Tulsa is full of amazing barbeque joints. It’s also full of those chain restaurants and gas station smokers you somehow end up settling for after a long day. Don’t do that. Go to proper barbeque because, aside from being much tastier, these spots are where you’ll find the real smoked magic. Here are the best across Tulsa.
Billy Sims BBQ
$ | (918) 794-8080 | WEBSITE
So you just spent all morning wrestling with spreadsheets, who cares? You’re at Billy Sims BBQ now and it’s basically impossible to feel stressed, hungry, or concerned about that looming deadline when you’re in this kind of setting. You can expect dishes like perfectly prepared brisket, succulent turkey, and a Loaded Spud you’ll ditch any diet for, but be warned, it’s very popular with locals so you should probably plan ahead at lunchtime.
RibCrib BBQ
$ | (918) 742-2742 | WEBSITE
Tucked away in Tulsa’s dining scene is RibCrib BBQ. This barbecue joint specializes in classic American barbecue which essentially means: smoke and sauce. If you don’t think you want pulled pork or brisket in this kind of setting then you’re clearly mistaken, distracted, or both. The pulled pork, fries, and smokey beans are particularly satisfying, and the restaurant feels like a genuine Tulsa gem.
The staff, including manager Christian and waiter Vincent, provides excellent service with a friendly touch that makes you feel cared for even when they’re not directly at your table. While the ribs sometimes lack that deep smoke and rub flavor and the BBQ sauce could use more punch, and the okra has a slight greasy note, the overall experience delivers a solid meal.
The lunch specials run a bit pricey at around $15-18, but you get good value with quick service, ample parking, and wheelchair accessibility. RibCrib BBQ is definitely worth visiting for a nice meal, even if the food quality doesn’t always justify the full cost.
Oklahoma Style Bar-B-Que
$ | (918) 835-7077 | WEBSITE
Whether you’ve been exploring the Gathering Place, wandering around the Tulsa River Parks, or just craving some authentic barbecue after a long day, Oklahoma Style Bar-B-Que is a solid choice, if only because finding this level of consistency and generous portions in a welcoming spot would usually require a time machine back to the 1980s. This family-run joint has been serving Tulsa for over four decades.
They’ve maintained their wonderful food and friendly service while keeping that classic, no-fuss atmosphere, and on a busy day it’s got one of the most reliable parking situations in town. The food is tasty enough, and there’s decent choice with vegetarian options and kid’s meals, so it’s a good place to head if you’re with a group that’s a bit picky.
Oklahoma Joe’s Barbecue & Catering – South Tulsa
$ | (918) 894-4447 | WEBSITE
Oklahoma Joe’s is a barbecue joint in South Tulsa. The interior is apparently based on the owner’s championship background, and so, as a result, it looks like a pitmaster got funding from a cattle baron and built an homage to his craft. Spacious aesthetics aside, you want to head to the self-serve drink station here. It’s a little more casual. And it’s open for lunch and dinner. Be aware: this place is reasonably priced.
Even if the friendly staff do look like they could handle a busy Saturday rush.
Leon’s Smoke Shack Barbeque
$ | (918) 798-7907 | WEBSITE
Tulsa, when you’re craving barbecue, can feel like a desert of mediocre options. But once you’ve discovered Leon’s Smoke Shack Barbeque, you’ll know where to go. This family-owned spot is a local favourite. Once you’ve tried their pulled pork and their beef brisket sandwich, you’ll understand why. Be prepared to wait if it’s a Friday night. And remember to save room for the buttermilk pie.
Rubicon
$ | (918) 398-0306 | WEBSITE
A Thursday night at Rubicon is a Thursday night well spent. Unless you came for the music, got lost in the smoky aroma, and ended up ordering more than you could possibly eat. In which case, our congratulations. At least nobody there will judge. This Tulsa spot is as welcoming and vibrant as they come. Smoked potato with three meats. Pulled pork. Polish sausage. And an excellent banana pudding with strawberry lemonade.
Alpha Grill BBQ
$ | (918) 303-7147 | WEBSITE
Alpha Grill BBQ is a modest place. Parts of it feel like it’s been made by a pitmaster that’s pivoted into restaurant ownership, and then other parts are full of smooth jazz and people relaxing. We prefer the second part, though we’re also thankful that the ribs are part of the other bit. This family-owned barbecue spot makes superb meals – three-meat dishes over baked potatoes, Large Brisket sandwiches, ribs – alongside good mixed drinks.
Oklahoma BBQ Supply
$$ | (918) 894-4447 | WEBSITE
Once the grill’s fired up, the sauce is running low, and you’ve given up on that dried-out supermarket brisket, leave the chain restaurants behind and head to Oklahoma BBQ Supply. You’ll find the transition from fast food to fall-off-the-bone ribs a very smooth one as this is one of Tulsa’s best barbecue spots. It’s a relaxed and relaxing place to be, whether you just want a plate of tender brisket, or you’re staying for the delectable cherry bread pudding as well.
Christy’s Good Food
$ | (918) 835-9922 | WEBSITE
Right in the heart of Tulsa, or, to those not familiar with it, the city known for its oil history, is Christy’s Good Food. This barbecue spot—full of hearty comfort food and generous portions—is a hungry local’s dream. Grab a seat in the bustling dining area after a long day and tuck into a plate of smoked chicken. The friendly staff keeps things moving efficiently, and the massive baked spuds are worth every bite.
While the appearance might be unassuming, the delicious meals and great service make it an underrated favorite. You’ll leave full and satisfied, with the sweet tea washing it all down perfectly.
Big Daddy’s BBQ
$ | (918) 504-9090 | WEBSITE
After a long morning running errands around Tulsa, Big Daddy’s BBQ is the food truck you want to pull up to as a treat. It specializes in BBQ dishes that will make you pledge lifelong devotion to their brisket sandwich. Beyond the sandwiches, the massive baked potatoes are also incredibly satisfying, and the fact that this spot is always buzzing with locals grabbing lunch speaks volumes.
Elmer’s BBQ
$ | (918) 742-6702 | WEBSITE
Elmer’s BBQ is a quintessential bluesy joint with a mouthwatering aroma that fills the air. So whether you’ve been exploring the historic Route 66, pretending there isn’t a classic car show happening just down the street, or just relaxing in nearby Guthrie Green, it’s an easy 10 minute drive from either. The fall-off-the-bone ribs are particularly good here, but there are excellent pork sandwiches, tender sliced brisket, and pulled pork options as well.
Alpha Grill BBQ & Wings WEST
$$ | (918) 621-8788 | WEBSITE
You know those barbecue cravings you get when you’re starving? Where you dream about driving across town for the perfect smoked brisket? The ones where you imagine homemade sides that have simmered for hours, and sauces with secret family recipes, and then you end up settling for whatever’s closest with a side of disappointment? Well, Alpha Grill BBQ & Wings WEST is basically all of those dream barbecue dishes you want to eat but rarely find, in a restaurant.
Billy Ray’s Catfish & BBQ – Tulsa
$ | (918) 445-0972 | WEBSITE
On a Tulsa afternoon Billy Ray’s feels like a never ending backyard barbecue soundtracked to sizzling ribs and cracking fried catfish. Needless to say, we love it. We also love the barbecue at Billy Ray’s, a spot off the main drag. This place serves some of the best (and most satisfying) things with brisket and fried okra in Oklahoma. It’s walk-in, and there’s pretty much always a line, but it moves fast.
Varas Grill
$$ | (918) 404-5948 | WEBSITE
Odds are that if you’re cruising Tulsa’s food truck scene on a sunny afternoon, then Varas Grill is gonna have a line. Like, people spilling out onto the sidewalk and eating cachapas with their hands while they wait kind of line. That doesn’t mean it isn’t worth the wait though. The Venezuelan flavors here are very tasty and all the meat is grilled fresh right there. There’s nothing overly complicated going on: juicy meats, that divine cachapa, and customary arepa stuff. But it’s all spot on.
