Celebrate National Barbecue Day at one of these OKC-area BBQ spots

From pulled pork to brisket, smoked turkey to house made sausage, dry rubbed or sauced, Oklahoma has the meats and they’re delicious as all get-out.

May 16 is National Barbecue Day and there’s no better place to celebrate than right here in the Oklahoma City metro. Thanks to being situated at the crossroads of Interstates 35 and 40, we’re able to pull inspiration from various regional styles that have sauntered into our state at one point or another.

Here are five great OKC-area BBQ joints to get your feast on at this National Barbecue Day.

George's Happy Hog Bar-B-Q, 712 Culbertson Dr.

The first time I ever had George’s Happy Hog Bar-B-Q was at a catered event. I bit into a rib and thought, “goodness.” I just had to try a freshly made slab at the source and, once I did, I realized George’s was something special.

Incredibly consistent in everything they do, George’s is a perfect example of Oklahoma BBQ. And, it’s home to some of the best collared greens you’ll ever have.

King’s Custom Smoked Meat Restaurant, 2410 N. Portland Ave.

King’s CSM has quickly become a popular spot for BBQ since opening their doors in 2017. Whether your culinary dreams have given you visions of succulent pulled pork, creamy mac and cheese or brisket-loaded baked potatoes the size of your face, King’s has you covered.

Ray’s BBQ, 1514 W. Lindsey St., Norman, and 1060 SW 4th St., Suite 250, Moore

Ray’s BBQ owner/operator Darrol Ray is practically Okie royalty, having had a successful collegiate football career with the University of Oklahoma Sooners. He also spent five seasons playing pro ball with the New York Jets.

But, let’s be real here: Most folks know Ray because of his award-winning BBQ. He opened his first location in 2008 in Norman then a second a decade later in Moore.

Stop by and try out a little bit of everything. Just be sure to try the baked beans and ribs.

Bedlam Bar-B-Q, 610 NE 50th St.

The folks at Bedlam Bar-B-Q respect tradition: Sticking to the tried-and-true standards of family recipes, the crew prepares their meats in the “old traditions of curing and dry-rub applications.”

If the BBQ lingo goes right over your heard, just know that translates to “this is gonna be delicious.”

And it is! Bedlam has been smoking and cooking up a storm since 2003, dishing out some of the best BBQ on the city’s east side. Be sure to try the green rice (broccoli, cheese and rice casserole) while you’re there.

Butcher BBQ Stand, 3402 W. Highway 66, Wellston

About 35 minutes east of downtown Oklahoma City sits Wellston, an unassuming town that is home to the crème de la crème of Oklahoma BBQ joints: Butcher BBQ Stand.

Butcher is to central Oklahoma what Franklin Barbecue is to Austin — a must-visit (as often as you can) spot that offers up some of the absolute best food you’ll ever eat. Every dish is a home run, especially the crafty specials they promote on their social media accounts, like sweet peach tea-brined smoked pork (read that again but slower this time) and chorizo mac and cheese.

Butcher’s more popular dishes sell out often, so get there early so you can grab a spot in line with the rest of us who can’t wait to get the meat sweats.