“this has got to be one of the nicest diners in norman,” I say, leaning against a teal wall, mug in hand.
With over 30,000 students, Norman is definitely a college town. Late-night caffeine runs and morning espresso shots are popular (if not somewhat mandatory during finals week).
Reading: Norman coffee shops
Norman takes the coffee business very seriously. in most college towns, local coffee is a hard sell, especially when there are four starbucks on campus (#texascollegememories).
but in norman, the coffee shops (quirky, hipster and instagrammable) know how to play the hot drinks game.
today, we’ll be drinking coffee until we’re addicted to sugar, overcaffeinated, and jittery (in true college style).
Welcome to the best coffee shops in Norman, Oklahoma.
second wind cafeteria
Second Wind ranks first as one of Norman’s most unique coffee shops. A volunteer-run, non-profit ministry on the corner of campus, Second Wind’s menu items are paid by donation.
the coffee here does not have a fixed price. you choose how much you pay.
and every Tuesday night, second wind transforms from a quiet, homey hub to a bustling, cozy Bible study.
the sweetness of this community place goes far beyond the coffee.
little by little we fell in love with the second wind mission. everyone, regardless of income level, should have access to a simple cup of coffee.
and the second wind is just for that: simplicity with a lot of love.
direction of the second wind: 564 buchanan ave, norman, ok 73069, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. m. to 10:00 p.m. m.
crimson & whipped cream
tucked away on the corner of campus is a upscale pastry shop and cafeteria.
if you’re on your way to oklahoma city, treat yourself to crimson & whipped cream. Have a cake and house French press. stretch your legs. Sip to your heart’s content. get a free refill (available for French press only).
crimson & whipped cream: 331 white st, norman, ok 73069, 7 am – 10 pm
chocolate apple
I’ve always been a hot chocolate snob.
so when we pass by apple tree chocolate, i’m beckoned by the rich and sweet smell, the full Christmas decorations and the hip music.
A white Christmas tree, sparkly garlands, Christmas quotes, and a life-size Will Ferrel (dressed as a friend) make this shop cheesy but cute.
the chocolates here, made from scratch, rich in flavor, subtly sweet and creatively designed, are drool-worthy.
See also: 9 Best Small Coffee Grinders Of 2022
each piece is a work of art.
and you might be looking to start an edible museum collection, wouldn’t that be the best gallery around?
The baristas, dressed in identical T-shirts, have infectious laughter and smiles. they give us our glasses.
I want to love the drink.
But as I take a sip of the hot chocolate, I can’t hide my disappointment. it’s thin, watery, and tastes strangely like a Swiss lady.
lesson learned: order solid chocolates here, not liquids.
tree apple chocolate continues to make it on this list of the best coffee shops in norman. With friendly staff, a variety of delicious truffles, large tables for late-night study sessions, and a fun décor style, the shop is about much more than its drinks menu.
manzano chocolate: 754 asp ave, norman, ok 73069
gray owl brown
grey owl coffee’s open beams, vintage light fixtures, and bike hangings feel like a pop-up cafe straight out of austin.
I probably shouldn’t say that, considering the history between Norman and Austin.
I made my grave, now I think I’ll lie in it.
gray owl is easily one of my favorite coffee shops in norman. there’s an avant-garde vibe wafting through the roughly painted walls.
we ordered and took a seat on the sofa, drinking in the upbeat atmosphere and the slightly rough music.
the barista calls out the order, served in a recyclable glass with latte (he)art.
I’ve been to coffee shops in over twenty states and this was the first time I saw a cute design on hot chocolate.
You see, in a diner, hot chocolate is the kid’s menu item. it’s often thrown to the side with a basic water and powder recipe.
gray owl coffee doesn’t do that. is thick, milky hot chocolate packs a punch.
Gray Owl Cafe: 7205, 223 E Gray St, Norman, OK 73069, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. m. to 10:00 p.m. m.
cold coffee beans
when I think of the phrase cool beans, I think of kelly clarkson’s original american idol audition.
as a result, the phrase always makes me smile (I’ll always be #teamkelly).
A walk-in coffee shop in Norman, Cool Beans has quality coffee in a cute, quaint location. Housed in a tiny concrete building, this coffee stand serves Starbucks-style drinks at more affordable prices.
See also: The Coffee Drinkers Guide To Columbus, Ohio
fresh beans: 1230 alameda st, norman, ok 73071, 6 am – 6 pm
coffee by michelangelo & wine bar
Michelangelo’s coffee & the wine bar dominates the visual statements. with dim yellow lighting, deep wooden desks, and a twist on laid-back clues, this coffee shop is quintessentially hipster.
Beguilingly intimate, Michelangelo’s offers a mix of late-night live music, poetry readings and cozy performances.
Michelangelo’s coffee & Wine Bar: 207 E Main St, Norman, OK 73069, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. m. to 10:00 p.m. m.
syrup.
a local favorite, the syrup (stylized as syrup.) is a cute brunch boutique in downtown norman.
at 10 a.m. m., we enter a room full of people. in a lot of loose lines and airy chatter, we’re ushered to a seat by the door.
on a weekend morning, the syrup is norman’s buzz.
visit for stumptown coffee. order the skinny-mini. or go with a smooth drip.
I’m going to order a spiced hot chocolate from the seasonal menu. with a hint of cinnamon, this drink is light and frothy.
I feel like I’m sucking up clouds.
syrup: 123 e main st, norman, ok 73069, 7 am – 1 pm
new star
an oklahoma chain, stella nova transforms cheery service into a powerful handmade hot drink.
“I’ll buy an apple cider,” I say. we’re at the drive-through. It’s the third time I’ve changed the order.
and the staff is somehow (and surprisingly) still friendly. there’s not a note of irritation or a hint of a frown.
apple cider is sweet and strong, a potent blend that is unabashedly inspired by fall.
stella nova’s crafted drinks do not focus on the subtle.
we put the cider in the cup holder of the car, sipping slowly at stoplights.
the taste of norman, oklahoma lingers in our mouths for the entire ride home.
stella nova: 1415 w main st, norman, ok 73069. 5:30 am – 11 pm
Did you like this post about the best coffee shops in Norman, Oklahoma? let me know in the comments below!
disclosure: some of the cost of the cafe was covered by visit norman, but as always, all thoughts and opinions (and hot drink addiction) are my own.
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