If you find yourself in downtown Norman, Oklahoma, wandering down Main Street & Santa Fe Ave, make sure to stop by Scratch Kitchen & Cocktails, a local restaurant with a brick warehouse style that is sure to impress. Known for its wide variety of house-made cocktails, Scratch is a popular dining spot that is particularly busy on weekends, so be sure to arrive early (before 5:00) to secure a seat at the bar.

One of the unique features of Scratch is its hidden speakeasy, located downstairs and through the kitchen storage. To find it, you'll need to sneak through the waitstaff's area and open the sliding freezer door. Inside, you'll discover a small and cozy bar where local artists often display their art or perform music while you enjoy a cocktail.

We started our meal with the Scratch Spinach Dip, a cheesy and savory dip topped with parmesan and pico de gallo, and the Truffled Shoestring Fries, an umami adventure featuring white truffle oil, parmesan, and a garlic aioli. Both dishes were delicious and set the stage for the cocktails we ordered.

For drinks, we tried the Ensenada Sky, a tequila and pineapple cocktail, and the Landing Gear, a bourbon and Aperol cocktail. While the Landing Gear was a bit too sweet for our palate, we found our favorite cocktail during a previous visit to the Basement Bar: the Whiskey Sour. This real whiskey sour includes egg whites, which may seem unusual, but trust us, it's worth trying. The egg whites turn the drink into a frothy, lemony dessert that is almost like drinking a lemon pie!

For dinner, we indulged in the Cubano sandwich, a house-smoked pulled pork and ham sandwich with provolone cheese, dijon mustard, and garlic aioli on a Hawaiian bun. We also tried the Blackened Pork "Ribeye" with a honey-Siracha glaze topped with papaya shallot compote. Both dishes were outstanding and some of our favorites anywhere we go.

Scratch is a local favorite when we're in downtown Norman, particularly during the Norman Arts Festival. It's always a treat to start (or end) the outdoor art walk with an original cocktail from Scratch in its hidden and quiet Basement Bar.

In summary, Scratch Kitchen & Cocktails is a must-visit restaurant in downtown Norman, Oklahoma. With its unique speakeasy, delicious food, and impressive cocktails, it's no wonder why it's a local favorite. So, if you're in the area, be sure to stop by and experience it for yourself!

Find out more about Scratch Kitchen & Cocktails here...
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