Neon Coffee Bar

Cafe + Bar + Science Experiment

Bright and buzzy neon lights, lattes served in tiki glasses, doughnut sandwiches, and pop music from almost every generation: everything about NEON Coffee Bar is a little different. Bringing a much-needed coffee-centric spot to the Plaza District, Rachel Cope, founder of 84 Hospitality Group, knew she wanted to do something unheard of in coffee spaces while creating a spot locals could get excited over. “It’s been fun to watch people walk in and see their immediate reaction; their eyes light up,” says Rachel.

Opening in May 2021, after the most unpredictable year and a half, her goal was to offer a space that would invite people to sit and chat over a cup of coffee again. The upbeat energy and design of NEON was an effort to influence people’s moods. “One of our managers asked if it was an Apple store or coffee shop,” jokes Rachel.

It wasn’t enough to have a unique cafe design; the coffee and food needed to match the energy of the cafe. The menu began to come alive after general manager, Matthew Griffin, started “introducing mixology concepts and taste profiles” with in-house syrups, including flavors such as pecan and chocolate peanut butter.

With backgrounds in bartending, Rachel and Matthew incorporated tools typically used behind the bar in a cafe setting. Cocktail shakers are used to mix drinks and organic juices from Wheeze The Juice and milks are kept on-tap in kegerators for optimal efficiency and creaminess. “It was almost like a science experiment where we didn’t know what was going to happen,” laughs Rachel.

The experiments don’t stop at management. Baristas are encouraged to create their own concoctions, which pop up on the menu from time to time. Imagination and creativity abound, which makes every visit a little unique.

When everything else is closed on Northwest 16th street, NEON shines bright waiting for your order. Opening daily at 7 a.m. and closing at 11 p.m. on weekends, this special place allows the community to socialize and enjoy at their own pace. You can fuel up for the day with a latte, meet a friend after work for drinks, or grab a late night sweet doughnut treat.

Neon Coffee Bar, 1742 NW 16th St, Oklahoma City; (405) 606-8771; neoncoffeeco.com