FILL ‘ER UP
Oklahomans will drive incredible numbers of miles for good food. Mention good barbecue, and that number doubles. So, plan to jump in your car for a Sunday road trip or Friday lunch at one of these restaurants that is worth the drive.
The Butcher BBQ Stand WELLSTON Levi Bouska serves barbecue out of a converted train car on Route 66. It has the undiscovered dive feel that some people go crazy for, yet it’s anything but hidden since he sells out nearly every weekend. Bouska grew up helping his grandparents at their barbecue restaurants, then took his dad’s championship-winning barbecue recipes to make buzzworthy food, like the Butcher’s Burnt Ends and Apple Pie BBQ Beans. 3402 W. Highway 66 in Wellston About an hour drive, west and south from downtown Tulsa; Open three days a week. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. (or until sold out), Friday and Saturday; and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. (or until sold out), Sunday. butcherbbqstand.com | 405-240-3437
Wild Horse Mountain BBQ SALLISAW A true destination restaurant, Wild Horse Mountain has long been a favorite place for a meal after a long motorcycle ride or food road trip. Don’t miss the sliced beef or the peppery beans made with bits of onion and meat. 111001 A. 4612 Road, Sallisaw About 1 ½ hours southeast of downtown Tulsa; Open 10 a.m.-8 p.m., TuesdaySaturday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday; closed Monday. wildhorsemountainbbqco.com 918-775-9960
Smokin’ Joe’s Rib Ranch DAVIS
Mac’s Barbeque SKIATOOK Mac’s has all your smoked-meat favorites, like ribs, ham, bologna and brisket. Sides, including campfire potatoes and pinto beans, also are excellent. If you’re in the mood to try something different, give the Okie a try. The Okie is a Philly-style sandwich of chopped beef with simmered bell peppers and onions and melted cheese. Or try the Messy Pig, a sandwich of pulled pork and barbecue sauce piled high with coleslaw. 1030 W. Rogers Blvd. in Skiatook About 30 minutes north of downtown Tulsa Open 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday; closed Sunday and Monday. macsbbqok.com | 918-396-4165
Many barbecue fans drive hours to Davis, just to see if Smokin’ Joe’s is as good as people claim. Once the Travel Channel show “Food Paradise” aired a segment on Smokin’ Joe’s, even more barbecue aficionados made the trek. Some say the brisket is the best in the state. And if you’re there on a Friday or Saturday, check out the smoked prime rib. Tasty pinto beans are dotted with bits of brisket. Over the summer, Smokin’ Joe’s plans to add an airstrip, which means you can fly in for some barbecue. 3165 Jollyville Road in Davis Two hours and 40 minutes southwest of downtown Tulsa; Open 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Monday, Tuesday and Thursday; 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday and Saturday; closed Wednesday and Sunday. facebook.com/davisbbqmafia 580-369-2818 TulsaPeople.com
93