*I’ve partnered with #VisitNorman for this post. All opinions are my own.
Norman Game Day! There’s nothing quite like it! Last weekend I had the pleasure of heading back to Norman, Oklahoma for college football opening weekend. I tell you what, for a place I know pretty well (and I feel like I’ve seen and experienced everything there is to do in Norman), I actually went to different restaurants and did different things than what I normally do in Norman. I was in town for game day and game day weekends in Norman can be pretty busy. From pep rallies and hanging out on Campus Corner, to tailgating – Norman definitely has it all. But if you’re not in the mood for tailgating, I’ve got a list of restaurant you can hit up from breakfast to dinner. None will disappoint you. You’ll actually find yourself planning your next trip so you can cover all of the restaurants you didn’t get to. Here’s where to stay and eat.
Stay
NCED Hotel and Conference Center – I had never stayed here before. I actually didn’t even know it existed; but now that I know it does, I’ll be staying at NCED from now on! Tucked away off Highway 9 a short drive from campus is the Norman Center for Educational Development. This building is actually the Post Office training facility and is also a hotel. All of the rooms have the postal service logo on it – so charming! Not only are the rooms spacious and great amenities (they do movie nights at the pool, y’all!) the breakfast buffet in the mornings is out of this world! I’m mad I was only there for two days ‘cause the breakfast is insane. There are several lines you have access to. There’s the main course line with waffles, pancakes, and French toast. The grill that serves up omelettes, and a line for sausage, bacon, fruit, granola – ALL OF IT. Y’all I’m telling you: stay at NCED just for the breakfast. I don’t even need to convince you with the quiet court yards, fire pit, massive pool – nope! The breakfast is enough of a draw. Here’s a tip though, get down to breakfast early the morning after game day. Everyone is down there, and everyone is hungry, which means long(ish) lines.
Eat
The tailgating scene is huge in Norman with tailgates happening all over campus around the stadium and directly across from Campus Corner. However, if you’re not into tailgating or prefer the restaurant route, I’ve got a list for you.
Neighboorhood Jam – Brunch anyone? This trip was my first time trying new restaurants and I’m so glad I was introduced to Neighborhood Jam. First and foremost, you have to start with biscuits and bacon. Here is where I pretend I’m a Food Network personality. The bacon has this sweet glaze on it that’s to die for. I also had the French toast that has this orange, zesty flavor at first bite and *sigh* it’s heaven. Wash it down with a Brunch Punch and it’s a meal you won’t forget. I promise. Something you need to keep in mind, this spot is popular so do make a reservation or get in line online! Neighborhood Jam is located outside of campus on Main Street near downtown. Norman.
Volare – I love pizza. So much so I have three pizza places for you. One restaurant that I never step foot in Oklahoma without grabbing a pizza from, is my old faithful, Hideaway. But I wanted to try new spots and I must give a warm, bratty welcome to Volare. Y’all. This is a couple steps up from Hideaway. Hideaway is casual and very chill, while Volare can dub as a casual and cozy date night spot, or a happy hour hangout due to its chill and open rooftop bar area. While the vibe and ambiance is great, Volare’s food and booze will make you want everything on the menu. Crack Fries? Yes please! If there’s anything I love more than pizza and chicken tenders, its fries. I have to recommend the margharita pizza with pepperoni; and Volare has these Crack Fries that I pretty much ate by myself as an appetizer – so good! They’ve got garlic, parmesan, crack pepper – and are super crispy…*books flight to go get Crack Fries*. I’m definitely going back for the Diablo fries. Volare is conveniently located on Campus Corner and is surrounded by cute boutiques like Blueberi Lane and O Clothing Company.
Pizza Shuttle – Post game can be crazy and everyone wants that late night snack. One pizza place I have been ordering from since I was a freshman in college is Pizza Shuttle, they deliver late and it’s late night food that people crave. PS: Shuttle delivers to NCED…convenient.
Other Norman favorites include:
O’Connell’s – a staple that defines my college years.
Stay tuned, cause you won’t just be eating in Norman. Don’t worry, I’ve got everything for you to do too!