Best OKC BBQ Joints

Nothing on earth compares to the delicious smoked meats perfected right here in Oklahoma City. Considering Oklahoma’s deep-seated adoration of delicious food, here is a list of some of the best barbecue joints in OKC. Whether you are craving a dry rub, a simple salt-and-peppering, or one that’s drowning in a thick and juicy sauce, there’s something for all barbecue lovers on this list.

BBQ Ribs by WordRidden with license CC BY 2.0

Some areas will become well known for a specific barbecue style, but not OKC. The fine grill masters of Oklahoma City do not limit themselves to a singular preparation style or a particular type of meat. On the contrary, OKC serves as a wonderfully diverse blend of the various popular styles made famous in multiple regions across the country. OKC doesn’t go overboard with the sauce but isn’t overly reliant on powerful dry rubs like other regions. Let’s journey through the best OKC BBQ joints the city has to offer.

Leo’s BBQ

Still operating in the modest venue where they began, right in the soul of Oklahoma city, Leo’s BBQ started serving excellent, genuine Oklahoma BBQ to customers from all over in 1974. Leo’shas a mouthwatering litany of options, including hot links, ribs, smoked bologna, chicken, fresh sides, and salads. The problem with dining at Leo’s isn’t finding something good; it’s narrowing down your choice from Leo’s delicious offerings.

For another layer of difficulty, try to leave room for dessert. Leo’s has an amazing homemade banana strawberry cake that’s complimentary with every meal. If you’re trying to enjoy Leo’s on the sly, it’s near impossible because the savory aroma of hickory smoke will permeate your clothes and make everyone you encounter envious with the smell of amazing barbecue wafting off of you.

Bedlam Bar-B-Q

Bedlam Bar-B-Q uses the traditional style of preparing barbecue by curing their meats and then applying dry rubs. They also use recipes that have been in the family for years. These are all held to the highest of standards to ensure the original owners’ bar is consistently met as time goes on. Since beginning operations in 2003, Bedlam Bar-B-Q has offered up the most Oklahoman barbecue you can find. The restaurant has a patio in the city that is nothing short of magical, and it is further enhanced every Saturday night with live music.

The most popular dishes on the Bedlam Bar-B-Q menu are sliced brisket, ribs, tabouli, jalapeno sausage, freshly brewed Malaki tea, and peach cobbler. Wear stretchy clothes when visiting Bedlam Bar-B-Q because the food is so good that you’re sure to expand. On your next OKC adventure, check out the Adventure District and discover the traditional style that Bedlam Bar-B-Q has perfected.

Blu’s BBQ and Burgers

As soon as you step outside your car at Blu’s BBQ and Burgers, you will be immersed in the savory aroma of some of the freshest and most delicious barbecue you can find anywhere. Blu’s calling card is extraordinary meats that have been absolutely perfectly smoked. It doesn’t matter if you opt for their smoked chicken, ribs, pulled pork, or the famous “Loaded Murphy” baked potatoes — you’re sure to be completely satisfied with your visit to Blu’s.

Leave just a little room for dessert. The servers deliver the most delicious cookies to you after you’re done with your meal, and they are entirely complimentary. Check out OKC’s City Center and sample the most perfectly smoked meats on the planet at Blu’s BBQ and Burgers.

Back Door Barbecue

Back Door Barbecue has earned the BBQ Eaters Anonymous Best Ribs in OKC designation. At Back Door Barbecue, their motto is simply, “If it can fit in our smoker, we’ll smoke it.” With a motto like that, it just makes sense that they’re one of the tastiest options on this list. Part of the allure of Back Door Barbecue is the unique offerings in addition to their more traditional fare. For example, give their version of the PB&J a try. It features pulled pork, brisket, and jalapeno.

Try their fried pickled okra, smoked lamb, smoked duck, or smoked bologna, which they call Oklahoma Prime Rib. They have developed five unique barbecue sauces — classic, mustard, sweet, hot, and espresso — that will provide you with a near-infinite array of flavor combinations to experiment with on your meat. Explore the Back Door Barbecue the next time you’re in OKC to experience for yourself the fine art of perfectly smoked meat.

Iron Star Urban BBQ

Iron Star Urban BBQ offers true smokehouse options that have been mouthwatering since 2002. In addition to the best ribs in town, Iron Star offers distinctive cocktails, fresh salads with house-made pickles, and some excellent dessert options from locally owned and operated Pie Junkie. With these options, even the pickiest eaters will find something to suit them.

Maybe, for some strange reason, BBQ is not your thing. In that case, Iron Star offers a menu option in which you can choose between three or four of their sides to make up your meal. If you’re looking for the perfect place to have your next birthday celebration, date night, coworker lunch, or any other kind of event, try Iron Star Urban BBQ. They offer the perfect atmosphere, relaxing and sophisticated. When you visit Iron Star BBQ, make sure to bring your hunger.

Clark Crew BBQ

If you want competition-quality barbecue, try Clark Crew BBQ. They’re located just on the south side of Lake Hefner. Clark Crew BBQ has a plethora of the highest quality, award-winning BBQ you can find in the city, with many delicious options for any food lover. Among their savory options are the pulled pork, competition-quality brisket, wood-fire pizza, brisket burnt ends, championship-winning BBQ beans, and delectable homemade desserts such as their pecan pie trifle. Clark Crew BBQ has added over 700 Top-10 awards and world championships to their record.

Oklahoma City knows how to do barbecue, and our team at Eskridge Lexus is happy to share a few of our favorites with you. If you’re looking for a way to get to the next barbecue joint, stop by to view our selection of new and used vehicles. You can find us at 700 W. Memorial Road in Oklahoma City.