I love blu. I love cheap well drinks and a thoughtful wine list. The food is better than average bar food - sweet potato fries and maytag blu cheese chips are the bomb. It's the perfect spot for a big group of friends, because you can spend as little or as much as you like. If you want a tasty steak and $12 malbec - go for it. Or keep it college with a cheap, but tasty, drink and pretty appetizers.
(5)
Anne H.
This is an eclectic, vibrant place with good service and food. If one orders an appetizer and beer, you could go away full. I had the Mediterranean Plate and found the hummus, cheese and olive relish delightful. We sat on theenclosed balcony on a cool spring night and were very comfortable. I'll be back
(4)
John S.
Ambiance and wait staff were incredible. The place looks great and has a fun vibe to it. I sat out on the porch and had drinks. They were tasty, large, and reasonably priced. This is the place nova is trying to be.
(4)
kathryn h.
the cheapest drinks in town. two dollar well drinks and during happy hour $2 coachs imperial pints. as a restaurant, it is a bit different than anything norman has encountered. it attempts to be a tapas-style restaurant, though that is not successful, it is successful in providing fresh meat and fish. they have a new fish special every week. they do not serve huge portions like corporate places do, because they encourage health food and healthy portions. they dont have butter or ranch dressing in the restaurant. in terms of nightlife, thurs fri and sat are always packed. they are strict about ids so don't worry about hanging around youngsters.
(4)
Matt A.
This is for the New Year's Eve Dinner on 12/31. Fixed price, set menu. We had a great time! Blu's event dinners really are worthwhile and fun. we paid $125 for two people, appetizers, entrees, desserts, a bottle of wine, and a table at one of the more fun places in all of Norman for dinner. We felt this represented nice value, all things considered. The highlight of the meal was the filet/tenderloin. Man, fer real. This thing was serious. Best steak I've had in Norman. I was pleased to see that it is a regular menu item. This thing was so, so good, and I highly recommend it. The dessert was also great. All in all, the food was really, really good. We enjoyed it a lot. The ambiance was a lot of fun. They packed in some folks, but it was New Year's, so what do you expect? So, if it was so great, why only three stars? We had poor service, unfortunately. We usually tip 20% no questions asked. This server was tipped 10%. I think that, since we seemed friendly and engaging, the server thought we were a "safe" or "forgiving" table to be the backstop. We were the table who didn't get refills or attention for long periods of time because she was busy. Almost every time she came over to us, she apologized, so it's not like she didn't know. You have to spread out those wait times, in my opinion. Don't make the same table sustain the wait every time. That part was disappointing. Also disappointing: we had a reservation. They called and left a VM to confirm our reservation. I called them back to confirm the reservation. We get there perfectly on time and guess what: we have to wait almost half an hour for our table. To me, this is unacceptable, and it happens more and more often it seems like. We loved Blu. We'll be back. The errors probably were the result of the busy evening.
(3)
Scott H.
Had a decent lunch that could have been a lot better with some minor changes at Blu. I went on a Monday around 12:15 and the place was about a quarter full. There were several people seated on the patio as well. I was immediately brought my drink and a server came to my table within a couple of minutes. She was very friendly, I didn't have any problems with service during my lunch. Blu has several (maybe 12-15, but I didn't count) options for a "pick 2" lunch for $8. These includes sandwiches, salads, soup, and mac n cheese. I went with the beef and blu sandwich and the mac n cheese. The sandwich was fantastic, it's not a ton of beef, but it's good quality and flavorful. The bread was toasted well, and even though it's thick, you can get a full bite of it. There is a TON of blue cheese dressing and crumbles, so if you like that flavor (and you should) this sandwich is for you. I usually don't love cilantro, but the little bit sprinkled on top added a nice freshness. This is a messy sandwich, I don't see how you could eat it with your hands and not get it all over yourself. An absolute re-order. The mac n cheese was disappointing. First of all, it wasn't very hot. It wasn't hot at all, some parts could be described as warm, and the middle was room temperature. This could have been resolved by letting it sit under the salamander for another minute (the sprinkled cheese on top was barely melted) or serving it in a shallower dish. The mac n cheese wasn't very flavorful, it was simple elbow pasta and a basic cheese sauce. Again, cilantro on top added a nice flavor. Those were my favorite parts, as they were warm and had the most flavor. I would not re-order the mac n cheese. Overall, it's a nice place with a menu that includes things you don't typically see in Norman. The bar wasn't huge but it was fairly well stocked, and the patio looked comfortable. I'll definitely be back, there's a lot to try.
(3)
Latisha P.
This place definitely has good food! I get to live in Lawton for a couple months so I'm deprived of anything close to this good. I was so happy when this actually met my Los Angeles standards of good food. I'd definitely recommend coming here. FOOD Pork Tacos (5 stars): So flavorful!! Really good meat. Pork tacos come with 4 tacos, the fish tacos come with 3 tacos. Italian Sausage and Mushroom Pizza (4 stars): $5 during happy hour! It was really good. Italian sausage was really flavorful. DESSERT Chocolate Cobbler (4 stars): Very, very rich and chocolatey! Almost like a brownie but topped with sugary goodness. Pretty big portion since it is really rich so definitely share this. You won't be disappointed if you're a chocolate lover. SERVICE (5 stars) Our waitress was really nice. Disappeared when we wanted our check but she gave us good suggestions and ways to substitute dishes to make it better. ATMOSPHERE (4 stars) Cute place. Nice bar and lounge areas. Bathrooms are nice with the decor but small and smelled a little weird. They just did a good job with the bathroom trying to make it seem nicer to match the rest of the place. There were a couple flies in the dinning area that would not lay off our food. I was getting so annoyed! Swatting my hand around while eating is not fun. The waitress noticed and apologized but I wish she had us swap tables. When I wanted to change tables I couldn't find her again.
(4)
Annie T.
"I'm blu and da ba de da ba die, da ba dee da ba die, da ba dee da ba die" Okay anyway I love Blu. Blu is in the constant rotation for birthday dinners, happy hour or fun girly dinner spots for my friends and I. I frequented Blu several times over my course at OU. I love the two party rooms for groups and the covered patio is great in the evening. Inside it's a little 90's feeling to me, but I'm kind of a fan. The menu though is up to date. Let's start with drinks-I've tried a few cocktails that I'll be honest i don't love but their moscow mule is one of the best. I typically go with a glass of wine though. It's not called Blu Fine Wine and Food for nothing. For apps I like to start with the awesome cheese board, Mediterranean platter, and the blu chips-holy moly. House made chips with blue cheese and and a creamy cheese sauce. They are a sin. I suggest going with the half order if there are only two or three of you. For an entree the tamales are killer, the veggie stack is super filling, the quesadilla is muy delicioso and the salads totally satisfy for an entree. My recent fav is the beet and walnut salad! Blu is apart of The Good Life Group. A norman restaurant group responsible for also Blackbird, max, The Library and the Brewhouse. TGLG knows how to do a restaurant! Big thumbs up from me.
(5)
Matthieu D.
The food is not great, just well presented. But the atmosphere, the patio and the cute waitresses help to have a good time. And they have happy hour. Cheers
(4)
Elizabeth J.
I am a big fan of this place and the stars on this review reflect the several times I've been there. Food has always been freshly made and very good. On almost every occasion service has been quick and great all around. However, the last time we were there for a girls' night we made the mistake of showing up on OU Mom's Day. Won't do that again. We were told we could be seated immediately as long as it wouldn't take us more than an hour and 15 minutes to finish our meal, which I thought was a little odd to begin with. They had another group coming in and we would need to be cleared out, I understand, it's just weird to ask a group if you can be done in a certain amount of time. We were there to sit, enjoy their food and drinks, NOT to be rushed out. It wasn't ideal, but we said we could. Then it took 20 minutes before someone came over to get our order. I think it was because they were short a few servers. I don't know what advice to offer other than to make sure they are staffed and ready for weekends like that AND that they treat all guests to the same quality of service.
(4)
Rebecca K.
Blu is one of my favorite places in Norman. Lots of great specials and friendly service. They always have $2 wells and $3 doubles. They also have great happy hour specials for food and drinks. It has an upscale feel with reasonable prices and delicious food. I recommend the chicken flatbread pizza and the blue cheese chips! If you have a large group, I would recommend calling to reserve a lounge. The lounges are one of my favorite parts of the restaurant-- comfy couches and chairs, TVs, and plenty of room. They do fill up at night on the weekends though!
(5)
Tom H.
Great wine and cocktail selections. Great food and aps. Perfect date night spot. Perfect for after game stop as well.
(5)
Angela S.
Blu has been a staple of my hang-outs in Norman since it opened. The intimate setting, the waitstaff, the menu, and the drinks all add up to my go-to place for hanging out with pals, or groups from work, or family for a nice meal. One of the most over-looked things is their lunch. It's a great deal and they have been fast when I've gone there. Be sure to get their newsletter for the fire sale, the wine tastings and the special dinners. It's always good, and very packed. The weekends and special events tend to get PACKED. I've had luck calling ahead for seating. They've worked with me on their party rooms, which are perfect for a club meeting or just a professional get-together. The rate was great and everyone enjoyed the setting.
(5)
Jill H.
Fills the Norman niche of an "upscale" bar/restaurant. The vibe is upscale, but you don't have to be. They still offer $2 wells and cheap beers, but their extensive wine list is also fun. Appetizers are really good...get the Bleu Cheese Chips! My friends and I love to reserve one of the two lounges (fit up to 15-25 people), and just get drinks and apps. They are very accommodating, great service. Pizzas are half-price before 6pm. I have never eaten dinner there, but brunch is good. Wine tastings are fun, also!
(5)
Helen C.
Took my man here for his b-day and ended up apologizing for it. Started out with an incredibly slow waitress (I don't think she had quite mastered the art of multiple tables yet...) and it went downhill from there. We started with the blue cheese potato chips - Highlight of the night! Really tasty! But the overcooked (and tough) steak was hard to swallow (literally and figuratively). With that said, the manager truly was top-notch! He noticed from afar that my hubby was not enjoying the steak and took it upon himself to check our order with the kitchen, noted that it was not medium-rare and came over to our table to apologize and comp the steak. This act alone would have convinced us that we should give Blu another chance, until our waitress decided that the comp was a mistake and added it back into our bill. Worked that out, but the damage was done - won't be going back. Would recommend the restaurant for drinks and light eats (I.e. potato chips), but not for dining and definitely not for a special occasion.
(2)
Nicolas G.
$2 drinks amazing...Food (I had the salmon) was ok...overall a pleasant place to be and drink...
(4)
Clayton S.
We had a late dinner and drinks at Blu in Norman OK. It's a contempory wine bar and cafe in Norman frequented by a mostly college age folks. It was crowded on OU graduation weekend but the staff were helpful in getting us a table out on the outdoor patio. They have a nice selection of wines, draft beers and other drinks. We enjoyed the three entrees we shared: hummus, pot stickers and the veggie pizza. In particular the hummus was very flavorful. I would order it again. Nice late night place with a good selection of tasty vegetarian options on their menu.
(4)
Bobby M.
BEST PLACE IN NORMAN FOR A DRINK HANDS DOWN! $2.00 well drinks along with some of the nicest servers you'll ever find. One con, service can be slow at times. Otherwise, my home away from home.
(5)
Vi P.
Blu is... swanky! It's for those who like to dress up and have a couple of drinks with friends in a trendy environment. The low lights, modern decor, and secluded sitting areas give a casual and chill ambiance that's perfect for lounging and conversation. Like another reviewer had said, this place is reminiscent of the lounges in NYC. Blu does not skimp on their liquor. Be prepared for some strong drinks. They also have two dollar well drink specials. Having only eaten at Blu once, their food was not memorable. All the food items I've tried was only sub par. The ceviche was not limey enough and the burger was nothing special. As a lounge, Blu gets a 4.5. As a restaurant, Blu gets a 3.
(4)
Viktor H.
What great surprise to find such a restaurant in Norman, OK. As soon as I entered, from the host greeting to bartender to server, everyone was welcoming and helpful. absolutely no attitude. Food was also a nice surprise. Started with the beet, candid walnuts, fig, goat cheese salad. The title says it all, lots for all the ingredients and lightly dressed. It was all fresh. The server gave good advice when she recommended a half order. It was still a large salad. More than enough, a full order would be a complete meal. The only improvement would be the greens, the beets and other goodies were on top of chopped romaine, pretty uneventful. I wasn't too disappointed there were plenty of toppings. Next, the lemon snapper with red quinoa was the special. Fish was cooked fully, almost too much, but not quite well. The quinoa was fantastic (yes, quinoa has made it to OK), it was flavored with oregano and garlic and was the best item on the plate! I think they roasted it to give it a bit of a crunch. As for the squash cake that came with the entree, it was fair, nice attempt but I will take extra quinoa next time. I don't know if I will be in that part of the country again but if i find myself there I would go back to Blu.
(4)
Nicole P.
I'm a big fan of having a drinks and appetizers night, and blu is a great place for this. They have a great selection on food and drinks and everything I've ever had has been delicious. This is a great place for groups - big or small. The brunch is also wonderful and you're almost always seated right away.
(4)
Grace G.
Customer service is great! Wente Chardonnay was my favorite! Had the pull pork tacos, which weren't great. The dish lacked flavor, pico de gallo overpowered it.
(3)
Gini A.
We had the chicken strudel and tenderloin... both were fantastic. Great wine list that is probably not noticed/taken advantage of by many, given the two dollar well drinks. It was great to enjoy a good meal in a college town that wasn't a burger-- unexpected!
(4)
Connie M.
My finance and I were super excited to try something new in Norman. Unfortunately we were left wanting more. The good stuff was the $2 well drinks, as a lot of others on here recommended and knew about. We sat at the bar and the girls were extremely nice, knowledgeable about the food, but not the wine list or beers. The bad a was the food. We had the Greek sampler plate thingy and it was really not good. The hummus looked like it was dumped out of container the pita bread was stale and not hot. Honestly could have made this at home and been happier Then we had the fish tacos and the bleu cheese chips(suggestion of the waitress) Fish tacos were not seasoned and need more flavor. Also they were on corn tortillas. If you offer corn you should offer flour tortillas as well. The bleu cheese chips were the best but its only due to the overwhelming flavor or the crumbles. The sauce they poured on it was runny and a bit cold. So I know this is harsh and I will return and give it one more chance. Maybe we just needed to order entrees-apps must not be their strong suit
(3)
L A.
Ordered spicy humus and it came to the table half frozen. Our party powered through this and ordered quesadillas which were tasty. Combine this with $2 well drinks and you get 4 stars. Food 3 stars based on getting a half frozen appetizer.
(4)
Amber H.
We've been to Blu more than ten times and it is consistently good. I've dined there in various size groups up to about ten people and we were given excellent service each time. Soup, salads, entrees, appetizers... everything is done well. Scallops are always perfect. While I understand the concept of a small menu, I would like to see a few changes periodically or rotating specials. The atmosphere is great and we've never had to wait for seating. We love the diversity of the other diners and most of the time the waitstaff is friendly and conversational.
(4)
Marci K.
Good Happy Hour place
(5)
Sarah B.
This is a great place. Great wine, drinks, and brewpub beer. The patio is fantastic and always a nice place to sit and have some drinks. The food is thoughtfully paired and presented. They have wonderful wine dinners and wine tasting events regularly that we enjoy.
(5)
Jonathan C.
Mojitos and quesadillas were great! The patio was a little crowded, but the food and service were nearly perfect and the atmosphere was energetic. The blue cheese nachos were good, but a little rich and a little overrated. All in all, Blu was good and is a great restaurant for date night or a early family lunch.
(4)
Cristine W.
Great food but for a restaurant/ bar experience I want more beer choices. I know it's a wine place but at least give me more options of some good local brews in a bottle! Patio is nice but add some lighting.
(4)
Christopher F.
Foodies beware. Lousy food but cheap drinks in a cool-looking neighborhood bar. If you are there to drink, go for it. Strong drinks that are very reasonably priced. If you are there to eat, go somewhere else. Quickly. If this place fixed their menu and had a better cook, this could be a very cool place. Don't get me wrong. The menu looks delicious and the prices seem right for a trendy gastro-pub serving small plates. But man, oh man, does it suck. Unless you like pre-prepared frozen Sysco offerings. Then you will be in heaven. Everything is presented nicely, but very, very uninspired and not at all tasty. I just got the feeling I was at the bar at a suburban midwestern Doubletree Hotel. You know the deal -- it's ok to eat there because there's nowhere else to go or you don't have a car, and you're staying upstairs. So you kind of put up with bland, predictable mid-level hotel restaurant food that's dressed up to look special. (In Oklahoma, we call that putting lipstick on the pig.) The thing with Blu, though, is you don't have a room upstairs, and you probably have a car outside, so go ahead and have a cheap pre-dinner drink, then get the hell out and go somewhere else to eat. Much better food is just a few blocks away. And please don't call it Tapas. Just because it is served on a small plate without enough portion to make it a meal, doesn't mean it's Tapas. It's just small plates. There is not a Latin thing on the menu, unless pulled pork tacos or fried fish tacos (both done far better at terrible chain restaurants We've been there a few times over the years (always our friends' idea) and are always underwhelmed. The most recent trip will hopefully be our last, unless they up their food game. But if you are stuck there drinking with friends and you have to eat something to keep from going over the edge, I offer these reviews: The crab cake ($12), and yes, there is ONE crab cake, was sent back. Too fishy and tasted sour. Even if it had been palatable, it is WAY overpriced for what you get, and clearly something they pulled out of a bag. But this one had turned and I couldn't even have it on the table. The Maytag Blue Cheese Chips ($7) aren't bad. Fresh-made potato chips covered in blue cheese crumbles. Kind of greasy, but good bar food. The Mediterranean Plate ($8) is ok. Decent olive tapenade and a red-pepper hummus, but then there is a bowl of Feta crumbles. It's an odd choice. But this is filling with a lot of pita points (more than you would even need, really, which is a welcome change) and won't give you the gag reflex that some of the other offerings will. The pork tacos ($8) aren't bad, but obvious the pork is not made on site. The beef tenderloin ($36) just downright ain't worth it. Nobody at Blu knows how to cook a steak, even though they proudly charge like they do. There are much better steaks in Norman, for much less. The mac and cheese ($8) is probably the best thing we've had there, but really that's not saying much. It isn't fresh or made on site. We added the bread crumbs and the bacon (but the bacon was way, way overcooked and a bad choice). I've never had the pizzas there because there is far superior pizza in Norman. Maybe that's the one thing they do right, other than pour a cheap, stiff drink. So perhaps this review isn't complete. Overall, get it together, Blu. You have the food prices and deceiving menu of a trendy gastropub (which is what you want to be) but you are a college bar with lousy bar food that's way overpriced. Step it up. The foodies in Norman are going somewhere else.
(2)
Lisa H.
I had The Beef & Blu sandwich and a cup of Roasted red pepper & smoked gouda soup. The sandwich had plenty of beef on it and it was oozing with blu cheese! The soup was very good as well! It was very cheesy! I would order this again! Even though it was just 1/2 a sandwich and a cup of soup it was very filling. And at just $8.00 it was a good value!
(4)
Lydia J.
Love the food and atmosphere! Service is slow sometimes, but everything else makes up for it!
(5)
Autumn W.
Great happy hour, brunch, lunch, groups/events, dinner, and late night!! Dinner: green chili chicken tamales with quinoa or Korean BBQ Salmon! Lunch: pick 2 option -- w/ red pepper soup! Very good! Snacks: cheese tray, medd plate, or spinach chips and salsa. Happy hour: $5 pizza or flatbread, $2.50 draft (Brewhouse) house beer, & the always and forever $2 well drinks.
(5)
Meg W.
I spent many hours at blu when I lived in Norman and it never got old. I revisited blu last night after studying with a friend and although the menu had some minor changes, everything was still the same and it was still as wonderful as it always was. blu is sort of a lucky place for me. I used to sit at the bar and study when I was taking classes at OU and one evening a man that was dining there with his wife gave the bartender a $20 bill to give to me for "being so studious" even though I was totally sitting there drinking beer. So, naturally, I continued studying there...but it never happened again. Anyway, blu has a fairly small, but diverse menu that includes small plates, pizzas, quesadillas, main entrees, etc. I have NEVER had something off their menu that I did not love. Their sweet potato fries and dipping sauce are exquisite. The real reason I come to blu, though, is for their patio (covered and open) and the booze. They have great happy hour specials and an overwhelming wine list. I really enjoy ordering mimosas at blu because they are cheap and delicious. blu also has a delicious brunch menu that I have enjoyed quite a few times. I would highly recommended this restaurant to anyone in Norman because it is definitely one of my favorites and it is, of course, vegetarian friendly! :)
(5)
Julie S.
I don't get to see my college friends often enough, but several times a year we get out our calendars and book about a month in advance to see each other. Needless to say, we want to have fun and enjoy a chance to catch up. Blu is the perfect place. We went on a Thursday night, and I'm so old I had forgotten Thursday night is the party night. But it was such a good fit for us - we got there at about 7:30 when it was still dead and ordered some crazy cheap drinks and small plates. Our waitress was lovely and managed to take great care of us without bringing our conversation to a halt. The food was great. We had a hummus, tapenade and something else sampler with pita and (upon request) sliced fresh veggies, which were a perfect addition. We also split a couple of flatbread pizzas that were so good. As the night went on and we got louder, it got busier so it all worked out okay. It also made me feel less bad about sitting at our waitress' table for three hours, since we left right about the time it got really busy. It was great to see it packed with happy college kids, grad students and the like. I want to grab them by the shoulders and tell them to stay as long as they can, Ã la Billy Madison, have as much fun as they can, not worry too much about the future, etc. But I resisted the urge, just took my old lady self home. I'm looking forward to coming back and trying the rest of the menu while enjoying more Norman nostalgia!
(4)
Cassie H.
This place is definitely my new favorite bar in town. When you first walk in, it was a bit confusing as there was no hostess waiting... The bartender quickly came to our rescue though and took good care of us. I love the decor-very trendy and chic. It has great areas for intimite conversation or boisterous drinking. I had mimosas, and at two dollars a pop they can't be beat! You can get a double for $1 more, which I might or might not have done... For lunch, I ordered off the 2/$8 menu and had a hot ham sandwich and macaroni and cheese. The sandwich was awesome, strawberries, Brie, gooey yumminess. I didn't eat the top part of the bread, I loved the bread but it was too thick to easily eat as a sandwich. I left the top off and fork and knife'd it. The macaroni and cheese was no disappointment. Sort of a grown up version of the Kraft kind but in a good way. The great drink list and creative menu make this a place to be reckoned with.
(5)
Sara P.
I love blu! I'm all about customer service and their staff has always been the friendliest! I have been many times and haven't had a server who wasn't upbeat, outgoing, and friendly. They have a great drink special (I believe 5pm - close $2 wells and $3 double talls, and either $3 or $4 mimosas!) Their food menu is pretty good too. Blu is a great place for having a bite to eat or just snacking while having some drinks and hanging out with friends. The best part is that they serve really late (I think their kitchen closes at like 1am) !! So you don't have to worry if you get out late and are still hungry! Their pizzas are really good. Flatbread style, nice and crispy crust, not too heavy yet really satisfying. Try it out!
(5)
Joy M.
Bar crawling on a rainy Saturday night sounded like a good idea.... So the boyfriend and I decided to try out a couple bars. I was pretty impressed with the setup at Blu. They have a couple private rooms if you're looking for a more intimate affair and a dining room that spills into the bar area. Have to admit that I was a little confused on where I was suppose to go when I walked in because there wasn't a hostess stand at the front. The bartenders were super friendly and suggested we sit at the bar or grab any open table. I ordered a glass of Cline Viognier and the Beet & Fig salad sans goat cheese. I'm not a fan of gamey cheese- it just taste and smells weird to me! The bf ordered a double whisky coke (it was only $3!!!) and now claims this is his favorite bar -heehee! When the salad came out, I was surprised to see that there was a true salad with greens! Normally when you order something with beets and figs, all that comes out is a small plate of the stuff. I was pretty happy :) The only thing I didn't really like was the dressing. The balsamic wasn't mind blowing, but decent. All in all, we'll probably end up frequenting this place and hopefully sit down for an actual meal in the future.
(4)
Hilary C.
My husband and I just moved to Norman a few months ago and we are on the hunt for some awesome local places. We tried Blu for the first time tonight...and the service was despicable. It was the worst service we have ever had at a restaurant. We were sitting at our table for around 6 minutes and no server acknowledged our presence- at that point, the hostess (who was very sweet and helpful) finally took our drink order. Our server still didn't show up for at least another 5 minutes, and when she did, she did not introduce herself (we still don't know what her name was), she did not say hello, she did not apologize for taking so long to get to us...nothing. The first thing she said was, "So, are you ready to order or do you need more time?" Now, my husband and I are very tolerant and more than willing to give servers the benefit of the doubt, and we always tip a minimum of 18%. But this was ridiculous. It would have been fine if our server had just told us she was trying to catch up and would be with us shortly- but that never happened. She didn't give us much attention through the entirety of our meal. It was very disappointing, especially considering how excited we were to try it tonight. Being busy and unable to get to us right away is fine, but my goodness, let us know! Then it wouldn't have been a big deal at all. We almost got up and walked out when it took 10 minutes for our server to initially get to our table, and we have NEVER almost walked out of a restaurant before. Absolutely ridiculous. The food was pretty good. My husband's pizza was delicious. I had the blue cheese burger and the toppings were good but the meat was just a frozen patty. But otherwise it was pretty good. The sweet potato fries were good- nothing special, but I do love me some sweet potato fries, so I'm not too picky with those. I am giving this one star because although the food was good, the severe lack of service drastically takes away from anything the food has going for it. Had the service been good, the food would have been good enough to bring us back, but now I'm not so sure. We are going out to dinner with a group of friends tomorrow night and were hoping to recommend this place, but that will not be happening. Very disappointing and I'm not sure that we will ever be back.
(1)
Patrick M.
Still my favorite place to eat & drink in town! Cheap well drinks, decent wine selection, good food options & great staff. Nice, casual atmosphere. Nice patio if its not too hot out. Check it out!
(5)
Lee R.
Blu doesn't know what it wants to be. Is it a college hang out? An upscale restaurant? A wine bar? A sports bar? A patio bar? A hook-up bar? Trying to do too much means it doesn't do anything well. I was surprised with the lack of a deft touch with the food. The scallops dish could have been crafted by a hotel lobby restaurant in Topeka. While dining, the women at the table next to me screamed and hopped away from the table. The bizarre public display was apparently inspired by some type of large insect. Lovely. At the bar on the other side of me two different sets of guys tried to hit on a young women sitting at the bar using an unintentionally humorous and loud effort of oneupsmanship. My waitperson was sweet, but gussied up like she was working at a gentleman's club. The large-screen television in front of me was set, of course, to football. So, I'm not sure what Blu wants to be ... but it definitely does not want to be a destination for serious foodies.
(2)
Aly W.
So I only came to this place once. It was for a party for my boss, who was leaving. First of all things, this place really has no idea what it wanted to be in the first place. The food is what is called "gourmet" and I'm not a fan of it at all. Too expensive for a small pizza too. The drink that I ordered was NOT what I got. I asked for a liquid marijuana and I got something that wasn't even close. When someone asks the waitress if the bartender can make it, don't always say "yes" right off the bat, because that was a lie. The waitress kept trying to hit on the single drinking men in our group and not paying that much attention to everyone else. I don't know why this place was picked, but it was really a horrible place. I really hope they get their act together or have a talk with their waitresses.
(1)
Julissa M.
This is one of my favorite hangout spots in Norman. I feel like it's a little bit of a hidden treasure. The drink specials are awesome ($2 mimosas & $3 well drinks), the food is always delicious and consistent. My go to's are the cheese tray, the hummus and the burger. It's always nice to go with a group, order different appetizers and just share to get little bit of everything. They have a great wine selection as well.
(5)
Rick W.
I find Blu to be one of my favorite restaurants when dining in Norman. A very courteous waitstaff and an impressive ale menu really sets the atmosphere. The Norwegian Salmon is especially good, along with some of the best rice pilaf I've had in years. Highly recommended.
(4)
Marlon C.
Finally got a chance to eat more than desert here. The good was outstanding!
(5)
Josephine S.
Blu is a favorite within my group of friends. There is always somewhere to sit (but if you have kind of a big group, call ahead) and you can reserve the rooms that have lots of seating, TVs, and a more intimate environment for big groups that want to hang out for the night. We have reserved both of the rooms multiple times and we always have fun. There is also seating on the deck, covered or uncovered. After a certain time, all well drinks are only $2 until close. Most of the waitresses are very nice. The food can be a little pricey, but some of it is well worth it. My favorite thing to get there are the Maytag blu cheese chips, which are ridged potato chips with bleu cheese crumbles and dressing melted on the top and fresh herbs sprinkled over them. I have dreams about these chips. Also, the sweet potato fries and their dipping sauce are killer. While it can be an expensive experience, it can also be a cheap one, you just have to know your budget and stick to it. If you want it cheap, eat before you come or only get one appetizer and stick to well drinks. Also, if you get a double, it will last you longer, won't be watered down and doesn't tack onto the price much. Brunches are fabulous with an extensive Bloody Mary bar filled with various mixes, garnishes & spices to build your own perfect concoction. When I went, I got the Eggs Benedict and loved it. I know some people in Norman who aren't huge fans, and I get what they are saying, but it's a spot we always come back to when we have a large party and are craving those blu cheese chips.... Highly recommend trying at least once!
(4)
Jordan B.
Shrimp and grits. I really wouldn't bother with anything else. Because it's that good.
(4)
Laura N.
I know I've said this before, but 2 words: Strawberry Mojitos. I've only been there twice, but I will definitely be a new regular on the weekends..or after a bad day...or any other excuse to go there for some. They have fresh strawberries and mint, taste delicious, and will get you shwasty face if you aren't careful. And I'm not complaining. The menu is a la carte, but the most expensive thing is about $12. Mediterranean plate, macaroni and cheese, calamari, and ahi tuna will make anyone happy. Sit out on the patio, enjoy the hipster/chic atmosphere, and friendly, quirky waitresses. As a college graduate who hangs out with an older 20's crowd, this place is great to escape the usual young college student crowded places around town. Again for repetative purposes, STRAWBERRY MOJITOS.
(5)
Donald A.
Overall a good place for friends and conversation. We had the cheese platter, chicken, tacos, and mac and cheese. The food was ok. The atmosphere on the patio was nice minus the homeless girl asking to borrow my cellphone from the sidewalk. The staff was extremely nice and very attentive.
(4)
Stacey B.
This is one of the only late-night places I have found in Norman. I like to go late for drinks and appetizers. The Mediterranean plate is excellent and so are the sweet potato fries. I love their margherita pizza too.
(4)
Kate C.
Blu is impressive for many different reasons. Here are a few: 1) Great ambiance. Very modern and chic. It feels like a very expensive restaurant. 2) $2 well drinks all night! Even on the weekends. Are you kidding me? 3) High-end heaven-in-your-mouth appetizers. I like the bruschetta and sweet potato fries but the real star is the hummus. It's spiced with red pepper and served with cheese crostinis. (Hint: It's cheaper to get hummus as a side item to your dinner entree. Still comes with delicious crostinis!) 4) High-end food at a reasonable price. I have paid a lot more for food of this caliber. Try the pizza. It has a fresh, not greasy, taste. Basically, at Blu you get to experience fine dining without going broke. And with $2 wells you can also have a good night without going broke. Blu is hands down the best place in Norman to eat on a Friday or Saturday night. Just look at the rest of the reviews. It's a hit!
(5)
Tony D.
This is my favorite bar in Norman, and probably my favorite bar that I've yet been to in my 10-12 years in Oklahoma. In fact, it's probably one of my favorite bars I've EVER been to anywhere. I don't know what that one 2-star reviewer was talking about; the food is delicious and this is one of the cheapest places to drink in town. As of January 2013, well drinks are $2, and they've been that cheap for several years at least. Sure, they're a little weak, but when you're whole night's drinking tab is $10-$12, you really can't complain. The crowd is a tad bit hipster/douchy at times, but it IS a college town, and the douchiness is far from overpowering like a lot of other bars I've been in. The waitress are usually pretty damn hot (not to mention pretty nice), and often dressed in skin-tight clothing. Even on the busiest nights, there's usually plenty of seating. I've been here twice for New Year's, and never had to wait more than 5 or 10 minutes to be seated. I really can't think of anything negative to say about Blu. The food, the drinks, the girls, the decor... everything is top notch. I hope they can maintain this aura for years to come!
(5)
Niki S.
Awesome alternative to the chain restaurant. I really liked the downtown location in a renovated building and hipster vibe. The crowd is definitely young- I am sure that has a lot to do with Norman being a college town. Had a great bottle of pinot grigio and the seared ahi tuna. The tuna was wonderfully seasoned and the perfect light dinner for the summertime.
(4)
Robert S.
My sister and bro-in-law talked up Blu for about a month before I arrived in Noman for a visit. I was quite exited to try out Blu, and it did not disappointed. The restaurant offered a fantastic wine list featuring a wide variety of wine by the bottle and a few highlights by the glass. The wait staff was very friendly, approachable and quite knowledgeable about both the food and wine menus. We started off with a plate of hummus, served with toasted pita wedges. This particular variety of hummus was thick and pasty but was delicious and spicy with a hint of pimento. For dinner I opted for the grilled chicken and portabella mushroom quesadilla. Yum! After the appetizer, dinner and two glasses of very good wine, the bill (with tip and tax) was about $45. Perhaps a bit pricey for a late night snack, especially in Oklahoma, but well worth it for the wonderful wine, delicious food, and chill ambiance. I'll certainly visit again during my next trip to Oklahoma.
(5)
Daniel H.
Blu is one of those "we'll take care of you" establishments, where the staff will greet you the minute you walk in the door with a smile, seat you quickly and immediately bring you a drink. The food is top-notch (I recommend "The Man Burger" which isn't on the menu) and available late-night which is nice in a college town where most food services close surprisingly early. Also unique to this establishment is the design, which many of my out-of-town guests have mentioned as "something that could easily be in NYC." One of the managers also mentioned that their fresh fish is one of the best items on the menu. Since I don't eat anything that swims, I'll leave that judgment to another reviewer.
(5)
Heather B.
Haven't been here in a long time but when we did go the food was good and the drinks were delicious! This a nice quiet place for a date if you go early in the evening. Don't know what it is like when more of the 'bar' crowd is coming in. However, I have heard good things about this place in that arena as well...
(4)
Allison K.
Blu. Is. Delicious. Their menu is pretty limited, but everything I've tried has been good. The pizza in particular is delectable--I usually insist on eating a whole one myself, and that's a lot of food for someone who normally eats like a bird. I love the bruschetta and I hear the sweet potato fries are great also. The wine selection is thorough and nicely organized by bodied-ness (is that a word?) and flavor. The prices are undoubtedly inflated as wine tends to be, but I've found some nice bottles for around $30, and hey, you're paying for the experience. I'm very fond of the trendy atmosphere, as I am usually overdressed everywhere else in Norman. There's a couple of cool lounge areas with couches for bigger parties. The staff was nice enough to seat us there the other night when we didn't have reservations so we didn't have to wait for a table. Anyway, I'm just bummed I didn't discover this place earlier!
(5)
Casey P.
My go to place in Norman. Have been there countless times for lunch, dinner and even a few wine tastings. Love the $5 pizzas before 6pm (or is it 7pm?). More times than not they have a great bottle of wine on special but otherwise they always have $2 wells all night and $2 beers after 10pm... I think that's how it works, I usually don't really care by 10pm... Great atmosphere and great staff. Great menu, I've pretty much had everything on it... I do wish they changed it up a bit more though. I know the wine is really supposed to be centre stage but would love a few more food options for us regulars. Try the sweet potato fries and the Mac & Cheese.
(5)
Don W.
This place tries to be too trendy for its own good. Likes: There are very hot girls there in what appears to be a uniform of sexy attire. Typically this includes black tights and classy but sexy little outfits. I will also grant that their wine selection is pretty good. Dislikes: It's way way way way (did I say way yet?) overpriced, and the food is sub-par at best. Because they're trying so hard to be trendy, they destroy the meal experience entirely. If you like great flavor, decent portions, and a respectable price, go somewhere else! For their prices, there are lots of great eats out there with classy, trendy people in them, and even good wine to match! If you're looking to trend out with the hippest ultra chic expresso drinkers, go to Starbucks in the day and Blu at night! Don't go here for the food.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Brunch Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Trendy Noise Level : Average Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat Coat Check : No Smoking : Outdoor Area/ Patio Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Melissa S.
I love blu. I love cheap well drinks and a thoughtful wine list. The food is better than average bar food - sweet potato fries and maytag blu cheese chips are the bomb. It's the perfect spot for a big group of friends, because you can spend as little or as much as you like. If you want a tasty steak and $12 malbec - go for it. Or keep it college with a cheap, but tasty, drink and pretty appetizers.
(5)Anne H.
This is an eclectic, vibrant place with good service and food. If one orders an appetizer and beer, you could go away full. I had the Mediterranean Plate and found the hummus, cheese and olive relish delightful. We sat on theenclosed balcony on a cool spring night and were very comfortable. I'll be back
(4)John S.
Ambiance and wait staff were incredible. The place looks great and has a fun vibe to it. I sat out on the porch and had drinks. They were tasty, large, and reasonably priced. This is the place nova is trying to be.
(4)kathryn h.
the cheapest drinks in town. two dollar well drinks and during happy hour $2 coachs imperial pints. as a restaurant, it is a bit different than anything norman has encountered. it attempts to be a tapas-style restaurant, though that is not successful, it is successful in providing fresh meat and fish. they have a new fish special every week. they do not serve huge portions like corporate places do, because they encourage health food and healthy portions. they dont have butter or ranch dressing in the restaurant. in terms of nightlife, thurs fri and sat are always packed. they are strict about ids so don't worry about hanging around youngsters.
(4)Matt A.
This is for the New Year's Eve Dinner on 12/31. Fixed price, set menu. We had a great time! Blu's event dinners really are worthwhile and fun. we paid $125 for two people, appetizers, entrees, desserts, a bottle of wine, and a table at one of the more fun places in all of Norman for dinner. We felt this represented nice value, all things considered. The highlight of the meal was the filet/tenderloin. Man, fer real. This thing was serious. Best steak I've had in Norman. I was pleased to see that it is a regular menu item. This thing was so, so good, and I highly recommend it. The dessert was also great. All in all, the food was really, really good. We enjoyed it a lot. The ambiance was a lot of fun. They packed in some folks, but it was New Year's, so what do you expect? So, if it was so great, why only three stars? We had poor service, unfortunately. We usually tip 20% no questions asked. This server was tipped 10%. I think that, since we seemed friendly and engaging, the server thought we were a "safe" or "forgiving" table to be the backstop. We were the table who didn't get refills or attention for long periods of time because she was busy. Almost every time she came over to us, she apologized, so it's not like she didn't know. You have to spread out those wait times, in my opinion. Don't make the same table sustain the wait every time. That part was disappointing. Also disappointing: we had a reservation. They called and left a VM to confirm our reservation. I called them back to confirm the reservation. We get there perfectly on time and guess what: we have to wait almost half an hour for our table. To me, this is unacceptable, and it happens more and more often it seems like. We loved Blu. We'll be back. The errors probably were the result of the busy evening.
(3)Scott H.
Had a decent lunch that could have been a lot better with some minor changes at Blu. I went on a Monday around 12:15 and the place was about a quarter full. There were several people seated on the patio as well. I was immediately brought my drink and a server came to my table within a couple of minutes. She was very friendly, I didn't have any problems with service during my lunch. Blu has several (maybe 12-15, but I didn't count) options for a "pick 2" lunch for $8. These includes sandwiches, salads, soup, and mac n cheese. I went with the beef and blu sandwich and the mac n cheese. The sandwich was fantastic, it's not a ton of beef, but it's good quality and flavorful. The bread was toasted well, and even though it's thick, you can get a full bite of it. There is a TON of blue cheese dressing and crumbles, so if you like that flavor (and you should) this sandwich is for you. I usually don't love cilantro, but the little bit sprinkled on top added a nice freshness. This is a messy sandwich, I don't see how you could eat it with your hands and not get it all over yourself. An absolute re-order. The mac n cheese was disappointing. First of all, it wasn't very hot. It wasn't hot at all, some parts could be described as warm, and the middle was room temperature. This could have been resolved by letting it sit under the salamander for another minute (the sprinkled cheese on top was barely melted) or serving it in a shallower dish. The mac n cheese wasn't very flavorful, it was simple elbow pasta and a basic cheese sauce. Again, cilantro on top added a nice flavor. Those were my favorite parts, as they were warm and had the most flavor. I would not re-order the mac n cheese. Overall, it's a nice place with a menu that includes things you don't typically see in Norman. The bar wasn't huge but it was fairly well stocked, and the patio looked comfortable. I'll definitely be back, there's a lot to try.
(3)Latisha P.
This place definitely has good food! I get to live in Lawton for a couple months so I'm deprived of anything close to this good. I was so happy when this actually met my Los Angeles standards of good food. I'd definitely recommend coming here. FOOD Pork Tacos (5 stars): So flavorful!! Really good meat. Pork tacos come with 4 tacos, the fish tacos come with 3 tacos. Italian Sausage and Mushroom Pizza (4 stars): $5 during happy hour! It was really good. Italian sausage was really flavorful. DESSERT Chocolate Cobbler (4 stars): Very, very rich and chocolatey! Almost like a brownie but topped with sugary goodness. Pretty big portion since it is really rich so definitely share this. You won't be disappointed if you're a chocolate lover. SERVICE (5 stars) Our waitress was really nice. Disappeared when we wanted our check but she gave us good suggestions and ways to substitute dishes to make it better. ATMOSPHERE (4 stars) Cute place. Nice bar and lounge areas. Bathrooms are nice with the decor but small and smelled a little weird. They just did a good job with the bathroom trying to make it seem nicer to match the rest of the place. There were a couple flies in the dinning area that would not lay off our food. I was getting so annoyed! Swatting my hand around while eating is not fun. The waitress noticed and apologized but I wish she had us swap tables. When I wanted to change tables I couldn't find her again.
(4)Annie T.
"I'm blu and da ba de da ba die, da ba dee da ba die, da ba dee da ba die" Okay anyway I love Blu. Blu is in the constant rotation for birthday dinners, happy hour or fun girly dinner spots for my friends and I. I frequented Blu several times over my course at OU. I love the two party rooms for groups and the covered patio is great in the evening. Inside it's a little 90's feeling to me, but I'm kind of a fan. The menu though is up to date. Let's start with drinks-I've tried a few cocktails that I'll be honest i don't love but their moscow mule is one of the best. I typically go with a glass of wine though. It's not called Blu Fine Wine and Food for nothing. For apps I like to start with the awesome cheese board, Mediterranean platter, and the blu chips-holy moly. House made chips with blue cheese and and a creamy cheese sauce. They are a sin. I suggest going with the half order if there are only two or three of you. For an entree the tamales are killer, the veggie stack is super filling, the quesadilla is muy delicioso and the salads totally satisfy for an entree. My recent fav is the beet and walnut salad! Blu is apart of The Good Life Group. A norman restaurant group responsible for also Blackbird, max, The Library and the Brewhouse. TGLG knows how to do a restaurant! Big thumbs up from me.
(5)Matthieu D.
The food is not great, just well presented. But the atmosphere, the patio and the cute waitresses help to have a good time. And they have happy hour. Cheers
(4)Elizabeth J.
I am a big fan of this place and the stars on this review reflect the several times I've been there. Food has always been freshly made and very good. On almost every occasion service has been quick and great all around. However, the last time we were there for a girls' night we made the mistake of showing up on OU Mom's Day. Won't do that again. We were told we could be seated immediately as long as it wouldn't take us more than an hour and 15 minutes to finish our meal, which I thought was a little odd to begin with. They had another group coming in and we would need to be cleared out, I understand, it's just weird to ask a group if you can be done in a certain amount of time. We were there to sit, enjoy their food and drinks, NOT to be rushed out. It wasn't ideal, but we said we could. Then it took 20 minutes before someone came over to get our order. I think it was because they were short a few servers. I don't know what advice to offer other than to make sure they are staffed and ready for weekends like that AND that they treat all guests to the same quality of service.
(4)Rebecca K.
Blu is one of my favorite places in Norman. Lots of great specials and friendly service. They always have $2 wells and $3 doubles. They also have great happy hour specials for food and drinks. It has an upscale feel with reasonable prices and delicious food. I recommend the chicken flatbread pizza and the blue cheese chips! If you have a large group, I would recommend calling to reserve a lounge. The lounges are one of my favorite parts of the restaurant-- comfy couches and chairs, TVs, and plenty of room. They do fill up at night on the weekends though!
(5)Tom H.
Great wine and cocktail selections. Great food and aps. Perfect date night spot. Perfect for after game stop as well.
(5)Angela S.
Blu has been a staple of my hang-outs in Norman since it opened. The intimate setting, the waitstaff, the menu, and the drinks all add up to my go-to place for hanging out with pals, or groups from work, or family for a nice meal. One of the most over-looked things is their lunch. It's a great deal and they have been fast when I've gone there. Be sure to get their newsletter for the fire sale, the wine tastings and the special dinners. It's always good, and very packed. The weekends and special events tend to get PACKED. I've had luck calling ahead for seating. They've worked with me on their party rooms, which are perfect for a club meeting or just a professional get-together. The rate was great and everyone enjoyed the setting.
(5)Jill H.
Fills the Norman niche of an "upscale" bar/restaurant. The vibe is upscale, but you don't have to be. They still offer $2 wells and cheap beers, but their extensive wine list is also fun. Appetizers are really good...get the Bleu Cheese Chips! My friends and I love to reserve one of the two lounges (fit up to 15-25 people), and just get drinks and apps. They are very accommodating, great service. Pizzas are half-price before 6pm. I have never eaten dinner there, but brunch is good. Wine tastings are fun, also!
(5)Helen C.
Took my man here for his b-day and ended up apologizing for it. Started out with an incredibly slow waitress (I don't think she had quite mastered the art of multiple tables yet...) and it went downhill from there. We started with the blue cheese potato chips - Highlight of the night! Really tasty! But the overcooked (and tough) steak was hard to swallow (literally and figuratively). With that said, the manager truly was top-notch! He noticed from afar that my hubby was not enjoying the steak and took it upon himself to check our order with the kitchen, noted that it was not medium-rare and came over to our table to apologize and comp the steak. This act alone would have convinced us that we should give Blu another chance, until our waitress decided that the comp was a mistake and added it back into our bill. Worked that out, but the damage was done - won't be going back. Would recommend the restaurant for drinks and light eats (I.e. potato chips), but not for dining and definitely not for a special occasion.
(2)Nicolas G.
$2 drinks amazing...Food (I had the salmon) was ok...overall a pleasant place to be and drink...
(4)Clayton S.
We had a late dinner and drinks at Blu in Norman OK. It's a contempory wine bar and cafe in Norman frequented by a mostly college age folks. It was crowded on OU graduation weekend but the staff were helpful in getting us a table out on the outdoor patio. They have a nice selection of wines, draft beers and other drinks. We enjoyed the three entrees we shared: hummus, pot stickers and the veggie pizza. In particular the hummus was very flavorful. I would order it again. Nice late night place with a good selection of tasty vegetarian options on their menu.
(4)Bobby M.
BEST PLACE IN NORMAN FOR A DRINK HANDS DOWN! $2.00 well drinks along with some of the nicest servers you'll ever find. One con, service can be slow at times. Otherwise, my home away from home.
(5)Vi P.
Blu is... swanky! It's for those who like to dress up and have a couple of drinks with friends in a trendy environment. The low lights, modern decor, and secluded sitting areas give a casual and chill ambiance that's perfect for lounging and conversation. Like another reviewer had said, this place is reminiscent of the lounges in NYC. Blu does not skimp on their liquor. Be prepared for some strong drinks. They also have two dollar well drink specials. Having only eaten at Blu once, their food was not memorable. All the food items I've tried was only sub par. The ceviche was not limey enough and the burger was nothing special. As a lounge, Blu gets a 4.5. As a restaurant, Blu gets a 3.
(4)Viktor H.
What great surprise to find such a restaurant in Norman, OK. As soon as I entered, from the host greeting to bartender to server, everyone was welcoming and helpful. absolutely no attitude. Food was also a nice surprise. Started with the beet, candid walnuts, fig, goat cheese salad. The title says it all, lots for all the ingredients and lightly dressed. It was all fresh. The server gave good advice when she recommended a half order. It was still a large salad. More than enough, a full order would be a complete meal. The only improvement would be the greens, the beets and other goodies were on top of chopped romaine, pretty uneventful. I wasn't too disappointed there were plenty of toppings. Next, the lemon snapper with red quinoa was the special. Fish was cooked fully, almost too much, but not quite well. The quinoa was fantastic (yes, quinoa has made it to OK), it was flavored with oregano and garlic and was the best item on the plate! I think they roasted it to give it a bit of a crunch. As for the squash cake that came with the entree, it was fair, nice attempt but I will take extra quinoa next time. I don't know if I will be in that part of the country again but if i find myself there I would go back to Blu.
(4)Nicole P.
I'm a big fan of having a drinks and appetizers night, and blu is a great place for this. They have a great selection on food and drinks and everything I've ever had has been delicious. This is a great place for groups - big or small. The brunch is also wonderful and you're almost always seated right away.
(4)Grace G.
Customer service is great! Wente Chardonnay was my favorite! Had the pull pork tacos, which weren't great. The dish lacked flavor, pico de gallo overpowered it.
(3)Gini A.
We had the chicken strudel and tenderloin... both were fantastic. Great wine list that is probably not noticed/taken advantage of by many, given the two dollar well drinks. It was great to enjoy a good meal in a college town that wasn't a burger-- unexpected!
(4)Connie M.
My finance and I were super excited to try something new in Norman. Unfortunately we were left wanting more. The good stuff was the $2 well drinks, as a lot of others on here recommended and knew about. We sat at the bar and the girls were extremely nice, knowledgeable about the food, but not the wine list or beers. The bad a was the food. We had the Greek sampler plate thingy and it was really not good. The hummus looked like it was dumped out of container the pita bread was stale and not hot. Honestly could have made this at home and been happier Then we had the fish tacos and the bleu cheese chips(suggestion of the waitress) Fish tacos were not seasoned and need more flavor. Also they were on corn tortillas. If you offer corn you should offer flour tortillas as well. The bleu cheese chips were the best but its only due to the overwhelming flavor or the crumbles. The sauce they poured on it was runny and a bit cold. So I know this is harsh and I will return and give it one more chance. Maybe we just needed to order entrees-apps must not be their strong suit
(3)L A.
Ordered spicy humus and it came to the table half frozen. Our party powered through this and ordered quesadillas which were tasty. Combine this with $2 well drinks and you get 4 stars. Food 3 stars based on getting a half frozen appetizer.
(4)Amber H.
We've been to Blu more than ten times and it is consistently good. I've dined there in various size groups up to about ten people and we were given excellent service each time. Soup, salads, entrees, appetizers... everything is done well. Scallops are always perfect. While I understand the concept of a small menu, I would like to see a few changes periodically or rotating specials. The atmosphere is great and we've never had to wait for seating. We love the diversity of the other diners and most of the time the waitstaff is friendly and conversational.
(4)Marci K.
Good Happy Hour place
(5)Sarah B.
This is a great place. Great wine, drinks, and brewpub beer. The patio is fantastic and always a nice place to sit and have some drinks. The food is thoughtfully paired and presented. They have wonderful wine dinners and wine tasting events regularly that we enjoy.
(5)Jonathan C.
Mojitos and quesadillas were great! The patio was a little crowded, but the food and service were nearly perfect and the atmosphere was energetic. The blue cheese nachos were good, but a little rich and a little overrated. All in all, Blu was good and is a great restaurant for date night or a early family lunch.
(4)Cristine W.
Great food but for a restaurant/ bar experience I want more beer choices. I know it's a wine place but at least give me more options of some good local brews in a bottle! Patio is nice but add some lighting.
(4)Christopher F.
Foodies beware. Lousy food but cheap drinks in a cool-looking neighborhood bar. If you are there to drink, go for it. Strong drinks that are very reasonably priced. If you are there to eat, go somewhere else. Quickly. If this place fixed their menu and had a better cook, this could be a very cool place. Don't get me wrong. The menu looks delicious and the prices seem right for a trendy gastro-pub serving small plates. But man, oh man, does it suck. Unless you like pre-prepared frozen Sysco offerings. Then you will be in heaven. Everything is presented nicely, but very, very uninspired and not at all tasty. I just got the feeling I was at the bar at a suburban midwestern Doubletree Hotel. You know the deal -- it's ok to eat there because there's nowhere else to go or you don't have a car, and you're staying upstairs. So you kind of put up with bland, predictable mid-level hotel restaurant food that's dressed up to look special. (In Oklahoma, we call that putting lipstick on the pig.) The thing with Blu, though, is you don't have a room upstairs, and you probably have a car outside, so go ahead and have a cheap pre-dinner drink, then get the hell out and go somewhere else to eat. Much better food is just a few blocks away. And please don't call it Tapas. Just because it is served on a small plate without enough portion to make it a meal, doesn't mean it's Tapas. It's just small plates. There is not a Latin thing on the menu, unless pulled pork tacos or fried fish tacos (both done far better at terrible chain restaurants We've been there a few times over the years (always our friends' idea) and are always underwhelmed. The most recent trip will hopefully be our last, unless they up their food game. But if you are stuck there drinking with friends and you have to eat something to keep from going over the edge, I offer these reviews: The crab cake ($12), and yes, there is ONE crab cake, was sent back. Too fishy and tasted sour. Even if it had been palatable, it is WAY overpriced for what you get, and clearly something they pulled out of a bag. But this one had turned and I couldn't even have it on the table. The Maytag Blue Cheese Chips ($7) aren't bad. Fresh-made potato chips covered in blue cheese crumbles. Kind of greasy, but good bar food. The Mediterranean Plate ($8) is ok. Decent olive tapenade and a red-pepper hummus, but then there is a bowl of Feta crumbles. It's an odd choice. But this is filling with a lot of pita points (more than you would even need, really, which is a welcome change) and won't give you the gag reflex that some of the other offerings will. The pork tacos ($8) aren't bad, but obvious the pork is not made on site. The beef tenderloin ($36) just downright ain't worth it. Nobody at Blu knows how to cook a steak, even though they proudly charge like they do. There are much better steaks in Norman, for much less. The mac and cheese ($8) is probably the best thing we've had there, but really that's not saying much. It isn't fresh or made on site. We added the bread crumbs and the bacon (but the bacon was way, way overcooked and a bad choice). I've never had the pizzas there because there is far superior pizza in Norman. Maybe that's the one thing they do right, other than pour a cheap, stiff drink. So perhaps this review isn't complete. Overall, get it together, Blu. You have the food prices and deceiving menu of a trendy gastropub (which is what you want to be) but you are a college bar with lousy bar food that's way overpriced. Step it up. The foodies in Norman are going somewhere else.
(2)Lisa H.
I had The Beef & Blu sandwich and a cup of Roasted red pepper & smoked gouda soup. The sandwich had plenty of beef on it and it was oozing with blu cheese! The soup was very good as well! It was very cheesy! I would order this again! Even though it was just 1/2 a sandwich and a cup of soup it was very filling. And at just $8.00 it was a good value!
(4)Lydia J.
Love the food and atmosphere! Service is slow sometimes, but everything else makes up for it!
(5)Autumn W.
Great happy hour, brunch, lunch, groups/events, dinner, and late night!! Dinner: green chili chicken tamales with quinoa or Korean BBQ Salmon! Lunch: pick 2 option -- w/ red pepper soup! Very good! Snacks: cheese tray, medd plate, or spinach chips and salsa. Happy hour: $5 pizza or flatbread, $2.50 draft (Brewhouse) house beer, & the always and forever $2 well drinks.
(5)Meg W.
I spent many hours at blu when I lived in Norman and it never got old. I revisited blu last night after studying with a friend and although the menu had some minor changes, everything was still the same and it was still as wonderful as it always was. blu is sort of a lucky place for me. I used to sit at the bar and study when I was taking classes at OU and one evening a man that was dining there with his wife gave the bartender a $20 bill to give to me for "being so studious" even though I was totally sitting there drinking beer. So, naturally, I continued studying there...but it never happened again. Anyway, blu has a fairly small, but diverse menu that includes small plates, pizzas, quesadillas, main entrees, etc. I have NEVER had something off their menu that I did not love. Their sweet potato fries and dipping sauce are exquisite. The real reason I come to blu, though, is for their patio (covered and open) and the booze. They have great happy hour specials and an overwhelming wine list. I really enjoy ordering mimosas at blu because they are cheap and delicious. blu also has a delicious brunch menu that I have enjoyed quite a few times. I would highly recommended this restaurant to anyone in Norman because it is definitely one of my favorites and it is, of course, vegetarian friendly! :)
(5)Julie S.
I don't get to see my college friends often enough, but several times a year we get out our calendars and book about a month in advance to see each other. Needless to say, we want to have fun and enjoy a chance to catch up. Blu is the perfect place. We went on a Thursday night, and I'm so old I had forgotten Thursday night is the party night. But it was such a good fit for us - we got there at about 7:30 when it was still dead and ordered some crazy cheap drinks and small plates. Our waitress was lovely and managed to take great care of us without bringing our conversation to a halt. The food was great. We had a hummus, tapenade and something else sampler with pita and (upon request) sliced fresh veggies, which were a perfect addition. We also split a couple of flatbread pizzas that were so good. As the night went on and we got louder, it got busier so it all worked out okay. It also made me feel less bad about sitting at our waitress' table for three hours, since we left right about the time it got really busy. It was great to see it packed with happy college kids, grad students and the like. I want to grab them by the shoulders and tell them to stay as long as they can, Ã la Billy Madison, have as much fun as they can, not worry too much about the future, etc. But I resisted the urge, just took my old lady self home. I'm looking forward to coming back and trying the rest of the menu while enjoying more Norman nostalgia!
(4)Cassie H.
This place is definitely my new favorite bar in town. When you first walk in, it was a bit confusing as there was no hostess waiting... The bartender quickly came to our rescue though and took good care of us. I love the decor-very trendy and chic. It has great areas for intimite conversation or boisterous drinking. I had mimosas, and at two dollars a pop they can't be beat! You can get a double for $1 more, which I might or might not have done... For lunch, I ordered off the 2/$8 menu and had a hot ham sandwich and macaroni and cheese. The sandwich was awesome, strawberries, Brie, gooey yumminess. I didn't eat the top part of the bread, I loved the bread but it was too thick to easily eat as a sandwich. I left the top off and fork and knife'd it. The macaroni and cheese was no disappointment. Sort of a grown up version of the Kraft kind but in a good way. The great drink list and creative menu make this a place to be reckoned with.
(5)Sara P.
I love blu! I'm all about customer service and their staff has always been the friendliest! I have been many times and haven't had a server who wasn't upbeat, outgoing, and friendly. They have a great drink special (I believe 5pm - close $2 wells and $3 double talls, and either $3 or $4 mimosas!) Their food menu is pretty good too. Blu is a great place for having a bite to eat or just snacking while having some drinks and hanging out with friends. The best part is that they serve really late (I think their kitchen closes at like 1am) !! So you don't have to worry if you get out late and are still hungry! Their pizzas are really good. Flatbread style, nice and crispy crust, not too heavy yet really satisfying. Try it out!
(5)Joy M.
Bar crawling on a rainy Saturday night sounded like a good idea.... So the boyfriend and I decided to try out a couple bars. I was pretty impressed with the setup at Blu. They have a couple private rooms if you're looking for a more intimate affair and a dining room that spills into the bar area. Have to admit that I was a little confused on where I was suppose to go when I walked in because there wasn't a hostess stand at the front. The bartenders were super friendly and suggested we sit at the bar or grab any open table. I ordered a glass of Cline Viognier and the Beet & Fig salad sans goat cheese. I'm not a fan of gamey cheese- it just taste and smells weird to me! The bf ordered a double whisky coke (it was only $3!!!) and now claims this is his favorite bar -heehee! When the salad came out, I was surprised to see that there was a true salad with greens! Normally when you order something with beets and figs, all that comes out is a small plate of the stuff. I was pretty happy :) The only thing I didn't really like was the dressing. The balsamic wasn't mind blowing, but decent. All in all, we'll probably end up frequenting this place and hopefully sit down for an actual meal in the future.
(4)Hilary C.
My husband and I just moved to Norman a few months ago and we are on the hunt for some awesome local places. We tried Blu for the first time tonight...and the service was despicable. It was the worst service we have ever had at a restaurant. We were sitting at our table for around 6 minutes and no server acknowledged our presence- at that point, the hostess (who was very sweet and helpful) finally took our drink order. Our server still didn't show up for at least another 5 minutes, and when she did, she did not introduce herself (we still don't know what her name was), she did not say hello, she did not apologize for taking so long to get to us...nothing. The first thing she said was, "So, are you ready to order or do you need more time?" Now, my husband and I are very tolerant and more than willing to give servers the benefit of the doubt, and we always tip a minimum of 18%. But this was ridiculous. It would have been fine if our server had just told us she was trying to catch up and would be with us shortly- but that never happened. She didn't give us much attention through the entirety of our meal. It was very disappointing, especially considering how excited we were to try it tonight. Being busy and unable to get to us right away is fine, but my goodness, let us know! Then it wouldn't have been a big deal at all. We almost got up and walked out when it took 10 minutes for our server to initially get to our table, and we have NEVER almost walked out of a restaurant before. Absolutely ridiculous. The food was pretty good. My husband's pizza was delicious. I had the blue cheese burger and the toppings were good but the meat was just a frozen patty. But otherwise it was pretty good. The sweet potato fries were good- nothing special, but I do love me some sweet potato fries, so I'm not too picky with those. I am giving this one star because although the food was good, the severe lack of service drastically takes away from anything the food has going for it. Had the service been good, the food would have been good enough to bring us back, but now I'm not so sure. We are going out to dinner with a group of friends tomorrow night and were hoping to recommend this place, but that will not be happening. Very disappointing and I'm not sure that we will ever be back.
(1)Patrick M.
Still my favorite place to eat & drink in town! Cheap well drinks, decent wine selection, good food options & great staff. Nice, casual atmosphere. Nice patio if its not too hot out. Check it out!
(5)Lee R.
Blu doesn't know what it wants to be. Is it a college hang out? An upscale restaurant? A wine bar? A sports bar? A patio bar? A hook-up bar? Trying to do too much means it doesn't do anything well. I was surprised with the lack of a deft touch with the food. The scallops dish could have been crafted by a hotel lobby restaurant in Topeka. While dining, the women at the table next to me screamed and hopped away from the table. The bizarre public display was apparently inspired by some type of large insect. Lovely. At the bar on the other side of me two different sets of guys tried to hit on a young women sitting at the bar using an unintentionally humorous and loud effort of oneupsmanship. My waitperson was sweet, but gussied up like she was working at a gentleman's club. The large-screen television in front of me was set, of course, to football. So, I'm not sure what Blu wants to be ... but it definitely does not want to be a destination for serious foodies.
(2)Aly W.
So I only came to this place once. It was for a party for my boss, who was leaving. First of all things, this place really has no idea what it wanted to be in the first place. The food is what is called "gourmet" and I'm not a fan of it at all. Too expensive for a small pizza too. The drink that I ordered was NOT what I got. I asked for a liquid marijuana and I got something that wasn't even close. When someone asks the waitress if the bartender can make it, don't always say "yes" right off the bat, because that was a lie. The waitress kept trying to hit on the single drinking men in our group and not paying that much attention to everyone else. I don't know why this place was picked, but it was really a horrible place. I really hope they get their act together or have a talk with their waitresses.
(1)Julissa M.
This is one of my favorite hangout spots in Norman. I feel like it's a little bit of a hidden treasure. The drink specials are awesome ($2 mimosas & $3 well drinks), the food is always delicious and consistent. My go to's are the cheese tray, the hummus and the burger. It's always nice to go with a group, order different appetizers and just share to get little bit of everything. They have a great wine selection as well.
(5)Rick W.
I find Blu to be one of my favorite restaurants when dining in Norman. A very courteous waitstaff and an impressive ale menu really sets the atmosphere. The Norwegian Salmon is especially good, along with some of the best rice pilaf I've had in years. Highly recommended.
(4)Marlon C.
Finally got a chance to eat more than desert here. The good was outstanding!
(5)Josephine S.
Blu is a favorite within my group of friends. There is always somewhere to sit (but if you have kind of a big group, call ahead) and you can reserve the rooms that have lots of seating, TVs, and a more intimate environment for big groups that want to hang out for the night. We have reserved both of the rooms multiple times and we always have fun. There is also seating on the deck, covered or uncovered. After a certain time, all well drinks are only $2 until close. Most of the waitresses are very nice. The food can be a little pricey, but some of it is well worth it. My favorite thing to get there are the Maytag blu cheese chips, which are ridged potato chips with bleu cheese crumbles and dressing melted on the top and fresh herbs sprinkled over them. I have dreams about these chips. Also, the sweet potato fries and their dipping sauce are killer. While it can be an expensive experience, it can also be a cheap one, you just have to know your budget and stick to it. If you want it cheap, eat before you come or only get one appetizer and stick to well drinks. Also, if you get a double, it will last you longer, won't be watered down and doesn't tack onto the price much. Brunches are fabulous with an extensive Bloody Mary bar filled with various mixes, garnishes & spices to build your own perfect concoction. When I went, I got the Eggs Benedict and loved it. I know some people in Norman who aren't huge fans, and I get what they are saying, but it's a spot we always come back to when we have a large party and are craving those blu cheese chips.... Highly recommend trying at least once!
(4)Jordan B.
Shrimp and grits. I really wouldn't bother with anything else. Because it's that good.
(4)Laura N.
I know I've said this before, but 2 words: Strawberry Mojitos. I've only been there twice, but I will definitely be a new regular on the weekends..or after a bad day...or any other excuse to go there for some. They have fresh strawberries and mint, taste delicious, and will get you shwasty face if you aren't careful. And I'm not complaining. The menu is a la carte, but the most expensive thing is about $12. Mediterranean plate, macaroni and cheese, calamari, and ahi tuna will make anyone happy. Sit out on the patio, enjoy the hipster/chic atmosphere, and friendly, quirky waitresses. As a college graduate who hangs out with an older 20's crowd, this place is great to escape the usual young college student crowded places around town. Again for repetative purposes, STRAWBERRY MOJITOS.
(5)Donald A.
Overall a good place for friends and conversation. We had the cheese platter, chicken, tacos, and mac and cheese. The food was ok. The atmosphere on the patio was nice minus the homeless girl asking to borrow my cellphone from the sidewalk. The staff was extremely nice and very attentive.
(4)Stacey B.
This is one of the only late-night places I have found in Norman. I like to go late for drinks and appetizers. The Mediterranean plate is excellent and so are the sweet potato fries. I love their margherita pizza too.
(4)Kate C.
Blu is impressive for many different reasons. Here are a few: 1) Great ambiance. Very modern and chic. It feels like a very expensive restaurant. 2) $2 well drinks all night! Even on the weekends. Are you kidding me? 3) High-end heaven-in-your-mouth appetizers. I like the bruschetta and sweet potato fries but the real star is the hummus. It's spiced with red pepper and served with cheese crostinis. (Hint: It's cheaper to get hummus as a side item to your dinner entree. Still comes with delicious crostinis!) 4) High-end food at a reasonable price. I have paid a lot more for food of this caliber. Try the pizza. It has a fresh, not greasy, taste. Basically, at Blu you get to experience fine dining without going broke. And with $2 wells you can also have a good night without going broke. Blu is hands down the best place in Norman to eat on a Friday or Saturday night. Just look at the rest of the reviews. It's a hit!
(5)Tony D.
This is my favorite bar in Norman, and probably my favorite bar that I've yet been to in my 10-12 years in Oklahoma. In fact, it's probably one of my favorite bars I've EVER been to anywhere. I don't know what that one 2-star reviewer was talking about; the food is delicious and this is one of the cheapest places to drink in town. As of January 2013, well drinks are $2, and they've been that cheap for several years at least. Sure, they're a little weak, but when you're whole night's drinking tab is $10-$12, you really can't complain. The crowd is a tad bit hipster/douchy at times, but it IS a college town, and the douchiness is far from overpowering like a lot of other bars I've been in. The waitress are usually pretty damn hot (not to mention pretty nice), and often dressed in skin-tight clothing. Even on the busiest nights, there's usually plenty of seating. I've been here twice for New Year's, and never had to wait more than 5 or 10 minutes to be seated. I really can't think of anything negative to say about Blu. The food, the drinks, the girls, the decor... everything is top notch. I hope they can maintain this aura for years to come!
(5)Niki S.
Awesome alternative to the chain restaurant. I really liked the downtown location in a renovated building and hipster vibe. The crowd is definitely young- I am sure that has a lot to do with Norman being a college town. Had a great bottle of pinot grigio and the seared ahi tuna. The tuna was wonderfully seasoned and the perfect light dinner for the summertime.
(4)Robert S.
My sister and bro-in-law talked up Blu for about a month before I arrived in Noman for a visit. I was quite exited to try out Blu, and it did not disappointed. The restaurant offered a fantastic wine list featuring a wide variety of wine by the bottle and a few highlights by the glass. The wait staff was very friendly, approachable and quite knowledgeable about both the food and wine menus. We started off with a plate of hummus, served with toasted pita wedges. This particular variety of hummus was thick and pasty but was delicious and spicy with a hint of pimento. For dinner I opted for the grilled chicken and portabella mushroom quesadilla. Yum! After the appetizer, dinner and two glasses of very good wine, the bill (with tip and tax) was about $45. Perhaps a bit pricey for a late night snack, especially in Oklahoma, but well worth it for the wonderful wine, delicious food, and chill ambiance. I'll certainly visit again during my next trip to Oklahoma.
(5)Daniel H.
Blu is one of those "we'll take care of you" establishments, where the staff will greet you the minute you walk in the door with a smile, seat you quickly and immediately bring you a drink. The food is top-notch (I recommend "The Man Burger" which isn't on the menu) and available late-night which is nice in a college town where most food services close surprisingly early. Also unique to this establishment is the design, which many of my out-of-town guests have mentioned as "something that could easily be in NYC." One of the managers also mentioned that their fresh fish is one of the best items on the menu. Since I don't eat anything that swims, I'll leave that judgment to another reviewer.
(5)Heather B.
Haven't been here in a long time but when we did go the food was good and the drinks were delicious! This a nice quiet place for a date if you go early in the evening. Don't know what it is like when more of the 'bar' crowd is coming in. However, I have heard good things about this place in that arena as well...
(4)Allison K.
Blu. Is. Delicious. Their menu is pretty limited, but everything I've tried has been good. The pizza in particular is delectable--I usually insist on eating a whole one myself, and that's a lot of food for someone who normally eats like a bird. I love the bruschetta and I hear the sweet potato fries are great also. The wine selection is thorough and nicely organized by bodied-ness (is that a word?) and flavor. The prices are undoubtedly inflated as wine tends to be, but I've found some nice bottles for around $30, and hey, you're paying for the experience. I'm very fond of the trendy atmosphere, as I am usually overdressed everywhere else in Norman. There's a couple of cool lounge areas with couches for bigger parties. The staff was nice enough to seat us there the other night when we didn't have reservations so we didn't have to wait for a table. Anyway, I'm just bummed I didn't discover this place earlier!
(5)Casey P.
My go to place in Norman. Have been there countless times for lunch, dinner and even a few wine tastings. Love the $5 pizzas before 6pm (or is it 7pm?). More times than not they have a great bottle of wine on special but otherwise they always have $2 wells all night and $2 beers after 10pm... I think that's how it works, I usually don't really care by 10pm... Great atmosphere and great staff. Great menu, I've pretty much had everything on it... I do wish they changed it up a bit more though. I know the wine is really supposed to be centre stage but would love a few more food options for us regulars. Try the sweet potato fries and the Mac & Cheese.
(5)Don W.
This place tries to be too trendy for its own good. Likes: There are very hot girls there in what appears to be a uniform of sexy attire. Typically this includes black tights and classy but sexy little outfits. I will also grant that their wine selection is pretty good. Dislikes: It's way way way way (did I say way yet?) overpriced, and the food is sub-par at best. Because they're trying so hard to be trendy, they destroy the meal experience entirely. If you like great flavor, decent portions, and a respectable price, go somewhere else! For their prices, there are lots of great eats out there with classy, trendy people in them, and even good wine to match! If you're looking to trend out with the hippest ultra chic expresso drinkers, go to Starbucks in the day and Blu at night! Don't go here for the food.
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