Ray's BBQ

Barbecue restaurant · Norman

Ray's BBQ

Barbecue restaurant · Norman

2

1514 W Lindsey St, Norman, OK 73069

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Ray's BBQ by null
Ray's BBQ by null
Ray's BBQ by null
Ray's BBQ by null
Ray's BBQ by null
Ray's BBQ by null
Ray's BBQ by null
Ray's BBQ by null
Ray's BBQ by null
Ray's BBQ by null
Ray's BBQ by null
Ray's BBQ by null
Ray's BBQ by null
Ray's BBQ by null
Ray's BBQ by null
Ray's BBQ by null
Ray's BBQ by null
Ray's BBQ by null
Ray's BBQ by null
Ray's BBQ by null
Ray's BBQ by null
Ray's BBQ by null
Ray's BBQ by null
Ray's BBQ by null
Ray's BBQ by null
Ray's BBQ by null
Ray's BBQ by null
Ray's BBQ by null
Ray's BBQ by null
Ray's BBQ by null
Ray's BBQ by null
Ray's BBQ by null
Ray's BBQ by null
Ray's BBQ by null
Ray's BBQ by null
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Ray's BBQ by null
Ray's BBQ by null
Ray's BBQ by null

Highlights

Tender ribs, moist brisket, flavorful sides, and sweet tea.  

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1514 W Lindsey St, Norman, OK 73069 Get directions

raysbbqok.com

$10–20 · Menu

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1514 W Lindsey St, Norman, OK 73069 Get directions

+1 405 329 4040
raysbbqok.com

$10–20 · Menu

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Last updated

Sep 6, 2025

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Family-run by former OU and NFL standout Darrol Ray, this spot turns out tender ribs and brisket with genuine hospitality. Recognized by TravelOK and covered by local outlets for its community presence and game-day crowds.

https://norman.raysbbqok.com/norman-norman-university-of-oklahoma-ray-s-bbq-norman-locations
Things to Do in Norman (2025)
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Family‑run smokehouse opened by former OU standout Darrol Ray. Known for ribs, brisket and beans, it’s a friendly, community‑minded spot endorsed by state tourism and beloved by locals for straightforward barbecue.

https://norman.raysbbqok.com/
Best Restaurants in Norman (2025)
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Elizabeth F

Google
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.

Jim Owens

Google
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.

Regan Grimm

Google
Super amazing. The brisket was great and super tender. Both of the sauces they had offered were very good. They had quick service and the staff did great at bringing food out and checking on you throughout service. Would eat again.

Taylor Schoolcraft

Google
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.

Myracle Poston

Google
I would give a 0 star if there’s an option. I just moved to Newcastle and looking for decent BBQ since ClarksBBQ not close by. I came across to Ray’s BBQ and looked at the reviews 4.6 stars must be pretty good so I went ahead and try it out since I have people over. I ordered $143 worth of food there and i got there they said my order is ready to go I came home my ordered is not complete. Missing 3 desserts I ordered and paid for. I called them to let them know that they forget to provide my desserts. I had to drive all the way back there you would think they will have it ready by then since it takes me 20mins to get there. Surprise! Surprise! Nothing is ready when I got there I still have to wait for them to get it. Wow!!! It’s a good food but terrible service all the way around. Never going back there again.

Stephenie DeVille

Google
O. M. G! Amazing! The ribs here are fall off the bone tender and so delicious! Sucked the meat right off in one bite.

MegaB LC

Google
3rd time to rays. 1st time to try half chicken dinner! Excellent! Still moist!

Zach Vaughn (Vaughn Law Office, PLLC)

Google
I wish I could give this place 6 stars. The ribs and brisket were both tasty, but their baked beans were hands down the best ever had. Tasty!!!! They also have a watermelon tea that is great. Wish I had something like this place in my town.
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T D.

Yelp
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!
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Carolyn P.

Yelp
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.
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John P.

Yelp
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!
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Stacy T.

Yelp
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.
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Richard S.

Yelp
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!
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Tuan P.

Yelp
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.
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Andy R.

Yelp
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.
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Hannah M.

Yelp
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!
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Catherine Z.

Yelp
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.
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Steven M.

Yelp
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.
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Chad W.

Yelp
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.

Ron J.

Yelp
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.

Regan G.

Yelp
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.
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Aaron H.

Yelp
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.
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Derrick G.

Yelp
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.
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Janet D.

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

Tyler P.

Yelp
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.
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Mark W.

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

Yelp
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.
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Daniel S.

Yelp
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.

Pete M.

Yelp
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.
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Ken S.

Yelp
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.
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Fletcher F.

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

Keisha L.

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

Yelp
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??????

Thomas B.

Yelp
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

Thad P.

Yelp
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!
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Carolyn G.

Yelp
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!

B R.

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

Yelp
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!!
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Bill S.

Yelp
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.
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Kam J.

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

Yelp
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!

Deborah B.

Yelp
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.
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Samantha R.

Yelp
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.
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Patricia W.

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

Yelp
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!
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Chels T.

Yelp
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!

Janice B.

Yelp
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!
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Michelle M.

Yelp
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!!
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Julio R.

Yelp
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!

Ally P.

Yelp
My boyfriend and I were looking to go to flavortown, but rays bbq stopped us in our tracks. The meat unfortunately lacked any flavor and seasoning, the most important part of any meal. We had the sliced brisket, pulled pork, and turkey accompanied by fried okra, potato salad, and Mac and cheese (the star of the show). Everyone else seemed to be regulars, so that's a good sign. Classic BBQ spot, but won't be dreaming of it.
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Lawrence C.

Yelp
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.
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Yelsha R.

Yelp
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!"

Chuck L.

Yelp
We love Rays. We have been to quite a few barbecue places but Rays is one of our favorites. The ribs are the best, falling off the bone. The chicken is always juicy and tender. The barbecue beans, potato salad, and fries are the best. You can't go wrong with Rays.
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Jen E.

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

Yelp
The food is really good here. We did an online order and that was a complete fiasco, but as we did that we ordered an extra pound of brisket, to our surprise, this extra pound of brisket cost us $21.00!!! Guess it is back to smoking our own brisket for some meal prep. You can buy a whole 20lb brisket for $60.56 folks!! That comes out to around $3.28/lb and this place is charging you $21/lb. The sad thing is it is worse at some other bbq places in the Norman area. Definitely try the food here, but pay attention to that price gouging.

Steve H.

Yelp
Great food, great people!! Oklahoma BBQ the way that it was meant to be. We get to Norman usually twice a month to watch our amazing GrandBabes, Ray's adds to our great time!

Brendan M.

Yelp
Got rid of delivery for no good reason. Food is good but the management has done this like 4 times