during weekdays, and the café’s free Wi-Fi supports long study sessions without issue.
The seating layout accommodates solo students just as easily as study groups, with couches for casual reading and tables for spreading out notes and textbooks.
The café doesn’t enforce time limits or pressure customers to leave after finishing a drink, which makes it a reliable spot for marathon study sessions leading up to exams or project deadlines.
The student-centric culture also means the café understands budget constraints. Prices stay fair, and the free drink that comes with a bag of beans offers a small perk for regulars who want to brew at home while still enjoying the occasional in-house visit.
The staff seems accustomed to the rhythm of student life, and the café’s hours align well with morning classes and afternoon breaks.
Baristas Who Know Their Craft
The people behind the counter here tend to know more than just how to press buttons on an espresso machine. Baristas demonstrate familiarity with different brewing methods, roast profiles, and milk alternatives, and they’re willing to share that knowledge when asked.
Customers mention receiving helpful suggestions about which beans to buy for home brewing or which drink might suit their taste preferences best.
Service pacing can slow down during busy periods, especially when the café fills up with weekend crowds or weekday morning rushes. The deliberate approach to making drinks means each cup gets attention, but it also means waiting a bit longer than at faster-paced chains.
Most visitors seem to accept this trade-off, viewing the slower pace as part of the café’s commitment to quality rather than a flaw.
Friendliness varies by barista, as it does anywhere, but reviews consistently mention staff who greet regulars by name and remember previous orders. The head roaster brings deep expertise to the operation, and that knowledge filters down through the team.
Occasional service hiccups appear in reviews, but the overall impression leans positive, with most customers feeling welcomed and well-served during their visits.
Whole Beans to Take Home
Buying beans to brew at home offers a way to extend the café experience beyond a single visit. The café sells its house-roasted beans in whole form, and customers can request grinding on the spot at no extra charge.
Each bag comes with a complimentary drink, which sweetens the deal and gives someone a reason to enjoy a cup while browsing or chatting with the barista about brewing tips.
The beans rotate based on what’s roasted each week, so options may shift slightly from visit to visit. This approach keeps things fresh and encourages customers to try different roasts rather than defaulting to the same choice every time.
The café also supplies beans to other local shops, which speaks to the quality and consistency of the roasting operation.
Customers who brew at home often mention that the beans they buy taste just as good as the drinks made in-house, which suggests the roasting itself stands up well regardless of preparation method.
The café’s willingness to share brewing advice and grind preferences helps bridge the gap between café expertise and home experimentation, making it easier for customers to replicate their favorite drinks in their own kitchens.
Practical Tips for Visiting
The café opens at 6:30 a.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. on weekends, closing at 6:30 p.m. every day. These hours suit early risers and afternoon visitors alike, though latecomers looking for an evening coffee spot may need to plan accordingly.
Parking in the strip mall lot tends to be straightforward, with spaces usually available even during busier times.
Seating can get tight during peak hours, especially on weekends or weekday mornings when students flood in before or between classes. Arriving slightly off-peak increases the chances of snagging a couch or table without waiting.
The café’s size limits how many people it can comfortably hold, so crowding becomes noticeable when demand spikes.
Dogs are welcome, but keeping them off the furniture and ensuring they stay calm around other customers is expected. The café doesn’t provide water bowls or treats, so bringing supplies for a pet makes sense if planning a longer stay.
Checking the café’s website or calling ahead can confirm current hours or any temporary changes, especially around holidays or special events.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
