The Collective (11th and Harvard Coffee/cafe/bar)

[cannon_fodder]

I have followed this building since I moved to Tulsa.  In fact, it is what brought me to this forum to start with... trying to figure out what, if anything, would replace Hardwoods.  It turned out Hardwoods reopened, then reclosed, then reopened, then changed names, then closed for renovation and never opened, then opened with nice renovations, then closed, then reopened as BALLERZ and quickly closed.

Well... that building at 11th and Gary (across from Skelly Stadium) is open again.  This time as a coffee shop/bistro and a bar.
http://www.thecollectivetulsa.com/

The building has been redone to be a bit more cozy.  Couches, elevated tables, booths and of course the bar.  Dyed concrete floors, understated colors, and an overall quiet atmosphere.  No TV's that I recall.  Several students hovering and studying.  One of the proprietors is an art student/teacher or some such thing and the decor relays that bit of info well.

The West side of the building is a cross between the now defunct Saffron's (standard issue coffee shop) and the Atlas Grill.  They offer a wife variety of coffees (which I am not qualified to comment on as I drink black coffee) and a menu similar to the Atlas Grill downtown.  8 Sandwiches, several soups, various salads, and 3 eclectic flat bread pizzas as well as other assorted items (breakfast sandwiches, random things here and there).

The sandwiches are fairly priced from $6-8 with a side.  From BLTs with a twist (sun dried tomato mayo) to strange concoctions of ham, green apple, and other bits of goodness.   My wife had the BLT ("the Mayo"), I had the "Golden Driller" (their club sandwich), and my boy had aflat bread pizza ("The Centennial").  I was very satisfied with mine, my wife's only complaint was the scant 3 pieces of bacon and relative small size of the sandwich, and my boys had no complaints.  The meal for 3 cost ~$25 with drinks, I was comfortably full.

The East side of the building is the bar area.  It has a small stage (bands perform regularly in addition to art shows), couches, tables and the bar itself.  They have a full bar and the only thing on tap is Marshall beers.  They have the Marshall IPA, the
wheat, and they will be carrying the seasonal brews when they are out.  I was there at 5:30, but for a reporter doing an interview the bar side was very quiet.

There is also an outdoor patio area where alcohol will be served during TU games.

The Marshall beer and the "Driller" sandwich go along with an overall TULSA theme to the Collective.  All the menu items have local names, the art work is local, the bands will be local, and even the beer is local.  

One of the owners (names are NOT my strong suit) came over and chatted with us for a good while.  He and his wife decided to strike out on their own and the young couple have now done so.  Very nice guy, laid back.  I wish him the best of luck.  

Overall I admit to being a little underwhelmed at first.  Another laid back coffee shop place.  The food was good, the prices were OK, and the atmosphere was nice.  It just didn't strike me as a place that stood out.

HOWEVER, the quiet bar atmosphere could catch on with me (not sure if it is non-smoking or not, I would be a HUGE fan if it was).  Marshall on tap is a huge plus.  While the food is not affair that I often crave, it will be a nice change from time to time.  Throw in a Tulsa theme and a friendly owner and I will definitely be going back from time to time.

I can definitely recommend stopping by.  The owner was appreciative (or pretended to be) of the feedback we offered, so feel free to do the same.  Best of luck to the place... one would think the location is great.


http://www.thecollectivetulsa.com/
(menu and prices on the website)

[edit]couches...[/edit]

[kylieosu]

I'm excited to try The Collective. I saw a segment about it on "Up Late with Ben Sumner" this past weekend and it looks and sounds like the kind of place I would really dig. I plan on hitting it up on Saturday when my sister comes to visit. Thanks for the review!

[joiei]

quote:Originally posted by cannon_fodder

I have followed this building since I moved to Tulsa.  In fact, it is what brought me to this forum to start with... trying to figure out what, if anything, would replace Hardwoods.  It turned out Hardwoods reopened, then reclosed, then reopened, then changed names, then closed for renovation and never opened, then opened with nice renovations, then closed, then reopened as BALLERZ and quickly closed.

Well... that building at 11th and Gary (across from Skelly Stadium) is open again.  This time as a coffee shop/bistro and a bar.
http://www.thecollectivetulsa.com/

The building has been redone to be a bit more cozy.  Coaches, elevated tables, booths and of course the bar.  Dyed concrete floors, understated colors, and an overall quiet atmosphere.  No TV's that I recall.  Several students hovering and studying.  One of the proprietors is an art student/teacher or some such thing and the decor relays that bit of info well.

The West side of the building is a cross between the now defunct Saffron's (standard issue coffee shop) and the Atlas Grill.  They offer a wife variety of coffees (which I am not qualified to comment on as I drink black coffee) and a menu similar to the Atlas Grill downtown.  8 Sandwiches, several soups, various salads, and 3 eclectic flat bread pizzas as well as other assorted items (breakfast sandwiches, random things here and there).

The sandwiches are fairly priced from $6-8 with a side.  From BLTs with a twist (sun dried tomato mayo) to strange concoctions of ham, green apple, and other bits of goodness.   My wife had the BLT ("the Mayo"), I had the "Golden Driller" (their club sandwich), and my boy had aflat bread pizza ("The Centennial").  I was very satisfied with mine, my wife's only complaint was the scant 3 pieces of bacon and relative small size of the sandwich, and my boys had no complaints.  The meal for 3 cost ~$25 with drinks, I was comfortably full.

The East side of the building is the bar area.  It has a small stage (bands perform regularly in addition to art shows), coaches, tables and the bar itself.  They have a full bar and the only thing on tap is Marshall beers.  They have the Marshall IPA, the
wheat, and they will be carrying the seasonal brews when they are out.  I was there at 5:30, but for a reporter doing an interview the bar side was very quiet.

There is also an outdoor patio area where alcohol will be served during TU games.

The Marshall beer and the "Driller" sandwich go along with an overall TULSA theme to the Collective.  All the menu items have local names, the art work is local, the bands will be local, and even the beer is local.  

One of the owners (names are NOT my strong suit) came over and chatted with us for a good while.  He and his wife decided to strike out on their own and the young couple have now done so.  Very nice guy, laid back.  I wish him the best of luck.  

Overall I admit to being a little underwhelmed at first.  Another laid back coffee shop place.  The food was good, the prices were OK, and the atmosphere was nice.  It just didn't strike me as a place that stood out.

HOWEVER, the quiet bar atmosphere could catch on with me (not sure if it is non-smoking or not, I would be a HUGE fan if it was).  Marshall on tap is a huge plus.  While the food is not affair that I often crave, it will be a nice change from time to time.  Throw in a Tulsa theme and a friendly owner and I will definitely be going back from time to time.

I can definitely recommend stopping by.  The owner was appreciative (or pretended to be) of the feedback we offered, so feel free to do the same.  Best of luck to the place... one would think the location is great.


http://www.thecollectivetulsa.com/
(menu and prices on the website)

Are you meaning to say couchs every time you use the term coaches?  Otherwise, where did they get so many coaches to hang out like that?

[Conan71]

Best part is, it's less than a 1/2 mile stagger home for me. [}:)]

I'm excited to go enjoy the menu, coffee, and beer.  Not necessarily in that order!

[cannon_fodder]

quote:Originally posted by joiei

Are you meaning to say couchs every time you use the term coaches?  Otherwise, where did they get so many coaches to hang out like that?

No.  I meant to say couches both  times (ie. "every time") I said "coaches."  "Couchs" isn't a word.  And I'm willing to bet we could spot some coaches in there from time to time.

If you are going to sharp shoot, at least make sure you are correct. []

[sgrizzle]

quote:Originally posted by cannon_fodder

quote:Originally posted by joiei

Are you meaning to say couchs every time you use the term coaches?  Otherwise, where did they get so many coaches to hang out like that?

No.  I meant to say couches both  times (ie. "every time") I said "coaches."  "Couchs" isn't a word.  And I'm willing to bet we could spot some coaches in there from time to time.

If you are going to sharp shoot, at least make sure you are correct. []

You also said they have a "wife variety of coffees" if you want to be picky.

[TheArtist]

Does one have to be assimilated to join the Collective? I just don't think those Borg implants are going to work with the look I am going for this season. []

[Townsend]

quote:Originally posted by TheArtist

Does one have to be assimilated to join the Collective?

Totally thought that too.  I call "Locutus".

[sgrizzle]

[dsjeffries]

Went to the Collective for the first time yesterday, and I loved it!

I had the Golden Driller sandwich with pita and hummus for the side.  Portions were generous, and everything seemed very fresh.  The staff was friendly, and when the owner showed up, he came over and chatted with our table for a while about PlaniTulsa and how he wishes downtown were more walkable in the dead spots between Blue Dome, Brady, East End, etc...

I give the place an A.

[Nik]

Wow, this place sounds interesting. "The Golden Driller" was the first thing that caught my eye on the menu, glad to hear it tastes good. Not to mention "The Outsider."

[cannon_fodder]

quote:Originally posted by sgrizzle


You also said they have a "wife variety of coffees" if you want to be picky.

Maybe I MEANT wife variety of coffees.  Ever think of that, donkey.  []  Someday spell checker will have a common-sense check to it also.  Until them, I will be fodder for sharp shooters on the internets.

GO TRY THE COLLECTIVE, let me know what you think.

[Townsend]

quote:Originally posted by cannon_fodder

GO TRY THE COLLECTIVE, let me know what you think.

Dug it. Very friendly folks and comfortable inside.

[carltonplace]

Here are a few of the more interesting menu items:

The Camelot..........7.29
Honey Ham, Green Apple, Pepper Jack, Red Onion, Mayo and Brown Sugar on Ciabatta Bread

The Zingo...........7.29
Smoked Turkey, Mozzarella, horseradish, spicy mustard, lettuce and whole berry cranberry sauce on Ciabatta Bread

Center of the Universe......5.99
Honey Ham, Apricot Jelly, Melted Brie and Lettuce on Focaccia.

Club Sandwich is call the The Golden Driller, Veggie Pita is called The Greenwood and there is an avocado and cheese sandwich called The Atlas Life.
"Cream Crumbles" for dessert.

[kylieosu]

Just read a MySpace bulletin from The Collective indicating that they are closed indefinitely as of today. Serious bummer. I really liked their food.