Take a smokey journey across Oklahoma’s BBQ landscape, where the art of barbecue is honored with zeal and flavor. From the soft, slow-cooked brisket of Bedlam Bar-B-Q to the delicious delights of Iron Star Urban Barbeque, each location provides a distinct blend of tradition and creativity. Enjoy the delicious ribs at Texlahoma BBQ and the simple perfection of Jo-Bawb’s BBQ. These top ten must-try BBQ venues are more than simply restaurants; each mouthful tells a tale about culinary excellence and Oklahoma’s rich, smoky heritage.
1. Burn Co. Barbecue – Tulsa
Burn Co. Barbecue flips traditional barbecue on its head. It’s a refuge for people looking for a spicy take on oldies. Forget hours immersed in hickory smoke; here, Oklahoma’s best meats meet an inferno of heat and flame, yielding a delectable sear and tastes that will pique your taste buds. While barbecue takes center stage, Burn Co. recognizes that diversity is king. Enjoy smoked wings that will set your soul on fire, or go beyond barbecue with dishes that highlight the restless energy of modern Oklahoma cuisine.
2. The Butcher BBQ Stand (Wellston)
Legend has it that a BBQ place in Wellston is so amazing that you’ll want to camp out near the smoker. The Butcher BBQ Stand lives up to the expectations. Every bite is a masterclass in barbecue done well, from precisely crisped burnt ends to soft brisket that whispers secrets as you eat. Don’t leave without eating their signature apple pie barbecue beans, a sweet and smoky symphony that will surprise and please. And the Twinkies on the side? They’re a quirky reminder that BBQ can be both seriously excellent and seriously entertaining.
3. Smokin’ Joe’s Rib Ranch, Davis.
Driving down Highway 77, you can’t miss it: a smoke-filled beacon with the promise of a feast fit for a ravenous rancher. Smokin’ Joe’s Rib Ranch is a Davis institution, embodies the heart and soul of Oklahoma barbecue. The ribs that made them famous still take the spotlight, but that brisket… oh, that brisket. It’s the kind of barbecue that transforms a stop-off into a pilgrimage, with fork-tender meat and a depth of flavor that speaks of many hours basking in oak smoke.
4. Railhead BBQ – Guthrie
Some places concentrate on one thing, honing it to an art. Railhead BBQ is one such establishment. Ribs and crisp, golden-brown fried chicken take the lead here, making for a classic American combination. Consider those succulent, smokey ribs combined with crunchy, juicy chicken, the ideal accompaniment to crispy fried okra, and an ice-cold Shiner Bock. And tucked away in the menu? Fried rib meat is a crispy little delight that demonstrates Railhead’s ability to elevate barbecue to new heights.
5. Ray’s Smokehouse, Norman
Darrol Ray, an ex-NFL player, and Oklahoma icon has discovered a new technique to entice hungry fans. Ray’s Smokehouse offers plenty of taste and game-day excitement. There’s no poor play on this menu, from meat combos that allow you to sample the best, to ribs that virtually fall off the bone, to that exquisite brisket, a tribute to the art of low-and-slow cooking. Come hungry, stay for the atmosphere, and leave as a convert to Ray’s style of BBQ greatness.
6. Iron Star Urban BBQ, Oklahoma City.
Iron Star Urban Barbecue is an excellent venue to spend a night out with friends. Even the décor and service are truly Southern. They have a typical Southern flavor. You can have the ribs and sweet potatoes cooked in a Dutch oven. Must-try in Oklahoma City.
7. Van’s Pig Stand: Shawnee Norman and Moore
Van’s Pig Stand, or Van’s to the locals, is a restaurant that started in Shawnee and has since expanded into Norman. Van’s Pig Stand is housed in an old gas station with a vintage ambiance, and each of its newer locations has its own flavor. Van’s Pig Stand is on the list because of its spicy, silky barbecue sauce. Van’s masterfully smoked ribs have the appropriate amount of char on the outside, but the pink and soft inside will have you coming back. If you order “a Van,” they will include their curly fries.
8. Earl’s Rib Palace, Oklahoma City.
Earl’s Rib Palace, an Oklahoma BBQ tradition since 1996 when it first opened its doors in the center of Oklahoma City, is a result of the state’s rich culinary legacy. First, they season some meat lightly with their dry rub. They slowly smoke the meat over hickory wood, and you can select between hot or mild sauce to finish your ribs.
9. Mac’s Barbeque, Skiatook.
Mac’s Barbeque in Skiatook serves excellent meats and other items smoked with pecan and hickory wood. For more than 30 years, this little barbecue restaurant in northeast Oklahoma has been serving tremendous flavors. The three-meat combo, pork spare ribs, and unique barbecue Frito pie are the most popular meals.
10. Smokin’ Joe’s Rib Ranch, Davis.
Smokin’ Joe’s serves some of Oklahoma’s greatest ribs. Their brisket is also very popular. The BBQ is so soft that it can be eaten with your teeth. There’s something for everyone, including Southern side dishes and lunch plates.