Divine Swine
7801 N. May Ave. 843-3400
A really good neighborhood restaurant is hard to find. Thankfully, Divine Swine has you covered. Best of all are its candied bacon sticky buns that virtually sparkle. The kitchen turns out a breaded pork tenderloin sandwich served with red cabbage and coleslaw on a homemade hamburger bun. Desserts include a panna cotta (Italian cooked cream) done with blood oranges.
$$ Eclectic pork items
Zapata’s Mexican Grill
1012 S. Meridian 917-9227
Start with one of its nine flavored margaritas. On the food side, most people come for house specialties, and you won’t be sorry if you try its tortilla soup, fresh seafood, the chiles rellenos or the chimichangas dinner. Flan, fried ice cream and four flavors of cheesecake round out a tasty meal.
$$ Mexican
Tim’s Drive Inn
5037 N. Macarthur 789-5410
The place, around for more than six decades, draws customers for the Indian tacos, foot-long hot dogs, burritos and chili-cheese hot dogs. The food isn’t remarkable or rule-breaking, but it reliably hits the spot. On Saturdays, fill up the car with hungry people and get over to Tim’s because hot dogs are only 99 cents.
$$ Hot dogs and more
Red Horse Grill
2205 W. Main Street, Norman 360-3287
It’s not rocket science, but this stop serves up the traditional and oh-so-tasty burger and fries, homemade since 1994. Enjoy the Teriyaki-style chicken breast or one of the classics: chicken strips and chili-cheese dogs. Finish with its reputable custard. Fridays are busiest, as it is an all-day fish fry. Try the house-made coleslaw, prepared with refreshing pineapple chunks.
$$ American
Thai Sayarm Restaurant
4426 S.E. 44th, Del City 672-4904
This Thai chef pays fitting tribute to her homeland by turning out great Thai egg omelets, stir-fried noodles with meat and broccoli and a nice variation of pad Thai, as well as Thai fried rice. Be sure to call before you make the drive, as they tend to keep odd hours.
$$ Thai
China Wonder
2627 S. Classen Blvd., Norman 579-3339
Get traditional Asian menu items that include sesame chicken, General Tso’s chicken, sweet-and-sour chicken and beef with garlic sauce. The Mongolian beef is a little spicy, but a must-try when you visit. With a $4.50 lunch special, it’s hard to resist. Have a doughnut for dessert.
$$ Asian
Sno Boba Tea Cafe
861 S.W. 119th 692-2231
This bustling Vietnamese deli offers traditional fare, such as fresh spring rolls, as well as Vietnamese-inspired deli sandwiches. Don’t leave without trying the lavender milk tea and Red Bull smoothies, as well as drinks boasting fresh avocados and other delicious, in-season fruits.
$$ Asian
Photos by Mark Hancock and Shannon Cornman
$$: up to $15 $$$: $15-$30 $$$$: above $30
