Summer bucket list item unlocked: trying all the best barbecue in town!
Summertime is the perfect time to enjoy some delicious barbecue, and fortunately, Norman has several spots that are serving up familiar classics like ribs, brisket, and smoked sausage.
Billy Sims BBQ was co-founded by none other than its namesake, University of Oklahoma running back and 1978 Heisman Trophy winner, Billy Sims.
After recently moving to a brand new location on 1050 N. Flood Ave., they’re still serving up the same great variety of meats, all smoked on-site daily. As a bonus, their new location even has a drive-thru to make ordering and pick-up a breeze.
Summertime usually means large gatherings with family and friends, and Billy Sims BBQ has got the meal prep covered with their Take Home Packs - perfect for serving a crowd!
What to Order: The Heisman sandwich is the spot’s “most celebrated” sandwich, piled high with bologna, hot links, and topped with your choice of pulled pork or chopped brisket.
Although they’re not exclusively a barbecue spot, Land Run Grill, located on Tecumseh Road, has several tasty BBQ options on their menu.
Their BBQ is prepared daily, and diners can choose from sliced brisket, pulled pork, ribs, polish sausage, chopped brisket, hot links, bologna, or smoked turkey. Once you choose your favorite, Land Run Grill even offers all their smoked meats by the pound.
What to Order: You can’t go wrong with their one, two, or three-meat barbecue dinner, or for a different twist on BBQ, try their baked potato topped with butter, sour cream, and brisket.
Known for its southern hospitality and family atmosphere, Ray’s BBQ has been serving the Norman community since 2008. Owned and run by Darrol Ray, a former OU football player, and his family, the restaurant has continued to thrive after moving locations last year.
Their menu features tender and tasty BBQ favorites, hence their motto “a rib so tender, you don’t need teeth!” Ray’s also has a party room that can accommodate up to 40 guests, perfect for your next birthday party or celebratory dinner. If you have an event that needs catering this summer, Ray’s has you covered with a full catering menu, and as a bonus, they deliver!
What to Order: Try their tender four or six-rib dinner with Texas toast and sides like their homemade mac and cheese or green beans. Don’t skip their homemade cakes for dessert!
Rudy’s “Country Store” and Bar-B-Q
From their slow-smoked brisket to their juicy pulled pork, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu at this fast, casual spot.
Rudy’s, which got its start in 1989 in Leon Springs, Texas, serves “Real Texas Bar-B-Q” at their Norman location, located on Chautauqua Avenue.
What to Order: Build-your-own breakfast tacos daily before 10 a.m. with ingredients like bacon, brisket, jalapeño sausage, eggs, and spicy chop.
Van’s has been “doing BBQ right since 1930,” so it’s no wonder their Porter Avenue location remains a favorite of barbecue lovers around Norman.
Friendly service and a comfortable atmosphere make this a go-to BBQ spot near downtown Norman. For an easy (and mouthwatering) dinner option for the whole family, check out their family packs!
What to Order: Their St. Louis-style ribs and BBQ by the pound are just two of the popular menu items that have kept Van’s around for almost 100 years.
Bring your appetite to check out one (or all!) of these local barbecue spots, and don’t forget the sauce and sides!
Want to discover even more dining options in Norman? Find all of our food and drink listings here.
