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Business profile photo for Ray's Smokehouse BBQ

Ray's Smokehouse BBQ

Management

Darrol Ray

Owner

Business profile photo for Ray's Smokehouse BBQ

Contact Information

About

Ray's Smokehouse BBQ has become a beloved staple in Norman, Oklahoma, since its founding in 2008 by former University of Oklahoma Sooners standout and New York Jets player Darrol Ray. After a successful football career, Ray returned to his Oklahoma roots and opened the restaurant with his wife Diane, later expanding the family operation with daughter Kendall and son-in-law Evy to include a second location in Moore. Renowned for its authentic, slow-smoked barbecue, Ray's offers tender brisket, fall-off-the-bone ribs, pulled pork, turkey, and signature sides like fried okra and homemade mac and cheese, all served with genuine Southern hospitality in a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. The restaurant emphasizes quality and consistency, with many locals and visitors praising the flavorful meats and generous portions. Whether dining in, grabbing takeout, or ordering catering for special events, Ray's delivers a true taste of Oklahoma barbecue tradition.

Why we like Ray's Smokehouse BBQ

Ray's Smokehouse BBQ is owned by Darrol Ray, an ex-OU football player and a beloved icon in Norman. He opened Rays nearly 20 years ago, and Norman has been grateful for the BBQ that he has provided. While obviously known for his great smokey BBQ, the burger at Ray's is a sleeper, and it deserved making this list for the smokey flavor and the sides. Ray's sides are great, with our favorite being his baked beans, which have a great BBQ flavor. And the service is always fast, even when it comes to their busy lunch hour. And if they have any left, you should aways grab a piece of cake.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Delicious BBQ burgers
  • Owned by former OU player

Cons

  • Limited Sunday hours
  • Can be busy during lunch

Review Scores

Google4.5
Yelp4.5

Map

BBQ