Bison Witches Bar & Deli — Restaurant in Norman

So I ordered from Bison Witches through Order Up for the first time today, and realized that I have never reviewed them. The first part of my review will be widely applicable, while the second part will be just of the to-go. Also of note, I am reviewing Bison Witches as a restaurant, not a bar.

Because I am older and not familiar with the bar environment of Bison Witches (have only eaten on-site for lunch), I am also not familiar with the waitstaff issues. I can only presume that's what people are referring to, since lunch orders are done at the register, which is where one also obtains refills. As such, there is no true "server" (morally inclined or otherwise; and really, making assumptions about someone because of what they are wearing screams "jealous" and does nothing to aid the plight of women in our current rape culture.)

The food is delicious. I was a bit puzzled by someone's description of it as "greasy." Bison Witches sells sandwiches, soups and salads -- there's really no grease in anything, unless you count the pre-packed chips for sale and, really, that's sort of an "I didn't know Oreos would make me fat" argument. I can only guess that the person, perhaps in an impaired state, confused Bison Witches with somewhere else (the nearby Garage, maybe?) or simply wanted to say something negative about a place they've never actually been and assumed would serve things like burgers and fries when they don't.

There are many, many sandwich restaurants in Norman, but Bison Witches is my favorite. Not only are they an institution (and my family has been attending games and buying their sandwiches since the owner still sold out of a pipe-and-drape during campus tailgating), but the quality is much higher than anywhere else I have tried. The meats are not pressed cold cuts, but deli-shaved beef off the joint, turkey fresh off the whole roasted bird, etc. My favorite thing is the honey-based Russian mustard. It's a good thing they do not sell it in a jar (that I am aware of) or I would eat it with a spoon and likely weigh 300 pounds.

Speaking specifically to their cooperative effort with Order Up, I love that they do not start the food until the driver arrives. It's sometimes a gamble how long it will take for a driver to commit to picking up an order, and I have gotten cold food from another restaurant before when they began fulfilling my order as soon as it was received but I ended up not having a driver until 20 minutes after placing the order. My sandwich today was still nice and warm, and my drink still had ice in it, which I greatly appreciate. Also, they do not have an upcharge for "easy ice," which is lovely. I received everything in my delivery order and for a very reasonable price.

I do have one tiny criticism, and I hope it will be accepted in the constructive way it is intended; I know the delivery service is new and getting the kinks worked out, so I really am trying to be helpful more than complain-y: The person who packaged my order put napkins directly atop my sandwich, as well as the pre-packed cookies inside the box with my sandwich. The humid environment made the topmost napkin dampen and stick to the baguette, and I ended up having to pinch off large pieces of bread to remove the tiny bits of napkin that would not peel off. As for the packaged cookies, it's likely that at some point they were on less-than-clean factory machinery or sitting in dusty warehouses; I just find it gross to have the package touching ready-to-eat items. Since a bag was included anyhow, I think it would be better for the napkins and packaged cookies to go in separately with the boxed sandwich, as the chips do. That's just my humble opinion. :)

I shall note that I have never, ever been employed by Bison Witches or any business related to them. During my tenure as an undergraduate I was a hostess for (now defunct) Turquoise Bistro and a carhop for Sonic on Chautauqua before being employed as a freelance technical writer for my last year of undergrad and all of graduate school. I now work in my graduate...

I visited 8/6/21 alone, on a recommendation passed through proper channels. They came highly suggested by the local club.

The room was of average volume and occupancy for this time of day, and it was nice and cool inside. Perfect place for a peaceful, quiet moment alone to eat and go on with me day!

Early afternoon,I sat myself at the bar. Pretty normal for the area, and preferred.

Upon request of my desired beverage, The bartender seemed befuddled when I asked what pale ales were in stock. (normal for bartenders in training) I had to check their cooler and tell her what they had personally, despite asking them for their service . I chose a beer she didn't even know they had.

-first red flag is when staff (bartender specifically) doesn't even know what they carry. I ordered a beer typically served in a glass, and wasn't even offered. Okay. Second swing and a miss. I politely asked for a glass, which arrived shortly after. Her service was attentive and attitude was positive. All is good.

After 5 minutes of enjoying my cool beer, i ordered a Chicken wrap, with the ranch on the side. (I love a good ranch, having made many batches myself!) The meal arrived in a timely manner, a crisp tortilla wrapped around its potential treasure trove of flavor! Unfortunately, that's where my meal turned. I took one crispy half of the wrap, dipped it in ranch and took a cajun sized bite from the crispy creation. The sad moment - It tasted like canned chicken wrapped in 3 times its volume in lettuce. Was I off? Was there a magic remote control someone was holding on mute? Boil in bag chicken texture? yep. no fiber, no flavor... the chicken wasn't just bland.. it was Devoid of flavor. I take 2 bites, famished as I haven't eaten since the day before. Spam would look like a ribeye at this point, yet I found this challenging to stomach it due to the water like flavor of the mixed-mass inside.

The kind bartender asked how my meal was, and I informed her I was actually unhappy and sharing an honest experience with the world. she hear what i had to say and I moved on with my day. No second thought.

Soon the owner comes forth from the back and asks me to confirm what I told his staff (do you not believe your own staff??) I confirmed it, and he asked if he could make it better (wonderful i thought!). I let him know that While my input about my experience was honest, I didn't have time to wait (nor did i have faith, after trying the first wrap)

He said he understood, and apologized for the experience. I think this was handled pretty darn well up to this point. I didn't expect any promises, or anything, just to be respected after they ask my opinion of the food they made. Else, why on earth ask me?

Another few moments pass as I'm trying to finish the first half of my wrap (i didn't even get to eat half) before i am interrupted for a third time while I'm eating by STAFF. Literally cant even let me sit in peace., which here is where is gets just foolish... I Literally got 1/3 through my sad-wrap fore

The owner comes up and insults me! He strait up questioned my menu choice and the fact that I wanted the ranch on the side, instead of inside the wrap. i stare blankly like.. do you hear yourself?

first off - trying to insult your customers sarcastically isn't going make you a better business owner.

second off - REALLY? your ranch is trash, If dipping a wrap in ranch vs ranch inside makes the chicken trash, then it was trash to begin with. That

I gave you honest feedback when YOUR company asked me, then you insecurely made condescending remarks in public in your restaurant then followed up with a smear response online, again insulting a customer you don't even know.

Reasons to try again - kitchens mess stuff up, training errors, human element etc.

Reasons not to return - owner is immature and insults anyone with honest...

As a professor at the University of Oklahoma, I am fortunate to reside in close proximity to campus, allowing me to embrace the convenience of cycling for my daily commutes and errands within Norman. I deeply appreciate Norman's cyclist-friendly atmosphere, which greatly enhances my daily routine. However, my recent experience during the Art Walk event on Main Street, particularly at Bison Witches, has prompted me to share my thoughts on the establishment.

Bison Witches is a charming spot along Main Street that caught my attention due to the enticing music emanating from within. Eager to take a break from the festivities and savor some live tunes, I parked my bike and decided to step inside. Upon entering, I quickly located an available seat at the bar and eagerly settled in. However, my initial enthusiasm was somewhat dampened by the ensuing encounter with the bartender.

The bartender politely requested my identification, a standard practice in such establishments, though I must admit that at 54 years old, I wasn't accustomed to this step. Nevertheless, I understand the need for adherence to regulations. What caught me by surprise, however, was the subsequent directive I received after presenting my California driver's license. I was informed that I could not remain inside the establishment while carrying my backpack, which also doubled as my briefcase and contained my course materials.

Puzzled by this sudden restriction, I couldn't help but wonder about the reasons behind it. Throughout the evening, I had visited two other establishments in the vicinity, both of which had welcomed me without any issue regarding my bag. This inconsistency left me questioning whether the objection stemmed from the bag itself or if there might have been other factors at play.

As a Latino individual hailing from California, I couldn't help but entertain the unsettling thought that my background may have played a role in this decision. However, I understand the importance of avoiding assumptions and stereotypes, so I seek clarity on the matter.

I kindly request that someone provide me with an explanation of the specific rules and regulations in Norman, which dictate whether patrons can or cannot enter a bar while carrying a backpack. Such clarification would greatly assist in comprehending this situation and ensuring that everyone is treated fairly and in accordance with the established guidelines.

In conclusion, while Bison Witches may have its own policies and reasons for implementing them, it is essential for all patrons to have a clear understanding of such rules to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment...