⛵️Things to Do
🍦Local Dessert Spots
📍Local Dining
🥩Chicken Fried Steak
🍴Food in Norman, Oklahoma
Scratch Kitchen & Cocktails
Address: 132 W Main St, Norman, OK 73069
Hours: Monday–Friday: 11am–10pm, Saturday: 9am–10pm, Sunday: 9am–9pm
➡️ A modern eatery offering a diverse menu with an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
The Mont
Address: 1300 Classen Blvd, Norman, OK 73071
Hours: Daily: 11am–2am
➡️ A Norman tradition since 1976, known for its famous Sooner Swirl and a variety of American and Mexican dishes.
Tarahumara's Mexican Café
Address: 702 N Porter Ave, Norman, OK 73071
Hours: Monday–Saturday: 11am–9pm, Sunday: 11am–8pm
➡️ Family-owned restaurant serving authentic Mexican cuisine with generous portions and a lively atmosphere.
Victoria's Pasta Shop
Address: 215 E Main St, Norman, OK 73069
Hours: Sunday–Wednesday: 11am–9pm, Thursday–Saturday: 11am–9:30pm
➡️ Cozy Italian spot offering a variety of pasta dishes made from scratch in a warm, inviting setting.
The Winston
Address: 106 W Main St, Norman, OK 73069
Hours: Monday–Thursday: 11am–11pm, Friday: 11am–midnight, Saturday: 10am–midnight, Sunday: 10am–9pm
➡️ A contemporary pub offering a diverse menu and an extensive selection of craft beers and cocktails.
Neighborhood Jam
Address: 102 W Main St, Norman, OK 73069
Hours: Monday–Friday: 6:30am–2:30pm, Saturday–Sunday: 7am–2:30pm
➡️ A lively breakfast and brunch spot known for creative dishes and a fun atmosphere.
El Huevo Mexi-Diner
Address: 3522 24th Ave NW, Norman, OK 73069
Hours: Sunday–Tuesday: 8am–2pm, Wednesday–Saturday: 8am–8pm
➡️ A bright, upbeat diner offering fresh Mexican-inspired breakfast and brunch options.
The Garage Burgers & Beer
Address: 307 E Main St, Norman, OK 73069
Hours: Sunday–Thursday: 11am–10pm, Friday–Saturday: 11am–11pm
➡️ Casual spot specializing in gourmet burgers, fresh-cut fries, and a wide selection of beers.
Norman, Oklahoma, exudes a unique charm as a vibrant college town nestled in the heart of the state. Home to the University of Oklahoma, Norman pulsates with youthful energy, yet retains a warm, welcoming atmosphere that draws visitors from far and wide. The city boasts a rich tapestry of cultural attractions, including the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, showcasing an impressive collection of Native American and Western art, as well as the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, where visitors can journey through the state's geological and biological history.
☕ Coffee Shops
Yellow Dog Coffee Company
Address: 222 S Porter Ave, Norman, OK 73069
Hours: Monday–Thursday: 6am–6pm, Friday: 6am–8pm, Saturday: 8am–8pm, Sunday: 8am–6pm
➡️ A local favorite offering artisanal coffee beverages in a cozy roastery‑style ambiance.
Not Your Average Joe's
Address: 1001 Elm Ave, Norman, OK 73072
Hours: Monday–Friday: 7am–8pm, Saturday–Sunday: 8am–8pm
➡️ A community hub where exceptional brews meet warm hospitality, supporting an inclusive mission.
Press & Plow
Address: 2596 W Tecumseh Rd, Norman, OK 73069
Hours: Monday–Friday: 7am–6pm, Saturday: 8am–6pm, Sunday: 8am–3pm
➡️ Purveyor of daily brunch, spirits, coffee, and provisions—bringing quality goods to the community.
Gray Owl Coffee
Address: 223 E Gray St, Norman, OK 73069
Hours: Monday–Sunday: 7am–11pm
➡️ A hip hangout in the arts district with great vibes, local art, and ethically sourced, worker‑owned coffee.
StellaNova Coffee
Address: 1414 24th Ave NW, Norman, OK 73069
Hours: Monday–Saturday: 6am–8pm, Sunday: 7am–8pm
➡️ Sleek and modern café with expertly brewed espresso drinks and a welcoming drive‑thru.
Tierra Mia Organic Coffee
Address: 308 W Gray St, Norman, OK 73069
Hours: Monday–Saturday: 7am–6pm, Sunday: Closed
➡️ Organic‑focused coffee shop serving rich, smooth brews in a laid‑back Latin‑American inspired space.
🍽️ Chicken Fried Steak Restaurants
Here’s a list of top spots in and around Norman, Oklahoma, where you can savor the state's beloved dish: chicken fried steak.
Kendall's Restaurant
📍 Address: 100 S Main St, Noble, OK 73068
🕒 Hours: Wednesday–Friday: 4pm–8pm; Saturday: 11am–8pm
➡️ A legendary spot just south of Norman, Kendall’s is famous for its massive Chicken Fry Challenge—three large chicken fried steaks with sides and a cinnamon roll. For a more manageable portion, opt for their regular-sized plate, which still delivers on flavor and portion.
Charleston's Restaurant
📍 Address: 300 Ed Noble Pkwy, Norman, OK 73072
🕒 Hours: Sunday–Thursday: 11am–9pm; Friday–Saturday: 11am–10pm
➡️ Offers a refined take on chicken fried steak, featuring tender meat, crispy breading, and savory gravy. A perfect blend of comfort and class.
Boomarang Diner
📍 Address: Various locations across Oklahoma
🕒 Hours: Monday–Saturday: 6am–9pm; Sunday: 7am–9pm
➡️ A 1950s-style diner serving up classic chicken fried steak with all the fixings. Known for its nostalgic atmosphere and hearty portions.
The Diner
📍 Address: 213 E Main St, Norman, OK 73069
🕒 Hours: Monday–Saturday: 6:30am–2pm; Sunday: 7am–2pm
➡️ A local favorite for breakfast and lunch, The Diner offers a homestyle chicken fried steak that's crispy on the outside and tender inside, served with creamy gravy and classic sides.
The Winston
📍 Address: 106 W Main St, Norman, OK 73069
🕒 Hours: Monday–Thursday: 11am–10pm; Friday–Saturday: 11am–11pm; Sunday: 10am–9pm ➡ ️ A modern eatery that puts a gourmet twist on traditional dishes. Their chicken fried steak is known for its flavorful seasoning and upscale presentation, making it a must-try for food enthusiasts.
🌿Vegan & Vegetarian
The Wild Goose
Address: 121 W Main St, Norman, OK 73069
Hours: Monday–Saturday: 11am–9pm, Sunday: Closed
➡️ A trendy café offering a variety of vegan and vegetarian bowls, salads, wraps, and sandwiches. Known for its creative and healthy options.
The Earth Café
Address: 502 E Main St, Norman, OK 73071
Hours: Monday–Saturday: 11am–8pm, Sunday: Closed
➡️ A cozy spot focusing on plant-based comfort foods, with options like veggie burgers, sandwiches, and fresh juices.
Sophie’s Eatery
Address: 227 E Main St, Norman, OK 73069
Hours: Daily: 7am–3pm
➡️ A charming café offering a wide range of vegan and vegetarian breakfast and lunch options, including smoothie bowls, avocado toasts, and more.
Lalibela Restaurant
Address: 1215 W Main St, Norman, OK 73069
Hours: Monday–Saturday: 11am–9pm, Sunday: Closed
➡️ A casual Ethiopian restaurant with many vegetarian and vegan-friendly options such as lentils, stews, and injera.
Pizzaiolo's Pizzeria & Pub
Address: 234 W Main St, Norman, OK 73069
Hours: Monday–Saturday: 11am–9pm, Sunday: Closed
➡️ Offers a variety of vegetarian pizzas with the option for vegan cheese, creating the perfect plant-based pizza experience.
Fresko
Address: 316 E Main St, Norman, OK 73071
Hours: Monday–Saturday: 11am–9pm, Sunday: Closed
➡️ A Mediterranean-inspired eatery offering fresh, healthy bowls and salads with vegan and vegetarian options, including falafel and hummus.
The Porch
Address: 3920 W Robinson St, Norman, OK 73072
Hours: Daily: 11am–10pm
➡️ A popular spot offering a variety of vegan and vegetarian options, from tacos and bowls to salads, with creative twists on classic dishes.
Blaze Pizza
Address: 2320 W Main St, Norman, OK 73069
Hours: Monday–Sunday: 11am–9pm
➡️ Customizable pizza restaurant with vegan cheese and a variety of veggie toppings, perfect for creating your own plant-based pizza.
Sushiholic
Address: 206 E Main St, Norman, OK 73069
Hours: Monday–Saturday: 11am–9pm, Sunday: Closed
➡️ A sushi restaurant offering vegetarian rolls and vegan options like tofu, avocado, and cucumber rolls, catering to plant-based diners.
Oklahoma Fried Chicken
Address: 324 E Main St, Norman, OK 73071
Hours: Monday–Saturday: 11am–8pm, Sunday: Closed
➡️ While known for fried chicken, the restaurant offers excellent vegan sides and plant-based sandwiches for those seeking vegetarian options.
🎨 Attractions in Norman
Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art
Address: 555 Elm Avenue, Norman, OK 73019
Hours: Tuesday–Saturday: 10am–5pm, Thursday: 10am–9pm, Sunday: 1pm–5pm, Monday: Closed
➡️ Explore a diverse collection of art, including works by American and European artists, as well as Native American and Asian art.
Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History
Address: 2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman, OK 73072
Hours: Monday–Saturday: 10am–5pm, Sunday: 1pm–5pm
➡️ Discover exhibits on dinosaurs, wildlife, geology, and Native American culture at this fascinating museum.
University of Oklahoma Campus
Address: 660 Parrington Oval, Norman, OK 73019
➡️ Take a stroll around the beautiful campus, known for its stunning architecture and historic landmarks.
National Weather Center
Address: 120 David L. Boren Blvd, Norman, OK 73072
➡️ Learn about meteorology and severe weather at this state-of-the-art facility.
Lake Thunderbird State Park
Address: 13101 Alameda Dr, Norman, OK 73026
➡️ Enjoy hiking trails, boating, fishing, and camping opportunities amidst scenic lakeside landscapes.
🍰 Dessert Restaurants – Norman, Oklahoma
The Baked Bear
Address: 731 Asp Ave, Norman, OK 73069
Hours: Monday–Thursday: 12pm–10pm, Friday–Saturday: 12pm–11pm, Sunday: 12pm–10pm
➡️ Build-your-own ice cream sandwiches with fresh-baked cookies, brownies, and a variety of ice cream flavors.
Apple Tree Chocolate
Address: 209 E Main St, Norman, OK 73069
Hours: Monday–Saturday: 10am–6pm, Sunday: Closed
➡️ Handcrafted chocolates, caramel apples, and gourmet treats in a charming downtown shop.
Rusty's Custard Factory
Address: 301 E Main St, Norman, OK 73069
Hours: Monday–Saturday: 12pm–9pm, Sunday: 1pm–9pm
➡️ Locally owned since 2001, offering creamy frozen custard with a wide array of toppings.
La Baguette Bakery & Café
Address: 2100 W Main St, Norman, OK 73069
Hours: Monday–Saturday: 7am–9pm, Sunday: 8am–3pm
➡️ French-inspired café serving pastries, cakes, and a full menu of savory dishes.
Epic Pops
Address: 760 Asp Ave, Norman, OK 73069
Hours: Monday–Saturday: 12pm–9pm, Sunday: 1pm–7pm
➡️ Artisan popsicles in creative flavors like chai, horchata, and chipotle chocolate.
Hurts Donut Company
Address: 746 Asp Ave, Norman, OK 73069
Hours: Open 24/7
➡️ Whimsical donut shop offering a variety of over-the-top flavors and combinations.
Crumbl Cookies
Address: 1730 24th Ave NW, Norman, OK 73069
Hours: Monday–Thursday: 8am–10pm, Friday–Saturday: 8am–12am, Sunday: Closed
➡️ Weekly rotating menu of gourmet cookies, baked fresh daily.
Il Dolce Gelato
Address: 3000 W Memorial Rd, Norman, OK 73072
Hours: Monday–Saturday: 12pm–9pm, Sunday: 1pm–8pm
➡️ Authentic Italian gelato made with traditional recipes and fresh ingredients.
⛵️Free Things to Do
Lake Thunderbird State Park Trails
Address: Multiple access points, including 13101 Alameda Dr, Norman, OK 73026
➡️ Explore scenic hiking and biking trails around Lake Thunderbird. Access to the trails is free, though lake access may require a fee. Perfect for outdoor activities and nature walks.
Norman History Center
Address: 202 E Main St, Norman, OK 73069
Hours: Tuesday–Saturday: 10am–5pm, Sunday–Monday: Closed
➡️ Discover the rich history of Norman through rotating exhibits and artifacts that tell the story of the community's development. Free admission to the museum.
Downtown Norman Public Art Tour
Address: Main St & Campus Corner, Norman, OK 73069
➡️ Take a self-guided tour of over 40 public art installations scattered throughout downtown Norman, including murals, sculptures, and unique artistic pieces.
Reaves Park
Address: 2501 Reaves Dr, Norman, OK 73072
➡️ A peaceful park with walking trails, playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas. Ideal for a relaxing day outdoors.
University of Oklahoma Campus Walk
Address: 660 Parrington Oval, Norman, OK 73019
➡️ Take a scenic stroll through the University of Oklahoma campus, with its beautiful gardens, fountains, and statues. It’s a great spot for a quiet walk or picnic.
Norman Regional Park
Address: 1501 W Robinson St, Norman, OK 73069
➡️ A family-friendly park with playgrounds, picnic areas, walking paths, and sports courts. A great location for a fun and free outdoor day with the family.
Norman Public Library
Address: 225 N Webster Ave, Norman, OK 73069
Hours: Monday–Thursday: 9am–9pm, Friday–Saturday: 9am–6pm, Sunday: Closed
➡️ Free access to books, movies, study spaces, children's programs, and various community events.
Geocaching in Norman
Address: Various parks and trails across Norman, OK
➡️ Embark on a modern-day treasure hunt with geocaching — a free outdoor activity using GPS to locate hidden containers in public spaces. Popular spots for geocaching include Reaves Park, Lake Thunderbird State Park, and the OU campus.
Norman Farmers Market
Address: 321 E Main St, Norman, OK 73069
Hours: Saturday: 8am–1pm, Wednesday: 3pm–6pm (seasonal)
➡️ Explore a vibrant market featuring local produce, artisanal goods, handmade crafts, and more. A great place to support local farmers and vendors while enjoying a lively community atmosphere.
🎳 Sports & Recreation in Norman, Oklahoma
Westwood Family Aquatic Center
➡️ A top-tier outdoor pool complex with water slides, diving boards, a lazy river, and splash areas for kids—perfect for summer fun.
Reaves Park
➡️ A spacious park offering baseball fields, soccer pitches, walking trails, a disc golf course, and seasonal festivals like the Norman Medieval Fair.
Legacy Park
➡️ A scenic urban park known for its musical lighted fountain, walking paths, and free outdoor fitness classes and concerts during spring and summer.
Westwood Park Golf Course
➡️ A public 18-hole course with beautiful fairways, a driving range, and seasonal golf clinics and tournaments for all ages.
Norman Tennis Center at Westwood Park
➡️ Offers indoor and outdoor courts with programming for all skill levels, plus indoor winter leagues and junior camps.
Lloyd Noble Center
➡️ Home to OU basketball and major indoor events like concerts, wrestling, and high school tournaments. Seasonal schedules vary—check for event listings.
Griffin Park Pickleball & Soccer Complex
➡️ A hub for outdoor pickleball and soccer in warmer months, plus community leagues and tournaments.
Lake Thunderbird State Park
➡️ A popular destination for hiking, fishing, boating, and camping, offering scenic views and numerous outdoor activities for nature lovers.
Sooner Bowling Center
➡️ A family-friendly bowling alley with leagues, open play, and special events—ideal for a night out or a fun weekend activity.
The Trails Golf Club
➡️ A beautifully landscaped 18-hole course known for its challenging layout and serene setting, offering public access and golf lessons.
Norman Regional Park
➡️ A versatile park offering soccer fields, basketball courts, walking trails, and playgrounds, making it a perfect spot for family activities and outdoor sports.
Cedar Lane Park
➡️ A local park featuring soccer fields, playgrounds, and a disc golf course, great for both casual and organized sports.