The Hunt for Oklahoma’s Best BBQ: Texlahoma

Before we moved to OKC, we got a lot of questions about the local barbecue options. Since we’re located just above the barbecue mecca that is Texas, it makes sense to assume that Oklahoma also has an abundance of establishments vying for the crown of best brisket, ribs, and pulled pork. However, when we consulted the locals, we received mixed feedback about where the best ‘que could be found. After a few weeks, we started to consistently hear great things about a place in north Edmond called Texlahoma.

This seemed to be the place we were waiting for. Luckily for us, a group of our fellow foodie friends from the Take a Bite OK supper club had planned a dinner there, so we jumped on the opportunity to join.

It can be a bit of a drive out to Texlahoma, it took us about 30 minutes or so from Midtown, but it was 100% worth the travel. The restaurant is simply decorated with no frills decor and has a cozy, rustic feel to it. The name unites the two rival states over something they could certainly agree upon — great barbecue.

Kacy decided to try a chicken platter based on some positive feedback from an I Ate Oklahoma review I read with potato salad and baked beans as sides. A lot of barbecue places tend to overcook chicken or turkey and it ends up dry and bland, playing second fiddle to the beef and pork options, but not Texlahoma. The chicken is generously seasoned and cooked to juicy, tender perfection. I couldn’t believe the amount of flavor in every bite of it. The potato salad is more of a hybrid of mashed potatoes and potato salad, making for a delicious union. The baked beans aren’t as sweet as you commonly see at a barbecue place, but Kacy and I both liked them and appreciated the notes of  smoke and spice.

Our fearless supper club leader, Phi, had heard from the owner that he recommended newcomers the brisket and ribs. I happily followed this advice. I added on some fried okra and coleslaw to complete the two meat platter. The brisket was delightfully tender, falling apart with the slightest touch of a fork. The slices had a nice amount of fat to them and were extremely flavorful. This was some high quality brisket.

There were some bbq sauces available with one being a bit spicier than the other. Most of us in the group liked them but also agreed they weren’t necessary for the already flavorful brisket. The ribs were well seasoned and cooked to a nice tenderness. I wouldn’t say they were fall-off-the-bone but they were plenty tender and not too fatty. I preferred the brisket between the two, but was very happy about both. The fried okra was simple and excellent, as it should be, and the coleslaw was fine but nothing to write home about.

Our sister-in-law, Melissa, joined for the supper club meet-up and opted for the pulled pork sandwich. It came with a ton of meat stuffed inside a beautifully buttered bun. The pork had a great smoky flavor and a nice texture to each bite from the crispy edge pieces. I think I will definitely have to add the pulled pork to my order upon my next visit.

Overall the group really enjoyed the trip to Texlahoma with many people saying it was some of the best barbecue they have had in Oklahoma. It was the best barbecue that I’ve had to date in Oklahoma… so far. Kacy and I will be continuing the hunt for the state’s best, one bbq joint at a time. It should be a fun and delicious search!