Michelangelos

You wake up in the morning and you feel a little sluggish. You know the normal home brewed coffee and toast would probably not do the trick to take away these morning blues. You decide to do something different, something that will bring a little excitement to your day.

Walking down Main Street in Norman, Oklahoma, you don’t expect to find anything but the usual diners or donut shops. But then you pass Michelangelos. This upbeat, urban coffee and wine bar is a place where people meet friends, relax and enjoy a cup of coffee and something sweet.

Owner Michael Palermo opened Michelangelos in March 2009. Norman residents, especially OU students, have received the business well. “I wanted to bring a more urban feel to Norman,” Palermo said. “The younger population in this town likes the small town feel, but still want cool places to hang out and enjoy art, food and drinks.”

Michelangelos has something for all ages. OU student, Sarah Bloss enjoys its atmosphere on a regular basis. “I come here to study and talk with friends,” she said. “I like how they have delicious specialty drinks.” A delightful fall favorite at Michelangelos is “Witchy Woman,” a warm pumpkin mocha topped with rich whipped cream, said Bloss.

Palermo also owns a similar coffee shop in Denver, Colorado. “I love my job,” he said. “If I didn’t I wouldn’t have two locations. I want to make people feel welcome in my shops.”

This is exactly how you feel when you walk into Michelangelos and see the hodgepodge of warm decorations. The eclectic collection of art by both local and Colorado artists adds to the uniqueness of this laid-back café.

For the music lovers out there, Michelangelos hosts open mic nights every third Tuesday of the month. From their comfy leather couches, the audience can listen to the sounds from the baby grand piano while enjoying a beverage from the wide variety Michelangelos offers.

If you are not into music and just want to unwind and enjoy a glass of wine after a long day, Michelangelos also offers you something special. Norman resident, Beverly Colver visits this cafe for the relaxing atmosphere. “After a long day, it’s nice to come here and have wine with my friends,” she said. At this intimate café there are no waiters checking on you or pressuring you to order more. While visiting here, you realize that Michelangelos is a no stress, no pressure zone.

Michelangelos also offers tasty treats for little ones. Norman resident, Michelle Wroten occasionally brings her son here for some of the café’s homemade sweets. “My son loves the brownies and chocolates they have,” she said. “They are so fresh. We aren’t used to having treats like these all the time.”

Michelangelos can mellow your mood with a glass of wine, or quell your sweet tooth with a homemade treat. This original cafe is a hidden gem that most people would not expect to discover on Main Street. It brings urban flair to Norman, differentiating this small town from others in Oklahoma.

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