Cafe 7: a concept that might just make it
by Tim | February 17, 2009 | 23 Comments
(votes: 20, average: 4.30) 
Loading ...Cafe 7 is located at 14101 N. May Avenue in Oklahoma City (map). They are open Monday through Saturday 11am to 8pm and Sunday 11am to 3pm. Call them at 405.748.3354 or visit their website.
It often seems that restaurants employing slick marketing and clever concepts fall short on the quality of food. This was the issue I raised in my review of Red Pin, for example, where I even titled the article “concept over cuisine.” It’s not necessarily that the food is terrible, it’s just that the concept can easily overtake the food in importance, which doesn’t sit well with me.
I also lamented this issue in my review of Lotsa Noodles. One person even commented on that review that slick marketing means lower quality food. I’m not sure I would follow that logic to the extreme, but I do think there is potential for a correlation. A restaurant can go too far toward a concept or a marketing direction to the detriment of the food.
When I stepped into Cafe 7, I instantly knew this was an obstacle they would have to overcome. Their concept is clever and it’s polished to the hilt. Can the food shine through in such an environment? That was the question I eagerly sought to answer.
First, here’s the concept. Seven items in each category (sandwiches, salads, pizzas, and pastas), in seven minutes or less, seven days a week, and everything is priced $7 or under (tax included). Now, right off the bat, I love the $7 including tax. That’s a value if the meal is decent. The idea of making every single thing on the menu fit that model is pretty intriguing.
But then, not everything really does fit the model. Side items (chips, soups, salads, fruit, baked potato … etc.) cost extra. And, of course, drinks are extra as well. This, plus some fine print in the “build your own” sections of the menu made what could have been a very simple selection a bit complex. I had to spend a good amount of time figuring out how to put together the order I wanted without pushing the price up.
Then, there’s the fact that you’re supposed to write down your order on a paper order form and take it up to the counter. I’m not sure why this step is necessary. It made things more confusing. For example, on the paper form it looked like adding different meats to the pasta would increase the price, but the lady at the counter said it really didn’t and I could do whatever I wanted for $7. I love the fact that it’s a pasta free-for-all for seven bucks, but why didn’t the paper form make that clear? Maybe it’s still new and they’re working out the kinks. I’ll cut them some slack here, but I’d recommend taking another pass at this process and cleaning up some of the confusing areas.
I wound up building my own pasta — spaghetti with tomato marinara, meatballs, Italian sausage, mushrooms and green peppers — all for $7. I also added a cup of fruit for $1 and had water for an $8 total. Not bad, and there’s no tipping since it’s limited service.
The pasta was very tasty with a nice, fresh, tangy marinara sauce. It was well presented and served at the perfect temperature. The amount of meat included was very generous (in fact, I would probably go with less meat next time), though the meatballs did have an almost crusty exterior that was strange. They weren’t bad. I haven’t figured out if I liked it or whether it was even supposed to be that way. At the very least, they weren’t the most tender meatballs I’ve had.
The fresh fruit was nice as well. Nothing fancy, but for $1 it was certainly tasty enough. My friend had a sandwich, which looked decent. Nothing really special, but it was presented well and I think (not 100% sure) it may have come with the side of chips for $7.
So, the verdict? I felt that the food here exhibited a bit of extra care and attention that I wouldn’t expect at a concept-driven place. So, I think they’ve got a shot at overcoming the polished, concept stigma and really providing something special. I doubt it’s going to be anyone’s all-time favorite restaurant, but with a solid $7 inclusive price point, they don’t have to be. If they can just provide some options that are a cut above the norm, I think they’ll have a winner. And, from what I’ve seen, it looks like they’re on the right track.
Have you been to Cafe 7? Let us know what you think in the comments.
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So far, 23 people have responded to this article. Won't you join in?February 17th, 2009 at 10:09 am
I am a frequent visitor of Cafe 7 and while the concept of writing my order down at first was somewhat annoying (why can’t the register person write it down) I now enjoy the whole process! Something different and outside of the box that we all tend to live in! I have tried something out of each menu category and by far think the pasta’s (his alfredo sauce is wonderful) and the pizza’s are the best. I agree there is nothing special about the sandwiches but the salads are quite tasty too. I also like the idea that Chef Jay is helping train upcoming chefs from the Platt Culinary school. He seems like a real community person here to stay! Stick with the pizza and pasta, you can’t go wrong!
February 17th, 2009 at 10:15 am
I ate here for the first time last week and I really enjoyed it. I had the luau pizza. It was plenty of food for $7- I ended up taking some home. The sauce was tangy, and there were a generous amount of toppings. I took the signature salad hometo my husband and he gobbled the whole thing up, despite the fact they forgot the grilled chicken.
I think it’s a really food value, and thy have lots of interesting choices. I agree that the ordering system needs work. The slips of paper tie up the line as people figure out what to order and what slip to use. But, overall, a great little spot. I can’t wait to go back and try something else.
February 17th, 2009 at 11:24 am
I’ve been twice and I agree that the pastas rock. Lot’s of quality for not much money. Jay is a great guy and deserves the support of the OKC dining crowd.
February 17th, 2009 at 3:11 pm
My husband and I are fans of Cafe 7. The value and quality of food is amazing for the price. And while the sandwiches may not seem very “special”, it has become our favorite sandwich spot. He loves the Cuban and I usually get the turkey club made my way. My daughter loves the spaghetti. Every time we have gone for lunch the place has been packed and we have had a tiny wait for a table. The staff is friendly and you can tell that they care about the level of service they offer.
February 17th, 2009 at 7:59 pm
I eat @7 a couple of time a week since opening. Great pasta, pizza & the chicken salad sandwich is terrific. Great value. Super service. Only item needing attention is the drinks area is always needing a little housekeeping.
February 19th, 2009 at 10:07 am
My husband and I are also huge fans of Cafe 7. I hate to admit we get by there a couple times a week as well. We are empty nesters and where else can you go and get a great meal for a great price so quickly. We love the call in and drive thru feature! You can go grab a good dinner in your jammies and know it has not been sitting under a heat lamp or have to wonder what is actually in your meal! I agree sticking with the pasta and pizza are good bets. You have never had alfredo like this before!
February 20th, 2009 at 3:23 pm
Nice to see all of the great comments about Cafe 7. Sounds like they have really made an impact with their new endeavor. But nobody has rated it yet. Be sure to select your rating (1-5 stars) at the top of the post.
February 21st, 2009 at 8:14 pm
I also am a frequent customer of Cafe 7, and I love the concept. I am a riggatoni sorrentino fan as well as there italion sandwhich fan. I actually like the ticket ordering system because when I come in I fill out my ticket quickly and can head right to the register, while the first timers check out the menu.
March 14th, 2009 at 11:09 pm
Man, this place blew my mind tonight. I got the create your own pasta, with Penne, chicken, bell peppers, mushrooms and black olives. Outstanding. My wife, however, ordered the winner. A create your own pizza with feta cheese. Unreal. Will definitely be back.
March 19th, 2009 at 10:15 am
By far the best pizza in town. I always get their supreme, it is loaded with tons of toppings and is pretty big. I would eat there over any pizza place!
March 24th, 2009 at 12:07 pm
I’ve been to cafe 7 a few times now, and I have to say they do have a great selection and presentation. I love the food, awesome place.
April 24th, 2009 at 3:32 pm
I’ve gone to Cafe 7 numerous times, and the experience is just as good as the first time. The food is really well prepared. I like the options of making your sandwich, pizza, or salad. The staff does a great job of making you feel at home, too.
April 28th, 2009 at 10:05 pm
We just went here Sunday and really enjoyed it! Even our 2 young boys thought it yummy. We, however, did not find the staff to be that friendly. But the good food and good prices will bring us back!
May 4th, 2009 at 1:44 pm
I consider myself somewhat of a “pesto afficionado” and have traveled several times to Italy’s pesto region sampling the various offerings of pesto the locals have to offer. Cafe 7’s pesto is, without reservation, the best I have ever eaten, bar none! Try their penne with pesto and Italian sausage, you’ll be coming back for more!
May 11th, 2009 at 12:05 pm
As the majority of comments above show, this place is the best for quality at a price. Really two people can eat for around 10-12 bucks and the food is absolutely amazing. Found this place around 2 months ago. Went 3 times the first week and go at least twice every two weeks. Great location and my personal favorite is the Chicken and Bacon with sun dried tomatoes. (oh and this place has no problem exchanging ingredients to make guests satisfied) Service, food and cost gets this restaurant an A+ in my book. Defiantly try this place at least once, you’ll find yourself coming for second and third servings soon.
May 19th, 2009 at 9:42 am
My husband and I are huge fans of Cafe 7. It’s always packed when we go, and they are super friendly and quick. I love the pizza’s and my husband digs the pasta selections. You can’t beat the prices too!
May 25th, 2009 at 12:04 pm
I went to Cafe 7 for the first time this weekend, and I wasn’t too impressed. I hate making more than 2 decisions, so I ended up ordering the asian chicken salad to avoid going over the price building my own. It was drenched in dressing, so I would recommend getting it on the side. I did like that it wasn’t too sweet. Also, my friend did the build your own pasta, and it looked good, but the taste wasn’t anything far from something out of a jar. They serve the pasta with a piece of bread, but nothing with the salad- I think it should be the other way around. I didn’t hate it, but I’m not sure that I would return.
June 5th, 2009 at 11:58 am
I’am definitely a fan of Cafe 7. All of the food is very fresh and the
menu is very clever with its variety an unique ingredients. The place is usually busy but they still manage to take my order and have my food prepared in a timely fashion. The prices are more than fair considering the portion and taste of the food. Great food,great service and a great staff! Jay does a fabulous job up there, no doubt.
June 16th, 2009 at 6:17 am
Ended up on the north side the other day, somewhat rare for me. Remembered reading of Cafe 7 so popped a bite. Yummy!
Next time I’m on the north side, I’ll definitely be popping back in again.
June 29th, 2009 at 2:46 pm
We have been three times and have always enjoyed it. The restaurant was also busy on each visit – can’t wait to try something new!
October 6th, 2009 at 4:18 pm
Great place. Nice local concept that does it all well. A bit confusing at first on how to order – but the food comes out fast and fresh. Love that it comes up to exactly $7 with tax. Drinks are only a dollar and they have some tasty brewed tea.
November 13th, 2009 at 3:30 pm
I’m moving in right across the street from this place. Saw it this weekend and wondered what it was all about. Thanks for the review!
January 11th, 2010 at 12:46 pm
There isnt much left to comment that hasnt already been said! We lived in the apartments across the street when Cafe 7 first opened. I was a bit apprehensive just because I didnt understand the name. We gave it a shot and have been going back ever since. It helped that on our first visit, Jay the owner came right up and introduced himself to us and made us feel right at home. As far as the food..a scale of 1-5 doesnt cover it because its always a 10. Skip Olive Gardens skimpy salads and head straight to Cafe 7. You wont need an unlimited supply because it will fill you up the first time! Everything else is great..I love to try something new every time Im there. Try it and you’ll go back!
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