When it comes to barbecue, everyone seems to have their own opinion. Should meat slide off the bone or does it need to be ripped apart with one’s teeth? Should certain meats be smoked or grilled? Should the sauce be spicy, mild, sweet, or a combination? These are just a few of the ageless arguments about BBQ that friends, neighbors, and restaurateurs continually have with one another.
When it comes to BBQ restaurants in Oklahoma City, you can rest assured knowing that there are plenty of styles for you to choose from.
Below we’ve listed five of the best BBQ restaurants in OKC that are definitely worth trying.
#1 Blu’s BBQ and Burgers
4.5 / 5 Stars (411 Reviews) – Driving Directions
Blu’s BBQ and Burgers, is one of the best barbecue and burger restaurants in downtown Oklahoma City. The restaurant first opened its doors in 2012 and is firmly rooted in the state’s barbecue scene. Blu’s is located across the street from the site of the Oklahoma City bombing monument.
A pleasant family environment and great food keeps loyal patrons coming back. Blu’s specializes in quick, high-quality, full-flavor BBQ. Their perfectly smoked meats and charbroiled burgers are prepared with premium cattle and hog. It’s all about excellent cuisine and wonderful experiences at BLU’s, whether you go for business lunch, a special event, a pre-game meal, or a romantic night out.
#2 George’s Happy Hog Bar-B-Q
4.5 / 5 Stars (899 Reviews) – Driving Directions
George’s is a local favorite in OKC thanks to its great taste and affordable menu items. You can get all the classics here, plus a homemade peach cobbler to wash it down with. With a slogan that reads, “flavor to the bone,” you know the restaurant has to live up to it. And live up to it, they do!
Signature items include pecan-smoked ribs, rib ends, brisket, bologna, chicken, and hot links. With in red, yellow, and green tablecloths and images of pigs, cows, and chickens on the walls, George’s sets the perfect tone for a relaxed eating experience.
#3 Earl’s Rib Palace-Lower Bricktown
4.2 / 5 Stars (1,208 Reviews) – Driving Directions
Since its inception in 1996, Earl’s Rib Palace has been synonymous with Oklahoma City barbecue. Earl’s is owned and managed by longtime friends from the OKC area who are natives of the city themselves. This couple’s work has been and will continue to be creating genuine, inexpensive BBQ.
Over 200 Okies (as staff are called) are employed at the six Earl’s Rib Palace establishments in the OKC metro area. If there’s one restaurant on this list that speaks true Oklahoma-style BBQ, it’s Earl’s. Try their ‘meats by the pound,’ dinner plates, or sandwiches – all guaranteed to satisfy!
#4 Back Door BBQ
4.4 / 5 Stars (731 Reviews) – Driving Directions
Back Door BBA is run by Kathryn Mathis, a classically educated chef in Austin who also had her own gourmet catering business. A few years ago, she made the decision to move to Oklahoma to be closer to her family and the rest is history.
At Back Door, it all starts with amazing brisket and ribs, along with some of the greatest sides you’ve ever eaten. The restaurant also features smoked duck, smoked lamb, and everything in between. They proudly boast that they’ll smoke anything if it fits in their smoker. Discover why they were named best in town by BBQ Eaters Anonymous and why people travel from all over the globe to taste their mouthwatering barbecue.
#5 Iron Star Urban Barbecue
4.5 / 5 Stars (1,761 Reviews) – Driving Directions
Iron Star Urban BBQ, a restaurant serving barbecue in the center of Oklahoma City, first opened its doors in 2002. Iron Star BBQ, named for infamous Oklahoma female bandit Belle Starr, evokes a bygone era with its wood flooring and brick walls. A unique and delicious take on comfort cuisine, Iron Star BBQ specializes in gourmet dining with genuine smokehouse taste.
Check out Iron Star’s daily specials, their salads and chili menu, appetizers that could easily serve as a meal, sandwiches, burgers, and, of course, smoked meats – pork ribs, pulled pork, brisket, chicken, and sausage. They also serve straight whiskeys, draft beer and have a nice selection of red and white wines.
