There’s a philosophy behind Foolish Things Coffee Co that goes well beyond the menu. Opened in September 2012 by Justin and Katie Carpenter, the shop has been part of the downtown Tulsa Cathedral District on historic Route 66 for over a decade — and in that time it’s become as much a neighborhood institution as a place to grab a latte. The name itself comes from the idea of pursuing lofty goals — community building, conversation, genuine human connection — through the seemingly small act of sharing a cup of coffee. Some call it foolish. They know it is.
Dave and I stopped in on a weekday morning to see what all the fuss was about.
About Foolish Things Coffee Co
The Carpenters built Foolish Things around two pillars: craft and hospitality. Their branding draws inspiration from Alice in Wonderland — a personal favorite of the family — and that whimsical thread runs through the whole experience. The shop sources its beans through Coracle Coffee, another Tulsa roaster, and the menu leans into approachable, well-executed specialty drinks rather than anything intimidating or overly precious.
Beyond the coffee itself, Foolish Things has been an active participant in downtown Tulsa’s revitalization, particularly along Route 66. Justin Carpenter has worked with the Route 66 Alliance to support development along the corridor, and the shop has long served as a gathering space for local artists, young professionals, and neighborhood regulars. They’ve since expanded with a second location at The Root coworking space in Market Station, and a separate concept — Foolish Things Bar and Biscuit — in Tulsa’s Brookside District.
The Space
The Main Street location occupies a single large, open room with tall ceilings and plenty of natural light. A row of communal tables anchors the center of the space, with barstool seating running along the perimeter walls. It’s a handsome interior — modern and airy, with a nice view of the downtown skyline.
One detail worth noting if you’re planning to settle in for a while: the electrical outlets are positioned along the perimeter, so the central tables don’t have easy access to power. If you’re planning to sit with a group, keep that in mind. The outdoor patio exists but felt a bit rough around the edges when we visited — fine for a quick break, but not a destination in itself.
The shop was lively on our visit, with a steady hum of conversation. It’s an energetic atmosphere that reflects the community-hub mission the Carpenters had in mind when they opened it. One small touch we appreciated: a large self-serve water cooler available for customers.
What We Ordered
Dave went with the cold brew ($4.95) — clean, smooth, and exactly what you’d want on a warm morning. I ordered the caramel latte ($5.95), which was well-balanced and not overly sweet. The drinks were executed well, and you can tell the staff takes the craft seriously without making you feel like you need a coffee vocabulary to order.
Our friend Dusty joined us as well, and the consensus was that the coffee itself is genuinely good.
The Verdict
Foolish Things is a legitimately great coffee shop doing something meaningful for its downtown Tulsa neighborhood. The drinks are well-crafted, the atmosphere is warm and social, and the story behind the place gives it a depth you don’t find at most cafes. If you’re visiting Tulsa and want a cup of coffee that comes with a sense of place, this is a solid stop.
It’s worth setting expectations around the vibe, though. This is a lively, communal space — great for catching up with someone or soaking in the energy of a busy morning on Route 66. It’s not the quietest corner of Tulsa for studying, reading, or remote work.
Foolish Things Coffee Co
1001 S Main St, Tulsa, OK 74119
Monday–Saturday: 8am–3pm | Closed Sunday
