O'Connell's Off Topic

Sounds like you haven't been to OK before, the below links may be helpful:

SaltGrass is my fav

I'm not a big Victoria's fan, but dated a few girls who were. I never thought it was very good, but to each his own and it's been 15 years, or more, since I've been there.

The places I would go if traveling to Norman for the first time:

Vans Pig Stand -- Todd Blackledge did a special on Van's during the 2008 Nebraska game
Mont -- great place on campus corner
Louie's -- Stoops restaurant on campus corner
The Gas Station -- great restaurant again on campus corner
The Diner for breakfast.
The Library for some cerveza's and a great setting.

Definitely Vans.
I would not eat at The Mont, but a cocktail on the patio is a must.
I think one of the posters above said the gas station and meant the service station - another great spot.
If I were going to Louie's I would go to the westside location, not campus corner.
On Campus Corner definitely oconnels.
One of my favorites is pizza and sangria outside at Othellos.
Another breakfast spot is Ozzies.
In addition to dinner Legends has a great Sunday brunch.
Patsys is good too.
And for something nice and off the beaten path try Whispering Pines.
And a red velvet cupcake from crimson and creamery on campus corner.

Wow, I love living and eating in Norman.

Of the places listed in the 2 top 10 list here is what I's suggest.

Repulic Gastro - If you like good beer this is a great place that offers lots of variety. The food is good and not extremely expensive

Red Prime - have never been but I have never heard a negative word about their food quality

Iron Star BBQ - This place has some of the best food in OKC.

Cattlemans Steakouse - A classic for steakhouses in OKC. It's in OKC Stockyards which has some unique shopping. The steaks a good and and everyone should try some lamb fries.

Nic's Grill - If you want the best burger in town and have some extra time a lunch (there will be a wait) this is the place to go.

Places that I have never been but have heard great things about: Classen Grill, Coach House, Mickey Mantles, Boulevard, Deep Fork

My husband is a big Van's fan, last time we went it wasn't as good, hopefully it was just an off day. You are so right about Norman food, I miss living there and the cheaper restaurant prices!

It's not the hood. Not great but my wife drives by there all the time going to and from work. She sees a hooker from time to time but nobody is going to get shot there at lunch.

We'd love to have you - www.phdeli,com

You can't come to my house...my wife's out odf the country and I can't/won't cook.

Where did you eat while in town?

Rib Crib is rreally good. And O'Connell's has great burgers and fries.

I lived in Ardmore for 28 years and Budros is by far the worst bbq I've ever had. The ribs are made of rubber and they should be slapped for serving that terrible bbq sauce, if that's what you want to call it.

You can get a decent burger or chicken fry though. But it's pretty much all about atmosphere and drinks.

Then there's the Blue Pig in Ardmore. Just a step up from Budros, but the owner is a convicted sex offender (children). Once I saw the guy's sex offender mugshot and report, I never went back.