Central Cafe
Kay County’s most unexpected eatery
Juice • Food • Love These words greet every person that walks into Ponca City’s most unique, and possibly most obscure, daytime spot, Central Café. Snugly situated on the first floor of the recently renovated City Central building, Central Café is mixing things up by creating dishes that are unexpected, healthy and super flavorful.
It is safe to say that most people in this area grew up eating meat and dairy with every meal, and for good reason. Meat tastes good. Dairy tastes good. But for those that may be unable to eat every delicious type of food that is raised and produced around here, finding quality and tasty dining options can be tricky. That is exactly why owner/chef Kal Cloonan opened Central Café in April 2022. Cooking in kitchens stretching from Los Angeles to Chattanooga, Cloonan decided to put down roots and open her first restaurant in Ponca City, boldly focusing on plant forward cuisine.
Central Café’s translation of plant focused food does not mean zero meat and dairy items. The cobb salad is loaded with crisp greens, fresh corn, sweet tomatoes, chickpeas, spicy radishes, red onions, chicken from local favorite Rikki’s Market and hard-boiled eggs. This refreshing salad will hit the spot and leave your taste buds craving more. Chicken or crispy tofu can be added to any salad or sandwich upon request. The avocado toast is another fan favorite. Not only is Central Café the only place in town that offers this dish, but it’s also done really well. The fresh fruit with sweet cream balances out the savory dishes and is ideal in the sweltering, August heat.
Offering more than just food, Central Café has a fantastic selection of customized coffee drinks, hot and iced teas, fresh pressed juices and inventive smoothies available daily. The Vitamin C juice is a standout on the menu. Packed with orange, carrot and loads of ginger, it’s the perfect pick-me-up that tastes amazing. Pair with one of the freshly baked pastries or homemade protein balls, all of which are derived from recipes created by Cloonan and cooked from scratch. Supporting local farmers and producers, Central Café utilizes seasonal produce (when available) and ingredients sourced from our Farmers’ Market and neighborhood businesses, strengthening our community and economy.
Maybe it’s the fun of trying a new place. Maybe it’s about finding food that can be truly enjoyed while catering to dietary restrictions. Maybe it’s about supporting the people who invest in, and give back to, our community. Whatever the reason, one thing is for sure; Central Café has approached the constraints of cooking without, what most consider, “staple ingredients,” and has flipped that into an opportunity for creativity. Maybe today, try something that isn’t the ordinary, mid-America café. Who knows? Maybe playful flavors that are surprising, satisfying and, honestly, very good are waiting to be discovered.