The University of Oklahoma’s class of 2025 is bidding farewell to their college careers. With OU’s commencement ceremonies just around the corner, families coming to Norman to celebrate their family’s achievements will no doubt be looking to grab some food prior to and after the big day.

Before Graduation

Norman has plenty of breakfast and brunch spots to choose from. For those looking to plan and map out your day for graduation weekend, here are a few options to choose from.

Neighborhood JAM

This Main Street staple has it all – an all-encompassing breakfast/brunch/lunch menu with traditional favorites to accent creative dishes, coffee drinks and cocktails, and picturesque views of Norman’s downtown district. 

Neighborhood JAM can comfortably seat a small group or larger gatherings. It’s great for occasions like a college graduation for everyone to meet and have some good food in a colorful and comfortable atmosphere. If you have a slight sweet tooth, especially for breakfast food, JAM will satisfy your urges with candied bacon, blueberry pancakes, or French toast. If you’re looking for a classic breakfast plate, try the Back to the Basics for eggs, meat, your choice of breakfast potatoes or hash browns, and either a biscuit or Texas toast.

JAM fills up quickly, especially during big university weekends, so be sure to plan ahead if you’re bringing a large group.

Levity Breakfast House

One of Norman’s newest spots, Levity Breakfast House’s unique atmosphere and look is the cherry on top of a wonderful breakfast experience. Located in what once was a 104-year-old home on Peters Ave., owners and brothers Jon and Mark Hunnell refurbished the property into a full restaurant complete with a patio and outdoor seating.

Levity’s menu allows you to sit and enjoy yourself with a light meal, or indulge in some of their dishes to prepare you for an eventful day. The Hunnell brothers pride themselves on their made-from-scratch scones. In fact, most of their dishes are either made in-house or are shipped in from local vendors. 

One of their popular dishes – “Stay Classy Norman” – will check every box you may possibly have for breakfast. Their avocado prost is a vegan option served on local artisan Sadee’s Sourdough. If you want to dip your foot into the desert for breakfast route, the “Benson Belgian Waffle” comes with blueberry compote on the side and lemon butter cream drizzled on top.

El Huevo Mexi-Diner

For those wanting to get out of the hustle and bustle of central and downtown Norman, El Huevo Mexi-Diner is a great spot, especially if your ultimate destination is north of town. There is plenty of room inside, which should lead to more luck getting a table here with thousands of people running around central Norman. They'll be more than happy to accommodate and take care of you.

Located on Tecumseh near 24th Ave. and Flood Ave., this Norman original bruncheria offers an excellent brunch menu with a southwestern and Mexican twist. The early riser tacos, huevos rancheros, or the hangover burrito will start your big weekend off right. You can always select your own plate with a la carte options as well. 

One of their new brunch dishes – the French toast – comes with an egg, grilled ham and candied bacon between the bread. The presentation is so good, you almost don't want to dive-in and eat it. But let's face it, you eventually will and you will more than enjoy it.

El Huevo does stay open until 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, so feel free to stop by for dinner as well. Their fiesta hour is from 3 to 6 p.m. where you can enjoy great cocktails like their trop it like it’s hot – a twist on a piña colada -- or their spunky monkey sweet coffee cocktail (you can even try it as a mocktail). 

After Graduation

Once all the pictures are taken and everyone is ready for dinner, here are some cool restaurants to put a nightcap on the exciting day. 

Benvenuti’s Ristorante

Benvenuti’s offers some of the best old-world Italian food with a new-world twist. The atmosphere allows for an intimate experience and a memorable occasion for family and friends.

Located on Main Street, just a mile from campus (across the street from Neighborhood JAM), Benvenuti’s is an ideal destination for good cuisine and to put the exclamation point on the evening. 

With everything from pizzas, salads, pasta, and main course dishes like the grilled lamb rack, your taste buds will be well taken care of. Popular dishes include the chicken marsala, the pasta from hell (tagliatelle, pepperoni, house made Italian sausage, mushrooms, red onion, red peppers, tomatoes, serrano peppers, cream, parmigiano reggiano), and the beef tenderloin filetto rosso.

Scratch Kitchen & Cocktails

With an enclosed patio area and plenty of seating inside, Scratch Kitchen & Cocktails can accommodate for whatever the weather in Oklahoma decides to do during graduation weekend.

Their food is made entirely from – you guessed it – scratch. Whether it’s smokehouse bacon, pan-seared fish, farm fresh veggies, or slow-roasted meats, this local Norman establishment will leave you full and happy. Their cocktails and drink list will add to the evening, along with their food menu with a Cajun twist.

You can even add Scratch to the pre-graduation list, as they offer a delicious brunch menu on the weekends. 

The Standard

If you’d prefer a more casual experience and go all-in on the party atmosphere of a graduation, The Standard is a great choice.

With a large assortment of locally crafted brews to choose from, as well as domestic favorites, you will find your drink of choice at The Standard. Their menu covers all the essential Oklahoma-style favorites like crispy fried chicken to golden catfish to refreshing salads and wraps. 

They’ve also expanded their outdoor seating and patio area. On weekends, you can find local artists playing live music to add to the party atmosphere. There’s plenty of room for large groups of friends and family to celebrate graduating from college.