Smoky and flavorful best describes Oklahoma’s barbecue scene, where tender meat meets mouthwatering sauces and expertly crafted flavors. From classic, slow-smoked favorites to bold and innovative creations, the Sooner State boasts a rich tradition of barbecue excellence.
Join us on a flavorful journey as we explore the best barbecue joints in Oklahoma, where pitmasters work their magic, infusing every bite with passion, skill, and a whole lot of flavor.
Earl’s Rib Palace (Oklahoma City)
Oklahoma City has been home to Earl’s Rib Palace since 1996, with four locations throughout the city. Earl’s meats are slow-cooked and smoked over a hickory wood fire for a distinct and rich flavor, from pulled pork to chopped brisket, hot links and jalapeno sausage. Pair one of these meats with homestyle sides like potato salad, creamy mac and cheese, or a loaded baked potato. And if you’re looking for something sweet, they have a tasty homemade blackberry or peach cobbler for dessert.
Iron Star Urban Barbecue (Oklahoma City)
Located next to the Paseo Arts District in Oklahoma City, Iron Star Barbecue takes its name from Belle Starr, an Oklahoma woman known as a reckless bandit in the Wild West. The rustic setting and Old West decor will make you feel like you’ve been transported back to the days of cowboys and outlaws but with a modern twist. Try their famous St. Louis Cut Pork Ribs, which are slow-cooked and hickory smoked, or bite into the brown sugar-cured beef brisket with sweet and savory corn pudding.
Oakhart Barbecue (Tulsa)
If you find yourself in Tulsa, do yourself a favor and check out Oakhart Barbecue. In the trendy Pearl District, Oakhart is a lunch-only joint serving everything from beef sausage (made fresh in-house) to finger-licking ribs. Don’t skip their hearty sandwiches like the Mac Daddy – chopped brisket topped with mac and cheese. Be sure to get there early, as they only serve until they run out.
The Butcher BBQ Stand (Wellston)
East of Oklahoma City, Butcher BBQ Stand offers something for every type of carnivore, from classic barbecue to their iconic Rednexican Nachos – a massive platter of tortilla chips smothered in queso, roasted corn and barbecue sauce and your choice of brisket, pulled pork or chicken. What’s not to love about that? If you have a sweet tooth, don’t skip the banana pudding. On weekends you can enjoy live music in the outdoor seating area.
Billy Sims Barbecue (Multiple Locations)
At Billy Sims Barbecue, every bite is a winning play. Opened by former football star Billy Sims, this barbecue hot spot is home to pit favorites such as chopped brisket, smoked turkey, polish sausage and ribs. Try their loaded spud, topped with meat, green onions, sour cream and cheese. Love mac and cheese? Don’t skip the jalapeno cheddar link mac bowl. And if you love dessert, Billy’s Stackers layer banana pudding, chocolate mousse or cheesecake between cookies and fruit inside a mason jar for the perfect sweet treat.
Oklahoma Joe’s BBQ (Multiple Locations)
Joe Davidson never imagined his attempt to make some extra money as a struggling graduate student would lead to creating a barbecue empire. Today, Oklahoma Joe’s Bar-B-Que is considered some of the best in the state. Whether you’re enjoying a slab of ribs or their tangy pulled pork sandwich, this restaurant delivers quality meats that are sure to please. Bite into tender burnt ends, challenge yourself with a full slab of ribs, or enjoy a smoked chicken salad for a lighter fare.
Smokin’ Joe’s Rib Ranch (Rush Springs and Tuttle)
With two locations in Rush Springs and Tuttle, Smokin’ Joe’s Rib Ranch is a happening barbecue spot serving up hickory-smoked meats in style. Try one of the dinners, which piles up to three different types of meat on your plate, like brisket, ribs, and chicken. Don’t skip the sides – the baked beans and potato salad are truly the star of the plate.
Swadley’s World-Famous Bar-B-Q (Multiple Locations)
With over 80 years of experience, the smokers and pitmasters at Swadley’s World Famous Bar-B-Q know how to satisfy the hungry masses. With locations all over Oklahoma, including two in Oklahoma City, delicious barbecue is always just a car ride away. Featuring a vast menu of barbecue favorites, this restaurant serves up ribs, burnt ends, hot links and even half-pound fried catfish! Grab a bottle of one of their barbecue sauces, like sweet honey or spicy. And for dessert, you can’t go wrong with the fruit cobbler.
Van’s Pig Stands (Multiple Locations)
If a BBQ restaurant has been open since 1928, it must be doing something right. Van’s Pig Stands offers a variety of meats, including St. Louis-style ribs, brisket, ham, hot links, chicken, and sausage. There are five different locations across Oklahoma, and you can buy BBQ by the pound if you feel like bringing some home with you. For dessert, grab something sweet, like a slice of carrot cake or pecan pie.
Bonus Stop: Ray’s BBQ (Norman)
There’s something about barbecue and football that just go hand in hand. Former NFL player Darrol Ray decided to open Ray’s BBQ in 2008 in Norman, Oklahoma. Run by Ray and his wife and daughter, the space is a hit with locals and visitors alike. Order the melt-in-your-mouth brisket with buttery cornbread, or try the barbecue bologna with collard greens and creamy coleslaw. And for dessert? It’s all about the homemade cakes, from the glazed pound cakes to the decadent double chocolate.
