Library Bar & Grill — Restaurant in Norman

Edit 5/25/19: as my review below states, I've been going here for a long time, and I loved their ambiance, food, and drinks. However, it wont even be registering in my top 10 anymore.

The ambiance is still just as good, but they've removed their cold sandwich offerings and just about anything that tastes fresh, added (decent enough) pot roast to as many dishes as possible, and what few new dishes they've added to the menu is swimming in grease. The quality of their waitstaff has gone downhill too.

I usually go about once a season, so this all happened in the past few months.

If you're looking for a generic hole in the wall where you can slurp grease and get ignored by the waitstaff, this is the hole for you.

May they return to their former quality. (I won't be checking back to see if they will though.)

Original: I've gone to the Library for over a decade. They are SMALL so be ready for that. Still, they are brilliant. The inside has about nine tables and bar room. The outside has more seats and smoking at the side.

They keep up to date on drinks, typically from local producers, and always have a seasonal flight that's so important to try, if you're looking for a new beer.

They're pretty dead when students aren't around, and the earlier you get here, the emptier it will be.

Inside, the ambiance is really defined by the stain glass windows they have in the ceiling, kept from what the billing originally was, I think.

Outside feels more relaxed, and it contains heaters, misters, and fans for that unpredictable Oklahoma weather. I prefer outside, sitting at their cast iron tables, sipping a good Coop Amber.

The waitresses are consistently mid-20s, dressed in black, and overly intelligent and thoughtful for what they do, meaning that they can make great impromptu drinking buddies--not so much in the sense that they're going to drink with you, but more that they have understood things to add to your conversation, if you let them.

It's also a great...

I had high hopes when I walked into The Library a few weeks ago, a bar with a name that promises a cozy, intellectual vibe. Unfortunately, what I encountered was an experience that left me yearning for an overdue escape. a warm, dimly lit space that could have been the perfect backdrop for a relaxed evening. Sadly, any charm was quickly overshadowed by the sassy, rude employees who seemed to have mistaken customer service for a game of sarcasm and disdain. I was met with eye rolls, curt responses, and an overall sense that my presence was more of an inconvenience than a guest.

It took an eternity to be served, as if time itself slowed down. When my drink finally arrived, I was met with a tasteless concoction that barely passed as what I ordered. It was as if the bartender had thrown together random ingredients with the hope that no one would notice the lack of care or flavor.

I wanted to love The Library. I wanted it to be my go-to spot for a good drink and a bite. Instead, I walked away feeling let down by what could have been a charming, delightful experience. It seems The Library is overdue for a complete overhaul, but until then, this is one book I won’t be...

I have driven nearly 100 miles on a whim to go to this bar by myself, it is definitely something special.

This is 'the spot' to be at in Norman, weekdays it's got a great atmosphere for studying, hanging out or meeting new people. The Library's relaxed atmosphere picks up on weekend nights to compare with the bigger and more clublike bars, but manages to keep everyone feeling comfortable and happy! Their selection of alcohol is one of the best in town and the food is top notch. The grill is definitely isn't your average bar food; It's served to order, hot, fresh and it's definitely restaurant quality.

The staff and especially the bartenders are some of the finest in the Oklahoma City metro. They genuinely take care of their customers, and always have a smile on their faces. The Library has been my favorite bar for the better half of a decade, I even made often trips from Stillwater while I was in school there just to go have a drink with friends and hang out...