Uncovering Oklahoma showcases many great places and things to do in Oklahoma City with friends, but how date-worthy are the places? Here on this page are suggestions for various fantastic, creative, and local places for amazing, fun, and unique date ideas. Young or old, straight or gay, romantic or fun, first date or long-time married–there are ideas for all kinds of couples and types of dates. This isn’t a laundry list of places – it’s a thoughtful collection of eateries, activities, and options with remarks about what special characteristic makes it a good outing for couples. This guide focuses on local things that people can only do in Norman, with some extraordinary exceptions.
Date ideas are sorted into collections of districts, areas, or themes, making it easier to string together an itinerary. For example, start a date at a coffee shop and then walk across the street to an art gallery. Districts are organized alphabetically, with notes of any special district events, followed by a quick summary of locally owned food and drinks in the area, and then activities.
For more Norman date ideas throughout the year, follow Uncovering Oklahoma on social media like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Be sure to come back here as this list will expand and change over time.
The 2nd Friday Art Walk is a monthly, citywide celebration of art. It’s a collaboration between artists, art organizations, and businesses, brought to you by the Norman Arts Council. Most of the action of the art walk is in Downtown Norman along Main Street.
Pay attention to doors! You’ll walk right past hidden treasures, like Gallery123. On 123 East Main Street in downtown is a doorway leading upstairs to several small art studios.
Whether couples like dance, painting, photography, or music, there will be something for everybody to see, hear, and do during the 2nd Friday of every month in Norman. All events are free and open to the public from 6 pm until at least 9 pm. This is the Number 1 date idea pick for Norman.
As the name implies, Scratch makes their meals and cocktails from, well, scratch. They are “nerds about flavor” and it shows from the quality of this fine American style dining restaurant. Watch this video on Scratch.
123 East Main Street, Norman
Sergio’s serves traditional and fresh Italian food, pizzas, salads, and Italian sandwiches in a place that will feel like you brought your date to someone’s home. There’s also a bar area if you want to simply get drinks before strolling around Downtown Norman. Their tiramisu is some of the best in the city.
104 East Gray Street, Norman
You may want to get up early for this breakfast boutique. The boutique atmosphere of Syrup compliments the food that’s both filling and beautiful. If either of you need a wake-up boost, the coffee is strong and hot.
207 East Main Street, Norman
Having a first date at Michelangelo’s Coffee and Wine Bar has an advantage that you can have a cup of coffee or a glass of wine and either party of the date won’t feel like they have to maybe turn down an alcoholic drink. They have a small menu of light foods as well, but it’s a very casual place. It’s quiet. The music is never too loud, but it’s loud enough just so that the people from the next table can’t hear your conversation.
223 East Gray Street, Norman
For a coffee shop with a Portland vibe, Gray Owl Coffee has a casual living room atmosphere to help you both feel at ease. They are one of the only places with a cold brew coffee that they spend hours brewing.
Downtown Norman is home to some wonderful public art. Take an expedition as an art-filled date anytime. Read this article I wrote about 8 Public Art Displays in Downtown Norman to See in Person. Don’t forget to check out the alleyways between Main Street and Comanche.
215 East Main Street, Norman
Victoria’s Pasta Shop is a popular place for dates and it’s easy to see why: fresh pasta in a comfortable, community restaurant. They are simply delicious.
OU Observatory
Every Wednesday night while the University of Oklahoma (OU) is in session, the Physics and Astronomy department hosts public star parties on the roof of their observatory. The star parties have several telescopes with each one set up to view a binary star, nebula, planet, or star cluster. While the staff of the star parties will admit Norman isn’t the most ideal place to view the cosmos due to the brightness of the city, there are still beautiful sights to see. Read more about the OU Star Parties here.
660 Parrington Oval, Norman
During the OU Ghost Tours, Jeff Provine escorts curious guests to selected points of unexplained OU lore and legend, presenting his ongoing research into the mysterious side of the University of Oklahoma campus. This nighttime walking tour will add intrigue to existing knowledge of Oklahoma’s iconic institution of higher learning. Pair the date with a restaurant in Campus Corner, which is within walking distance from the tour’s starting point. To take the tour, sign up here and check out the complete schedule details.
747 Asp Avenue, Norman
A Modern-American restaurant, Seven 47 casual art-deco atmosphere will lure you in and the food will have you coming back. Their menu consists of a variety of American and southwestern cuisine.
“We may be in a college town but our dinner focus goes well beyond the college student,” said owner, Hunter Mankin. “Some of our popular items include our famous Big Boy Mac & Cheese, Potachos appetizer, and our selection of Artisan Flatbreads. The perfect spot for a date, our entrée prices range from $8 to $18 which fit many budgets.”
In addition to their dinner menu, they offer numerous specialty drink selections and an expanded wine menu.
“We invite all dinner guests to stay after to enjoy cocktails in our upscale bar area or on one of our three patios,” said Mankin. “If drinks aren’t in the cards, our desserts will delight. Popular among couples is our campfire s’mores. This comes to the table with a small flame, graham crackers, mallows, our whiskey chocolate sauce and skewers for guests to make their own s’mores.”
Seven 47 also offers an elevated rooftop patio with a bar.
754 Asp Avenue, Norman
Serving a variety of homemade chocolate goods and great coffee, it’s hard to go wrong with Apple Tree Chocolates. As their name implies, they have chocolate-covered apples, along with tons of other chocolate-covered goodies.
555 Elm Avenue, Norman
The Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art of Art is a great date destination for a few reasons. First of all, they have a world-class collection of art including French Impressionism, Native American, contemporary American, and much more. Next, admission is always free, so they’re a great place to spend a few hours without breaking the bank. They’re open until 9 pm on Thursdays and have a wonderful selection of gifts and unique items in their museum store if you’d like to remember your time together. Visiting a museum with a special person is a great way to spark conversation and get to know each other better.
If the date really takes off, there’s also a great selection of public art on view and within walking distance on the University of Oklahoma campus, including Robert Indiana’s LOVE sculpture, which is perfect for taking photos together.
564 Buchanan Avenue, Norman
The student-friendly coffee shop, Second Wind, is a casual spot for students to hang out. The coffee is inexpensive donation-based, again, making it accessible for students. Have a date night during one of their music shows or poetry slams.
2260 West Main Street, Norman
Want to dance, but don’t know how? Shall We Dance? offers private instruction, group instruction, and practice parties for various styles of partner dancing including, Ballroom, Latin, Swing, and Country dances. They are Norman’s only studio dedicated to offering all the partner dance styles.
They offer an Introductory Special to get your feet warmed up that includes two 1/2 hour private lessons, one group class, and one practice party.
Every Friday at Shall We Dance? is party night. They start with a group class at 7 pm and dance from 8 pm to 10 pm. During the party they play all the different types of music for all the partner dances, ensuring that everyone has a chance to dance no matter what types of dance they are learning or already know. No reservations or prior classes are required to join the party.
2228 West Main Street, Norman
I’m a huge supporter of having fun by playing on a date. For a small admission fee, you get an all-day pass to play any of Loot&XP’s games from their massive library, which includes card games, board games, and even roleplaying games. Plus: they got a cafe for coffee and drinks.
2020 West Lindsey Street, Norman
“The lights are bouncing off your date’s eyes as you hold hands and glide around the skate floor to “your song.” That’s a date! An excuse to hold hands and have fun,” said, Bethany Cypert, Director of Operations. “I think too often we forget that going out means that we should be having a good time. Let’s face it, roller skating is fun and takes that pressure off of any date. Couples, friends, or families all enjoy a tar Skate experience because it’s not a big deal, it’s just fun! Get up and get moving with your date. Do something different. Don’t be serious just have some serious fun! And yes, you can request ‘your song.'”
1521 West Lindsey Street, Norman
Classic 50’s Drive-in has been a Norman staple since 1957 and for those who grew up in Norman, they have a lot of good memories there and many young couples have gone here for their first dates.
1313 West Lindsey Street, Norman
With a broad menu ranging from specialty salads and sandwiches to fresh seafood, pasta, steaks, along with vegetarian and gluten-free dishes, Legend’s Restaurant will have something for everyone. Let’s not forget the house-made desserts too! They’re one of those restaurants where you can dress up or down with a wide range of prices.
1618 West Lindsey Street, Norman
Consider taking a cooking class at The International Pantry where they have both hands-on and demonstration classes.
3201 Market Place, Norman
HeyDay is a family fun center where they cater to the kid in everyone with laser tag, an arcade, rope course, mini-golf, and bowling. Their two-level laser tag arena allows players to cross bridges, travel up and down ramps, hide behind illuminated pillars, and weave between arches and passageways. In the Ropes Course, you’ll get to explore the multi-path jungle of ropes, balance beams, planks, and bridges.
The main attraction to HeyDay is the bowling lanes. Be sure to visit Revolution upstairs, a chic, 21+ environment featuring comfortable seating, a cozy fireplace, a billiards table and bar-rail seating which overlooks the bowling lanes downstairs. Revolutions is also home to eight beautiful cherry wood bowling lanes – the perfect setting for challenging friends and coworkers.
The 18-hole mini-golf course features varying elevations, accented by rippling streams, ponds, waterfalls, a bridge, beautiful landscaping, and even some sand traps.
HeyDay also offers group Adult Laser Tag Packages that includes a session of laser tag, tokens, pizza, and drinks—perfect for date nights with other couples.
3300 Market Place, Norman
“Andy Alligator’s is the perfect place for a date! There is no better way to re-live your childhood then playing a game of miniature golf. A date filled with 18 holes of fun is never complete without a few arguments over who had the best putting form or who ultimately won the game. After playing a game of golf, try out our huge arcade guaranteed to take you back to your childhood fun of winning tickets and saving up for the big prize.”
~ Kyle Allison
1318 North Interstate Drive, Norman
Enjoy some of the best artisanal gelatos together at il Dolce Gelato. With over 20 flavors of gelato, along with coffee options, it will be worth the trip just to see them.
400 Ed Noble Pkwy, Norman
Gaberino’s Homestyle Italian Restaurant is a small family-owned local diner, tucked away in Norman’s West Side.
“We offer a romantic and intimate atmosphere, perfect for date night,” said owners Laura and Mitch Duprez. “With fresh flowers on the tables, mason jar pendant lights, red-checkered tablecloths and Frank Sinatra playing in the background, prepare to be whisked away to a small cafe in Rome, the romance capital of the world!”
All of the dishes are made fresh and in-house. Compliment your pasta with a glass or carafe of one of their Italian wines or a local beer. The Italian Cream Cake is the perfect ending to any meal, and perfect for sharing.
1300 12th Avenue SE #230, Norman
Enjoy traditional Japanese Ramen and Sushi in Norman’s only ramen shop. It may be the only game in town, but it has set the bar high with the wide selection of ramen types. Fair Warning: the chili bombs are super hot. Don’t forget to share some mochi ice cream.
In 2010, the Norman Arts Council and Norman Public Arts Board started working with the Firehouse Art Center to develop community-based public sculptures that would foster social interaction, develop arts awareness, and enhance Norman’s parks. The original “Samo Ducky” resides in Lions Park, while the other ducks, painted by local artists, have been placed in parks around the community.
Have an adventurous date together, taking selfies with as many ducks as you can find and have a picnic together at one of the parks. For the location of all the Samo Ducks, click here.
1228 East Lindsey Plaza Drive
Travel to a virtual world saving the universe together or competing for the highest score at VR Warehouse. You can play together with up to four players with their wireless VR setup.
1716 Topeka Street, Norman
Specializing in non-traditional brewing methods and ingredients, 405 Brewing features creative takes on beers worth exploring together for a casual date.
216 East Main, Norman
Beer Is Good Brewing Company (or BIG Brew Co) is a small-batch brewery that is constantly rotating their beer offerings. They have 15 taps ranging from fruited sours to New England IPAs, Belgium Farmhouse Ales, and unique Stouts. They only serve beer in their taproom and have an intimate space to enjoy the latest beers coming from their brewhouse. However, they encourage people to bring in food or order from local restaurants around them. They frequently have fun events going on, like Vinyl Night on Wednesdays or Bingo Night Thursdays. If you enjoy a wide variety of beer brewed with quality ingredients by craft beer enthusiasts, then BIG Brew Co is your place to be.
3901 North Flood Avenue, Norman
“Our taproom is a great place for couples to explore a variety of beer styles in a quiet and relaxing atmosphere. Have an adventurous spirit? Join us for one of our weekly events, Music on Tap!, Trivia Nights and more to come. We enjoy meeting new friends and helping them find beers they love and experiencing the new styles we create,” said co-owner, founder, Chris Sanders of Black Mesa Brewing Company.
7050 Slaughterville Road, Lexington
Canadian River Winery has up to a dozen wines and several fresh Oklahoma grape juices to taste, such as their Chocolate Merlot, a chocolate-flavored Merlot, with hints of cherry and sweetened for those who prefer a sweeter wine, and their Strawberry Zinfandel,
422 East Main Street, Norman
Lazy Circles Brewing is a taproom in Norman that embodies the heart of the community by not only making traditional style
10500 East Lindsey Street, Norman
Native Spirits Winery offers wine on their patio overlooking their vineyard and farm pond or enjoy a leisurely walk through the vineyard. They have Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, and Syrah grape vines growing in their vineyard and a variety of wines to taste.
7301 East State Highway 9, Norman
The Redbud Ridge Vineyard & Winery features dinner wines that can be paired with food of varying intensities from a rib eye off the grill with the Big Red Steak Wine to salmon, ham and turkey with dark rose blend of Cab, Merlot, and Zinfandel called 3 Roses. Redbud Ridge is also the home of the infamous Wine for Stoops, which is lightly sweetened with the taste of victory.
7642 East Brooks, Norman
Renovated in 2004 to replicate the feel of a visit to old Mexico, Casa Bella is nestled in a setting so tranquil you will never know you are within blocks of the University of Oklahoma.
927 West Boyd Street, Norman
The three-bedroom home at The Cutting Garden is a cozy oasis with a lush, natural backyard with flowers, herbs, and pecan trees. Their back deck is great for sitting back with a drink and letting your worries drift away. Call them at (405) 329-4522.
766 DeBarr Avenue, Norman
Professor Fredrik Holmberg and his wife, Signy, built the Holmberg House in 1914. Holmberg was the first Dean of the University of Oklahoma’s College of Fine Arts and was also the first to conduct a symphony orchestra in Oklahoma City.
Located in the heart of Campus Corner, just across the street from OU and one and a half blocks from the University of Oklahoma’s Memorial Stadium. The Historic Campus Corner offers restaurants, shopping, and entertainment, all within walking distance.
917 West Boyd Street, Norman
The grounds at The Manor offer large trees, lush greens, and beautiful flowers along with a fire pit to sit by and enjoy together. The Manor Bed and Breakfast offers only one guest suite, which allows their innkeepers to provide one-on-one service and undivided attention to their guests. The personal bathroom for guests has a beautiful walk-in shower and a two-person corner Jacuzzi tub. Guests can enjoy a gourmet breakfast in the suite or on the dining porch.
7820 East State Highway 9, Norman
Whispering Pines has the look and feel of a 1900’s mansion, accompanied by a wrap-around porch, gazebo, and grand staircase. Baskets of goodies are found in every room, from the elegant main house suites to the rustic Pine Cone Cottage. They say there is no need to get ready early as they deliver a freshly prepared private breakfast to each room.
1544 W. State Highway 9, Norman
The Riverwind Casino presents the monthly music and food truck festival series, Beats and Bites. The free event features an impressive stage that you can enjoy live music no matter where you two go to enjoy the food trucks, vendors, and beer/wine selection. If you two are feeling lucky, go inside Riverwind Casino to play one of their many games.
450 South Flood, Norman
Bring a blanket and picnic basket to enjoy the free The Summer Breeze Concert Series. These May through September, Sunday evening outdoor concerts feature national and local musicians performing in Norman’s Lions Parks.
As the state’s biggest free music festival, the yearly Norman Music Festival features all genres of music. Even if you don’t live in Norman, the Norman Music Festival is worth traveling when it happens in April.
For more date ideas throughout the year, follow Uncovering Oklahoma on social media like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
