First - location is in a perfect spot with ample parking at the new location. Very accessible. Second - service and cleanliness is second to none. You won't find dirty tables or drink area out of order at any time of the day. You will be greeted as soon as you open the door and patient when ordering your food also!! The staff is the best I have seen anywhere. I travel for a living and eat out 3 to 4 times a week because of it. This should be a training restaurant for many to learn how it should be done... Lastly - the FOOD. Simply awesome. Great flavor, ribs fall off the bone, the corn is to die for and those beans are the bomb! I travel in from Texas and this is my go to BBQ place while I am in town seeing family or going to OU sports activities. The food quality is excellent and consistent on every visit. I highly encourage everyone to give it a chance or two when craving a good BBQ meal. You won't regret it... Just GO... read more

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. read more

Ray's BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Norman, Oklahoma

The brisket was delicious, and so was the bread. Very tender and yummy, the mac & cheese was a little heavy. The service was great, and everyone was super nice. The background music wasn't too loud, and we also had the opportunity to watch the game. Must try! read more

Ray's BBQ - Brisket Sandwich with Mac&cheese - Barbeque Near Me - Norman, Oklahoma

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! read more

Ray's BBQ - Neat place! - Barbeque Near Me - Norman, Oklahoma

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Based off the great Yelp reviews decided to give this place a try and it didn't disappoint. The staff taking the order was friendly and was very welcoming and helpful. Ended up ordering the two meat combo with brisket and ribs with mac and cheese and green beans. Everything tasted really good and would have given 5 stars but had to use BBQ more than usual. The meat fell off the bone as advertised. Easy location to get to with ample parking and loved all of the OU memorabilia. Will definitely be back. read more

I eaten here at Rays BBQ for several years. The Owner Darrell and his family and employees are very service oriented. They always make you feel welcome and do their best to see to it that you enjoy your meal. Ive had many different BBQs. I had the BBQ that literally falls off the bone. You cant pick it up with the bone. Then there's Rays BBQ, very tender and effortless to bite clean off the bone as BBQ should be. His smoke on the meats wheter its pork ribs, pulled pork, balogna, or the turkey or Brisket. It is smoked just right not overpowering. Not acrid from overpowering smoke. It is delicious. His side choices are simple but flavorful. Easy combinations to a simple sandwich. The watermelon tea is my favorite drink. I really like this restaurant. He just opened this restaurant in the old Jason's Deli building. Its very nice, big and always packed with hungry people. You can eat good BBQ in several places around. But this BBQ is exceptional. If you leave here hungry. Its your fault. He serves a great portion. Exception looks and flavor. Friendly staff and a place you'll think of when you want to eat BBQ. read more

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 read more

Ray's BBQ - Rays the Roof BBQ sandwich: Chopped BBQ Beef with Sliced Hot Links - Barbeque Near Me - Norman, Oklahoma

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! read more

Placed an Uber Eats order. They do not use any tamper proof seals or tie the bags. My Oder was also missing the dessert I ordered.

We love Ray's and love supporting this family business. The new location on Ed noble parkway is wonderful and spacious. Our family loves to order the family feast for birthdays and family special occasions. Great for lunch or dinner. Lite meals available- much appreciated. read more

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! read more

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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 read more

Ray's BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Norman, Oklahoma

Love, love the food here. Great people great service great food. Clean and nice atmosphere.

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. read more

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Exceptionally tasty BBQ and sides served with fast and friendly service in a vintage setting! read more

Ray's BBQ - Smokehouse beans and sliced brisket sandwich - Barbeque Near Me - Norman, Oklahoma

Bbq was what I wanted and that is what I got. Went to the old location first but the extra drive was worth the time. Brand new digs clean and spacious. The sides were awesome. Baked beans and collard greens. Very enjoyable meal. If I am in the area again I will definitely drop on in. read more

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. read more

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. read more

Ray's BBQ - Pulled pork no bun, side of potato salad - Barbeque Near Me - Norman, Oklahoma

We used to eat at the Ray's on Lindsey all the time and it was always excellent. We are down in Norman tonight and saw the old Ray's location was closed so we decided to go to Jason's Deli. We get there and the Jason's Deli is now Ray's Barbeque. Great. We ordered the 2 meat dinner(ribs and chicken) and my wife ordered a turkey sandwich with macaroni and cheese. The first food we got the ribs were so tough and dry I could not chew them. The chicken was a really small leg and thigh. Took the ribs back and they gave me new ribs and I swear they were maybe not done and did not have any smoke flavor. Looked baked instead of smoked. The chicken was scrawny and very dry too. What the heck??? We used to love this place. See photo attached. My wife's macaroni and cheese was very mushy. She exchanged it for potato salad instead. She said it was good. The ladies taking orders looked like high school or college students. The cooks looked the same. Inexperienced cooks for sure. I miss the down home feel of the old Ray's. Do they have new owners Sorry guys but we are going to Van's next time. This place has no atmosphere and quality of food has gone way downhill. read more

Ray's BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Norman, Oklahoma

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! read more

Awesome locally owned restaurant. Generous portions. Amazing smoked meats. Delicious sides. Super friendly service-family vibe. We most frequently get lunch/dinner to-go; either for just the two of us or when we need a big ole pan of BBQ for a larger group. Deep roots and strong support to the community. Love the new location! IYKYK read more

good food friendly service!!!!!! This is the place for good food for sure you will enjoy!!

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. read more

Ray's BBQ - Baked Loaded Potato - Barbeque Near Me - Norman, Oklahoma

Ray's used to be on Lindsy but has now moved to Noble Pky in Norman. This was our first time to their location. It was at least 3-4 times lager than the original Ray's. I always have said that Ray's is the best BBQ in Oklahoma. There may be some that are equal, but none better. The reason that I say that is every time that I have been there, whether I get the ribs, chicken, or whatever, it is so tender and just falls off of the bone. They have a spicy-sweet regular barbeque sauce and a spicy one at your table. We usually get the one meat and two sides which is more than enough to fill us up. My wife usually gets the ribs and i get the chicken and then we share a bit of each. They have a good selection of sides but my favorite is the smokehouse beans. Then there is the staff of people working at Rays, and all of them are very freindly and helpful. There is really no ambience to speak of but then I dont really know of any barbeque places that do. I guess that the ambience could be the mouth watering aroma of barbeque. I appologize but I was so hungry for Ray's that I forgot to take pictures. All that being said, l would definitely recommend Ray's. read more

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. read more

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. read more

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.

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! read more

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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. read more

Ray's BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Norman, Oklahoma

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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. read more

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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. read more

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. read more

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. read more

Ray's BBQ - Sliced Brisket Mac and Cheese Corn - Barbeque Near Me - Norman, Oklahoma

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. read more

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. read more

Ray's BBQ - 2 meat plate, before and after - Barbeque Near Me - Norman, Oklahoma

I had 5 star reviews, but after such mid performance and obviously bad customer service I didn't have a choice. People that know me know I don't like giving bad reviews, but I am honest. Sorry your business chooses to operate like this. There are other local options that are better. Update: Was tempted to come here again, I started reading the reviews and see that the business only responds to positive reviews. I just found that an interesting approach. I hate giving bad reviews. On this one I'm stuck between 2 or 3 stars. I decided to land on 2. I ordered brisket which is my favorite BBQ item other than true burnt ends. Food Ordered: Sliced Brisket French Fries (Home Made?) Mac N Cheese BBQ Sauce spicy and sweet *Sliced Brisket* This was a huge disappointment. I've had their baked potato with chopped brisket and it was pretty good. However, the sliced brisket was terrible. Overcooked, a bit dry, more brittle than tender, no signature fat. It was about on par with golden corral. The only way I was able to eat this is with their BBQ sauce soaking it. French Fries - Tastes like Araby's curlly fries. Not bad. *Mac N Cheese* - Wow this was the worst Mac I've ever had. If it was home made, then that home needs demolished. Tasted like chalk cheese, there's a powdery texture to it. I didn't expect greatness but wow, it was bad. Service was great until there was any issue, the BBQ sauce itself, a 10/10! But with today's order. I can't give a positive review. read more

Ray's BBQ - Oily and chalky Mac and cheese - Barbeque Near Me - Norman, Oklahoma

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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. read more

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

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!! read more

Ray's BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Norman, Oklahoma

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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. read more

Ray's BBQ - Loaded Potato - Barbeque Near Me - Norman, Oklahoma