Blackbird Gastropub
575 S. University, Norman 928-5555
One brand-new item that Blackbird recently added to its menu is a “smears” plate. A smear is something that is a little thicker than a dip. This will get you a roasted red pepper and walnut smear, a pimento cheese or its prize, the roasted garlic smoked Gouda and bacon. This is great before or after the game.
$$$ American and English
Royal Bavaria Restaurant & Brewery
3401 S. Sooner Road, Moore 799-7666
Royal Bavaria, a top-notch place with Old World charm, recently expanded its brewery by adding more fermentation tanks. Plus, a new misting system in the beer garden was installed. Here’s the big news: Chef-owner Andy Gmeiner and his best gal, Laura Carter, are going to be married on Saturday. Visit this family-owned restaurant and congratulate the newlyweds!
$$$ German
51st Street Speakeasy
1114 N.W. 51st 463-0470
You are craving a taco salad. Count on the 51st Street Speakeasy to come up with a beaut. Get this: They freshly fry the chips and have house-made chili and salsa topped off with sliced avocado, cheese and sour cream. Check out the scotch selection and watch for the Schwab Meat Co. brats and dogs on game day.
$$ American Bar Food
Poblano Grill
2701 S. Interstate 35 Frontage Road, Moore 759-7371
Spoil yourself just like regulars do when they visit Poblano. Food is cooked with care, and the colorful Mexican fare is delish. Turn up the temperature with specialty salsas, but don’t miss the bestselling carne asada tacos on a bed of lettuce or the chicken dish complete with a dollop of jalapeño cream cheese. Sounds good, eh?
$$ Mexican
Beef & Buns — Mr. Catfish
2741 N.E. 23rd 427-2333
Dive into the chow here on N.E. 23rd Street, especially the rib special or fish. You will feel it’s worth fasting for a day to get your hands on the homemade banana pudding. Customers say those tasty cookies bring back memories.
$$ American
China Olive
2305 W. Lindsey, Norman 364-8886
Don’t miss going to China Olive, with lots of tempting menu items and reasonable prices. Several of the offerings from China Olive in Norman are unexpected, but most delightful. On the list are Singapore chow mai fun, seafood bean curd soup, shrimp toast, fried shrimp and dumplings. It also has fried rice and egg foo yong.
$$ Asian
Red Rooster Bar & Grill
3100 N. Walker 525-7631
It’s comfortable and cozy — and the food is pretty good, too — at Red Rooster, right near the Paseo District. Pleasantly crowded at times, the establishment has been in continuous operation since the late ’30s. Order its Rooster burgers, loaded nachos and come back another day for its diet plate with a grilled burger and cottage cheese.
$$ Bar Food
—Carol Smaglinski, photos by Mark Hancock and Shannon Cornman
$$: up to $15
$$$: $15-$30
$$$$: above $30
