Seasoned Normanites love their town, and their local food options. But the college town of more than 100,000 offers everything from homegrown concepts to regional and national chains that operate in harmony, although there may not be too much crossover business. If you want baby back ribs from Chili’s, you’re in luck. Looking for a unique homegrown Oklahoma meal from a local restaurant, perhaps even one called Local? You’re also in luck, but you may not see the same faces at both places.

Judy Hatfield, principal at Equity Commercial Realty, has brought both local and national concepts to town as a commercial real estate broker and stakeholder in Campus Corner. But when it comes to her own dining options, she is all about homegrown concepts.

“I am very, very local,” she says. “I’m not a chain person: It’s not my style.”

Hatfield says restaurateurs in Norman never cease to amaze her with their creativity. One of her new favorite spots is Local in Normandy Creek Shopping Center, N.W. 24th Street and Main Street. Farmers come daily bringing their fresh offerings, which help the team determine what will be on the menu for the day.

“I just love it,” Hatfield says. Jonathan Fowler, general manager at Fowler Volkswagen and local food connoisseur, often can be found at mainstays such as The Diner, or grabbing a hamburger at the Garage.

“My wife and I are really into the local movement,” he says.

But it’s more than just good food:

Fowler wants his food dollars to support local businesses. He knows that chain restaurants hire locals, but their profits often leave the state.

“I just don’t really hit any chains,” he says. “It’s important for me to keep my money local.”

Andy Nunez, owner-operator of Opolis and a member of the band Starlight Mints, finds plenty of homegrown options. He likes having variety along with some old favorites.

“I grew up in this town,” he said. “We have your standbys that have been here forever.”

Some of those include the aforementioned The Diner, The Mont and Legends — all legends in their own right to locals who have hit those spots for years.

Nunez and his wife, Marian, also adhere to a vegan diet most of the time. With meat and dairy out of the picture, they cook at home often, but when they venture out, they like to frequent Pepe Delgados on Campus Corner and Indian restaurant Misal Bistro. He says he enjoys living in a town where those who don’t eat barbecue might be the minority, especially on a game day, but where one with special diet concerns can still hit hot spots and find something to eat.

“Pepe’s doesn’t do Mexican like most people are doing Mexican,” he says. “They offer some vegan and healthier Mexican options.”

Hatfield adheres to a vegetarian diet, and often seeks vegan options. For her vegan dollars, Hatfield heads to The Earth. From a humble grocery store on Flood Avenue, it has expanded to Campus Corner.

“They’re full all the time,” she says. “It’s our only vegan restaurant.”

She also likes to stop in for a vegetarian-friendly bite at Native Roots Market or Forward Foods.

Just like Fowler and Hatfield, one place you won’t find the Nunezes is along Interstate 35 at any chain restaurant.

“We don’t eat at the nationals,” he says. But many also don’t want national brands to go away, even if they never stop in themselves.

John Woods, president and CEO of the Norman Chamber of Commerce, knows in his line of work it is best not to list any personal favorites, but he addressed the food divide in Norman, and says there is literally something for everyone.

“An advantage Norman has is we have a really solid mix of the two,” he says. “We have the national and regional chains that are very popular, and local restaurants.”

One recent victory was the first Oklahoma City metro-area location of Austin, Texas-based casual Mexican chain Chuy’s. Norman was also home to the first California-based dining chain BJ’s. Not only does the city collect tax dollars from chains, it draws people off the highway who otherwise might bypass the city south of the metro.

“Chains will often fill with out-oftown visitors and shoppers,” Woods says, “and then the local residents will tend to migrate toward the local restaurants they’re familiar with.”

Favorite restaurant or bar to watch the game:
Chimy’s on Campus Corner
Favorite place for a more formal or romantic dinner:
Legend’s
Favorite casual dining:
The Earth or Victoria’s Pasta Shop on Campus Corner
Favorite place to grab a snack:
Sage’s Wellness Lounge on Campus Corner
Favorite guilty pleasure in Norman:
Benvenuti’s
Favorite place to take out-of-town family or friends:
Interurban
Favorite restaurant/bar to people-watch:
Library Bar & Grill

Favorite restaurant or bar to watch the game:
Pepe Delgados
Favorite place for a more formal or romantic dinner:
Local
Favorite casual dining:
The Diner
Favorite place to grab a snack:
Forward Foods
Favorite guilty pleasure in Norman:
Forward Foods
Favorite place to take out-of-town family or friends:
Local
Favorite restaurant/bar to people-watch:
The Mont

Favorite restaurant or bar to watch the game:
Pepe Delgados
Favorite place for a more formal or romantic dinner:
Misal or Legend’s
Favorite casual dining:
The Garage or The Mont
Favorite place to grab a snack:
Forward Foods
Favorite guilty pleasure in Norman:
Forward Foods
Favorite place to take out-of-town family or friends:
Pepe Delgados
Favorite restaurant/bar to people-watch:
Pepe Delgados