Where to Read and Drink Coffee in Norman

I'm not afraid to say it. To shout it on the rooftops. Occasionally mutter it as an angry expletive when I have to wake up early. Coffee. I need coffee. Even when it makes me jittery and anxious, I become a more productive member of society when I consume coffee.

Naturally, reading a good book and drinking coffee go hand

in hand for me. So my topic of the day will be the best places to read books and the coffee or drink that normally goes along with it. In order to fully explore the best options available in Norman, Oklahoma, I must write a list of my top 5 coffee places (from least favorite to the best).

5. Gray Owl Coffee

"That's where the dirty hipsters go." -Ana Lastra

To me, Gray Owl is a combination of things that I just don't like. I don't like the creaky chairs that make me feel fat. I don't like the patronizing looks that the barista gives me when I order hot chocolate because I'm on caffeine overload. I don't like the smell of dead feet as I attempt to drink my coffee and get into my book. And I really don't like that Gray street is a one-way street, because it's extremely annoying to have to take the long way around to park in front of it. Gray Owl might be the place to go for some people, but I prefer other, more friendly environments.

4. Crimson and Whipped Cream

Crimson and Whipped Cream, located on Campus Corner, ranks at four on my extremely prestigious list. Why? Because their hours suck. Like really suck. They close way too early on weeknights, and they aren't even open on Sunday and Monday. Sundays I get, but Mondays? Come on. That is prime coffee and carb time. They also are too quiet and empty whenever I go in there. I need a little hustle and bustle to really be able to focus and I feel on display whenever I go in. The positive things about the coffee and bakery shop is that they have delicious coffee in big coffee mugs that remind me of winter. I don't really understand how a coffee mug can make me reminisce like that, but whatever. I go with the flow. Another perk is that their location is fantastic for students and Normanites alike. And, most importantly, they have pumpkin bread that I would gladly up my spleen for. (Betcha like that image, huh?)

Now, all of these positives are wonderful, but the greatest single flaw that Crimson and Whipped Cream has is truly horrific.

They DON'T have cream cheese icing on their red velvet cupcakes.

I know, I'm upset about it too. How can you make red velvet cupcakes WITHOUT the cream cheese? It's shocking. Feel free to write a anonymous letter to them. I have.

3. Starbucks

Ah Starbucks. You make me happy when you have my favorite pumpkin spice latte. Really, you do. And you are conveniently located on every street corner imaginable. I would compare you to something else if my blog wasn't PG rated. You are moderately cheap, on even the crappiest streets, and lots of easy access.

Maybe I'll move the blog rating to PG-13.

Anyways, you make me somewhat happy. But I also don't like how you are so accessible. Why? I know you don't want to deny the world of your delicious coffee, but it's a little annoying now. Plus you always use the to-go cups. Also, the reading areas in your little generic coffee shop are mundane and cramped. The tables aren't long enough. The chairs uncomfortable. The food is frozen and stale. I need more. I deserve more. You'll do at the number 3 spot.

2. Plaid Cafe

Plaid Cafe is a new contender in the coffee shop race. It originally wasn't open past 4pm, but they have recently decided to make all normanites and students happy and now stays open until 9pm on weeknights. It's a good change.

I love it here. Yes, I'm actually blogging from Plaid right now. And I feel good about it. I just ate some delicious Chicken Pesto, and only dripped a little bit on my pants and computer. I have a nice cup of tea for this chilly day sitting dangerously close to my keyboard. The hustle and bustle factor is at a dependable 7. I belong here, because anybody really can belong here. I can either pop open a book, play on my computer or hang out with my homeskillets here. The food is divine and they now serve beer, which is an added bonus. The coffee is only decent at best, and I prefer their tea over anything. If they added more outlets I would be a happy camper.

But it helps that they offer you a free cookie for every meal. I like cookies.

1. Michelangelo's Coffee on Main Street

What? It's a real statue. The internet said so.

Michelangelo's Coffee on Main Street is my home away from home. If I calculated and actually saved how much money I spent there, I might be able to buy myself an overpriced parking permit from OU. But I digress.

It has delicious coffee, and it also doubles as a wine bar to boot. They have a selection of chocolate and live music on Tuesday nights. The tables and couches are comfortable, and I can normally find a good place to plop down and read for a few hours. They are open until 10pm most nights and they sell local art. I'm happy there. Except when I'm studying. Then I'm never usually happy.

I find myself staying there for long amounts of time, especially when I'm trying to avoid people. The only things that I would change are the prices of coffee and food and the pesky one-way street problem. But I guess I'll just have to get used to both.

So that's it. My top five places to read, drink coffee and chillax. That's not a word that I normally use. I'm just tired.

What do you think about my list? Likes? Dislikes? I'm always interested in your opinion.