Duro Hospitality fans rejoice! Their newest concept, Norman's Japanese Grill, is now open on Oak Lawn. And it is going to be the hottest reservation of the fall as the local restaurant group behind The Charles and Sister has done it again! We just went ourselves and loved it….here’s what to expect.
Updated August 2025
Norman's Japanese Grill
Duro Hospitality owners Chas and Benji both have a love for Japanese cuisine, and also know that Japan has an appreciation for cowboy culture, so the idea to merge the two cultures together came to life in the form of this fun and vibrant new spot, partnering with the brothers behind Sees Design!
HOMEWOOD SPACE REIMAGINED
If the location looks familiar, it first housed Beck’s Prime Rib, and then Homewood, before Sees Designs took a stab at bringing Western-Japanese to life within its walls. Longhorns and cowboy hats pair with framed Japanese art and decor, with trinkets filling every nook and cranny. The space feels much more open - you can see the entire restaurant from any angle, whether seated at a booth or one of the three high-top/bar options.
A MERGED MENU
Edamame Hummus, a dry-aged Cowboy Ribeye, and Udon Carbonara are just three standout dishes that exemplify the fusion. Most dishes are cooked as there’s both an Argentinian wood-style grill for larger cuts of meat and a Japanese charcoal robata grill for skewers. But you can try several handrolls, sushi, or crudo dishes too.
AND DON’T FORGET ABOUT THE DRINKS!
One of our favorite parts! We loved our mezcal margarita made with wasabi and served with wasabi peas, and every other cocktail incorporates a Japanese ingredient too, from cherry blossom to a sesame-washed whiskey to a shiso-lychee liquor.
DETAILS & LOCATION
Norma’s is open daily starting at 4:30pm. Come the fall, a patio will open that overlooks its home on Oak Lawn (4002 to be exact). You can reserve a table on OpenTable, but we also heard a tip from a friend that going right when they open may just get you in too, especially on a weekday!
