The Indie Bob Spot: Fulton Street Books & Coffee

Fulton Street Books & Coffee, Tulsa OK

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100 years ago, this business in this location would've been impossible. I guess quite honestly, this business would've been impossible just about anywhere. 100 years ago this store's location would've been in the midst of Tulsa's Race Massacre, another of a long line of sad and ignored chapters in our country's history. (I would encourage everyone to learn more about it starting with these books: Tulsa 1921, Randy Krehbiel; Black Wall Street 100, Hannibal B. Johnson; and, The Burning, Tim Madigan) Hopefully, the victims of this tragedy are resting easier now to see a woman, black-owned business that is off to a fantastic start at this bookstore and cafe. This is another bookstore in my recent visits that is a newbie that opened during the pandemic, less than a year old.

Fulton Street Books & Coffee is a true neighborhood bookstore, located in the Brady Heights area of Tulsa, with few businesses in its vicinity. As Arjun, one of the staffers told me, many of the regulars live in the neighborhood and are able to walk to the store. There are two exterior entrances, one into the bookstore and the other into the cafe. Each space can be visited from the inside. The interiors of the bookstore and cafe are absolutely stunning. I don't have to talk to anyone to know that it took a lot of work to pull this off. Well done Fulton Street.

The store offers new books along with some Fulton Street swag and greeting cards. One of the store's missions is to provide shelf space to authors who might be overlooked at other bookstores. Women, People of Color, and many more have all been given a voice here. One of the great things about visiting here is finding those books that you can't find elsewhere.

This store is located on Latimer St. so don't try to find it on Fulton St. Owner Onikah A-C named it Fulton Street Books & Cafe as a tribute to home and family. A remembrance of growing up with the love of a special family and relatives in a special place. Consider your visit here a home away from home.

I didn't get to meet Onikah on my visit but, boy was the store in great hands. Arjun on the bookstore side and Max on the cafe side were super to meet and talk to and patiently answered my endless questions. When you visit here I hope you get to meet them.

Inform yourself, educate yourself. We've come a long way, we have a long way to go. If your friends need a little nudge, this is the place to bring them. Go to an indie and buy a book. Bonsoir.

CURRENTLY READING: We Were The Lucky Ones, Georgia Hunter.

RECENTLY PURCHASED: Black Wall Street 100, Hannibal B. Johnson.

Notice that there are two entrances into this historic building. The entance on the left will take you into the bookstore side and the entrance on the right will take you into the cafe side. You can reach either side of the store from the inside.

I love this logo.

I've seen many great murals on the outside of bookstores. Here's another on the exterior side wall.

View looking into the store from the bookstore entrance.

Looking to the left from the bookstore entrance.

Relevant display of books about the 1921 Race Massacre in Tulsa.

Perfect place to take a seat and try a book.

This is the side wall in the bookstore and its thematic wall paper. They did an excellent job with the renovation of this space.

You and a friend can enjoy a seat here discussing your next book.

View of the comfy children's section.

For most of you, this is preaching to the choir.

Overview of the bookstore side of the store looking toward the front entrance. Notice the beautiful tin ceiling and the decorated left wall. Also notice the door to the left of the front window. This is your inside path to the cafe.