Best of Norman Guide | October 2022

Best of Norman

A closer look at

MISSION

OU Daily, the independent student voice of the University of Oklahoma since 1916, covers the community and provides a public forum to discuss its issues while providing students on our sta real-world media experiences.

MASTHEAD

JILLIAN TAYLOR

ALEXIA ASTON

MASON YOUNG

SILAS BALES

RAY BAHNER

FRANCISCO GUTIERREZ

CONNIE WIGGINS

SETH PRINCE

Editor-in-chief

managing editor

editor

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Letters to the editor or guest columns may be submitted to dailyeditor@ou.edu. ey will be edited for accuracy, space and style and run at the discretion of the editor-in-chief. Students must list their major and classi cation; faculty or sta must list their title. Our Views are the view of the Editorial Board. Opinions are not necessarily those of the Editorial Board.

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Getting to know Norman’s best offerings

Silas Bales

Editor

When I arrived in Norman my freshman year, my first stop with my family was at the Classic 50’s Drive-in. I wanted to get a taste of what being a college student would be like and try food from what I had heard was a “classic Norman spot.”

In my time at Camp Crimson, someone had told me that if I don’t get the Sprittle from Classic 50’s, which I later learned was a drink made from Sprite with Skittles inside, during my freshman year, then I won’t graduate on time. Thankfully, I was able to get it right as I pulled in.

From then on, every day was a new experience. I was liv ing in a different state at a new time in my life, and I wanted to try everything.

Over the years I’ve been here, I’ve discovered all of my fa vorite places: the restaurants I go to after a long day of classes and the cafes I visit when I need a little pick me up. I’ve seen places open after I arrived, places close that had been open forever and longtime favorites stand the test of time. Norman has many great spots that have come together to build the city we know today, from classics like The Mont and The Deli to newer additions like Velvet Taco and Rusty’s Custard Factory.

During my time at the Daily, from being a news intern

my first semester to now as the culture editor, I have told the stories of places and people throughout Norman. Covering restaurant openings, deep dives into unknown university celebrities and coverage of Norman’s biggest events are all a part of the work I get to do here.

One of my favorite events I have covered while at the Daily was last year’s Norman Music Festival. In a newspaper simi lar to the one you’re holding now, we took a deep dive into all the big acts headlining each day of the festival, some of the local talent who performed at the event, and the administra tive team behind it.

I interviewed artists from Oklahoma who have a passion for creating music and sharing it with their communities, and being able to hear and tell their stories made me even more excited about the work I was producing.

Having been three years since the last Norman Music Festival, and my first since arriving at the university, it was a unique moment for me. I look back on that coverage as one of the most special pieces that I was able to put together, and for the Daily as well, as that publication was a test run for the publication style we have put together this year.

This is my first year as culture editor, and I’m happy to be in this position writing and producing content about a community that has given me so much over these past two years. I am at my happiest when I’m working on something I’m passionate about, so I hope you’ll keep up with all of the content on our website, oudaily.com, and with the themed editions in our newspaper racks across campus.

I always ask people what their favorite place in this city

is, and I almost never get a duplicate answer, which always makes me happy. There are so many places in this town that have significance to one person or another, and I hope that one day I can visit them all.

I can confidently say that, no matter where my life takes me, I’ll always have a soft spot in my heart for the places I have found in Norman. These past two years have been the best of my life, and as I move on to year three, I can’t wait to continue my journey in this town.

As you read through the pages of this edition, you’ll find the places in Norman you’ve come to know and love. We’ve split them into 12 different categories: breakfast, cafes, American food, pizza, patio dining, international food, highend restaurants, dessert, entertainment, hobby stores, ex hibit halls and parks.

Our staff has highlighted three of these places under each category, and we’ve also included the top three places in each category as voted for by the readers at the bottom of each page.

The final page features the OU Daily’s Menu, which is a collection of all the best menu items, according to us, from each category. I hope the next time you visit one of these Norman staples, you’ll browse our menu and try some of our favorite dishes.

This is the first edition of this guide, so I am thankful to all of you who have picked it up. I am proud to work with an amazing team, and I hope you enjoy reading this issue as much as I did creating it.

I enjoy cooking, and I enjoy people that enjoy my food. It’s an honor and a pleasure when somebody enjoys what you make for them.

-DANNY FALCONE, chef and owner of New York Pizza & Pasta

FROM THE COMMUNITY

Norman has some great long-standing legacy business es, and I’m glad we’re part of that.

RUSSELL RASMUSSEN, owner of Rusty’s Custard Factory

Wing It plans to be here for a long time to serve quality, good Korean food to those who are willing to try and taste a part of our culture.

JOYCE SEO, owner of Fusion Cafe: Wing It

“

Breakfast options

Juan del Fuego

ALAYNA HENDRICKS alayna.n.hendricks-1@ou.edu

Juan del Fuego serves traditional American breakfast items alongside Mexican fusion items.

The restaurant combines typical diner fare like eggs and pancakes but incorporates Mexican flavors with huevos rancheros, enchiladas and specialty omelets.

Olivia Herrera, the daughter of owner Juan Herrera, said its Mexican-inspired dishes are what make their restaurant stand out in Norman.

“It’s like a mix of Mexican American that people don’t typically see,” Olivia said.

Olivia said the restaurant is family-owned and -run, and she, her mother and brother all pitch in where needed.

Juan del Fuego has been open since October 2011. Olivia said Juan used to work around restaurants in Norman for the past 20 years and decided he wanted to open his own space.

Olivia said the most popular dishes at the restaurant are breakfast foods. She recommends the omelet, especially the relleno omelet, which has three eggs with red onions, garlic, in-house roasted poblano peppers, cream cheese, shredded cheese and is topped with avocado and a home made poblano sauce.

Olivia also said the papas con chorizo are popular. The dish is a scramble with eggs, onions, tomatoes and home made chorizo on top of fuego fries.

Juan del Fuego is located at 223 34th Ave. SW and is open 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

The Diner

The Diner serves traditional, American homestyle and Tex-Mex. It is a part of a long standing tradition of chili parlors and diners that have been operating in the Main Street building for over 100 years, according to its website.

The Diner has been featured on Food Network twice, on Diners Drive-Ins and Dives with Guy Fieri, and on American Diner Revival with Ty Pennington and Amanda Freitag.

It is open seven days a week, from 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekends at 213 E. Main St.

Syrup.

Syrup. is an impact-based brunch boutique in central Oklahoma. It is locally owned and collaborates with local and global projects that help an impoverished community in South Africa and families in Norman who experience child abuse.

The small business works with the Center for Children and Families, which serves children and families who have experienced or are at risk of child abuse. They also con tribute to the Langa Township Project, which helps the community of Cape Town, South Africa through sustainable education, development and investment in business creation.

Syrup. serves waffles, pancakes and a variety of house specialties. The restaurant has two locations, one in Oklahoma City and one in Norman on 123 E. Main St. It is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekends.

Diner

Bagel Factory

REGHAN KYLE/OU DAILY

Juan del Fuego, a Norman restaurant combining American breakfast and Mexican fusion food.

Yellow Dog Coffee Company

Coffee shops

charm and size. It moved from its first location to a space previously occupied by a muffler shop, University Muffler, a motorcycle repair shop, School House Cycle, and a gym, The Gym Collective.

Inspired by their own yellow dog, Rob Wilson, former Ward 5 Norman City Councilmember Sereta Wilson and former Ward 1 Councilmember Kate Bierman are co-owners and founders of Annie’s Rescue Foundation. A percentage of prof its made at the coffee house go to the rescue, located at 1043 N. University Blvd., to get animals the help and services they need.

The building is not the only part of the cafe that has history. All the furniture is second hand from Facebook Marketplace, making it a special place filled with many memories despite its recent opening.

Owners Rob, Sereta and Bierman have worked to create a cozy and welcoming environment that is suited for studying or grabbing coffee with friends. Whatever the day might hold, it is a bright and friendly place to stop by and slow down.

brew.

“It’s a unique process, and I love digging into the chemistry of it all,” Wilson said.

The coffee served in the cafe is made fresh every morning. One of Yellow Dog’s more popular selections is a speciality by Rob. The Rob’s Way Latte is a blend of oatmilk, lavender and honey. It’s a sweet option that can be enjoyed hot or iced during any time of year.

Aside from coffee, Yellow Dog offers a variety of baked goods. Its most popular item is its scone. As renovations for the kitchen wrap up, patrons can also look forward to new menu options to come, including some French pastries and a new selection of sandwiches.

Yellow Dog has been involved with the art community in Norman, which adds to the contemporary culture of the shop. Every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., patrons take their ear buds out to enjoy live music and good company.

ISABELLA STONECIPHER

isabella.a.stonecipher-1@ou.edu

Only a short car or bike ride away from campus on the cor ner of South Porter Avenue and East Eufaula Street, there is a cafe called Yellow Dog Coffee Company.

Established in February 2018, Yellow Dog has grown in

Yellow Dog welcomes all humans and their pets as well. It is not uncommon to see owners and pets enjoying their after noons with a latte and a biscuit.

Another quality of this cafe that makes it stand out is its freshly roasted and responsibly sourced coffee. Yellow Dog aims to work with farms that provide livable income for those picking the coffee. Rob said he’s traveled the world in search of different methods and sources of coffee making, and he brought back what he learned to provide a well-rounded

Gray Owl Coffee

Anyone looking for a quiet and peaceful place to enjoy their mornings and afternoons can find it at Gray Owl Coffee.

Tucked behind Norman’s bustling East Main Street, Gray Owl is a place of art and leisure. With its extensive menu of baked goods and coffee options, it is easy to lose track of time in this chill, cozy environment.

Not only does this shop serve great coffee, but it also features events including art walks and book clubs that meet every second and fourth Wednesday of the month at 6 p.m. Gray Owl is open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day of the week.

More information about events happening at Gray Owl can be found on its Instagram page, @grayowlcoffee.

In September 2022, Yellow Dog hosted the Norman Film Festival’s Q&A, which featured local actors and directors. The company plans on hosting a once-a-month indie film view ing soon. More information about events is available on its Instagram, @yellowdogcoffee.

As summer comes to an end and many students trade sunny lawns for cozy cafes, be sure to keep Yellow Dog in mind for a warm cup of coffee and a bewitching atmosphere perfect for the cool weather to come. It is open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends.

Second Wind Coffee

Second Wind Coffeehouse is known to many OU students as the living room on Campus Corner. It certainly lives up to its title.

As a nonprofit organization established in 2008, Second Wind has become an iconic study spot to many students known for its homey decor, welcoming staff and phenomenal coffee. Because of its nonprofit status, there are no set prices for its offerings. Second Wind has recommended donations, making high-quality coffee accessible to everyone. Just set the price that works for you, however much you would like to donate to the nonprofit.

This is a great spot that has live music and local art. There is a friendly atmosphere that hangs in the air at this local, charming coffee house. Second Wind truly transports its patrons to a different place in time with its vintage decor and specialty coffee.

More information is available on Second Wind’s Instagram page, @2ndwindcoffee.

Second Wind is open 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday and 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.

choice

American

food

O’Connell’s Irish Pub & Grille

COOPER MARSHALL

cooper.r.marshall-1@ou.edu

Every college town needs a go-to spot for weekend get-to gethers and game day fun. O’Connell’s Irish Pub & Grille is just the spot.

O’Connell’s sits on Campus Corner and is a popular spot for friends to hang out, eat, drink and make new memories. This pub has been keeping the good times rolling since 1979.

The Irish pub and grill was originally established where Headington Hall now stands in 1968 by three fraternity broth ers under the name Chances Are.

After a year, it was bought by Vern Haven, who changed the name to O’Connell’s. In 1974, an oil company bought it and later sold it to John Stewart, the current owner, in 1979.

In 2008, O’Connell’s opened its current location on Campus Corner.

In January of 2011, the owners held a property auction be fore it was torn down.

Stewart and the fans of O’Connell’s came in one last time the day before the auction to celebrate the memories they had made there.

“We were opened the night before (the auction) for a huge closing party,” Stewart said. “Probably the most sentimen tal moment ever. Three of the (Pride of Oklahoma) band

Nashbird

members even came in with horns.”

While the pub changed locations, the traditions haven’t changed. Stewart and the staff still provide patrons with the tradition of tasty food, refreshing drinks and, most important ly, good times.

“The tradition that has been built since 1979 has just been phenomenal,” Stewart said. “All the way through the ties with the University of Oklahoma and with the city of Norman. We do a lot of civic stuff for everyone here.”

O’Connell’s also hosts events throughout the year. On March 17, it hosts its annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration. The parking lot behind the restaurant is closed for live musical performances.

Every Wednesday, O’Connell’s has a karaoke night with $5 burgers. Tuesday nights are trivia nights, and Thursday nights

There’s no need to travel to Nashville if you’re craving fried chicken. Nashbird on Main Street has you covered.

Nashbird’s Hot Dang! chicken comes in all shapes, sizes and spice levels. The restaurant offers chicken and waffles, chicken sandwiches and chicken tender baskets with spice levels ranging from a mild “chirp” all the way to a spicy “hot dang!” or “crazy hot.”

Its macaroni and cheese poppers and fried pickles complement each meal and can be washed down with a soda, slush, cocktail or craft beer.

Originally from Oklahoma City, Nashbird’s goal was to create a hot chicken restaurant in Oklahoma with a friendly, minimalist atmosphere.

Whether visitors need their chicken fix, a good drink or friendly faces, Nashbird excels in all three. Just make sure to grab plenty of napkins before eating.

Louie’s

Grill & Bar

are musical bingo.

O’Connell’s serves options like its popular Ranch Hand Burger and buffalo chicken wing baskets. One of Stewart’s fa vorite dishes is the pulled pork tacos.

O’Connell’s offers a wide selection of beverages, including draft beers, a variety of shots, cocktails, sodas, lemonades and teas.

Stepping inside the pub, visitors will notice the fine wood walls, bars and plenty of seating. There are TVs to watch the big games on with old OU memorabilia around the restaurant.

Whether it’s an OU student looking to have some fun with friends or a first-time visitor, O’Connell’s will invite them into its tradition.

405 Burger Bar

405 Burger Bar has recently moved, which means a bigger location and more burgers. The burger joint used to operate on the corner of George Avenue and Stinson Street, but it’s now located on Main Street.

The inside has a sleek look and garage doors that can open up to its patio for extra seating.

It offers a variety of burgers, including an Oklahoma onion burger and a Fry Daddy Burger, which is topped with french fries and spicy ranch. Other offerings include tater tots, fried cheese bites and chicken sandwiches.

405 Burger Bar hosts trivia nights, which they post on their social media pages.

Customers can visit on game days, or any day, to enjoy good food and drinks.

Readers’ choice

O’Connell’s Irish Pub & Grille Nashbird

REGHAN KYLE/OU DAILY

O’Connell’s, established in 1968, opened its Campus Corner location in 2011.

Pizza menu

New York Pizza & Pasta

MAVI COLE mavicole@ou.edu

If you’re on the hunt for authentic homemade pizza and pasta and a fun hangout spot, look no further than New York Pizza & Pasta on Campus Corner.

With a friendly staff and a dimly lit, intimate atmosphere, New York Pizza & Pasta provides a homey feel that’s unique to Norman. When walking in, you’re immediately greeted with a warm hello, and just minutes later, you’re eating what tastes like a real homemade meal.

It’s a place for everyone, whether you’re a college student missing mom’s cooking or someone who just simply loves Italian food. As its slogan says, it’s a place like home.

You’re hard pressed to find anyone else with as much of a passion for Italian cooking as Danny Falcone, the owner and chef. Having been in the restaurant business for 40 years, his care for his food and customers shows.

Its menu boasts a wide variety of options, offering every thing from classic starters such as mozzarella sticks and jala peno poppers to fresh salads, calzones, strombolis, chicken wings, sandwiches and desserts. But most importantly, their menu has hand-tossed, freshly baked New York-style pizza and homemade pasta.

“I enjoy cooking, and I enjoy people that enjoy my food,” Falcone said. “It’s an honor and a pleasure when somebody enjoys what you make for them.”

Whether you order a specialty like The Forgetaboutit or The Grandma, or classics like four cheese pizza and fettuccini

alfredo, you can’t go wrong.

“We have real Italian food,” Falcone said. “We use only the best ingredients. We do things differently here. We do it the real Italian way.”

In addition, for those 21 and up, New York Pizza & Pasta has a full-service bar and the longest happy hour on Campus Corner.

On Friday nights at 10:30 p.m., the restaurant hosts ka raoke. There’s no better place to sing and dance with your friends while enjoying a slice of pizza and an ice-cold drink, whether it’s a beer or an Italian hand-crafted soda.

The versatility of New York Pizza & Pasta is something that makes it stand out from others. Being on Campus Corner, it’s easy for any Norman resident to get to, and it’s the perfect

spot for OU students to pop in when on campus. You can stop by for a quick lunch on your work break, sit and eat a meal with your family or stay for hours chatting with friends while watching sports. The restaurant also offers pickup and deliv ery through its website.

“We’ve got good, loyal customers,” Falcone said. “A big ma jority (are) the kids across the street, but we also have a good local business. We’ve got some good, strong, local regular customers.”

The restaurant’s hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. on Thursday and 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.

If you haven’t by now, go to New York Pizza & Pasta for an authentic slice, and stay for the good times.

Hideaway Volare

Hideaway Pizza is a great place to check out if you’re looking for a classic pie.

Located on Campus Corner, it’s in the perfect spot, and its casual setting and quick seat ing make it a great place to go for a sudden pizza craving. The staff is excellent, and the at mosphere is family friendly.

With starters like garlic knots and fried mushrooms, and entrees such as build-your-own pizzas, pastas, salads and sub sandwiches, there’s something for everyone. It offers curb side pickup as well as catering.

The restaurant’s hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Hideaway Pizza is one of Norman’s best in casual family dining, so do yourself a favor and don’t miss out.

Volare Pizzeria Bar + Lounge, located on Campus Corner, is the place to be if you’re look ing for pizza with a great bar selection.

The pizzeria provides a rooftop with a clear view of the University of Oklahoma’s football stadium, and the inside provides a modern feel.

The menu features bar foods such as wings, nachos and their special Crack Fries. The wood-fired pizzas, however, are their real claim to fame.

The restaurant’s hours of operation are 4-11 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Volare is the place for top quality food and even higher quality entertainment.

Readers’ choice

Hideaway

Pizza New York Pizza & Pasta Pizza Shuttle

REGHAN KYLE/OU DAILY Italian restaurant New York Pizza & Pasta offers entertainment and food to Campus Corner regulars.

The Meating Place

EMMA BLAKELY emma.l.blakely-1@ou.edu

The Meating Place restaurant and bar is Norman’s first “streetery,” offering barbecue enthusiasts and cocktail lovers a brand new patio.

Neighbors and brothers-in-law PJ Taylor and Brad Nixon opened The Meating Place in 2016 with their wives Amy and Erin, who are sisters. The Meating Place started as a food truck with plans to someday transition into a stationary restaurant.

After three years, an opportunity for a permanent location arose, and The Meating Place moved to Main Street. This change came at the end of 2019, just a few months before the COVID-19 pandemic began.

Taylor said they were inspired to create a patio space during that time.

“We saw many cities introducing these streeteries, where you get some safer outdoor seating, especially when there were some restrictions on having to space tables out,” Taylor said.

Most Main Street restaurants that were not originally built with a front patio sit too close to the street for front ward expansion. The restaurant partnered with the City of Norman and was approved to build a patio on the parking

The Mont

Patio dining

spaces in front of the restaurant.

The Meating Place patio was opened in July, and Taylor said the city will evaluate the concept to determine if it has been successful.

Taylor said he believes more streeteries would be an asset to the downtown area.

“We can kind of change the vibe of downtown a little bit, make it a little more attractive and have a beautiful spot where people can spend a few hours as opposed to just coming to one spot and heading back out,” Taylor said.

The Meating Place serves classic barbecue eats and is Norman’s only barbecue restaurant with a full bar. Taylor said the bar’s craft cocktails are made with fresh juices and house-made syrups. The bar keeps a selection of domestic and other popular beers, but the beers on tap are exclusively from Oklahoma breweries.

“We keep things local as much as we can,” Taylor said.

In harmony with its name, the restaurant has a multitude of barbecue options. Guests can choose from options like ribs, pulled pork, brisket, smoked turkey and smoked fried chicken served alone or in tacos, quesadillas and more.

The Meating Place also has specials throughout the week. Tuesday is all-day happy hour, and after 5 p.m. on Wednesday is rib night with $10 half racks and $18 whole racks for dine-in guests. The restaurant hosts a trivia night starting at 7:30 p.m. Thursday with happy hour from 9 p.m. to close.

On Friday, guests can also enjoy a free appetizer with a bottle of wine, and on Saturday, the restaurant makes a limited amount of brisket queso. There are also happy hours from 9 p.m. to close Friday and Saturday. The Meating Place offers brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday with $5 glasses of wine on all open bottles.

In addition, the restaurant has a daily happy hour from 3-6 p.m. and $8 sandwich specials during lunch. OU stu dents can enjoy 15 percent off until 3 p.m. with an ID.

Midway Deli

Although many restaurants have lived within the walls of the building since the 1930s, The Mont is one that has become a quintessential part of the Norman experience.

The Mont was founded in 1976 and quickly became central to the town’s culture with its comfort food and drinks. It serves Tex-Mex dishes such as nachos and enchiladas alongside American classics like loaded cheese fries, onion rings and mozzarella sticks.

The Mont features a full bar and a variety of blended drinks. It is famous for its Sooner Swirl, a blend of frozen margarita and frozen sangria that mimics OU colors.

The restaurant is at the intersection of Boyd and Classen. Despite the busy location, The Mont’s large patio is surrounded by greenery and misting machines, creating a secluded and refreshing dining experience.

The Mont’s large patio is a fantastic spot for friends and family alike. It’s a prime loca tion on game days, holidays and weekends, but it is also a lovely spot for a spontaneous weeknight venture.

Midway Deli began as a grocery store in 1926. It is at the intersection of Eufaula and Chautauqua, and at the time of opening, it marked the midway point between Norman’s downtown business district and the affluent Faculty Heights neighborhood.

The deli’s current owner, Bob Thompson, took ownership in 1985. He transformed the grocery store into the beloved restaurant known today. The Midway Deli menu showcas es the restaurant’s history and features a variety of sandwiches named after customers who created them, such as The Arnie and The Michael.

The deli opens daily at 9 a.m. and serves muffins, croissants and cinnamon rolls. A breakfast favorite is Haley’s Comet, which layers egg, cheese, sausage and avocado with sweet chili mayonnaise on ciabatta.

Midway’s back patio currently seats 50-75 guests.

In 2021, the residents behind the deli announced plans to move. The area of their yard is undergoing a rezoning process that will allow live music and gatherings. Thompson said there are already musicians who are excited to come play once the space is ready and has been approved.

Readers’ choice

Mont Winston Midway Deli TheThe

ABIGAIL AMISH/OU DAILY

The Meating Place stakes place as Norman’s first “streetery.”

International

food

ALAYNA HENDRICKS alayna.n.hendricks-1@ou.edu

David and Joyce Seo prefer to speak in their native lan guage of Korean, so this story has been translated with the help of their daughter, Grace Seo.

Wing-It: Fusion Cafe is a Korean family-owned restaurant in Norman that is most popular for its Korean-style wings. The owners, Joyce and David Seo, said they strive to bring the comfort of a home-cooked meal to people of all back grounds.

The Korean fusion restaurant offers chicken wings, rice bowls, rice platters and hot pot, a spicy potato stew. The restaurant also has three sauce options for its wings: garlic soy, teriyaki and hot.

All side dishes are made in-house, including its original cabbage kimchi, stewed potato and pickled daikon, or white radish.

Wing It: Fusion Cafe has been in Oklahoma for around 10 years. In 2007, the store was located in Moore and operated by another Korean couple.

The restaurant moved to Norman and, in 2017, David and Joyce took over the business.

“Wing It plans to be here for a long time to serve quality,

good Korean food to those who are willing to try and taste a part of our culture,” Joyce said.

The Seo family wanted to further expand their demo graphic of customers to students at OU and the Norman community.

They recommend that everyone try their wings, adding the different flavorful sauces and “bursts of flavor and crisp iness” separate their wings from the traditional American

Tatsumaki Ramen & Lounge

Tatsumaki Ramen & Lounge offers a taste of Japan with traditional ramen and sushi.

Tatsumaki was opened in 2016 and is the first authentic Japanese ramen in Norman, according to its website. It offers three different styles of ramen that use tonkotsu, shoyu or miso broths.

Tatsumaki is at 1300 12th Ave. SE and is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and reopens from 5-9 p.m. On Friday and Saturday, the restaurant is open 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5-9:30 p.m. It is closed on Sunday.

Tatsumaki Ramen &

Fusion Cafe: Wing It Das Boot Camp Sushi Bar

wing.

“Our restaurant not only offers authentic taste, but it is a place that we try to make feel comfortable through the store environment and the food we serve,” Joyce said.

Wing It: Fusion Cafe is located at 760 W. Main St. and is open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 12-8 p.m. on Saturday, 3-8 p.m. on Monday and is closed Sunday.

Das Boot Camp serves traditional German dishes with an American twist on the cor ner of Main Street and Crawford Avenue.

The restaurant opened on Oct. 19, 2012, according to its website. It streams major sporting events inside and has an affordable menu, with each dish costing under $12.

It offers handcrafted beer up to 3 liters. They also provide 3 ounce samples of all beers.

Das Boot Camp is at 229 E. Main St. and is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. It is open 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday and 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

Mr. Hui Volcano Readers’ choice

AUDREY QUAN/OU DAILY

Wing It: Fusion Cafe, a family-owned restaurant, aims to bring authentic Korean food to Norman.

HOUSING FAIR

next crib?

Benvenuti’s

RAY BAHNER/OU DAILY Benvenuti’s is an Italian restraurant established in 2017.

High-end dining

SILAS BALES silasbales@ou.edu

Benvenuti’s is Norman’s resident high-end Italian restau rant boasting a wide array of unique menu items and a refined atmosphere.

Normanites can wine and dine at this cozy venue, which is elevated by dim lighting, well-dressed staff and classical music.

On the corner of Main Street and James Gardner Avenue, the brick building with green awnings and gold lettering en tices you with a sense of decadence.

Anthony Compagni, the chef and owner of Benvenuti’s, said his establishment is a scratch kitchen, and the products and ingredients it uses give the restaurant its class.

“If we make 200 pastas in a night, every single pasta gets its own saute pan from start to finish and is hand-plated for the guest who ordered it,” Compagni said. “We don’t com promise on ingredients and quality, and we stay true to our guests. When someone comes here, they know that whatever they order is going to be the best quality of what they ordered.”

The meatballs, one of the restaurant’s more popular items, are cooked from recipes going back generations in the Compagni family. Many of the recipes at the restaurant are a part of their family lineage or take inspiration from the Compagni family.

Legend’s Restaurant

Originally a pizza delivery service in 1967, Legend’s Restaurant is a high-end, fami ly-owned eatery that aspires to provide comfort and satisfaction to the customer.

The restaurant features a wide array of dishes, from salad and fresh seafood to steak and pork, along with a number of desserts. It also offers a variety of gluten-free and vegetarian options.

Legend’s has a variety of seating options. Its main dining room is for those who want an intimate experience, but it also has a larger room with reservations available for groups of 25-40. If you have an even larger group, you can reserve its side building, dubbed “Legend’s Times Two.”

Legend’s, located on West Lindsey Street, is open from 5-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Restaurant Charleston’s

“Everything that you can order is a part of a heritage or in spiration, whether that be from my classical training or from my Nana,” Compagni said. “Even though I was trained as a French chef, I enjoy Italian cooking, and I think it shows on the plate.”

The restaurant also features a monthly chef special. Compagni said he feels like he gets to express his creativity the most in those dishes.

“Every October, we’ve done a braised veal cheek with pumpkin risotto, and that’s been on our menu since day one,” Compagni said. “It kind of has a cult following from some cus tomers, and it has become one of our most popular dishes.”

Benvenuti’s has been in downtown Norman for 17 years now, and Compangni said he feels like he’s seen the city grow alongside his restaurant. The restaurant’s dishes, such as black spaghetti, a pasta dish made with dough mixed with squid ink, were unheard of, but they found their way into Normanites’ hearts and stomachs.

“It was amazing to see Norman come along with the restau rant,” Compagnngi said. “When we launched, the food was a little bit more exotic. “Seventeen years ago, things we served were strange. Now, all these years later, with downtown Norman expanding and people’s palettes expanding, every one wants more (and) to try the next best thing.”

Benvenuti’s is open from 5-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and Friday through Saturday from 5-10 p.m.

Charleston’s Restaurant

Charleston’s is an upbeat restaurant that focuses on serving American classics while providing customers with high-quality ingredients at affordable prices.

Its menu ranges from sandwiches to steaks and everything in between, such as sal ads, burgers and a wide assortment of meat selections. There are many sides available and a number of desserts to choose from to round out the dining experience.

If you’re looking for a high-end dining experience with a casual feel, Charleston’s is a great fit. The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday.

choice

Rusty’s Custard

Factory

Rusty’s Custard Factory has several menu items inspired by its regular customers, like the Cherry Bomb.

KATIE HALLUM katiehallum@ou.edu

When it comes to Saturday night hang outs with sweet treats involved, Rusty’s Custard Factory in Norman is a long time favorite.

The custard store opened in 2001 and was named after its owner, Russell “Rusty” Rasmussen. It is a well-known gem in Norman and has been featured on Travel OK, the state’s offi cial tourism website.

Located in the heart of Main Street, the custard store has in door and outdoor seating and a customizable menu featuring specialty items like floats, shakes, concretes, malts and sun daes. With flavors such as banana and chocolate and various toppings, “you can get something new everyday,” Rasmussen said.

According to Rasmussen, “variety is part of his store’s charm.”

“We pride ourselves on our customer service, product quality and keeping clean stores,” Rasmussen said. “I think that has allowed us to be open for the amount of time that we have. … We haven’t changed.”

Rasmussen attributes the store’s success to its loyal customers.

“It’s the people who drive our business. We’ve transcend ed two generations now,” Rasmussen said. “Our customers who were dating in college and came down here for date nights. Now their kids are eating here. Norman has some great long-standing legacy businesses, and I’m glad we’re part of

that.”

Rasmussen said loyal customers also inspired some of the establishment’s menu items. The Cherry Bomb, a vanilla con crete with cherry and Heath Bar, is one of many special orders that have become a part of Rusty’s regular offerings.

“We had a customer come in who wanted cherry and Heath Bars in his concrete, so we tried it and thought it was good,” Rasmussen said. “Later, we had another customer come in and asked if he wanted to try it, and he agreed. When we asked what the thought of it, he said, ‘It’s the bomb,’ and the name was made.”

Rasmussen recommends their bestseller, the Union Boss, which is a chocolate concrete mixed with Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, peanut butter and hot fudge.

“I’m a peanut butter guy,” Rasmussen said. I love peanut butter. It’s all over the menu. We have Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Reese’s Pieces, Butterfinger, Nutter Butters and even liquid peanut butter. It just does really well. I don’t think you can miss with it.”

Another popular mix and current second bestseller, he said, is the Love Machine, which is a vanilla concrete with chocolate flakes and strawberries.

“There’s just something for everybody,” Rasmussen said. “It’s a place where you can come after the game or a date night and just sit and enjoy. That’s what makes this place: our customers.”

Rusty’s is open from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and extends its hours to 10:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Apple Tree Chocolate La Baguette Cafe & Bakery

Apple Tree Chocolate is a perfect place to satisfy a sweet tooth. Originally located on Campus Corner, the chocolate shop has recently relocated to Main Street, where it oper ates from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and from 12-8 p.m. on Sunday.

Apple Tree Chocolate’s menu includes gelato, fudge, truffles, caramel apples, pretzels, al mond bark, chocolate strawberries and various other candies. The store also offers gifts and goodie bags with mugs and handmade cotton candy for customers to share.

Baguette La Bear

Dessert options Cafe & Bakery

La Baguette Cafe and Bakery, located on West Main Street, has been satisfying sweet and savory cravings since 1984.

The store features indoor seating where customers can enjoy a wide variety of items, such as quick breakfast bites, pies, dessert bars, tarts, cupcakes, choux pastries and cookies. La Baguette also offers cakes such as their Vanilla Bliss and German Chocolate cakes.

If customers are preparing for personal events, La Baguette offers specialty cakes for birthdays, weddings and graduations.

La Baguette is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.

Readers’ choice Donuts Hurts

RAY BAHNER/OU DAILY

Entertainment options

The Deli

REGHAN KYLE/OU DAILY

The Deli hosts a weekly karaoke night every Tuesday.

HeyDay

EMMA BLAKLEY emma.l.blakley-1@ou.edu

Campus Corner’s resident dive bar, a hole-in-the-wall establishment with timeless energy and a long history, The Deli has been a staple for generations of OU students.

Inside the bar, the lights are dim and the floors are brick with the rough feel of cobblestone. A couple steps up is an L-shaped wooden bar stacked high with glasses and translu cent red plastic cups. Faded handwritten signs display drink specials and shelves of beer above the bar display bottle prices. Bartenders keep track of patrons’ drinks using a tally system rather than a computer system, like other bars in town.

In The Deli’s bathrooms, the walls are covered in stick ers and drawings, and the mirror has faded chalk-marker sketches. The bar has countless regulars, and on any given night a group can be found just outside the door chatting

and passing around a cigarette.

Despite being one of the smallest bars on Campus Corner, The Deli is also one of the liveliest. Every Tuesday is kara oke night with the beloved emcee “Karaoke Cate.” College students line up outside the door and eagerly sign up to sing their favorites. The stage is a mere foot higher than the rest of the bar floor, allowing the brave karaoke-goers to be seen above the crowd while maintaining the intimacy of the experience.

In 2019, The Deli celebrated 40 years of live music. The bar hosts a constant stream of artists who play a wide range of music styles. Rookies and veterans alike play their songs every night of the week. On Wednesdays, The Deli hosts an “Open Mic Night” for a variety of artists to have an oppor tunity to casually perform. The Deli is Norman’s most con sistent venue for live music. Every day of the week, an artist plays for an eager crowd.

The Deli is open every day from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Sooner Bowling Center

HeyDay calls itself Norman’s “indoor playground.” The entertainment center has loca tions in Norman, the Bricktown district in Oklahoma City and Denison, Texas.

HeyDay features bowling, mini golf, laser tag, a rope climbing course and an arcade. It also has dining, a patio and bars. The bowling alley contains 24 lanes and a flat-screen TV. It also features lane-side wait service for appetizers and drinks.

The Revolution Lounge at HeyDay is a 21-and-up area. It is home to eight bowling lanes, a pool table and shuffleboard. The space also features a fireplace and several HD TVs. The Revolution has a full bar with a wide variety of specialty cocktails, wine and beer.

HeyDay is also home to Norman’s only laser tag center. The laser tag area is 7,000 square feet, two stories high and features 13 laser tag game options. HeyDay also has a rope course with bridges, balance beams, planks and more.

The entertainment center also houses an arcade with over 50 games and a mini golf course.

HeyDay is open from 3-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

HeyDay offers a wide range of specials throughout the week. On Sundays, bowling is half priced in the Revolution Lounge. Monday through Friday, happy hour is from 3-7 p.m. and on “Triple B Tuesdays,” guests can purchase one game of bowling, a burger and a beer, or soft drink, for $9.99. On Wednesdays, kids eat free, on Thursdays HeyDay hosts trivia night from 7-9 p.m. and on Fridays from 8-11 p.m. the center hosts live music.

HeyDay is open 3-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 3 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.

Sooner Bowling Center is Norman’s only traditional bowling alley and a quintessen tial place for friends and family to bowl.

The alley is locally owned by a family of bowlers and has been in the same hands since 1984.

Sooner Bowling has the timeless bowling alley feel that is sure to create core memo ries for kids and give adults a touch of nostalgia. The facility features 24 synthetic lanes and the game monitors uplift the energy with stereotypical bowling alley animations.

The center has something to offer for bowling enthusiasts and tag-alongs alike. The facility’s arcade provides rechargeable game cards for video games. The arcade area also features pool tables, and the whole building has complimentary Wi-Fi.

Sooner Bowling Center aims to create a family-friendly recreational bowling experi ence.

The alley has plenty of food and drink options for all ages in the Spare Time Grill, which offers burgers and wraps along with classic alley food such as fries, mozzarella sticks, fried pickles and more. A bar near the arcade serves mixed drinks and a variety of beers, including deals for pitchers.

Many league bowlers frequent the alley, including United States Bowling Congress leagues. Sooner Bowling is a fantastic venue for parties, small or large. The alley offers varying party package deals and has a capacity of over 400 people.

Sooner Bowling Center is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to midnight and Sunday from 12-11 p.m.

choice

Hobby stores

Wizard’s Asylum Comics and Games

COOPER MARSHALL cooper.r.marshall-1@ou.edu

There may not be real wizards at Wizard’s Asylum Comics and Games, but visitors will feel like one. With board games, trading card games, role-playing games and comics galore, Wizard’s Asylum is a sight to behold.

Visitors are greeted with shelves of board games to the right, role-playing games to the left and comics lining the back walls. In the front, glass cabinets display a vast collection of “Magic: The Gathering” cards.

This store has the latest comics and graphic novels for anyone looking to keep up with their favorite series. It also has a wide variety of board games to buy, from old classics to complex strategy games.

Guestroom Records

Deep rows of records line Guestroom Records.

Unsure whether a game will be fun? The store offers vari ous demo games to try in-store before purchasing.

The back of the store has tables lined up for anyone to play on. There’s usually always someone playing “Magic: The Gathering” or setting up a miniature battlefield for “Warhammer 40,000.”

It hosts “Magic: The Gathering” tournaments on Thursday, Friday and Saturday; “Pokemon Trading Card Game” tourna ments every Thursday night; “Digimon” every Sunday; and “Dragon Ball Super Card Game” every other Wednesday.

On Saturdays, customers can dive into “Dungeons and Dragons” campaigns, which are open to newcomers and any one looking for a new fantasy journey.

Wizard’s Asylum unites lovers of comic books and fantasy games within its walls of community and magic.

Sandalwood & Sage

Guestroom Records started out as two friends selling vinyl records from the back of their truck at concerts in Norman and has since evolved into two record stores and a record label.

This record store offers an array of genres and artists, like Taylor Swift, Pixies and A Tribe Called Quest. Visitors can sell their records, buy new and used ones, or order an album.

The store has a laid-back, com fortable feel, with natural light, music posters and rows of vinyl records to sift through. It also sells cassette tapes and CDs and features a section where visitors can find hidden gems for under $5.

Guestroom Records also hosts Record Store Day every year on the third Saturday of April. On this day, record stores around the world sell exclusive vinyl, like limited-edition reissues. The company also has its own record label, and visitors can purchase exclusive Guestroom vinyl at its Record Store Day event. For all music lovers, this place is the jam.

The world needs a little more love, and that is what Sandalwood & Sage, a spiritual shop with a relaxing atmo sphere, looks to bring to Norman’s Main Street.

The burning incense creates a calm, spiritual experience mixed with sooth ing music for visitors throughout the store.

Sandalwood & Sage offers a variety of traditional and religious items from artwork to herbs. Shiny jewelry and gemstones glisten underneath the glass tables adjacent to the unique apparel, candles and decor.

The store opened 15 years ago on Main Street by Natasha Rice and Debra Clark. They both were owners of local stores Mystic Forest Treasures and Prairie Moons in the 1990s.

It participates in the Norman Art Walk on the second Friday of every month. It offers art work from local artists and hosts live music performances.

It also has weekly guest speakers who discuss topics like spirituality and healing.

As COVID-19 restrictions ease, the owners hope to increase events each month, like wreath-making in the winter.

Readers’ choice

REGHAN KYLE/OU DAILY Wizard’s Asylum doubles as a tabletop game space.

MEGAN O’DONNELL/OU DAILY

REGHAN KYLE/OU DAILY Incense and music fill Sandalwood & Sage.

Exhibit halls

Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art

COOPER MARSHALL cooper.r.marshall-1@ou.edu

OU’s Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art holds intriguing exhibits and artifacts and is dedicated to creating opportunities for the university community.

The Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art is a free, on-campus art museum featuring over 20,000 pieces in its permanent collec tion, as well as several temporary exhibitions displaying new art throughout the year. The exhibits include art from Asian, European, Native American, Canadian, Central and South American, and Mexican cultures.

Exhibitions vary, with contemporary art like SYNESTHESIA, an immersive experience from Factory Obscura, and classic art like the Weitzenhoffer Collection of French Impressionism. The museum is family friendly and

The Depot

has different features for people of all ages.

The museum also hosts several limited events for the com munity, such as “Yoga at the Museum,” “Synesthesia Student Party” and “Coffee with the Collection,” combining education with fun.

The museum partners with Norman Public School stu dents through its “pARTner project” and “ArtEDGE” pro grams. It also holds free art adventure lessons and scavenger hunts for kids, as well as a sixth grade creative writing pro gram.

The Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art is located on Elm Avenue, and it is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and 1-5 p.m. Sunday.

Give the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art a visit to observe beautiful art and connect with the Norman community.

Resonator Institute

The Depot is an exhibit hall ded icated to connecting the Norman community through several different forms of art.

Its art gallery features six exhibits a year in the north room, its main exhibit hall, and bimonthly rotating exhibits in the south room. A boutique sells local art and Depot merchandise.

The Heartland Flyer train stops at The Depot each morning, and wheth er you’re arriving or departing, The Depot offers complimentary coffee.

Its “Summer Breeze Concert Series” runs throughout the year with musi cians like “The Contraband” and “New Tribe” performing in Lions and Andrews parks from May through September.

The “Depot Concerts,” hosted from October through March, are held in a listening room, showcasing singers and songwriters. These concerts are an intimate way to expe rience music up close. These shows are open to anyone, including OU students. Tickets can be purchased through The Depot’s website or Facebook page.

The hall offers workshops and seminars on topics like writing, drawing and painting.

The Depot is open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.

Resonator Institute is an art center with a mission to help artists, musicians and any other creatives grow.

The institute has an art gallery, with constantly changing exhibits from various artists, live music, a community workshop and a free public workspace. It also hosts 2nd Friday Norman Art Walk displays.

It offers several classes, including ones for kids, classes on experimental printmaking, drawing classes and a workshop on car maintenance and repairs, for a low price.

The institute hosts events, like solo art exhibits, poetry workshops and youth art shows. On the last Sunday of each month, it hosts “Sunday Scaries: a Celebration of Cult Cinema,” showing a classic film to the pub lic for free.

Concerts are also common at the insti tute. Several local artists perform, with genres like hip-hop, pop, electronic dance music, indie and punk rock.

Resonator Institute is located on Main Street. Its hours of operation vary based on what events are being held. The workshop is open 7-10 p.m. Wednesday and 1-5 p.m. Saturday.

Readers’ choice

Museum of Sam Noble Museum Fred Jones Jr. Contemporary MAINSITE Natural History of Art Art

SIERRA SIZEMORE/OU DAILY The Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art is free for all visitors.

RAY BAHNER/OU DAILY The Depot hosts art exhibits and concert series.

TREY YOUNG/OU DAILY King Pink performing at Norman Music Festival.

Lake Thunderbird

KATIE HALLUM katiehallum@ou.edu

Lake Thunderbird State Park is Norman’s closest body of water available for recreational use. Located on State Highway 9, the body of water covers almost 1,874 acres of land and features numerous activities.

The park includes two marinas, Calypso Cove Marina and Little River Marina, nine boat ramps and two swim beaches. Calypso Cove is Lake Thunderbird’s full-service marina and offers boat, canoe and pontoon rentals along with live bait and food. Wet and dry storage are also available along with a place to fuel boats. Little River does not offer rentals or fuel.

Lake Thunderbird is also home to numerous camping and picnic areas. These areas have playgrounds, RV sites and primitive campgrounds. Little Axe, located on the east side of the lake, has an entry fee of $5 per car, and other camp grounds are free. It also features family and picnic shelters

Griffin Park

that can be rented for the day. Other campsites operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Lake Thunderbird features over 18 miles of hiking, biking and nature trails, making it a prime area for nature lovers. There are also four miles of equestrian trails with obstacles, and a scenic trot alongside the lake is available. Equestrian trails are located in the Clear Bay area, and while they are free to access, donations are accepted.

The Discovery Cove Nature Center is also located in the Clear Bay area and features snakes, tarantulas, scorpions and artifacts. Different programs, like animal tracking, cooking classes and fishing excursions, are held there throughout the year.

On the north side of the lake is the Lake Thunderbird Archery Range, which is free to use, as long as archers bring their own equipment and target.

The lake is open to the public for camping all day, year round.

Griffin Park, located on East Robinson Street, is a favorite among locals looking for a variety of activities.

The park features a playground with swings, slides and climbing walls. Picnic tables with shelter and a pavilion are also available. Parkgoers can also enjoy hiking and jogging trails that stretch around the wooded area of the park.

The park features over six soccer fields, 14 baseball and softball fields, four football fields, restrooms and concession facilities. A disc golf course also runs through the park.

Those interested in fishing can enjoy Griffin Park’s small lake, which contains bass, catfish and bluegills.

Visitors can also bring pets to play in the small dog park. This space is fenced off from the rest of the park and has divided spots for large, small and geriatric dogs. Pets can cool off with the park’s automatic fresh water fountains, and owners can take advantage of complimentary dog bags.

There are plans to renovate the park’s sports fields and add 14 new soccer fields, restroom facilities and parking.

Public restrooms are available in the area from April to October, and some parts of the area are accessible for individuals with disabilities.

Parks Park ReavesThunderbird Lake

Reaves Park

Reaves Park, located near campus and not far from Madison Elementary on Jenkins Avenue, is a favorite among students and families in the area.

The park features a children’s playground with swings, slides and climbing walls. The park boasts picnic tables, backstops, a walking and jogging course, sand volleyball, a bas ketball court and a gazebo. The area also includes large athletic fields where softball and soccer teams can play throughout the season.

Reaves Park hosts numerous events open to the general public throughout the year, including Norman’s Medieval Festival, a Fourth of July celebration, Brewtoberfest and tailgating on game days.

A highlight of the park is the Veteran’s Memorial, dedicated on Nov. 11, 2008. The memorial, located on the southwest corner of the park, features a star inlaid on the ground with a bronze eagle statue in the center. It is dedicated to people from Cleveland County who served in the armed forces. Names listed on the memorial are updated fre quently.

Some areas of the park are under construction as the city advances its Norman Forward projects. Plans are in place to build four additional athletic fields, renovate 10 existing fields and add parking and drive spaces.

Public restrooms are available in the area from April to October, and some parts of the area are accessible for individuals with disabilities.

Readers’ choice Park Andrews

MEGAN O’DONNELL/OU DAILY Lake Thunderbird offers campsites, hiking trails and more.

OU Daily’s Menu

Patio Dining —

e Meating Place

Meat Dinner — One meat

$12.50 / Two $16 / ree $18.50

Smoked Chicken Quesadillas — $11.50 e Outlaw — $12

Yellow Dog Cafe —

Rob’s Way — $4 Chai Tea Latte — $4 Scones — $3.25

International —

Breakfast —

Juan Del Fuego

Papas con chorizo — $8.99

Relleno omelet — $9.99 Huevos rancheros — $8.25

American Food —

O’Connell’s Irish

High end —

Benvenuti’s

Mussels — $18

Wild Boar Gnocchi — $21 Veal Parmigiano — $38

Fusion Cafe: Wing It

Wings — Six piece $6.50 / 12 piece $10

Rice Bowl — Chicken, Pork or Tofu $8.95 / Beef $10.95

Hotpot — $9.95

Ranchhand Burger — $9.95

Chicken Wings — 5 piece $10.45 / 10 piece $14.25

Pulled Pork Tacos — $9.95

Pizza —

New York

Pub & Grille Pizza & Pasta

Grandma Pizza — $24.99

Penne Falcone — $12.99

Garlic Knots — $4.99

Dessert —

Rusty’s Custard Factory

Union Boss — Kiddie $6.30 / Regu lar $6.84 / Large $7.38

Cherry Bomb — Kiddie $5.48 / Regular $6.02 / Large $6.57

Love Machine — Kiddie $5.48 / Regular $6.02 /Large $6.57

Campus Corner staple’s last call on Lindsey Street

After 42 years of business, O’Connell’s closed its original location on Lindsey Street in January 2011 to make way for new athletic residence halls.

The bar commemorated its closing through a “Last Call on Lindsey” celebration. It also auctioned off more than 150 items, including tables, booths and “hotly contested” memorabilia like a mounted elk head that sold for $625. After the auction, Jeff Stewart, the owner, handed over the keys to the university at a Sooners men’s basketball game.

Stewart said while the restaurant’s Campus Corner location is flled with more college students, the orig inal location had frequent regulars come through. He said he’ll miss them the most.

The Daily reported that construction would begin soon after the establishment closed. By March, Stewart and some of his employees were back for the demolition of O’Connell’s.

They paid their respects by throwing empty beers into the rubble after the building fell.

The site would eventually become Headington Hall, but O’Connell’s and its traditions live on in its Campus Corner location.

tablets,

how

villain

what’s

Invalidate

2022 Tony nominee Ruth

“___ be surprised”

Cookie with a pumpkin spice flavor

Rumble in the jungle?

for “Jumbo”

artisans’ marketplace

the

38- or

Green or red leaves?

Opposite of “yup”

“Jurassic Park” dino

Athlete’s serious expression

Louvre Pyramid architect I.M.

or grumpy states

five-letter month

assignment

Jordan’s “Rose City”

eyes wide open?

hearty

Barbie’s beau

Haven

that’s the state animal of Utah

Bay spanned by Florida’s Sunshine Skyway

Rebecca’s husband

Rachel Maddow’s network

Oct. 14, 16, 20, 21, 22, 23: Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 Elsie C. Brackett Theatre.

Oct. 22: Christmas Market Wells Christmas Tree Farm.

Oct. 23: The Matchsellers Concert

The Depot.

Oct. 24: Stephanie Leon Sames and Borivoj Martinic-Jercic recital Pitman Recital Hall.

Oct. 25: Rainbow ‘Neath the Western Sky Meacham Auditorium.

Oct. 27: Tunnels of Terror Engineering Quad.

Oct. 28: Downtown Norman Fall Fest Main Street.

Oct. 28: Rocky Horror Deli Show

The Deli.

Oct. 29: National Weather Festival National Weather Center.

Oct. 29: Boo! Treats on Main Main Street.

Oct. 29: Zombie Run Ruby Grant Park.

Oct. 29: Archaeology Day Sam Noble Museum.

Nov. 3: Sutton Concert Series: Symphony Orchestra Sharp Concert Hall.

Nov. 4, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13: Radium Girls Weitzenhoffer Theatre.

Nov. 5: Day of the Dead Street Festival South Oval.

Ends Nov. 5: Mitsuno Reedy’s “Now and Then” exhibit The Depot.

Ends Nov. 5: John Wolfe “Series” exhibit The Depot.

Ends Nov. 11: Taekyeom Lee art exhibit Lightwell Gallery.

Nov. 12: Christmas Vacation Under the Stars! Wells Christmas Tree Farm.

Nov. 12: Turkey Day 5K Norman High School.

Covered California statute, briefly

(I’m shivering)

National park in Alberta

Name that rhymes with “Gabby”

“I’ve got these drinks”

Good name for a thief

Fly solo

Explosive letters

Aah’s partner

“This. always. happens.”

Starter dish, for short

TV brand

So far

Vegas’ airport code

Thus

Had a beer, say

Hockey puck, e.g.

“Golly!”

Peanut product

“Insecure” co-creator Issa