Ray's BBQ

Great food served quickly. Helpful staff. New location on Ed Noble Parkway is much larger and they’ve added a private room for parties. When our group of 6 went one week after the new store grand opening at 11:30, the dining area quickly filled up. It is loud when all the tables are filled and that is to be expected. I had a Rays the Roof, chopped BBQ brisket with sliced HotLinks. 100% Yum! I’ve eaten At Rays in Norman and Moore and the quality is always great BBQ

Their grand opening today, 1/30/2026 was great. Their BBQ is the best in Norman. In a week they should have their Able Commission approval. Nothing better than beer and BBQ. We love their sliced brisket sandwiches. There beans are a must.

Okay folks.. My wife and I are a little beside ourselves because we weren't aware that Ray's BBQ existed on Lindsey Street in Norman before moving into their new location (a former Jason's Deli) on Ed Noble Parkway.. We dropped into the new spot to grab lunch after church today and we were delighted with our choice.. The interior decor has a vintage, old school gas station vibe, with plenty of seating.. There's a take out counter, the dine-in counter, and drink and condiment stations around the edges of the interior space.. Having not tried Ray's before, we went with items that we were generally familiar with.. We split a two meat combination plate and added a third side.. We sampled the chopped brisket, pulled pork, potato salad, baked beans, and creamy coleslaw.. Everything was fantastic!! The meats were flavorful and moist.. All three of the sides were excellent.. The beans had a great flavor and arrived to the table piping hot.. The potato salad and coleslaw are among the best we've had in any restaurant.. The coleslaw, in particular, reminded me of the slaw my mother makes, which made it even better for me.. There are two different BBQ sauces on the table, sweet and spicy, and we sampled their XXX, available by request, which had a wonderful flavor with a nice kick.. Service was great, the place was nearly full with a steady stream of diners entering as others were departing.. We will certainly be revisiting Ray's in the very near future to sample additional menu offerings!! 🥳

First time eating Rays. Everything was great, except the beans. They tasted like chili beans that someone accidentally spilled the whole jar of chili powder in! Way too overpowering! We will go back again, but won't order the beans again. The strawberry cake was fantastic.

At least the delivery was quick.. chopped brisket was bland and chopped very fine, sausage had the same consistency/texture as a hotdog, Mac n cheese was mushy/over cooked, fries are your basic frozen variety (or tastes like it). If it wasn't so expensive I'd tossed it 🤷‍♂️

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.

The new location is the legit and the barbecue is better than ever. Best BBQ in Norman!

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.

So, I'm a fan of great BBQ, which would surprise most folks especially where I grew up, in Los Angeles. But I'm have roots in KC, Mo... and grew ups eating an 18 hr brisket, honey on biscuit and all them shrimp boils... I asked Reddit for a place in Norman, and when 1500+ people tell you Ray's... you are going to Ray's... I ate the brisket.. I give it a B, was wet as expected but the flavor could have been up a notch... plenty of condiments on the table to fix it... After eating corn on the cob, fried Okra... still needed a burger... Nobody ever makes my burger right... Ray's did... honestly raised this review 4 stars to 5.... Ray's has that old time classic look... ambiance is exactly what you want when you are eating... I wish I ate whatever I'm smelling when you walk in, talk about the Garlic and olive oil trick... you walk in HUNGRY! Ray's portions are great, and the fries, they're great... not skinny fries like at other joints... a proper French fry! Eat at Ray's!

Got a half rack of ribs and half a lb of brisket. Ribs were tasty but had alot of fat on ends. Brisket was dry and a little tough.

Was close by with a bbq craving. Sliced Brisket was good. Love that it doesn't have alot of fat attached. Beans good. Okra was alittle hard for me so just didn't eat it. Seved with slice of buttered bread. Sweet tea good. I did notice all the cakes just like the Moore location. I have eaten there many times and they are all good.

I always pass by this place and I finally tried it! It was amazing! The food is high quality and tasted delicious! The staff was very friendly. Avery took great care of us and kept checking in on us as well as giving us recommendations! Can't wait to come again

Here's a simple way to sum this place up: - This BBQ; I had to reach for the BBQ sauce for this meat. Ribs: would appear they're using electric smokers. Ribs didn't have a good smoke flavor. Not seasoned really at all. And the ribs were so so overcooked. Pit beans: This was the best thing of the meal. Not the best I've had by any means...but we're reasonable. Had chunks of meat in them. Mac & Cheese: Thai could be good if they put any seasoning in the dish. My summary of this place: Go to Van's Pig Stand on Porter St. Van's is light years beyond this place. Van's has tremendous BBQ and sides!

Ray's BBQ started with Darrol Ray -- OU football standout, NFL Jet, and now pitmaster. From game-day legend to BBQ king, his smoked meats melt in your mouth. We had brisket, pork, turkey -- every bite was next-level. Great service, perfect tea, and flavor that rivals KC BBQ any day. Five stars from your friendly NLR travelers!

Tasty bbq. The ribs were great. Well cooked. The brisket, I felt could've cooked a bit longer. The collard greens were the highlight for me. 11 yo loved the pulled pork but thought the mac and cheese was too cheesey. Hubby also agreed the fried okra was fantastic! We all agreed the bbq sauce was the best ever. Spent $100 between us. With 3 meats & 3 sides. Service was friendly when you go up and order. And didn't take long to be served.

Hands down the best ribs I've eaten. They aren't kidding when claiming "ribs so tender that you don't need teeth." I can attest to the statement. I came in right at 11 AM on a Saturday so everything was FRESH. Not sure if this was the ultimate difference maker. Baked beans were good, but fried okra was not, possibly the worst fried okra. Oklahoma's Joe has the best fried okra for me. I would recommend something else instead. Ray's BBQ is a self service BBQ place. You order at the counter and they bring the food out for you. You get your own drinks, condiments, silverware at the station. I am confused on tipping, but I don't think you have to tip. Of course, pretty much most restaurants in Norman have that sports/OU vibe. Ray's BBQ is no exception to the rule. OU related things can be seen throughout the restaurant.

Friday night barbecue before Illinois state game, we chose Rays and were extremely pleased. Bologna and Ribs were amazing, very fast service and staff was friendly! Will be back soon!

Good food and great staff. We had a good experience here. The food was tasty and filling. I got the pulled pork without a bun, and a side of potato salad. The staff were extra friendly and very nice. The interior was neat and clean. The building is a former Pizza Hut.

Took my 2 boys here over fall break and discovered this gem. Their watermelon tea is out of this world I've never had this nor have i even heard of it!! I had 3 refills !! Their smoked bologna is very flavorful. Menu options were great and plentiful! My kids devoured their kids meals which were great sizes also!

The barbecue was a solid "okay." Old school bland meats were at least moist but had zero flavor unless you add sauce. Service was at least fairly quick. Built in an old Pizza Hut, the ambiance is what you'd expect. It's fine, just nothing special.

Food was exceptionally good. Customer service was top notch. One small concern whole I waited for my order was two young boys walked in from outside the restaurant and went directly into the kitchen area for a few minutes (without washing hands) and I noticed some staff didn't seem to change gloves when entering/exiting kitchen area. Otherwise, a great meal service.

Food is the BOMB ! as 1 reviewer's notes described it perfectly. It didn't disappoint at all . The ribs were fall off the bone spectacular along with the greens, Mac-n-cheese and potato salad that can make folks to shame ( that's how potato salad supposed to taste ) cause the ones that I've been eating aren't even close.

Our go to BBQ place in norman. There are others in TX and KC I prefer, but in Oklahoma Rays is good stuff and the service is always great.

Ray's brisket is lean, tender and very tasty. he uses the fat for smoking the brisket but trims most of it off unless you want it. the ribs are meaty and fall off the bone. The turkey is perfect whether in a sandwich or on a yummy baked potato. All of the sides are great. We go to Ray's at least once a week and the staff recognize us and are very friendly and aim to please us and all of their customers.

Food was amazing. Service was quick and the staff are super friendly. I had the brisket and it was fantastic. Would recommend to anyone visiting Norman.

Ray's is certified but he's not him! Definitely a place to try while in Norman, the Sweet Watermelon Tea is bomb! Portion size is definitely fair with bang for your buck. Flavor wise is where Ray's lost me. My order was 4 Bone Rib Plate side were Mac N Cheese & Green Beans, both were good. Ribs however on bite were good, although the flavor profile lacked significantly. Smokey profile was there, bbq sauce in my opinion saved the rib. Again, it wasn't bad .. I just wish the seasoning through the smoking process was bit more robust.

I ordered ribs, brisket, collard greens, potato salad and coleslaw from this Ray's location. The ribs were good, but the brisket was dry. I enjoyed all of the sides, especially the collard greens.

This is the best fall off the bone ribs in the Metro. Owned by Oklahoma Superstar Safety and Drafted in 1980 NFL's New York Jets, Darroll Ray.

Very good lean brisket with delicious sauces. What else could you possibly want! Warm service from friendly and helpful staff!

Went here for a work event. Ordered the meat potato and received a small potato and a morsel of meat. $11 for this is insanity. I approached the counter and was told they weigh everything. You get a whopping 3 oz of meat apparently. Take a short drive down to Rudy's and you get way more for your money and not told to basically kick rocks. By this time I had lost my appetite and gave it back to them. Asked for a refund at the end and was denied. Enjoy the monetary donation on behalf of our vendor. Never returning.

Ray's was recommended to us. Most of our meats (brisket, sausage, ribs) and sides (green beans, pinto beans, fruit medley) at least met expectations for a barbecue place. But when I, sometimes known as a human garbage disposal, find a side (fried okra) inedible, I cannot in good conscience give a better rating. The okra tasted like it had been fried for hours, when the recipe called for minutes.

Best BBQ in Norman. Great family owned business. Service with a smile. Great place to eat and see OU memorabilia.

Absolutely work in Norman drive to OKC and we all know how traffic is. When I'm ready to order been ready within 5-10 and always hot and excellent by the time I get home. Get the mixed platter and order a little extra for later.

Wonderful experience after a Rockies game (Rockies got creamed by KC). Anyway, fried chicken was amazing. I ordered the fried chicken sandwich, hold the bun and aioli on the side and it was the perfect amount of food. Side slaw was unremarkable. San Giorgio spritzer was a necessary indulgence that everyone loved. But the desserts were the hit of the show. The key lime cheesecake was gorgeous and roll your eyes back delicious. The turtle pecan tart was equally good. Reservations on Open Table highly recommended as restaurant got packed. And the chicken... but I already said that.

Good food. Friendly service. Great portions. Hit the spot and was ready pretty quick. Clean store and plenty of space to sit and enjoy the food. Big screen TV too.

Always great food and service no matter how busy they are! Rays the roof sammich is amazing!

Sad ti say i went out of my way to give Ray's a try . I love smoked bbq ,smoking and eating . i get to travel a lot and try new places . This was a disappointment with 5 stars . i hope i just got a bad plate brisket was dry dry dry ribs dry crunchy and a bad meat selection pulled pork was really good

Oooooh the brisket! Yum! And the breakfast burritos! Great place to meet for coffee. Just driving by and inhaling the smoke from the bbq makes my tummy rumble!

My fave BBQ! Always delicious! The greens and okra always slap. Best staff & service!

I've been coming here with my dad for 12 years. The food is delicious, but every time we have dined in, literally every. Single. Time. They will give my dad a huge portion meat, much larger than the portion they give me, even if I order the 3 meat dinner and he orders the 1 or 2 meat dinner. Idk if it's because im female and they think I need a smaller portion or what the problem is, but it is incredibly annoying especially since this food is so expensive. I lift weights and I'm also anemic, so I order an excessive amount of meat to get my protein and iron. I can't exactly do that if they skimp out every time. I'm driven to write this review because I ordered online and paid nearly $50 for a single freaking meal. I got the sliced brisket basket and chose the "regular" instead of "lite" portion, which is listed at $24, so of course I was expecting a large portion given that price, but I'm very disappointed to find that it is quite small. I could have ordered the 3 meat dinner for $2 extra and gotten way more. They also charged me $8 for this tiny extra side of meat?? Am I crazy? Is this really $50 worth??????

A must try!!!! While visiting Oklahoma I wanted to try a bbq place. Ray's did not disappoint. I smoke meats at home and love trying bbq for inspiration. I have to say Ray's ribs were absolutely amazing! The smoke was perfect and the meat was sooooooo good. The brisket was good but maybe a little on the dry side. I ordered the brisket sliced instead of chopped, however it fell apart because of it being dry. Now, once I put some of Ray's sauce on it, it was delicious. Ribs were perfect and didn't need anything. Now the sides, The Mac and cheese and fried okra were delicious. The fried and smoked beans got a lot of yummmms from those that had them. The hospitality was A+, the young man that took our order was the best. He gave great suggestions, checked on us several times and was just such a great guy!!

Absolutely great BBQ. If never been, try Ray's The Roof! Will not be disappointed, also their sides are great. Definitely get large order of baked beans!

Consistently delicious with great service, Ray's is classic Norman and worthy of your business.

I was in Norman for the first time and needed a quick bit before heading back to DFW. I happened upon Ray's and the parking lot was full so I decided to give it a try. I tried the sliced brisket as I do with all new BBQ joints as a measuring stick against others I've tried (mostly in the metroplex). I also smoke my own and my bar is pretty high. Ray's did not disappoint. Wow. For starters, it was fall-apart tender. On the first taste, I knew I was in for a treat. Great smoky flavor and oh so tender and juicy. Great beans on the side and toast to round out the plate. Rustic decor and ample seating made me barely notice I was in a former pizza chain building. I'll definitely be back next time I come thru town. Highly recommend!

Placed an order online for pickup on game day, and the order was still ready in 15 minutes. Great food. Great service.

Love this place! We were craving BBQ the other day and we checked Yelp. This place had nice reviews so we grabbed some food to go. Needless to say, my husband enjoyed it so much that he asked to go back the next night. I've had both the ribs and the RAY*S-THE-ROOF COMBO SANDWICH. Can't decide which I like more. The staff are kind, they are quick getting take out orders to you, and the food looks appetizing as well.

Love Ray's BBQ. Ray, hand picks several of the items he prepares to make sure you get a quality product each time you eat with him. He is a wonderful man to know, and you'll appreciate his foods once you try them. I like to eat there as often as I can. It's just plain 'Ol' Great food. Clean restaurant, restrooms, and kitchen. His entire family is involved at some level. Give him a try.

Food is absolutely amazing. My favorite sides are the collard greens, green beans, and the mac'n cheese. The mac'n cheese tastes homemade. You can never go wrong with Rays BBQ!

I love Rays!! Great portions and great prices! I love the pulled pork with macaroni and cheese and okra! The cake is absolutely to die for no matter which one you choose. I personally like the lemon pound cake! The sweet tea is delicious! Staff is great! The owners are so friendly and personable! This place is a must try for bbq!

The smoked meats are good and probably about the best one can get in this area. There aren't bread options from the standard white bread so, don't go looking for wheat or gluten free. The service from the waitstaff that I received during my last visit was by far the BEST I've experienced since coming to this restaurant for several years. The sides are OK and seem to improve each year. I think their greens are one of their best sides and the fries are seasoned and fried with an excellent coating and crunch. The portions are fair, but they're a bit pricey compared to other BBQ locations around the Norman & metro area. The atmosphere allows for ease of conversation since the music isn't blaring too loud. Overall, it's a cozy place to find BBQ.

I've been going here for years. Still the best BBQ in Norman! Great food and Great service!

I hate to disagree so strongly with the majority but my experience was far from pleasant. It was disappointing to say the least. Be careful what you order. I chose the 2 meats option while my companion chose ribs. Ribs and brisket was my choice. My friend was presented with a platter of 4 large meaty ribs with accompanying sides. My plate held less than 1/2 cup of a chopped gray meat and 3 tiny ribs about 3 inches long - 2 meager bites each. Wheni complained i was treated with rude distain. The waiter said he was the manager and the owner's son. Awful food, service and no satisfaction. If you order ribs + a 2nd meat, you get the scraps and it even costs you more. I should have been served 2 nice meaty ribs + the brisket. RAY'S IS HIGHLY OVER-RATED!

This is by far one of our favorite bbq places in Norman. We recently went on a lunch date and enjoyed yummy bbq and sides! I loved the chopped brisket and watermelon iced tea. Service is friendly and food was served to us super quick. The staff is very welcoming and I am a big fan of their sweet bbq sauce as well. My hubby loved the Mac n cheese and the ribs were lip smacking good! Thank Ray's BBQ for full filling our bbq fix!!

This place was a little diamond in the rough that I found on the way back to Texas! It is a nice little place if you want some good BBQ without the wait or line. They fry food well, they have nice employees, and they have sweet tea!! I had the ribs, fries, and fried okra. I feel like ribs are the best thing to order when it comes to southern BBQ. I'm from KC so our BBQ is a bit different. Either way though, this place is worth the stop on your road trip!

At Tinker for work from California. All the locals suggested this place from OKC to Edmond to Moore to Yukon to Norman. It's the go to places for BBQ. My husband is very picky because he smokes his own meat at home. He said it was definitely quality and all the sides are homemade. I have to come back in a couple weeks. We will definitely return. Even though Blake Shelton and Toby Keith are from the area as well, it is still obvious who the hometown hero is to this community. Everyone is so proud of the owner Darrol Ray... Everywhere I went, the community was bragging about the Star Sooner player that played for the Jets..."Go eat at his BBQ place!"

I certainly enjoyed it and the price was certainly reasonable. I had chopped brisket, coleslaw and baked beans. Tasted like the real McCoy. They certainly get a good lunch crowd, I will certainly go back. Next time I'll try the ribs which is the real text for barbecue.

Delish! Large portions. Freshly cooked, each time! Quality menu items. Highly recommend!