My OKC Favorites

Before I start writing actual reviews, I thought it would be a good idea to do a quick take on some of my favorite places around town in a three-part series. Today: Barbecue.

Iron Starr

 

Located at 36th and Shartel, Iron Starr Urban Barbecue brings Oklahoma City an upscale barbeque option for the folks that don't like hole-in-the-walls. While they say they specialize in smoked meats, the things that really shine here are the sides and salads. To be completely honest, you can get better ribs and pulled pork elsewhere. (see Leo's BBQ.)

 

Here are some of the menu highlights:

 

• Beef Tenderloin Salad: Basically an iceberg wedge salad with beef tenderloin steak and a blue cheese and pecan ball. Basic goodness.
• Sides - Dutch Oven Sweet Potatoes, Braised Collard Greens, Iron Starr Cornbread: While Iron Starr has an extensive list of side dishes, these are really the only ones you need to know.
• St. Louis Pork Ribs: I know I said you can get better ribs elsewhere, if you get a good batch of these bad boys they are competitive with some of the best places around.

 Leo's Barbecue

This place is pretty much the opposite of Iron Starr. You will undoubtedly come out of here smelling like hickory smoke, so dress appropriately. Leo's has been a staple of blue-collar barbecue in OKC for the better part of 30 years and can be found at 36th and Kelley. 

There are some caveats to Leo's, though. First, it can be horribly inconsistent. One dinner might be amazingly tender and smoky while the next will be fatty and bland. So there's some luck involved.

 

 

Menu Highlights:

•  Pork Ribs: I've eaten barbecue from Memphis to Little Rock to New York and these are the bet I've had. They can run out in the evening, though, so get there early.
•  Strawberry-Banana Cake: There is some debate as to what Leo's most well-known dish is, the ribs or the cake. It's the cake.