I was not at all impressed with Cafe 501 on my first visit. I ordered the meatloaf, which was fine, but the mashed potatoes which accompanied it tasted instant, which was highly disappointing.
I've since returned and tried a pasta which I can't find on the menu anymore that I thought was better.
Overall not somewhere I'd suggest when thinking about places to eat.
I'm not quite sure how we went so long without trying Cafe 501, especially considering how often we tend to frequent Classen Curve. Maybe it's because every time we're up that direction, it tends to be for either Upper Crust or Matthew Kenney (R.I.P). Alas, now that Matthew Kenney is no more, a free spot in my Classen Curve void opened up - and suddenly Cafe 501 was in like Flynn.
The space isn't unlike anything else you'll find at Classen Curve: modern architecture and clean sharp lines appear to be the main theme of Classen Curve, Cafe 501 being no exception. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that they had an outdoor patio option for days when the weather is especially nice - which, let's be honest, in Oklahoma is few and far between, so you've gotta take advantage of it while you can. The overall concept is seat-yourself, order-at-the counter type thing (at least during breakfast/brunch hours) - but they don't really do a great job of explaining that to first-timers. Perhaps it's because the employees enjoy watching the confused / lost / slightly bewildered look on newcomers' faces, because I mean honestly, who wouldn't enjoy that - assuming you're not the confused / lost / slightly bewildered one, of course. Luckily - I've perfected the art of looking like I know what i'm doing, when in reality - I have absolutely no clue what's going on, so it's rare that you'll ever find me looking like an idiot.......... put away your camera phone, fool. Nevertheless, I don't think it'd hurt to have someone up front to explain the seating and ordering situation to people to help avoid confusion, but what do I know? (everything).
20 minutes later, after we decided to ask what the hell we were supposed to do, we were seated. (Finally!) Now, let's have a look at your brunch menu Cafe 501. What's that? You stop serving brunch at 11AM on Saturdays?! Who the [insert explicit word of choice here] even wakes up before 11 on a Saturday?! Pretty sure we would have been able to get the BRUNCH menu if we were seated when we walked in... 20 minutes ago... you uptight sons of... Whatever, it's not a big deal - I'll have lunch - the undesirable sibling of brunch, it's fine. Serenity now.
We ordered a couple of bloody Mary's, some Caesar salads and a couple pizzas. The bloody Mary's hit the spot, and the Caesar salads were good as well. The pizzas... well, let's just say Upper Crust will continue to be my go-to pizza place. I got the Mediterranean - subbed artichokes in for the pepperoni. The flavor was good enough, but the crust was too soggy in the middle for my liking. The GF ordered the veggie pizza to-go because she wasn't starving at the time. Well, wasn't until we got in the car that we came to find out that the veggie pizza had pepperoni on it. How the [insert explicit word of choice here] do you put meat on a VEGGIE pizza?! Well, rather than walking back in and spending another half hour waiting for the pizza to be remade - she decided to just pick the pepperoni off, one by one. Serenity now! HOOCHIE MAMA!!!
Anywho, aside from those missteps - nothing that we've tried has been terrible by any means - then again, nothing has been amazing either. We've been back on a separate occasion to have some drinks and and appetizer. They do have some amazing drinks - concord gimlet and strawberry lemonade, to name a couple. The strawberry lemonade is basically an alcoholic lemonade with a large frozen block of strawberry goodness floating in it. The presentation is amazing - only to have your ungrateful ass ruin it all as you stab the frozen strawberry block with your straw to mix it all up. Sounds twisted, but it's really quite fantastic. We also tried the three amigos appetizer, which was decent as well - just not nearly as good as the movie. I think the real deciding factor of Cafe 501 will rely on just how impressive their pastries and desserts are - they all look amazing, to say the least. Haven't tried any yet, but I've had my eye on the chocolate chip cinnamon rolls with espresso glaze... *faints*
Where am I?
Overall Grade: B
Wow....cool place.  Sunday about 2 they kinda had the " were tired"  goin on??  Table service or self serve counter...hell you pick!!  lol  Clean , friendly and the food was great.  We all had salads but Coyote chicken on one. beef tenderloin one and the spinach strawberry I was told
was as good as it gets!! Â Desserts were great
5 of with tip $100
Keeps out the riff-raff...which I love!!
With the right management here they could double there biz and sell a lot of booze...lights are on...
I was lucky enough to get to have lunch here with one of my favorite people on the planet, so I was probably predisposed to love this place, but I really did enjoy everything. I had the Coyote Chicken sandwich with the pasta salad and a glass of rosé. Can I mention how glad I am that it's rosé season? Anywhoo, the spiciness of the sandwich was nicely balanced by the creamy pasta salad.
I love to order at a counter, but then be seated and have my food brought out to me. Especially at lunch, I don't need a waiter to check on me a ton, and especially during what is normally a limited amount of time, it just streamlines everything.
The prices were reasonable for the quality of the food and the atmosphere, not to mention the location. The cashier and the server who brought our food were both lovely. We were smart and came early, but by the time we left it was a hoppin' joint, the kind of place where deals get made.
I can't wait to come back and check out more of this wonderful menu.
My Husband and I ate here Saturday night for the first time and we were extremely impressed. Â We started out with the Three Amigos appetizer. Â It was fantastic. Â The chilled queso was such a unique dish; we love the flavor of it. Â The charred tomato salsa was also very good - it had a lot of flavor but it wasn't spicy - which I liked because I don't enjoy spicy foods.
For our entrees, I had the tilapia with brussels sprouts and herbed orzo. Â It was wonderful. Â The tilapia was cooked just right and was not dry. Â The sprouts were done well too - they had a nice crispness to them. Â My Husband had the chimichurri Skirt Steak with the avocado risotto. Â The avocado risotto had such a unique flavor. Â It stole the show.
We had the creme brulee for dessert. Â It was cooked just right and with real vanilla beans. Â I love creme brulee and this one was one of the better ones that I've had.
The food was delicious, the wine selection was good, the ambiance and decor were pleasant and the service and management were excellent. Â We will certainly be back to Cafe 501.
I really love this location of Cafe 501. I have not had great luck at the other one but this one has never let me down. The food is amazing and the staff is very knowledgable and helpful. We had our going away party here before relocating to Seattle and it was awesome!!
I have had so many things on the menu but my favorite is the Coyote Chicken Sandwich!!
It does get very busy especially at lunch time so be early or plan accordingly!
I have also attended a couple of local group happy hour events here and they have been pretty cool, they have them out in the front by the fountains.
Bashar and I tried this place for lunch after a busy day of cleaning our new house and supervising various contractors in our home. Â We were tired and HUNGRY!
This was our first time here, and there was no hostess when we first walked in, so we didn't realize there was both table service and "window" order service. We simply got in line behind the queue that had already formed and found something tasty off the big menu board posted on the wall. Â We both were craving their street cart fish tacos so that's all I can speak to about the food.
We paid at the counter and were given a number to take with us on our table. Â Approximately 7 minutes later our tacos were brought to our table (we chose to sit at the bar because no tables were available) and we chowed down. Â The only down side: no one came to the bar (the bar people, how can no one ask you what you want to drink when you're sitting at the bar) to ask if we wanted a drink. Â We had to wait until our food arrived to place a drink order, and we were still not asked if we wanted anything, we had to yell after the waiter dropped off our food for a glass of water!
Had it not been for the beverage faux pas, I would have probably given this place 4-stars. Â But I definitely plan to head back to this place and give some other things on their menu a chance.
On business and took a group of 6 for lunch. Â First time for all and all were very impressed. Â For lunch, it's like a Panera mixed with an upscale trendy restaurant (in ATL, like a "Houstons"). Â The Santa Fe chicken was soooo good! Â Huge sandwich on a local made fresh Focaccia (which I usually do not care for - but this was freakin' awesome!). Â Others had tacos, fish and pork, and different chx sandwiches. Â No one was disappointed!
Service was fine, but the waiter had that attitude thing going on (don't let me inconvenience you to refill my water, dude).
I really wish we had a place like this in Little Rock! Â But, then again I was expensing and the check for six...for lunch was $83.
Quite confusing. I am new to OKC, met a local for lunch, had a great salad, fairly priced, good service. Â All good, liked it so much went back for happy hour same night...since the poster in store advertised happy hour. Â Sat down at the bar, handed a menu, drinks on one side...$5.01 specials on other side...valid between 3 and 6. Â All good! Â Order glass of wine and request one of the choices on the $5.01 menu. Response is we don't have it...request another item from the special menu...don't have it...no longer offer this menu I am told. Â I ask why was it given to me and every other customer? Response is a blank stare. I leave.
Review Source:I went for a quick drink on Saturday night. I ordered a dirty martini and it was $13!!! No olives  were included and frankly it was one of the worst martinis I've ever had. Plus there were rude and pretentious people sitting at the bar. Too bad because I used to like Cafe 501 in Edmond.
Review Source:Dare I review a restaurant when I eat the exact same thing every time I go? Â
Sure - when that thing is so delicious I actually crave it and make sure I stop at Cafe 501 when I'm in the city to eat it. Â You know what I'm talking about. Â The first thing on the long, long menu. Â The Coyote Chicken Sandwich. Â
I haven't even delved into other parts of their menu, because this sandwich is the most perfect sandwich ever created. Â Ever. Â Chipotle Mayo, jalapenos, marinated onions - and the chicken, perfectly absorbed into the grilled bread - yum. Â It's perfect.
I haven't asked, but I would prefer a green salad to the overcooked and slimy pasta bowties they send out with it. Â Don't get me wrong, I finish it every time because girl will eat pasta whenever it shows up. Â But after the big chicken indulgence, I feel the need to lighten up.
Speaking of light, my other favorite thing about Cafe 501 is the small bites in the pastry case. Â I won't buy a big ol brownie very often - but a little Ricotta Cookie for .$75? Â All day.
The interior is a little odd to me. Â Whenever I sit at a booth, I'm always worried the stained, exposed plywood will snag my tights/sweater/purse - so I veer towards the banquettes if possible.
All in all - I've I'm in the area, I'm going to drop in for that sandwich. Â Maybe someday I'll read the rest of the giant menu - but if it ain't broke...
DH and I went this morning for brunch after viewing the menu online. Â The migas were calling his name and I was craving eggs benedict. Â We arrived about 11:00am and were seated immediately. Â We both had a delicious mimosa at a reasonable $4. Â I wish they offered a "pitcher" though. Â I also had a cup of coffee which was just fine. Â
There were so many things on the menu that spoke to us and it took time to make a decision. Â DH stuck with the migas and I ordered the crispy polenta with slow roasted pork. Â The fried egg on top of my dish was too fried and the edges were tough and plasticy, but the rest was fine. Â This dish had some heat going for it and the portion was enormous. Â It was good, but I won't order it again. Â I tried stepping out of my comfort zone and was uncomfortable!!! The migas, however, were fantastic. Â The chorizo was awesome, the eggs awesome, and the tortillas awesome. Â Somehow we ended up with a side of fried potatoes / steak fries. Â My dish didn't come with them and we don't think the migas came with them, but they showed up and we ate them. Â
The dishes that were served around us all looked tasty. Â My only complaint, even though it was not something I ordered, is the use of Boars Head deli meat in a few of the dishes. Â We are Boars Head people and shop at Sprouts for our deli meat, but it doesn't belong on this menu. Â Not at these prices. Â AND, chef, owner, whoever, Boars Head makes a deli ham called Sweet Slice. Â It is actual ham, not processed lunchmeat ham. Â Try it and use it if you're going to use deli products on your brunch menu and in your omelets. Â
The review that talked about plywood and dowel decor completely missed the peg board ceiling. Â Husby joked that if you had to pay Classen Curve rent this is what you could afford. Â Still, the place feels and looks modern. Â
When we go back, DH wants to order the crispy polenta and I want to try the quiche. Also, by the time we left at about noon, there was a short wait to be seated. Â Reservations might be useful if you aren't going to go early.
I guess its my own fault for going to a place near Chesapeake at lunch time, so I can't really complain about it being super crowded. But I want to complain, because it was really crowded! It was a cold day but we almost had to sit outside, but a table came open right as we were about to go outside.
Of course the food is great, and the dessert is even better. I had a sandwich and a cookie for dessert and was completely stuffed.
Note to self: Come here for an early or late lunch, and just take half of it home for later instead of eating it all right then ;)
Generally everything is great on their menu but I want to highlight one wonderful sandwich and salad they have on the menu. The Coyote Chicken.. this is what a sandwich needs to taste like! Savory and sweet in all the right spots! Yumm-o!
Cafe 501 is pricey but if you order water it won't seem as such.. and they have fresh cucumber water!
Cafe 501 is like an upscale fast food restaurant. You order from the counter, get your own drink, find your own table ... but you don't have to clean up after yourself. There is a full bar. I was delighted with the pastry case, though I didn't partake. I really didn't! I wanted to partake. I ordered a margherita pizza, which was oh so so good! I felt like Julia Robert in "Eat, Pray, Love" when she said the line "I'm having a relationship with my pizza!" The crust was chewey and the cheese was gooey and tasty. The fresh basil and tomato were fresh and flavorful. I literally said "this is so good" out loud even though I was dining alone. For $9.99 I felt like it was a good deal. I was only able to eat 1/2 - my 4-year old niece can out eat me so I'm not sure that everyone would get 2 meals from it- but I did! The decor is very visually stimulating and the atmosphere is open and comfortable. I wanna go back for brunch!
Review Source:I'm honestly surprised at all the negative reviews Cafe 501 has. I have had lunch here a decent amount of times and have never been disappointed. The food is great, the atmosphere is pleasant and they have the most amazing tropical iced tea. The vegetarian sandwich is what I usually order when i come here and it is amazing. The vegetarian pizza is also good and they have a variety of desserts too. I have never been here for dinner but they do have a full bar. My only complaint about this place is I feel it is a bit overpriced. Lunch for two usually runs about $25 and I'm pretty sure the vegetarian sandwich alone is $10, but I suppose that is to be expected when eating at Classen Curve. Give this place a try if you have a few extra dollars to spare and are looking for a unique lunch experience.
Review Source:I have been to this Cafe 501 location twice and it's nothing spectacular. The food is nothing more than average and every time I have gotten a cookie here it has been stale/dried out. First time I had a sandwich on a very soggy thick ciabatta like bread and inside was mostly caramelized onions. I could barely finish it due to how dense the bread was and the onions were not caramelized well either. (This was the first time I realized I shouldn't be eating onions at all). Last time I had the salmon entree cooked rare and thought it was pretty good, but then I had food poisoning symptoms all day the next day. I might try the Edmond location in the near future since I've heard good things about that place.
Review Source:I come here for brunch and love the menu. The place has a cheap modern decor (they actually make plywood and dowel rod look good), low lighting and helpful service. I was suprised to read some of the other reviews bashing the place. I've been 4-5 times and always had a good experience. When friends are visiting, I recommend here for brunch because it's not as hard to get into as some of the more popular spots (Cheever's, Bellini's, etc).
Review Source:The first time we ate here about a year ago, it was a nice addition to this emerging Classen Curve district. This visit was disappointing as they'd gone to basically a fast-food concept. We waited a few minutes for a hostess (who never appeared) and then left without eating, so the food could've been well worth the downgrade in service.
Review Source:Some of the worst dining experiences I have ever had. Â When I called to make reservations, I was put on hold for a very long time, only to be "transferred" and put back on hold. Â When I finally was able to make my reservation, I said "party of 6", and she kept saying "party for 4" Â So i kept trying to fix her, and of course, when I showed up, it was a table for 4. Â
Seated, ordered..40 minutes pass and then the waitress says "i'm sorry sir, what did you order?" Â So we have to order again, to wait another 40 minutes before getting out food.
Oh god, now the food part. Â The crab cakes were almost inedible. Â Burnt to a perfect bitter blackness. Â The sausage looks like it was precook in the microwave a few days ago, and everything was COLD. Â Somehow they can make a salad look good and taste like nothing. Â And, they forgot another order. Â And, I think they got terrified by how poorly we were treated, she dropped our food off and never came back to give us refills, or condiments. Â I had to go refill my own tea and get hot sauce. Â
Not only was this the worst brunch experience,  there  was a horrible blue painting of the most obnoxious girl mocking you for eating here. Â
I DO NOT recommend this place.
It was the last stop of my short visit to OKC before heading back up north. My friends wanted me to grab a bite to eat w/ them before I left, so I obliged. I've moved away for a year now and I extremely pleased to see the development in the area. The ambiance and decor of the restaurant was chic and modern. I wanted something light because it was going to be a long drive back (5 hours), so I decided on a sandwich. I ordered the California Club -- ham, turkey, veggies, etc. I love avocado and that was my primary motivator in picking that sandwich. Truth be told, I wasn't extremely hungry. We did have a big group with us so the food took some time to come out. The sandwich, which was cut up in halves, was huge and well stacked and came with potato salad. It was a good-tasting sandwich but I only ate half of it and donated the other half to a friend who was still hungry. It didn't knock me off of my feet though.The potato salad was slightly bland and tasted better with some salt. It seems like a cool joint to hang out at. There were other items on the menu I'd love to check out in the future. One of my friends also ordered the daily special which she seemed to enjoy. Kudos for having daily specials which play along with the cafe theme. Next time I am in town, I'm returning so I can try something else off of the menu. Until then..
Review Source:The owner of the business I was working at and his sister took my wife and I here for dinner on our last night in town a few weeks ago, and what a treat. Â The decor inside is a little upscale, but we were dressed in jeans and didn't feel out of place. Â It's located in the Classen Curve area. Â The service was great, but I think that was more due to the fact that many of the staff and some guests walking by knew our dinner guests. Â The drinks and food were both excellent. Â We had the Calamari Fritti with the Beef Tenderloin and Chicken Skewers, the 501 Meatloaf, and the Grilled Halibut, and every bit of it was tasty. Â I'm not going to wax poetic about it, it was just really good. Â It's not cheap, as apps/dinner/drinks for four ran almost 200$ (snuck a peek at the bill).
The original of this place is in Edmond, OK and since my wife has family there, I know we'll be coming back.
The 5 best restaurants in the 2015 Denver Restaurant Week
3,611 Views | Category: Denver
The complete list of 2015 Denver Restaurant Week businesses
1,972 Views | Category: Denver
The tourists' guide to Portillos: 5 must have dishes
3,318 Views | Category: Chicago
Pho = Pronounced "fuh" not "foe" for pho-king sake
2,915 Views | Category: Denver
Indulgery selected to exhibit at Collision Conference
2,987 Views | Category: Press Releases
Not Logged In
BUSINESSES
Local Businesses
Near Me
My Favorites
SOCIAL
Blog & News
MY ACCOUNT
Login
Register
Contact Us
Add Your Business
