Editor’s Note
Editor’s note: This story is featured in OU Daily’s Best of Norman Guide, which will be available in print beginning Sept. 30. Racks can be found around Norman and campus. Check out the other featured stories at the bottom of this article.
Each year, Best of Norman celebrates the businesses, restaurants and people that shape the community. This year, readers voted in 30 categories, with the top three in each highlighted here. From longtime local favorites to new spots making their mark, the winners showcase the creativity and connection that makes Norman more than just a college town.
Neighborhood JAM | 102 W. Main St. | Winner: Neighborhood JAM has partnered with two local coffee roasters from bean to cup. They have gluten-free options in addition to some favorites: Hot Jam Biscuit — scratch-made biscuit stacked with fried chicken, bacon and egg and jalapeno peach jam — and The Heap — hash browns piled high with eggs, avocado, pico, cotija and select proteins.
Press & Plow | 800 W. Lindsey St. and 2596 W. Tecumseh Road: Press & Plow is a local favorite for coffee and elevated comfort food. It’s perfect for a quick drive-thru latte or a relaxed dine-in meal. Locals rave about the eggs any style, applewood smoked bacon and toasted bread with signature strawberry basil jam. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, it’s a go-to spot for any time of day
Levity Breakfast House | 309 S. Peters Ave.: What began as a childhood dream of two Portland-born brothers, became a reality when they brought a slice of Oregon to Norman in 2024: Levity. Many dishes are inspired by their grandmother’s potato pancakes, Belgian waffles, scones and specialty sandwiches. A favorite drink at Levity is the matcha blueberry latte with blueberry syrup.
Donut King | 1214 W. Lindsey St. | Winner: Craving a donut late at night? Head to Donut King to enjoy 24/7 drive-thru and in-store service. Choose from classics such as chocolate frosted or glazed, or try something new like a cronut or vanilla creme horn. Their menu goes beyond donuts with sandwiches, kolaches, muffins, sausage cheese rolls, coffees, floats, boba and many other treats and drinks.
Main Street Donuts | 906 W. Main St. : Main Street Donuts is a family-owned business, crafting a variety of donuts — anywhere from glazed red velvet to chocolate frosted. They also specialize in fun, character-shaped donuts. Some of their bestsellers are the dozen glazed donut holes, jumbo sausage rolls and their signature apple fritter.
Crown Donuts | 1106 24th Ave. SE: Crown Donuts offers custom letter-frosted donuts and classic flavors. This family-owned business specializes in adding creativity to taste with football-shaped donuts, great coffee and a selection of breakfast sandwiches. They have a wide variety of seasonal designs, perfect for parties, tailgates, cookouts and more. Top picks from Crown Donuts are the strawberry cream cheese, glazed blueberry cake and chocolate glazed donuts.
Yellow Dog Coffee Company | 222 S. Porter Ave. and 1230 E. Alameda St. | Winner: Want to enjoy a cup of coffee while supporting a good cause? Try Yellow Dog Coffee Co. for locally roasted, ethically sourced coffee. In addition to serving delicious brews, the coffee shop has a neighborhood pantry in the back and the owners run a local dog shelter. If you stop by, you have to try Rob’s Way: espresso with lavender, honey and oat milk.
Gray Owl Coffee | 223 E. Gray St.: Gray Owl Coffee is a worker-owned and operated cafe with the motto, “handmade with love.” Hung on the walls are pieces of art painted by local artists. They specialize in house-made syrups like lavender, mocha, french toast and other seasonal flavors. Favorite drink orders include the Lavender Latte, French Toast Latte or the Clarity Coffee, perfect to pair with their blueberry scones.
Stella Nova | 1415 W. Main St.: Boasting a “sanctuary” atmosphere, Stella Nova is the perfect place to grab a drink and get homework done. Try their bestselling Toasted Cinnamon Cold Foam Brew or Lavender-Matcha Macchiato. All coffee is made specially with small-batch brewing and roasting for optimal flavor and thoughtfulness. This aesthetic atmosphere is the perfect place to unwind, debrief or get in last-minute exam studies.
BillyGoat Grub | 209 W. Main St. | Winner: There’s a lot to like about BillyGoat Grub whether it be the adventurous flavors or convenient location. You can try their rotating menu of globally inspired comfort food at their new brick-and-mortar restaurant or order delivery to any downtown brewery.
Riko’s Tacos | 722 Asp Ave.: Authentic Mexican food is the key to Riko’s Tacos’ success. Not only can you visit their food truck and enjoy delicious tacos and cheesy quesadillas (even on game days), but this small local business offers tamales with free delivery to all of Norman. Plus, Riko’s does catering to make your special events more flavorful.
Beanstalk Sno: Stop at any of the five Beanstalk Sno locations to enjoy over 100 house blend syrups. If you’re feeling chilly, opt for coffee made with private label Beanstalk Coffee Beans. Stop by the food truck or enjoy their brick-and-mortar locations, featuring Instagram-worthy decor and an interactive chalk gallery. If you’re a pickle-lover, try their pickle juice snow cone — it’s life-changing.
The Garage | 307 E. Main St. | Winner: The Garage houses some of the tastiest burgers in Norman, made from Angus beef, turkey, buffalo or a plant-based garden patty. Some customer favorites include the BBQ Bacon Theta, Spicy Sriracha Bleu and Sticky Finger. The only downside to eating here is you might get full from the appetizers before you even dig into your entree. Their Thunder Fries are a crowd favorite — with bleu cheese, bacon and sriracha aioli.
The Brown Bag | 3770 W. Robinson St.: The Brown Bag is home to a classic, southern cuisine with insanely crispy, hand-breaded chicken tenders, burgers and crunchy fries. No need to dress up to dine here, just come in your comfy clothes and enjoy a home-style meal. Every item on the menu is cooked fresh to order, and burgers are made with fresh ground beef, cooked the old-school way on a flat-top grill. Fan favorites from the menu are the Boomer Burger and the crinkle-cut fries.
Boxcar Burger | 3420 N. Porter Ave.: Norman’s go-to smash-style burgers with generous portions starts with Boxcar Burgers. The drive-up order vibe makes it a fun, bucket-list place to try on your day off or simply for an amazing burger. They use fresh, never-frozen beef with your choice of toppings. The fan favorite is the Oklahoma Onion Burger with cheese on Texas toast. Pair your burger with a favorite side item, Train Wreck Fries.
Pizza Shuttle | Winner: Since 1981, Pizza Shuttle has been preparing their fresh pizza dough and sauce daily. With such attention to detail and care for their craft, it’s no wonder it has become a Norman favorite. Stop by any of their three locations and enjoy an average pickup time of 10-15 minutes. An order from Pizza Shuttle isn’t complete without a Chicken Alfredo Pizza and a Mini Calzone.
Volare Pizzeria | 315 White St.: Want to feel like you’re on an Italian getaway? Try Volare’s Aperol Spritz, garnished with fresh rosemary. Pair the Italian summer drink with their Mt. Vesuvius dish: vodka pasta sauce, fresh basil, penne pasta noodles and garlic, with a homemade pizza dough wrapped over top of the bowl, creating a volcano-like presentation. Dine in and watch the chefs cook pizza in the wood-fired oven at the heart of the restaurant.
Amici Pizzeria | 3408 36th Ave. NW: Amici Pizzeria is a Norman staple. Watch them cook your pizza in their brick oven while dining in or stop by for convenient curbside pickup. A must-try is their garlic knots paired with marinara sauce or their Diavolo pizza featuring Italian sausage and jalapenos.
Victoria’s The Pasta Shop | 215 E. Main St. | Winner: For 30 years, Victoria’s The Pasta Shop has been serving mouth-watering dishes made from simple, fresh ingredients. Walk into their welcoming restaurant and order the cheese bread as an appetizer while you wait for hot, homemade pasta. Victoria’s is known for their signature Lasagna Rolls: fresh lasagna noodles wrapped around delicious fillings.
Sergio’s Italian Bistro | 104 E. Gray St.: “Norman’s own little Italy” describes Sergio’s Italian Bistro, with a full bar and menu specials such as Spinach and Goat Cheese Ravioli. Whether you want to grab a cocktail or sit down for an elegant dinner, Sergio’s is the place to be.
Gaberino’s Homestyle Italian | 400 Ed Noble Parkway: Gaberino’s Homestyle Italian is a family-owned restaurant using family recipes to make delicious meals from scratch. Since the restaurant opened in 2010, they have taken pride in accommodating a wide range of diets including vegan, vegetarian, low-carb and gluten free. This is reflected in their customizable menu options such as zucchini noodles and gluten-free penne.
Tarahumara’s Mexican Cafe & Cantina | 702 N. Porter Ave. | Winner: Family-owned since 2001, Tarahumara’s offers fresh salsa and chips, homemade corn tortillas and generous portions of their fajitas, tacos, enchiladas and more. They offer dine-in, takeout and delivery services to meet you where you’re at. It’s a go-to Tex-Mex hub in Norman with friendly staff and a lively atmosphere. From family dinners to margarita nights, Tarahumara’s atmosphere meets the vibe of any occasion. Customers rave about the entire menu and say the seafood is exceptional.
Mamaveca | 2551 Hemphill Drive: This Peruvian-Mexican-style restaurant has a unique and unforgettable flavor. With unlimited queso that tastes like butter and fresh cilantro salsa, sometimes it’s hard to save room for the main course! If you want a healthier dish, try a power bowl packed with protein of your choice, rice and beans, pico, guacamole and more.
El Huevo Mexi-Diner | 3522 24th Ave. NW: El Huevo is focused on using fresh ingredients and creating unique twists on classic Mexican dishes. Try their refreshing cocktails, Fromosa or Trop it Like it’s Hot. Fan favorites off the food menu are the Huevos Rancheros and the Hangover Burrito. They even offer a grab-and-go breakfast. El Huevo Mexi-Diner is ready to satisfy your stomach with top-tier Mexican food.
Earth Cafe & Deli | 309 S. Flood Ave. | Winner: Open since the mid-1980s, Earth Cafe & Deli is known for their organic quiche and vegan soup of the day. Immerse yourself in refreshing cuisine by sitting in the garden and sipping on a fruit smoothie, while having a slice of vegan lemon-blueberry cake. This quiet place is perfect for reading books in the comfort of nature, tucked away with blossoming flowers and trees. You can’t leave without trying their coffee.
Mamaka Bowls | 119 W. Boyd St.: Mamaka Bowls makes acai smoothie bowls with homemade and fresh toppings of your choice. Some Mamaka favorites are the Hangover Cure — coconut water, blueberries, banana, spinach, ginger and almond butter with berry and granola toppings — and the Pipeline Blend — peanut butter, strawberry, banana, acai, chocolate almond milk, granola and cacao nibs.
Opolis | 113 N. Crawford Ave.: Stop by Opolis, where there’s live music every single weekend. Enjoy casual dining during the week with tasty appetizers like almond butter, walnut or date scones and the Lovelight Veggie Burger. Opolis is worker owned, making it a well-loved and thoughtful place to dine or enjoy some good music. Grab a bite to eat and some drinks to sip with friends or family.
Sweet Basil | 211 W. Main St. | Winner: If you’re in the mood for authentic Thai food, stop by Sweet Basil, offering fresh, made-to-order Thai food since 2005. Whether you are dining in, picking up or ordering delivery from their convenient Main Street location, don’t miss out on trying the pineapple fried rice or the evil jungle curry.
The Moon Sushi & Asian Bistro | 326 E. Main St.: The Moon Sushi & Asian Bistro is known for its specialty sushi rolls and house-made sauces. The Moon’s fan favorites are the Meek Monster Roll, Seared Tuna Surprise, Habanero Heaven, Poke Bowl and more. Try their Happy Hour in a dive-bar setting with great service.
Krave Teriyaki | 1808 W. Lindsey St.: Krave Teriyaki offers Japanese-Korean fusion, focusing on house-made teriyaki sauce. They offer combos, plates, bento boxes, sushi and more. Popular orders from Krave are the California Roll, Teriyaki Chicken Roll, Unagi Roll and gyoza. They are known for their fast and friendly service with customers raving about the sides and appetizers.
La Baguette Bakery and Cafe | 2100 W. Main St.: Established in 1984, La Baguette Bakery and Cafe is a family-owned, French-style bakery that is a Norman favorite. Locally famous for their European breads, pastries, cakes and cafe-style meals, it offers a daily menu that spans from soups to quiches — and everything in between. La Baguette has a strong reputation for high-quality cakes and desserts, in particular, the chocolate mousse cake, fruit tarts, tiramisu and German chocolate cake.
Apple Tree Chocolate | 209 E. Main St. | Winner: This chocolate factory, founded in 2015 by OU alums Scotty and Ashley Jackson, creates handcrafted chocolates, including truffles, fudge and their signature caramel apples. Their hand-crafted chocolates are so tasty because they prepare the ingredients the old-fashioned way: in copper pots. A customer favorite is the slow-cooked caramel apples, with a variety of choices from Turtle Apple, Apple Pie, Snicker’s Apple, Mexican Hot Coco and more.
Il Dolce Gelato | 1318 N. Interstate Drive: Established in 2007, Il Dolce Gelato is the first artisanal gelateria in Norman. Only using premium ingredients like hormone-free milk, this family-owned business crafts their gelato from scratch. Fun fact: their gelato has approximately half the calories and a third of the fat found in traditional American-style ice cream. If that doesn’t sell you, then maybe the customer favorites can: Raspberry and Lemon Sorbet, Blackberry gelato and Sea Salt Caramel.
Pepe Delgados | 786 Asp Ave. | Winner: Stop by Pepe Delgados Mexican restaurant and try their signature Super Nachos dish. Here, the vibes are always welcoming and customers come ready to eat lots of great foods. In addition to great, traditional Mexican food, Pepe Delgados offers vegan and vegetarian friendly menu items. Also, try their flavorful Mexican beer.
Louie’s Grill & Bar | 301 W. Boyd St. and 3750 W. Robinson St.: Louie’s Grill & Bar is a casual American eatery and pub with affordable options. Many flat screen TVs make it the perfect spot for game day, whether you want to catch Sooner football or Thunder basketball. Don’t miss out on the Big Lou: a burger with american cheese, pickles, grilled onions and mustard. Plus, kids eat free on Wednesday.
O’Connell’s Irish Pub & Grille | 769 Asp Ave: Located in the heart of Campus Corner, O’Connell’s Irish Pub & Grille is a frequented location for many. Wednesdays at O’Conn’s are Karaoke Night — grab your friends and prepare to sing all night long. Known for their fried pickles with ranch, among other things, Norman customers and OU students rave about their bar food and endless shots menu. It’s a great place to go after or during a football game to have great food and drinks.
Logie’s on the Corner | 749 Asp Ave. | Winner: During football season, it’s especially packed after game days with excited or sad OU fans. Come by for Power Hour every Friday during the school year from 4 to 6 p.m. or show up to Two Dollar Tuesday for $2 beer the first two hours. Logie’s sports-bar energy is always on point for the college student and offers an upper-deck patio, smoke room and multiple TVs usually playing ongoing sporting events.
The Porch | 311 W. Boyd St.: The Porch offers a rooftop patio that gives an amazing view of OU. Co-owned by former OU football player Ryan Broyles, The Porch opened up in 2017 and quickly attracted OU students and alums. The Porch bar also hosts Thirsty Thursday, which offers $6 beer pitchers for a wallet-friendly night out. It’s an essential spot to hit up if you’re out bar-hopping with friends.
Heist | 750 Asp Ave.: Heist is nestled in the heart of Campus Corner. This dance/night club offers a unique vibe compared to the other traditional bar settings. If you like to dance, this is your place to bust some moves, with rotating DJs and high-energy music. Heist makes sure you have a fully immersed dance and music experience with smoke and fog machines firing at the beat drops or to the beat of the song.
Midway Deli | 601 W. Eufaula St. | Winner: This might be as local as it gets — Midway Grocery & Market. This neighborhood deli has all the flavors packed into their classic, made-to-order sandwiches. A Norman favorite is none other than The Vulcan sandwich: a hot, panini-pressed sandwich, layered with turkey, avocado and special sauce on provolone that’s sure to melt your tastebuds. Don’t forget to leave your mark — grab a Sharpie and sign your names on the wall after you’re done eating.
The Diner | 213 E. Main St.: The Diner’s location has housed different restaurants for over a century. The Diner itself has been open since 1989 with the owner and their family having a famous chili-making background since the Great Depression. Their famous chili intertwines with The Diner’s menu — Tex-Mex breakfast/lunch and of course chili on anything you like. Crowd favorites are the Eggarito — scrambled eggs with green chiles, cheese, ranchero sauce in a tortilla — the Mexiscram, Santa Fe chicken burger and blueberry pancakes.
Othello’s Italian Restaurant | 434 Buchanan Ave.: Family-owned for over 35 years, Othello’s serves classic Italian dishes — pasta, pizza and seafood — with fair prices and a family-friendly atmosphere. Othello’s is home to the award-winning Coconut Cream Pie, a favorite among locals. Come on a Friday night and enjoy live piano and singing with jazz performances. Try their crowd-favorite baked ziti, lasagna, chicken Parmesan or shrimp scampi.
(405) Brewing Co. | 205 E. Main St. | Winner: Searching for community and a delicious drink? Look no further than (405) Brewing Co. Join their book club or craft club to find friends or host your own event with their event space including bar seating and two outdoor patios. Enjoy a dog-friendly tap room while ordering off their substantial menu including “Norman” — your local lite beer.
Legally Brewed | 123 W. Main St.: You’ll find Norman’s newest brewery and tap room, Legally Brewed, offering fun twists on classic styles. Stop by on Tuesday to enjoy domino night or Wednesday for $1 off 6-ounce wine pours. If you want a sweet treat with your beverage, find scrumptious cookies in the tap room from local partner Six30 Sweets.
Lazy Circles Brewing | 422 E. Main St.: After starting as homebrewers, Lazy Circles Brewing opened its doors in 2017. As Norman locals, they knew a local craft beer experience was exactly what the city needed. Try their Trail Ale or catch one of their seasonal options such as Boss Lady or Summer Breeze. Don’t miss out on their tasting events to sample many drinks or their Beer and Yoga event on Saturdays.
Scratch Kitchen & Cocktails | 132 W. Main St. | Winner: In the heart of Norman, Scratch Kitchen & Cocktails is known for their house-made sauces, southern/southwestern flare and cocktails. They don’t use artificial additives or high-fructose corn syrups in their food, making it a naturally tasty choice for lunch or dinner. Customer favorites are the pan-seared Atlantic salmon and the Southwestern Salad with your choice of chicken, steak, shrimp or salmon on top.
Blu Fine Wine & Food | 201 S. Crawford Ave.: Established in 2007, Blu Fine Wine & Food offers cozy ambiance, American-style tapas, and an extensive wine list. Enjoy $5 pizzas and $2.50 pints during Happy Hour plus monthly wine tastings. Signature pizza This Little Figgy features figs, bacon and balsamic. Blu is a local favorite for professors and alums, offering everything from tacos to burgers, all thoughtfully crafted in a relaxed yet sophisticated setting.
Rally Kitchen + Bar (Noun Hotel) | 542 S. University Blvd.: Rally Kitchen is housed in the first floor of The NOUN, a boutique hotel perfect for an elevated dining experience. Offering traditional American cuisine with seasonal menu items, its locally-sourced ingredients supply breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert. Try their hand-crafted cocktails to pair with the charcuterie board and steak frites for a special outing, or the pancakes with a mimosa for a relaxed comfort breakfast.
Benvenuti’s | 105 W. Main St. | Winner: Founded in 2005, Benvenuti’s blends traditional Italian dishes with flavorful twists. The vibe is romantic and upscale-casual. Try their Snow Crab Claws, sauteed in garlic-lemon white wine butter sauce. With over 150 boutique wine selections offered by the bottle, half-bottle, in tasting flights and more, celebrate your loved-ones on a special night out. Their dishes are always exceptional, especially the pasta and seafood.
Legend’s Restaurant | 1313 W. Lindsey St.: Family-owned since the late 1960s, Legend’s Restaurant is known for its house-made soups, specialty salads, sandwiches, seafood, steaks and pasta. They make eight to 10 fresh desserts daily, with fan favorites being the bread pudding and lemon cream cake. Many visitors say the Mediterranean Chicken and Lasagna Rolls are top tier entrees. Legend’s is a great place to take your significant other on a date or anniversary celebration.
Ranch Steakhouse | 2120 24th Ave. NW: At Ranch Steakhouse, every steak is hand-cut with 100% USDA Certified Prime ribeyes, filets and strips. The Ranch gives a Midwest flair to an up-scale, classic steakhouse. The service and atmosphere is excellent with reviews that read “impeccable service.” Try the ribeye or the tenderloin filet with warm, mashed potatoes. This steakhouse is a Norman-staple for a top-quality experience.
The Mont | 1300 Classen Blvd. | Winner: Known for its Sooner Swirl drink and Loaded Fries appetizer, The Mont is a Norman staple. They are said to have some of the best ranch and fried pickles, making some customers ranch-addicts. Celebrate your birthday there for a free and unique Mont T-shirt. The Mont experience is a bucket list item for many OU students, alums and local residents.
The Library Bar & Grill | 607 W. Boyd St.: Opening in the 1920s, The Library is a 20th-century home made into an English pub-style restaurant. Try their famous Bavarian Pretzel with beer cheese. The Library also has outstanding, thin-crust pizza with fresh toppings. Their hand-crafted ale is a major attraction for customers, paired nicely with a great menu. Their tap list is extensive: including local brews, imports, domestic beers and more. Come to happy hour where Imperial Brewhouse Pints are between $1.50-$2.
The Standard | 315 E. Gray St.: This beer garden is known for its relaxing, serene atmosphere with outdoor seating shaded by canopies. Enjoy cornhole while sipping on a refreshing spritz drink or choose from the endless list of draft beers and IPAs. Try the fried okra with one of their classic burgers if you’re feeling hungry.
Tamashii Ramen House | 126 W. Main St. | Winner: Tamashii Ramen House opened in 2015, offering top-rated ramen dishes at their Norman location since 2024. Try their unique bowls — Miso Butter Corn, Curry, Spicy Miso or Mazemen. Enjoy their anime-inspired art and decor while you eat, with great service and bold flavors.
Rosa Mezcal Mexican Grill and Cantina | 214 E. Main St.: Having recently opened in December 2024, Rosa Mezcal has instantly attracted Mexican food-lovers from all over town. Crowd favorites are the Quesabirria tacos, Taco Shots, El Jefe shrimp, guacamole and fried plantains. Try the Noche en Tulum cocktail — mezcal, lime juice, limoncello and blue curaçao — a strikingly blue cocktail served in an elegant octopus-shaped glass.
Amy’s Italian Restaurant | 2627 Classen Blvd.: At Amy’s Italian Restaurant, the atmosphere is cozy and family-welcoming. Crowd-favorite appetizers are the fresh-baked rolls and garlic bread, fried calamari and the garlic-basil cheese rolls. They even offer gluten-free pasta options that are said to taste just as delicious. Try the lobster ravioli entree — lobster-filled ravioli, simmered in alla panna sauce — paired nicely with the Limoncello Mascarpone dessert. Or if you like chocolate, try the Triple Chocolate Cheesecake.
Dining and Cooking