Ray's BBQ
A beloved low-key joint serving classic BBQ like brisket and ribs, with a family-friendly vibe and a taste of tradition.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Ray's BBQ
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beloved low-key joint serving classic BBQ like brisket and ribs, with a family-friendly vibe and a taste of tradition.
Visit during off-peak hours
To avoid crowds, consider visiting during non-lunchtime hours as the restaurant can get busy.
Don't miss the watermelon tea
A reviewer specifically recommended trying the refreshing watermelon tea.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Barbecue
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mouth-watering Brisket and Ribs
Tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs and flavorful brisket are crowd favorites, earning high praise from diners.
Highly Recommended Baked Beans
A standout side dish, the baked beans are frequently mentioned as a must-try, offering a delightful kick.
Traditional BBQ with Diverse Options
Experience classic BBQ fare including pulled pork and chopped meats, alongside burgers and salads for varied tastes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visit during off-peak hours
To avoid crowds, consider visiting during non-lunchtime hours as the restaurant can get busy.
Don't miss the watermelon tea
A reviewer specifically recommended trying the refreshing watermelon tea.
Order the baked beans
These baked beans are a standout side dish and are highly recommended by multiple reviewers.
Tips
from all over the internet
Visit during off-peak hours
To avoid crowds, consider visiting during non-lunchtime hours as the restaurant can get busy.
Don't miss the watermelon tea
A reviewer specifically recommended trying the refreshing watermelon tea.
Order the baked beans
These baked beans are a standout side dish and are highly recommended by multiple reviewers.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ray's BBQ is celebrated for its incredibly tender and flavorful brisket and ribs, with many diners highlighting the baked beans as a must-try side. While the food quality generally receives high marks, some customers have noted issues with food temperature and service consistency, particularly during busy periods or for takeout orders.
"Reasonable price for the amount of food. The brisket and sausage are good. I really liked the coleslaw and beans. I didn't see much of a smoke ring on the brisket, but it was moist and flavorful. Definitely worth a visit if you are in the area."
Jim Owens
"Restaurant was super clean and we were taken care of immediately. Wasn’t packed inside so our group got our food pretty quick. Chicken was a little dry and one of us got the butt bread 😂 Baked beans were my favorite part of dinner. Must try bbq sauce. Mac n cheese is pretty good too and greens were spectacular."
Taylor Schoolcraft
"Ordered delivery. Cake tasted like any other box cake mix and frosting that you can buy from Walmart. So, definitely not worth $6.50 a slice. The sausage also tasted like the cheap thin quality as well. The BBQ sauce was super liquidy. The rest of the food (bread, beans, & potato salad) were just okay, not terrible. BBQ is my favorite type of food to eat and try while traveling and this definitely is no where close to the best BBQ I have ever had. All around just meh, this was my first and probably last impression of this restaurant. So I'm not sure if the food quality tastes better fresh while dining in."
Elizabeth F
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The brisket and ribs are highly praised crowd favorites. The baked beans are also a standout side dish that many recommend trying.
Yes, Ray's BBQ is described as family-friendly with a welcoming atmosphere, making it a great spot for all ages.
The restaurant can get busy, especially during lunchtime. Visiting during off-peak hours is recommended to avoid crowds.
One reviewer highly recommended trying their watermelon tea, noting it as a great beverage option.
Besides the famous baked beans, other popular sides include mac n cheese, collard greens, and French fries.
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The Top 10 Restaurants In Norman Oklahoma
Famed as the best barbecue in Norman, Ray’s Smokehouse BBQ certainly lives up to its reputation. A low-key diner, where the brick wall interior is barely seen through the photos that adorn it, Ray’s is definitely the place to chill out for a relaxed meal. Choose your main, either Brisket, ribs, smoked turkey, sausage, pulled pork, pulled chicken, with a side of either fries, baked beans, collard greens or even fried Okra.
25+ BEST Things to Do in Norman Oklahoma in 2025
Ray’s BBQ is a casual eatery founded by former New York Jets safety Darrol Ray. The family-run restaurant serves all the classic barbecue dishes, including chopped pork, brisket, and St. Louis-style ribs, among others. Visitors are likely to spot Ray walking around the dining room and chatting with customers, providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Exploring University of Oklahoma and Norman, OK
The Interurban is another great choice with a wide variety menu including steak, sushi, Mexican food, and Italian food, there’s something for everyone, and Ray’s BBQ is another option for a more chill vibe. Ray’s offers traditional BBQ food as well as burgers and salads, making this a great spot for all ages.
20 BEST Restaurants in Norman
Ray's Smokehouse BBQ is the place to go if you're looking for some good barbecue. The brisket is a crowd favorite, and the ribs are mouth-watering. The sides are also great, and the barbecue sauce is fantastic.
15 Best Restaurants in Norman, OK for 2025 (Top Eats!)
1514 W Lindsey StNorman, OK 73069(405) 329-4040 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Ray’s Smokehouse BBQ is a family-friendly barbecue joint beside the West Lindsey Shopping Center.
8 Cool Places to Eat in Norman, OK [2025]
Ray’s Smokehouse Barbecue is a restaurant that is crowded during lunchtime. That ought to tell you all you need to know, right?. Both locals and visitors are lured to the BBQ restaurant.
20 Best Cant-Miss Restaurants in Norman Oklahoma
If you want barbecue, Ray’s is one of the best restaurants in Norman to go to. You can’t go wrong with any of the choices on the menu. Even the smokehouse burger is worth a taste.
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