Norma's Cafe — Restaurant in Dallas

I’ve been coming to Norma’s Cafe on Park Lane (9100 N Central Expy, Dallas, TX) for months now, and it’s still the same slice of Texas comfort that hooked me from the start. This place has been a Dallas legend since 1956, and it’s become my go-to spot for a reason. On my latest visit, I stuck with an old favorite—the Big Eater’s Special. It’s a beast of a plate: three eggs (over-easy, as always), crispy bacon that’s smoky and just right, sausage links with that perfect snap, and a stack of pancakes so fluffy they’ve ruined me for anywhere else. The yolks spill over the meats like they’re meant to, and those pancakes soak up butter and syrup like it’s their job—simple, hearty, and exactly what I crave every time. And don’t get me started on the giant cinnamon roll—it’s been my weakness since my first visit. That warm, hubcap-sized masterpiece comes swirling with cinnamon-sugar goodness, wrapped in the softest dough you’ll ever taste. The icing drips down, thick and sweet with that little tangy kick, and every bite is pure bliss. It’s the kind of treat that’s kept me coming back, whether I’m sharing it (reluctantly) or hoarding it for myself. It’s not just a dessert—it’s a tradition. The service? It’s why I’ve stayed loyal all these months, and they’re still knocking it out of the park. The team here feels like family by now, and I’ve got to shout out Melissa, Judy, Paige, Shelby, YoYo, Angeles, and Sharon—they’ve got that Southern warmth down pat, keeping my coffee full and my plates hot with smiles I’ve come to count on. But Bryer? She’s the heart of this place. I’ve watched her handle the wildest rushes with a pace that’s almost superhuman, keeping every order straight and on time, all while making sure us regulars feel right at home. Even when the place is slammed, she’s a rock—plates hit the table fast, and she’s still got a grin for you. The whole crew’s a machine, and they make every visit feel like that first time. The Park Lane spot’s still got that retro diner charm I fell for—checkered floors, cozy booths, always clean and cozy. Only downside? I know the Big Eater’s Special and that cinnamon roll will leave me stuffed, but I can’t resist ordering both—thankfully, they box leftovers like champs. Norma’s Park Lane gets 5 stars from me, same as always. It’s the hearty food, the killer cinnamon roll, and the crew that keep this months-long customer coming back for more. I’ll be here again soon—probably tomorrow,...

We frequent Norma's in Frisco and are very satisfied overall. A very nice diner vibe with a good menu. Recently went to Norma's for dinner on Park near North Park Mall. Not so great an experience. The ceiling fans were running on high so we asked if we could be seated in one of the two booths on the front wall, out of the draft. The hostess said no that "section" was closed. Its about 8 feet from the "open" section. Really, c'mon. If we hadnt driven fifteen miles to get there, we would have probably left. Once seated in the "open" section, our waiter asked how we were. I said better if the ceiling fan could be turned down. He said they couldnt be adjusted, only turned off, and he couldnt do that. At some point, someone with authority stopped by to asked how everything was. I went thru the booth/fan story. She was sympathetic but said our service would suffer in the "closed" section because no waiter was assigned to it. Again, c'mon. Its two booths on the front wall, not a "section". Its right across the aisle from the "open" section. One can clearly see those two booths. Its not a large place. So assign someone to wait on us. In a few minutes we noticed the ceiling fans slowing down and stopping. She never really acknowledged what I was saying but did take action which I commend her for placing customer satisfaction above the restaurant operational procedures. But the hostess and the waiter -- not my job man -- take it or leave it. But the waiter didnt hesitate to push the 18-20-25% tip screen in front of me at checkout. Maybe it was just an off day but the difference between the Frisco location and the Park location is not the layout or the menu as they are the same. Its the people. The people make the difference.

Update: We've been back to this location a couple of times since the above incident and found the staff to be more attentive and responsive. It's a busy place and the service is likely average. I just got used to the above average service at the...

Norma's Holiday Take-Home Meals Review - I ordered a Thanksgiving meal to go. The meal was precooked and just required reheating at home.

Mixed reviews about this meal: Ham was excellent - precooked and juicy when reheated. I reheated mine on my outdoor grill, and it was perfect! Dressing was VERY dry - most of it went uneaten. Giblet Gravy - this was the only gravy they offered, and it was very fatty - no one added it to their plate. Yams - good, but I had to add marshmallows at home when I reheated it. Green Beans - very good - everyone enjoyed. Mashed potatoes - very good. Rolls and cornbread - good. Norma's also provided butter for the rolls and cornbread. Pumpkin Pie - very flavorful - lots of nutmeg and cinnamon. No whipped cream on the pie, so we added it at home. Sweet Tea - average.

The pick-up process for the holiday meals was VERY slow and somewhat unorganized. The restaurant was open for diners at the same time people were coming in to get their holiday meals. The meal orders weren't prepared beforehand; therefore, your meal was put together as you were waiting, and I waited 45 minutes to get a meal that I thought would be boxed and ready to go when I got there. When you ordered the meal online, you chose a time and day to pick it up. I arrived at the time I indicated on my order, along with at least 15 other people that must have signed up for the same time or disregarded their pick up time and just showed up. I was disappointed with this process. In addition, you can't sub-out items as the meals are pre-set. You can order extra menu items to add, if you want, for an additional charge.

Not sure I will get a holiday meal from Norma's again. I enjoy dining here on occasion, but I was disappointed with the holiday meal pick up process and some of the items in the meal weren't...