In June of 1956, Elvis Presley’s “Heartbreak Hotel” topped the charts, “The King and I,” starring Yul Brynner and Deborah Kerr was out in theaters and R.L. Thornton was mayor of Dallas. And Norma’s Cafe opened its doors in Oak Cliff, selling chicken fried steak dinners with all the fixings for less than $2.
The now-iconic dining institution with five area locations celebrates its 65th anniversary on June 23 with prices inspired by the past on three of its famous Blue Plate Specials. Dine-in guests can order Chicken Fried Steak, Chicken and Dressing, or Meatloaf, including mashed potatoes and green beans, for just $1.79, while supplies last.
“Norma’s has been serving up fresh, homemade favorites to its hometown fans for 65 years, and we want to thank our guests by offering old-time pricing for the day on some of our most popular dishes,” Ed Murph tells us, owner of Norma’s Café since 1986. “And because we have always given back to the communities that have kept us in business all these years, we’ll also be giving a portion of our sales on that day to the Birthday Party Project.”
Dallas-based nonprofit the Birthday Party Project has the mission of bringing joy to children experiencing homelessness through the magic of birthday celebrations. Each Norma’s location will donate a portion of sales on June 23 from each of its locations.
To kick off the celebration week, Norma’s will host a beer pairing event at Oak Cliff Brewing Co. on June 20, providing delicious complimentary bites accompanied by local craft brews available for purchase.
Guests can find more information online.
About Norma’s Cafe
Norma’s Cafe is a Dallas home cooking institution. Founded in 1956, Norma’s Cafe serves up hot, fresh and savory home-style meals with a sinful Texan flare, that are sure to make your mouth water. The original location has been operating in Oak Cliff for more than 60 years and is joined by four other area locations in North Dallas, Frisco, Plano and Dallas’ Caruth Plaza across from NorthPark Center.
Norma’s Cafe is the rare type of cafe that one can stop by for a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a full-on family meal and leave equally satisfied. Norma’s Cafe staples include big breakfasts, characterized by fluffy biscuits and gravy, quick lunches with delicious home-style daily specials and satisfying dinners with award-winning chicken fried steak, and homemade Mile-High Pies for dessert.