9 Tulsa Joints That May Serve The Best Smoked Meats

Tulsa might not be the first city that comes to mind when thinking about great barbecue, but this Oklahoma gem hides some seriously amazing smoked meat spots.

From tender brisket to fall-off-the-bone ribs, the pitmasters in Tulsa know their craft well. I’ve rounded up nine local joints where the smoky aromas will make your mouth water before you even walk through the door.

1. Burn Co BBQ: Where Smoke Meets Perfection

The moment you step into Burn Co, that heavenly aroma of oak-smoked meat hits you like a delicious wave. Their pitmasters start smoking at dawn using custom-built Hasty-Bake grills, creating brisket so tender it barely needs chewing.

What makes this place special? Everything is made fresh daily, and when they sell out, they close up shop. Their burnt ends have developed a cult following among locals who don’t mind lining up before opening time.

If you’re a first-timer, try their “Fatty” a bacon-wrapped sausage that might change your life. The sides aren’t afterthoughts either; their smoked mac and cheese complements the meat perfectly.

2. Smoke.: Simple Name, Extraordinary Flavors

Though simply named, there’s nothing basic about what happens inside this Tulsa treasure. Smoke. has mastered the low-and-slow technique with their custom-built smokers that run 24/7, ensuring that rich smoky flavor permeates every bite.

Their beef ribs are the stuff of legend massive, juicy, and with a peppery crust that provides the perfect textural contrast. The brisket sandwich comes piled high with meat that’s been smoked for 14 hours, creating that perfect bark while keeping the inside moist.

Did you know they make their own sauces in-house? The cherry-chipotle is particularly worth trying, adding a sweet-spicy kick that enhances rather than masks the natural smokiness.

3. Pride’s Oklahoma Barbecue: Family Recipes With Heart

When a place has been smoking meat for over three generations, you know they’ve figured something out. Pride’s Oklahoma Barbecue brings family recipes to the table with each plate served.

Their pulled pork stands out from the crowd smoky, tender, and hand-pulled to maintain that perfect texture. I love how they give you a choice of sauce on the side rather than drowning the meat, letting the smokehouse flavors shine through.

The ribs here have a distinctive rub with hints of paprika and brown sugar that caramelizes during the smoking process. For the full experience, pair your meat with their homemade potato salad a recipe that’s been in the family for decades.

4. Albert G’s Barbecue: Downtown Smoked Meat Institution

Housed in a historic building in downtown Tulsa, Albert G’s brings urban charm to traditional barbecue. Their massive smokers run continuously, filling the surrounding blocks with an irresistible aroma that’s been tempting Tulsans since 1992.

The sliced brisket here deserves special mention each piece sports that coveted pink smoke ring and melts in your mouth. Their two-meat combo plate gives newcomers a perfect introduction to what makes this place special.

Are you a sauce person? Albert G’s offers four homemade varieties ranging from sweet to spicy. The walls covered in local memorabilia give you something to explore while waiting for your food, though that wait is always worth it.

5. Oklahoma Joe’s BBQ: Championship Pedigree On Your Plate

Founded by a competition barbecue champion, Oklahoma Joe’s brings trophy-winning techniques to everyday diners. The restaurant’s rustic atmosphere with its wood-paneled walls sets the perfect stage for serious meat appreciation.

Their smoked turkey might convert even the most dedicated beef fans somehow remaining juicy while taking on that beautiful hickory flavor. The burnt ends sell out almost daily, combining crispy exterior with melt-in-your-mouth centers.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try the Tulsa Torpedo a smoked sausage stuffed with brisket and wrapped in bacon. The seasoned fries make the perfect vehicle for sopping up any sauce left on your plate, ensuring not a drop of flavor goes to waste.

6. Leo’s BBQ: Hidden Gem With Smoky Treasures

Don’t let the unassuming exterior fool you Leo’s BBQ packs big flavors into its modest space. This family-owned spot has quietly built a loyal following among locals who appreciate authentic, no-frills barbecue.

The chopped brisket sandwich comes piled high with meat that’s been kissed by smoke for over 12 hours. What makes Leo’s special is their balance of tenderness and texture you get that perfect bite without the meat falling apart.

Their homemade hot links deliver a spicy kick that pairs wonderfully with the sweet-tangy sauce. Many regulars swear by the combo plate with two sides the collard greens and baked beans both benefit from being cooked with meat drippings, adding an extra layer of smoky goodness.

7. Jim’s Rib Haven: Ribs That Fall Off The Bone

Jim’s Rib Haven has perfected the art of rib-making over decades of smoking. The moment you walk in, the sweet-smoky scent tells you you’re in for something special.

These ribs don’t need a knife or barely even teeth! After hours in their custom smoker, the meat practically surrenders from the bone with the gentlest tug. The secret’s in their dry rub, a closely guarded family recipe with just the right balance of sweet, savory, and spice.

Beyond ribs, their smoked chicken deserves recognition somehow remaining juicy while taking on that beautiful smoky flavor. Most folks complete their meal with the sweet potato casserole, its slight sweetness creating the perfect contrast to the savory meat.

8. Charlie’s BBQ: Old-School Smoking Techniques

Charlie’s embraces barbecue traditions that go back generations, using methods that require patience and skill. Their offset smokers use only seasoned oak, giving the meat a distinctive flavor you won’t find elsewhere in Tulsa.

The pulled pork here spends a full 16 hours in the smoker before being hand-pulled to maintain perfect texture. I appreciate how they serve it with just a light touch of sauce, letting the meat’s natural flavors take center stage.

Though the building isn’t fancy, the smell alone will convince you you’re in the right place. Don’t miss their smoked bologna a regional specialty that gets transformed through their smoking process into something altogether more complex and delicious than the lunchmeat you remember.

9. White River Fish Market & BBQ: Where Smoke Meets Seafood

White River offers a unique twist in Tulsa’s barbecue scene by combining traditional smoked meats with fresh seafood. This unexpected pairing has made it a local institution for those who can’t decide between land and sea.

Their smoked ribs maintain that perfect balance between tenderness and chew, with a distinctive rub that includes hints of garlic and paprika. What truly sets them apart is their smoked salmon taking on a beautiful mahogany color from their hickory smoker while remaining moist inside.

The casual market-style setup means you can watch your selections being prepared. Many regulars come for the combo plates that let you try both barbecue and seafood in one sitting the best of both worlds on a single tray.