Some thoughts/questions about Norman (OKC) (Oklahoma City, Tulsa: appointed, how much, home) - City-Data Forum

Zachj7 · 09-30-2010, 12:42 PM

Hi,

I transfered into OU from UO (University of Oregon) originally from California and I have a few things I want to say and questions. I am really enjoying my time here but its a lot different than back home and I wonder if there are any ways to fill those voids of reminiscence.

First of all, is there really no good grocery stores? Every time I pass a new grocery store my hopes get up as I drop on in and its just more of the same. I was so used to trader joes and whole foods. Is there anything remotely similar to those grocery stores? Somebody mentioned a place called forward foods, and I wasn't too impressed.

Also what is up with the lack of sidewalks? Is it just me?

If I wanted to take my mother somewhere nice in the Oklahoma City area for restaurants what would you recommend? Anything goes. What is your favorite place?

I am happy here and the people here are really nice. The campus is beautiful and well kept up. I am still trying to get over the miles and miles of strip malls. What would be a good place to take my mother for the day around the area? We were thinking of driving up to Tulsa (partially to fulfill my whole foods craving) to see what else is in Oklahoma.

appreciate any input for this newbie,

Thanks

okie1962 · 10-01-2010, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zachj7

Hi,

We were thinking of driving up to Tulsa (partially to fulfill my whole foods craving) to see what else is in Oklahoma.

appreciate any input for this newbie,

Thanks

I think you will enjoy visiting Tulsa.

Bass&Catfish2008 · 10-01-2010, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zachj7

Hi,

I transfered into OU from UO (University of Oregon) originally from California and I have a few things I want to say and questions. I am really enjoying my time here but its a lot different than back home and I wonder if there are any ways to fill those voids of reminiscence.

First of all, is there really no good grocery stores? Every time I pass a new grocery store my hopes get up as I drop on in and its just more of the same. I was so used to trader joes and whole foods. Is there anything remotely similar to those grocery stores? Somebody mentioned a place called forward foods, and I wasn't too impressed.

Also what is up with the lack of sidewalks? Is it just me?

If I wanted to take my mother somewhere nice in the Oklahoma City area for restaurants what would you recommend? Anything goes. What is your favorite place?

I am happy here and the people here are really nice. The campus is beautiful and well kept up. I am still trying to get over the miles and miles of strip malls. What would be a good place to take my mother for the day around the area? We were thinking of driving up to Tulsa (partially to fulfill my whole foods craving) to see what else is in Oklahoma.

appreciate any input for this newbie,

Thanks

Earl's Rib Palace in Bricktown (next to the theater/Bass Pro Shop) is some of the best BBQ you can put in your mouth.

Enjoy.

kandydpierce · 10-02-2010, 03:43 AM

i live on the west side of Norman and it seems there are a lot of sidewalks on that side. several good restaurants on the west side by the highway also, including santa fe, jason's deli, johnnie carinos. I'm not familiar with tulsa but i've heard good things.

flintysooner · 10-02-2010, 04:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zachj7

First of all, is there really no good grocery stores?

Probably the best new grocery store I've been in for this area is the Crest #7 at SW 104th and May Avenue in Oklahoma City. There are a few too many people for me but it is undeniably an excellent store for this area.

A new Whole Foods is under construction near NW 63rd and Classen in Oklahoma City.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zachj7

Also what is up with the lack of sidewalks? Is it just me?

No, it isn't just you. There was a long period when sidewalks were not required in developments.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zachj7

If I wanted to take my mother somewhere nice in the Oklahoma City area for restaurants what would you recommend? Anything goes. What is your favorite place?

There are so many great places to eat. Guess it kind of depends upon what you want and how much you want to spend. Red Prime Steak downtown is great. So is Mahogany, Boulevard in Edmond, and Ranch. Royal Bavaria for German in Moore. So many good places.

I'd suggest taking a look at eataroundokc.com or use Open Table.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zachj7

What would be a good place to take my mother for the day around the area?

There are so many great places for day trips. You could stay in OKC for that matter and need well more than a day. I always enjoy driving up to Ponca City to visit the Marland Mansion and stop by Pawnee Bill's. Or down to Lawton. Or see the Price Tower in Bartlesville. Talimena Drive and stay at Queen Wilhelmina in Arkansas if you have time. Take a look at Travel OK.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zachj7

We were thinking of driving up to Tulsa (partially to fulfill my whole foods craving) to see what else is in Oklahoma.

Can't go wrong in Tulsa. You could spend a week and not be disappointed.

#1soonerfan · 10-02-2010, 10:07 PM

Sadly this area does lack decent grocery stores. Even Tulsa puts our grocery stores to shame

! I don't know how true this is, but the story is this area was (or is) the official test market for Wal Mart, and they made a concerted effort to push out their competition over the last decade, the result is what you see today. Your best bet is small little specialty stores. Try Native Roots in Norman or Crescent Market in OKC.

Local, Natural and Organic Food of Norman, OK -::- Native Roots

The Crescent Market - Good Things to Eat

I would second the Crest on the southside. There's a plethora of small farmer's markets around here, although I would imagine as we move in the fall season many may be wrapping up. My favorite would be Urban Agrarian Food Market at NW 23rd and Hudson in OKC, if you want to make the drive. Here's a youtube video of their operation.

YouTube - Urban Agrarian Local Food Market Oklahoma City

As far as new restaurants, OKC has way more to offer. I guess if your in the mood for "Oklahoma-centric" food with an upscale twist, I would recommend one of the Goof Egg Group restaurants. Here's 3 of my favorites:

RED Prime Steak Downtown Oklahoma City Gourmet Restaurant Dining Near Bricktown Fine Wines Steakhouse

Iron Starr Urban Barbeque

Cheever's Cafe - Contemporary Comfort Food | Cheever's Cafe - Contemporary Comfort Food | Oklahoma City

Anyway, I hope this helps. Good luck and welcome to Oklahoma!

ou_norman · 10-03-2010, 06:11 PM

Everyone has answered pretty well! Just be patient for Whole Foods opening soon on Classen.

I always enjoy the idea that as a young person in Oklahoma City and Norman we can participate in the economic, cultural, and urban revivals of this area. While you were used to a lot of great things in California and Oregon, we have a lot of great things in Oklahoma too, and we can take part in riding the current wave of improvements sweeping this metropolitan area. Swellings of art, music, fashion, population shifts from other regions, innovative urban policies, and local pride are fueling an economic revolution that will make Oklahoma an astonishingly better place every day for a long time to come. So even though we may not have everything now, consider yourself a pioneer and contribute to our community's renaissance.

Take your mom around Norman, show her our beautiful campus and museums, stop by Big Truck Tacos in OKC for lunch and visit the state capitol or museums in OKC. Tulsa is nice if you're looking for a longer day trip, some good museums like the Philbrook and some interesting urban neighborhoods similar to the ones that have been popping up all over OKC.

Zachj7 · 10-04-2010, 11:52 AM

Thank you for the valuable information everyone. I really appreciate it.

I must say of the restaurants I have been to, my favorites so far are Legends and padthai both in Norman. I know my mom would love to have some really good BBQ, so thank you all for the suggestions. I am a German food lover, and I have heard good things about Royal Bavaria. I keep meaning to check it out.

Also thanks for the grocery store suggestions. I am looking forward to the completion of the Whole Foods, or back where I am from, Whole Paycheck. Hopefully a trader joes can come on in after seeing (hopefully) Whole Food's success.

We do plan on going up to Tulsa for the day. Anybody know of any good restaurants up there? Or maybe I should post that in the Tulsa forum.

Oklahoma is a lot different than the west coast, but I am very much enjoying the differences. OU is a beautiful campus and the meteorology program is top notch.
Thanks again

jdcf · 10-08-2010, 02:13 PM

yes, by all means visit tulsa. we go a lot.

one of our favorite areas in tulsa is utica square which is an outdoor shopping area in the midtown section. it is a great place to walk and has several restaurants - flemings, pf chang, polo grill, pepper's etc. it is also near woodward park, rose garden, philbrook, etc.

near there are lot of great places in brookside area which is along peoria st from 21st to 41st. the whole foods is just east of peoria on 41st st.

in brookside there are many great restaurants and clubs.

have fun.

sailorwife · 10-15-2010, 12:14 AM

Dude we moved here 2yrs ago and we still can't find any good food. BBQ is about as good as it gets and the Cha Time Noodle place in Norman has excellent Thai. Other than that ehh not much. Steaks out here are a joke and mexican food is really bad. Very bland. Grocery stores too are much to be desired. Im the same as u Im used to Whole Foods , Trader Joes and Central Market. Good luck finding anything close to that. I was happy with my Tom Thumb and Kroger now Im stuck going to Homeland which had the nerve to tell me that they never heard of a whole wheat english muffin??? Anyways hope you find something that works for you. Target is as close as your going to get to a good grocery store out here.