The scene: kids are hot in the car and have to use the bathroom, we have an hour left to drive after a very long, sticky (if delightful) weekend, and mama is HANGRY. Enter Yelp. My kids know the drill, and now that they are big enough to navigate from the front seat, at least one of the them (depending on the weather, time of day, and level of hangry) is willing to be my PIC. "Mahhm! this place looks good! It's a mile off the highway [well-trained, huh?], and it has all different kinds of barbecue. There are 21 reviews and they're, like, almost all five stars!" Then the naysayer speaks up, wanting a lesson in averages- how can it be five stars if not all the reviews are five stars? Such explanation was just long enough to entertain us before pulling under the covered parking (limited, but it exists!) at Papa's Barbecue. Prices are $$ (but what isn't these days, esp. if we're not doing Mickey D's, which... we're not), and the kids both assure me they will eat their whole sandwich. So we order one for each: S has the (small... i.e., regular size) pulled pork sandwich with a side of fried okra, C has the bacon cheeseburger with a side of fried okra, and I have the (small, i.e., regular size) sliced brisket sandwich with a side of sweet potato fries. $26. We enjoyed our wait, as the place (a reno'ed gas station) was cute and clean. I'm not a fan of cutesy- it was not that. It was thoughtfully well-crafted, with the cleanest exterior bathrooms I've ever seen. The kids, during our wait, caught sight of the complimentary ice cream dispenser, and I honestly have no idea how I was able to get out of that one. We took our order to go, after picking up some pickles from the pickle bar, dousing my sandwich in some barbecue sauce on the table, and perusing the everlasting hot sauce bar. I took one bite of my brisket, on a sweet potato (not sweet potato, but sweet, potato) bun, and closed my eyes. It was so tender, so tasty, so worthy of five stars. I don't always eat barbecue, but when I do, I want it to taste like this. I tasted the kids' sandwiches, too, and was glad we all ordered something different. Each sandwich was strong on flavor and clearly the work of someone who figured out how to craft barbecue. While I loved their sandwiches, I think the sliced brisket was my favorite. We'll be back to Papa's. The next time we're in a rush to get out of town, I'm not stopping at Sonic. The next time we're in a rush to have dinner as we arrive from out of town, I'm not stopping at Whole Foods. We're going to Papa's, and we're ALL getting ice cream. And pickles. Not at the same time. read more

Friendly and attentive staff. The owner was trying a new item and asked me to sample. Great food. They care about their customers.

I know I've passed by this place 100 times but never really stopped. But my dad wanted to try it so we did. WOW, i was surprised. The food was good, nice clean place, good bbq and good service. It was a little slow, but probably because one 1 waitress and all the guys were doin other stuff. So she waited on us and cashed us out while the men stood around talking... Regardless, we will definitely come back. read more

Papa's Backyard Barbque - Pulled Pork Dinner with beans and coleslaw - Barbeque Near Me - Okemah, Oklahoma

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Stopped here by chance on a cross country road trip. Fantastic!! We got pulled pork and pulled brisket with baked beans and Mac and cheese. It was gone in minutes. Worth the stop. Thank you! read more

The barbecue, sides, and pie are amazing. We got the brisket, turkey (better than any other bbq place I've tried), ribs, and pulled pork as a family. It was all delicious and the pie was even better! The service is very friendly and helpful as well! I'll go anytime I drive through Okemah. read more

Excellent food! Burgers and barbecue and sides! Sweet staff. Clean and stylish dining room.

On my first visit here, I ordered a sliced brisket sandwich. It was so delicious that I order it every time I visit! The bun is packed with so much delicious brisket that I have to take some home for another meal. The sandwich comes with chips or you can select another side for a separate charge. Waitresses are friendly and quick to deliver orders, and they check on their customers frequently. This is definitely my favorite BBQ restaurant! read more

Came in a little road weary but Papa's did not disappoint. Had the brisket sandwich and baked beans. Moist and delicious.

Get your hours straight. Drove out here because Yelp said you open. Turns out your hardly ever open.

Who even knew this place existed! What a hidden jewel! Just off I-40 in Okemah, maybe a mile north, and oh so delicious!! Returning to OKC from Lake Eufaula and drove through this small town just exploring. We had the smoked sausage and pulled pork sandwich to go. Oh boy was it awesome BBQ! So smoky and juicy and melt in your mouth goodness! Coming back next weekend on the way to the lake and will eat again! Can't wait to try more of this awesome food!! read more

Great barbecue! Great people! We were looking for good bbq while traveling cross country. This place exceeded our expectations. The outside is deceptive. It looks like a small place where you can pick up lunch. When we entered we found two good size dining rooms. The atmosphere is really nice. Not too cluttered. And the place is really clean. We felt very welcomed and at home here. The entire staff are helpful and caring. We ordered the baby back ribs for the wife and I to split. The kids got some brisket sliders and loaded fries and sweet tea all around. Everything was really good. The sweet tea is sweet without tasting like liquid diabetes. Prices were really fair. The family, all six of us, ate a full lunch for $50. We spent a lot more for a lot less on this trip. Highly recommend this fine establishment. read more

This place is delicious with a spectacular interior. It's converted from a gas station and when you step inside, the interior will blow you away. The food is filling and when you get your plate it's not thrown on like other places. The sausage is yummy and hey even have an option of spicy links. The bacon is perfectly crisp and salty without being burnt. The toast is buttery and not too hard. Nothing is drenched in oil. It's a great place for breakfast. I wasn't expecting that since it's BBQ but I definitely want to come back if I get the chance for both BBQ and breakfast. The guy who owns the place is pretty awesome also. read more

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Super good food they also give you a cold mug for drinks and have condiment for you ice cream read more

Papa's Backyard Barbque - Barbeque Near Me - Okemah, Oklahoma

Updating my review. Portions seem to keep DECREASING! My dinner less than last visit. And looks less than what they put on sandwiches. Which appear heaping in contrast. I'm starting to get disappointed. Taste still good. Oh well....... read more

This place serves EXCELLENT barbeque and I recommend you take a quarter mile detour from I44 on your way across to exit Okemah and eat there. If you are coming up 75 toward Tulsa, it's only 12 miles the wrong way, but worth it. Staff friendliness: 5 star. Answered all questions, and I always have more than a few. PIt master assistant: 5 star for friendliness. Pit master was voting, I guess. Ordered smoked brisket: excellent, not fatty, nice smoke. Also ordered ribs: thick & juicy. Saint Louis style. Sides were: mac and cheese-gooey not gluey. They use a shell and I like an elbow mac. No crumb topping, but ok as is. Corn and cheese side was also good but very rich, so carb counters should steer clear. Beans were very excellent. Blueberry cobbler, excellent. Portions ample. $10.50 and $13.50 respectively (cobbler was extra). Plenty of parking. Lots of local customers. They won't return if they aren't happy. We were told by multiple parties to check them out. We'll be back again soon. read more

Coming from Ohio, we had no idea what babyback ribs could really be. My husband ordered a slab which near us is 1/3 of the size. He literally got a mountain of meat. The best part is the seasoning was so good that you don't even need sauce (which is amazingly good btw). I got a 5 rib meal which I couldn't even finish. The sides are good as well. I tried the corn and mac and cheese. For an extra touch, ice cream comes free with yout meal. read more

Papa's Backyard Barbque - 5 rib meal and slab. - Barbeque Near Me - Okemah, Oklahoma

Very clean place. I ordered the 3 rib dinner. I wish I would have taken a pic. I've never seen such little ribs!! They were maybe 3" long. They ask if you want St Louis style or Baby Back. I ordered St Louis. You get 2 sides. I ordered the okra and a corn dish. Both were very good but the temperature of the sides was basically room temperature. The ribs had a great flavor though. I would go again, but get a different meat. I did bring home some sliced brisket (which is actually chucks) and it is very tasty. They have bottles & bottles of different types of hot sauce. That was cool. The bbq sauce was ok, lacked in flavor. Added some hot sauce! I make my own and am spoiled to it. And unfortunately the worker was not that friendly. She wasn't rude, just could show some small town friendliness! read more

Papa's Backyard Barbque - Papa's,has a HUGE variety of hot sauces! - Barbeque Near Me - Okemah, Oklahoma

We stopped and tried this place on the way home from a Highschool basketball regional in Checotah. I was very impressed with the various types of meat they offered. Choices such as the normal pulled pork, brisket chopped or sliced, and fall off the bone ribs. They also had turkey, fried chicken, and smoked bologna. The barbecue sauce was good, but didn't stand out. They have a self-service drink station, pickle bar, and ice cream machine. The staff was nice, but with everything being self service we didn't have much interaction with them besides them bringing our food. I had the 2 meat dinner with pulled pork and sliced brisket with Mac and cheese and fried okra, total was $11.95. My wife enjoyed their loaded fries with chopped brisket. Family of 4 ate for $41.00. Bathrooms were located on the outside of the restaurant due to the building previously was a gas station. It was raining when we went so this was kind of a hassle. Overall, I found this place to be a very good restaurant with melt in your mouth meats. I would highly recommend for anyone traveling down I-40 through Okemah, it's about a mile North. read more

Papa's Backyard Barbque - Barbeque Near Me - Okemah, Oklahoma

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What an exceptional meal. We tried smoked wings, stuffed baked potato, chopped pork sandwich and broasted chicken. Everything exceeded our expectations and if we lived closer, I'd buy stock in this place!!! read more

Yum, yum, yum are the best three words! This family ran restaurant is the best place to eat in Okemah. The sliced brisket is wonderful! read more

Papa's Backyard Barbque - Best place to eat in Okemah, OK - Barbeque Near Me - Okemah, Oklahoma

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This place was amazing when it opened, 5-Star for sure. Over the past few months this place really went downhill. I used to come here at least once a month. Now I doubt I'll ever go back. read more

OMG!!!! The best BBQ I have EVER , EVER, EVER had!! For starters the gentleman at the order/cash register was super helpful and explained the item choices perfectly.. super polite and kind.. then the food came and that's when the OMG starts.. the baby back ribs are to die for pink smoke ring for days and fall off the bone crazy good. NO sauce needed.. the chopped brisket was superb.. so much flavor it was just amazing. My wife got the pulled pork and things (snuck a bite) and it was off the chain delicious as well. The Mac n cheese is the bomb as well. If you pass this place by you have made a huge mistake!! read more

Papa's Backyard Barbque - Two meat combo - Barbeque Near Me - Okemah, Oklahoma

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Excellent food, we tried several meats and all were delicious. I love their wall of BBQ sauces; so much variety. Nicely decorated facility with friendly and helpful employees. Will recommend to everyone traveling along I-40. read more

We used yelp to find a local place to eat on our travels , and we chose this place. It was super impressive decor, and the food was fabulous !!! The people were great . And the owner came to us and each table to greet us and deliver the best customer service !! I will come back to set here read more

We got hungry on our way to the lake and found this gem. Just about 2 min off i-40 and man was it worth it. Cute little place and the food was amazing. At the advice of one of the employees I decided to try the chicken. It did not disappoint. The beans were another hit. I'm not normally a bean person but the flavor was great. My friend got the chopped brisket and we couldn't decide which we liked better. In fact, we decided to try to stop on our way back from the lake to take some home. Yum yum! Oh, and the service was top notch and friendly. Whoever said it wasn't must have been on an off night because we were treated great! read more

This place is amazing. Fantastic, homemade barbecue for a low price. The decor is lovely-- modern, while still with a country vibe. Service was impeccable. And the bathrooms are cute and clean. If you drive through Oklahoma, stop here! read more

Super clean, great food. Quick friendly service. Worth stop before OKC right off I 40. The meat sampler is a good price for BBQ comes w two sides. read more

What a treat! Rural restaurants are kind of hit or miss. Not this one! What a HIT! Start with the great decor - Barn wood and trendy lighting. And the food was fantastic. We had the baked potato and the salad. The salad had spring mix in it. We don't find that too often in the small towns we visit. Very hipster restaurant in a small town. We enjoyed everything about it. Even the cute bathroom! Stop and eat here. You will be glad you did. Staff was terrific too. read more

After 11 hours on Hwy 40, we stopped at Papa's BBQ for a late dinner. The employees were so friendly and helpful! We loved the atmosphere and the bathrooms were cleverly designed in a ranch house motif . We loved the BBQ dinners and tried five side dishes, all good. This was one of those fun surprises on the road! read more

Excellent food and great customer service. Priced fairly and perfect BBQ. Went there with a large group (20) unannounced and they accommodated us without a hitch. Will visit again when I am in town. read more

All the reviews made us stop on an unplanned trip back to Houston. Excellent BBQ even compared to what we get at home. The corn is unique and yummy! read more

Great place had the smoked burger awesome & brisket sandwich meat was so good bun was also so good had pinto beans great taste & the mac & cheese was so creamy great atmosphere such cute decor read more

Beautifully executed smoked meats. Pulled pork, shaved turkey, and even the smoked bacon cheeseburger far surpassed our expectations. Well worth a jaunt off of I-40 if you happen to be traveling through Oklahoma. read more

The cashier's shirt said "Our worst bbq is still the best you've ever had!" This Texas girl knows what good barbecue tastes like and has been looking for a rival in Oklahoma for almost 40 years. Today, I finally found it. Papa's put the Texas stuff to shame. Do yourself a favor. Go! I had the smoked turkey and struggled to keep from moaning with every bite. Hubby had sliced brisket and said his was incredible also. The pinto beans....oh my gosh....there are no words. They had a soft serve ice cream machine to top off the meal and darn if it didn't taste like homemade. Will definitely return! read more

My husband and I decided to stop here for dinner while on a road trip. It was easy to find, just a mile or two off the highway. The service was great and there wasn't even a line. My favorite part about this place was the decor! Galvanized tin everywhere and a lot of fun industrial lighting. I got the ribs and macaroni and cheese. The ribs were very seasoned so just be warned. They also included free self serve ice cream with your meal which was a really nice touch. Would definitely recommend! read more

Loved the mustard-based potato salad. The service was great. The bathrooms were clean.

A mile north of I-40 in Okemah, Ok. Well worth your time! Very moderate prices compared to other BBQ restaurants. Ordered St. Louis style ribs which were perfectly cooked. Sauces are very good, Not vinegary like many BBQ joints serve. All the sides were very tasty. Fried okra & mac & cheese were the favorites. read more

Great lunch stop on the road. Everything I read in other reviews was true. I had the ribs and they were probably the best I have ever had. They were juicy, tender, flavorful and not over cooked. The Cole slaw and beans were also excellent and the prices were also reasonable. The format here is to order at the counter and get your own drink and then they bring your meal out to you when it is ready. We will definitely stop here again if in the area. read more

Best bbq west of Eufaula. My family of 4 ate here for less than McDonald's and got 1 million percent better food too. Have to stop on the way and back from the old muddy hole. read more

What a nice change from chain restaurants! Traveling on I40 we stopped for dinner. Great barbecue! I had the chopped brisket on recommendation from the young lady who took my order - delicious! He decor is charming, the food great and the soft serve ice cream is free! read more