Editor's note: This story is featured in OU Daily's Best of Norman Guide, which will be available in print beginning Sept. 30. Racks can be found around Norman and campus. Check out the other featured stories at the bottom of this article.
Dear readers,
Living in Oklahoma City my whole life, I saw Norman as nothing more than a football-centric college town. When I came to OU as a student, I quickly realized it’s much more than that.
Norman is a hub for the arts, a community that welcomes you and a city that is constantly evolving. From local artists and bands to family-owned restaurants and businesses, there’s so much here that isn’t obvious at first glance. Best of Norman celebrates the people and places that make this city what it is.
Every year, Best of Norman highlights the businesses and people that make up the heart of our community. This year we wanted to take it a step further. Instead of focusing solely on Norman businesses, we decided to shine a light on districts in both Norman and Oklahoma City.
Early this summer, our team talked about how we could make this year’s Best of Norman stand out. We realized that by focusing only on individual businesses, we had started to limit ourselves. Some categories have longtime favorites that win year after year, and while they deserve that recognition, it makes it harder to tell new stories.
Shifting our focus to districts opens the door to more possibilities. It lets us highlight the neighborhoods where businesses thrive while keeping the poll for readers’ favorite spots. It also gives us the chance to show the bigger picture: the culture, creativity and community that make both Norman and Oklahoma City worth exploring. We see this as a way to keep Best of Norman fresh and meaningful for years to come.
This edition features 11 districts including Downtown Norman, Campus Corner, East Norman, West Norman, Route 66, Asian District, Plaza District, Paseo Arts District, Automobile Alley, downtown Oklahoma City and Bricktown. Each brings something different, whether that be a heavy arts scene or important Oklahoma history, and together they show how these cities continue to grow and connect.
Our 2025 Best of Norman consists of 30 categories, highlighting the aspects that make Norman unique. Within each category, three businesses or venues were selected for the community to vote on. Many of these places I’ve come to know personally through my work at the Daily, recommendations from friends and simply by living here. That connection is something everyone in Norman can relate to, which makes celebrating it even more meaningful.
Putting this issue together has reminded me of how much Norman has shaped my own college experience. The people I’ve met, the places I’ve come to love and the communities I’ve gotten to know have all shown me that Norman is more than a college town; it’s a place where creativity and connection thrive.
I’m grateful for everyone who voted, contributed and shared their passions with us, and I hope this issue serves as both a guide and a celebration of the community we’re proud to be part of. Whether you’ve lived here your whole life or just arrived, I hope this year’s Best of Norman inspires you to explore everything our city has to offer.
Here’s to rediscovering the Best of Norman,
Madisson Cameron
Check out the PDF print version of this publication:
