Have only tried Rudy's once. It is a no-frills chain place for BBQ. They were quick with our order and they give you free bread, which is nice. We ordered some ribs, brisket and smoked turkey. The ribs were very dry and hardly any meat on the bone. The turkey was very peppery, too much. I liked the brisket. The sweet tea is delicious, though. I am a sucker for good sweet tea. Their sauces are definitely on the more spice and vinegar side. My kids didn't like it and I wasn't impressed either.
(2)
Connie R.
My husband and I recently had lunch here. I really like the set up of the place and the way you order your food. I had a pulled pork sandwich which was decent. The BBQ sauce is tasty. My husband had half a chicken which he liked and he got a baked potato which was just mediocre. It would have been a lot better if they melted the cheese and made it hot instead of just putting cold cheese and cold sourcream on top. Its priced well... for the food, a beer and a drink it came to just under $20.
(3)
Elise P.
I really like Rudy's. They're a great no-frills place for BBQ. They're pretty quick with regular meat orders, but they do take just a bit of time to get sandwiches or BBQ potatoes together, although I'm ok with that since it means my food isn't getting old under a heat lamp. Personally I love the turkey and the baked potatoes with meat. My husband goes for the pulled pork or brisket. The prices are pretty good ($5 for a sandwich or $6 for a large loaded potato with meat) and the sweet tea is delicious. I'd say Rudy's has the best BBQ meat in Norman. Their sauces are definitely on the more spice and vinegar side, since I like mine a little sweeter, but it's my husband's favorite sauce. I definitely recommend Rudy's.
(5)
Rawn H.
Ribs are spicey at times. The dry brisket is really good. Tonight the ribs were not that good. I think it might just be a bad batch. Bill Sim's in Altus has better ribs I believe. Rudy's has great atmosphere with big flat screens for watching ball games.
(3)
Heather J.
Hands down my favorite BBQ anywhere. Anytime I see one I go. Absolutely delicious. I'm from Iowa...land of corn...the cream corn is...well words cannot describe the tastiness. I always grab some of the turkey & maybe a rib or toe if I am in the mood.
(5)
Mr S.
Went there for their breakfast tacos last week and they were fantastic! Had the egg and brisket and egg and jalapeno sausage tacos. Yummy! Can't wait to get back to Oklahoma City so I can try lunch and/or dinner there!
(4)
April C.
Rudy's can be phenomenal. And when I say can, I mean to say that they have their good days and their bad days. I always order the moist brisket because most of the time, they nail it. It's smokey bbq heaven that is perfectly moist and not dry. On occasion, I have ordered the moist brisket and there were large prices of fat that were not appetizing. Most of the time, I get delish brisket that I crave regularly. When they get it right, it's the best brisket I've ever had. I've tried pretty much all the menu items and would say the brisket is by far my favorite. I order the half pound (which is plenty) and always ask for extra bread then load up on garnishes like pickles peppers and onions found on the side table. Combine that with their killed bbq sauce and you have 2-3 delicious brisket sandwiches. If you've had a bad batch I highly recommend giving it another go. I think the next time I see pieces that don't look right, I'll just ask for another batch because it's soooooo worth getting their great brisket. I've recently tried their brisket taco for breakfast and it was pretty knockout. The brisket was chopped so it seemed a bit more crisp and caramelized, different then the moist brisket but absolutely amazing. These tacos are $2!!!!!! Need I say more?
(4)
b l.
I guess I went to a different Rudy's than the five star ad copywriters, I mean, reviewers did. Or something. Friendly greetings from dead cold-eyed employees as I walked through the door should have been my warning. The barn-inspired decor should have told me to walk away. Rudy's design team went with a country store motif, so there are no real menu items. You're buying supplies at a country store, get it? I ordered the items most BBQ joints would have called a rib platter; half-pound of ribs (3, small), cole slaw and potato salad. The slaw was dry, and as chopped cabbage with no vinegar on it will do, spoiled - inedible. The potato salad was flavorless and I'd be willing to bet out of a plastic jar. The ribs were moist, not too fatty and nice. If they had not been the only thing I tried that was worth shooting, I'd have more charity. If I'm ever in the mood for abuse in the future and go back to Rudy's, it will be ribs and only ribs for me.
(2)
Jamie M.
Truthfully, I've only ever eaten the breakfast here, but the breakfast tacos are the bomb. Scrambled eggs, cheese, and meat (I like the brisket and smoked sausage the very best). Smothered in bbq sauce, these tacos will get you off to a great start to your day. And the price can't be beat.
(3)
Angela S.
This is a place everyone can agree on. Low carb this week? Check. Gluten free? Check. Comfort food? Check. My favs are the green chili stew, made with the BBQ meat, which I was pleased to discover; the brisket baker, which I spend as many calories getting it mashed together as I take in (I tell myself) and the turkey. The potato salad is so good!! Great place to watch a game, too.
(4)
Clint G.
Best BBQ I've had so far. At least in Oklahoma. Very good! Very laid back. Coming through the doors there's a long beer trough filled with iced long necks if you drink. We don't but it's cool kind of help yourself kind of thing. As you start through the line there's a giant menu board with boxes of bagged potato chips under it. Moving on through the line there's an open cold case where you can chose cold sides and cold desserts already in containers with kids. At the order counter the give you a plastic crate where the put your already chosen items in the you just order your meats, hot sides & bread. They also have wrapped brownies and Krispie treats. I had the trim beef brisket and he had the pork ribs. We each also got a half of jalapeño sausage. On the tables are two BBQ a sauces a regular which has a kick (mmmm) and a "sissy" but the meat is so good you don't even need sauce. Flatware is plastic and you eat off of brown waxed butcher paper! Ribs were the best my husband said he has ever had! The beef brisket was coated black pepper rub! He had slaw and I had the beans which were like ranch style spicy & tasty! For dessert we each had a mini 3-4" pecan pie! Not mom's but it was still good. They also have a serve yourself fountain sodas, sweet & unsweet tea!
(5)
Chris S.
A friend and I flew into Oklahoma City to experience Bedlam. I'd been to Norman before, but we have no connections to OU, and in fact, don't know anyone in the state. I do know Rudy's, however, and have been to several in Texas. My friend, on the other hand, has also eaten BBQ across the country, but was a Rudy's virgin. He was more than impressed. He thought the atmosphere was wonderful and really liked how the cashier was helpful and offered samples of all the meats. In turn, he chose prime rib, lean brisket and sausage, all of which were delicious. Honestly, it was the best food we had in Oklahoma. Personally, I think the turkey here in incredible. It's juicy, tender and saturated with flavor. And, the chopped, spicy brisket is awesome. In fact, there isn't much at Rudy's that isn't very good. All their meats pass the test and set the bar high, as does the green chili stew, which although spicy is crammed with spices and bursting with flavor. Anyone who doesn't enjoy lunch with work friends, dinner with the family or even a quick stop solo doesn't know good BBQ. I'm sure some people fret over not being able to get a cheap value meal, but if you want good meat you need to pay for it. And, the food is reasonably priced here. And, for those who are complaining about the meats being fatty, etc, on here, please tell the truth. We all know that at Rudy's they show you the meat prior to weighing it. If there was an issue you could ask for a different cut, which would never be necessary, because they only dish out quality goods. Whether dining in or cruising through the drive through, this Rudy's location delivers consistent, top-notch cuts of meat, sausage, turkey, etc, at lightening fast speed, while providing good sides, and desserts that make you want to eat more, even when full. Try the chocolate pudding, banana pudding and peach cobbler. You'll not want to eat again for a while, but will be glad you did.
(4)
Tammy F.
Fantastic BBQ! I have never been a brisket fan until now and you must try the cream corn. The country store was nothing special but the food definitely was.
(4)
Scott H.
Bumping up my review of Rudy's a star after trying the breakfast tacos. I'd say these are 4 star breakfast tacos, but with the lackluster dinner (see my original review) it averages out to a 3 star rating. We tried several types of tacos: bacon/egg/cheese, sausage/egg/cheese, chopped brisket/egg/cheese, egg/cheese/jalapeno sausage/potato, and bacon/egg/cheese/potato. We shared, so I got to try most of them. They are all on an average size flour tortilla which is griddled on the flat top. This gives it slight char, which I love. Also, all of the tacos are wrapped in foil, which kept them piping hot even after the drive home. Also, they are substantial, they are basically small burritos. Great value, as they were all around $2 each. My favorites were the chopped brisket and bacon, egg, cheese, and potato. The brisket is moist and has a little bit of sauce, which gives it a nice flavor. If you are concerned about the BBQ going with eggs, don't be. It was fantastic. This is an absolute re-order, and was the favorite among those that had breakfast with us. The potatoes could have been griddled a little to get some crispness to them, but I would recommend adding them to your taco. It makes it a small breakfast in a tortilla. The bacon is thick, and you get plenty of cheese to go with the eggs. Very simple, but very tasty. They have the usual pickle/onion/pepper bar. Additionally, they had red and green salsas. I preferred the green, but neither one had any heat. So, you'll need to add your own spice if that's your thing. I'll absolutely return to Rudy's for more breakfast tacos.
(3)
Michelle J.
Brisket was tender. BBQ sauce was a little more tomatoey than I personally like but it was still good. Staff was super friendly and gave me samples when I informed them it was my first time. I took a detour from the interstate on my road trip to find this place after yelping nearby spots. Worth the few extra minutes.
(4)
Lakin A.
I love bbq but when I bit into my pulled pork sandwich I was NOT expecting onions, and I didn't say there would be any on the menu when I ordered it. The flavor of the meat was good but I HATE onions. I'm just saying a warning would be nice. The employees were nice and the prices are fine. It's not the worst but I have been traumatized by onions.
(2)
Michael M.
I was told by a friend this is great BBQ. Well I don't really agree with the great assessment. Is this good bbq? Well yes. Just like most places in Oklahoma when it comes to bbq it is just good. Of course Rudy's is a chain food resteraunt. Don't know if that helps or harms the product. Had the brisket, pulled pork and some ribs. Everything was just okay. Brisket was prob my favorite of the grouping. Still nothing to write home about. Also had the cream corn side. Which might have been my favorite part of the whole meal. Last but not least the banana pudding which is a definite skip if you like banana pudding. Don't waste your money with this rather mundane versions of the dessert classic. Overall this place is just okay. Nothing really special here.
(3)
Gilbert T.
Rudy Rudy Rudy. Probably the only thing I would be missing if I moved back to CA. You don't get meat options like this back home. Yes we have bbq in CA. But there's Something about the county that makes bbq taste a lil better.. Lots of seating very open, and Staff was friendly.
(5)
Jeremy R.
A good 'fall-back' BBQ choice. The food is decent, though fatty. Potato salad is homemade-like. The BEST part about Rudy's is the atmosphere and the ease of getting drinks, sides, and food (you just grab the former on the way up). I would like to see them open up the garage door windows around the patio and the rumor that they aren't open on game day is disconcerting. I go there, but wouldn't consider it a local BBQ joint.
(3)
Shawn H.
Always great food! Great place to grab some take home BBQ or tailgate food before a game. Prices are a little high but the food is always fresh and top notch. Stop in for the breakfast burritos as well. They are quick to grab and great!
(5)
Johnny S.
Closed on game day... Night! Special hours my butt! We showed up after night game to buy some sauce and noticed people still eating inside...but, door was locked Girl opened door and said were closed...I responded nicely I would like to eat but really just needed a couple bottles of sauce. She again told me they were closed even though 80,000 people were trying to get out of Norman and her parking lot was full! I told her I have been a Rudys fan for years and to tell the manager I thought they should be open...and she said ..I'm the manager! Owners/GM deal with this before she cost you more money! I'm done with Rudys after many years.
(1)
Alan S.
The food is alright, but I'm not a big fan of buying my lunch by it's weight. I rather just have the ability to order a combo plate or something. The meat was alright, but since I had to take it too go, it was cold by the time I got to eat it. The sweet tea seemed off. However the customer service here is great.
(3)
Brad S.
Been there several times as my workmates insist on going. I want to give it a chance but come away disappointed every time. Last time had "moist" brisket because the "lean" brisket was too dry on the previous visit. This brisket was mostly fat with little meat and had a bland flavor. The only decent meat I have had is the smoked turkey, but even it was on the dry side. The "sause" tastes like V8 juice with added salt and spice. There is no vinegar option for those of us who like it on pork. Bottom line: there are much better BBQ places in Norman than this chain franchise.
(2)
Ryan P.
Overall my pulled pork sandwich was pretty good but they didn't have any french fries. Besides that the only thing they had were some weird potato things in butter... The employees were friendly and had a nice meal. I wouldn't drive way out of my way to come back but if I drive by and it's dinner time they could see me again.
(4)
Terri B.
I love this place! You receive excellent service and food! Its a fun place to bring family and friends, enjoy your meal, watch tv..and if you like to drink cold beer...they have that too!
(5)
Rita A.
I'm not a big BBQ person but we came here while visiting my parents. Hubby liked the brisket and the sauce they offered was tasty. We all loved the cream corn. Nice staff and banana pudding was yummy.
(4)
Pete W.
Moist Brisket is what I normally get and its usually very good but I had the loaded baked Potato with pork this time. Excellent, the smoke flavoring in the skin was so good, all that went in the trash was the paper and utensils.
(5)
Nicole P.
One good thing about Rudy's is that they have pretty good hours, are open late, and have a convenient drive-thru. One bad thing about Rudy's is that I'm just not into the sauce. I end up going here a lot because my husband likes it a lot, but if it were up to me, I would probably head north and hit up one of the other bbq places in Norman. I might be a bit of a BBQ sauce snob, because I'll give new sauces a try, but if they immediately aren't as delicious as head country, my bbq sauce of choice, I won't have it. Also, I'm not a big fan of any of the side items at Rudy's. I guess I'm just not into the flavors there. I will say, the banana pudding is delicious, but can you really go wrong with banana pudding?
(2)
Colin K.
This place has some really good BBQ. I first went to this place when I lived in Houston and had no complaints. I usually get either the jalapeno sausage or pulled pork. They're kind of strange in that they give you the meat by weight (pulled pork, brisket, etc...) and give you bread for free on the side, which is nice because you can go back up and get more bread if you find yourself with extra meat, that is to say they don't nickle and dime you on everything. They make their own BBQ sauce (spicy [which isn't all that spicy] or "Sissy" sauce) which goes great on the meat. The atmosphere: indoor picnic tables, local sports memorabilia , and TVs running ESPN. Be sure to finish off your meal with a cup of banana pudding!
(4)
Janon J.
So this place has some mixed reviews so I am going to set the record straight. The smoked brisket and turkey are excellent! It only comes second to something smoked in your buddies backyard. The ribs and sauce are decent but you may find something better at other barbecue joints in the area. I give this a 4 because my expectations are realistic. Meaning that in Oklahoma I expect to find some great smoke meat. This place has it! However, I do not expect to find spectacular ribs or sauce because that is not what Oklahoma is known for. So if you want good ribs drive to Kansas City.
(4)
Elizabeth C.
Great BBQ! The pulled pork sandwich, sweet corn, and potato salad is what I usually get and it never gets old! Everything tastes great here!
(5)
Waya A.
My husband and I started going to Rudy's not to long after moving to the area. We are both college students, and usually we are so busy that we have to grab something quick to eat and head home. So this place is great for that. The atmosphere is pretty basic. You place your order (the meat is weighed) you pay, they hand your food to you and you sit down and eat. No frills. The sauce is something you add yourself and it has spice to it. So, if you are someone who thinks BBQ sauce should be sweet (for example, on your bottle of BBQ sauce... if the first thing listed on the list of ingredients is molasses or sugar or both ) then this place may not be for you. The meats are smoked. The smoked turkey is moist and flavorful. It is the best smoked turkey I have ever had. The sausage is pretty good as well. I usually get the jalapeno, and it is pretty spicy... well.. for me. My husband says it isn't. We recently tried the brisket and ribs. Both were amazing! I personally don't care for the sides that they offer or the desserts. They seem very plain and flavorless to me. My husband and I are from Texas and we think that BBQ shouldn't have to be smothered in BBQ sauce to taste good. BBQ should be flavorful enough that it can be eaten without sauce. Rudy's is that kind of BBQ.
(5)
Daniel H.
I loved this place so much! The brisket and sides were amazing as well as the friendliest service I've had in a long time.
(5)
Micky K.
Love the spicy sausage and breakfast taco's!
(4)
Manny F.
I'm never disappointed when I eat her nor in the North OKC location! one of our favorite restaurants when we go to OKC. they have a great variety of meats. The moist brisket, baby back ribs and regular sausage are my favorites! Prices are listed by the quarter pound, but you can buy in different sizes: full pound, half, eighth or even slices if you want to try a few different things. Both their sauses are really good, though I always get the "sissy sause". What else can I say? Eat here when you get the chance!
(5)
Justin G.
Not a fan, the best thing I've had here is the potato with chopped beef, which was pretty good but not my favorite BBQ. Rudy's "sause" just is not good at all. There are several other BBQ places in town that I'd go to before Rudy's.
(2)
D C.
This is not as good as the Texas restaurants. The food is tepid. It is left in warming trays that I suspect are not keeping the food warm enough. I went there once for lunch around 1:30, the bun was stale and the meat was warmish. It said on the menu it came with sauce. When I asked the staff for it , they said it was already on there... Nope it was dry. Maybe if you go at peak times you'll get something hot, but I have been there a dozen times and it is just not worth it... so I will not be going back. I think they are semi assembling the breakfast tacos which results in stale tortillas, cold eggs and just not worth the price food. Seriously someone needs to put a thermometer on those warming trays it could be a health violation. The dining area has really bad country music blasting from the speakers even at 8am. There are too many staff members wandering, talking, making noise in the dining area. The ICE MACHINE! It is in the dining area. The staff are constantly bringing buckets, dolly's and tea dispensers to fill them up with ice. Perhaps the owners need to trip to a Texas Rudy's to see what Texas friendly is all about.
(1)
David W.
BBQ here is okay. Breakfast tacos are great though. The real attraction here is their dry rub that they sell. It is the best.
(3)
Anne S.
This is good BBQ. Probably not worthy of the insane raves that some people give it, but definitely good. I had the chopped brisket sandwich (yum) with a side of potato salad (generic, but still good). I think the best thing about this particular location is that on football game days, they stay open "until people stop coming," according to the guy behind the counter. So, getting out of a 6 pm game at 10 pm and being starving, this should be #1 on your list. It was on ours!
(4)
Uyen P.
I love Rudy's!! They have really good barbque! Their ribs are really tender, but still have a slgiht char taste to them. Although, its not the absolute best barbque ribs I've ever had, its probably the best I've ever had in Norman. They had quick and friendly order service and its a cool place to hang. Their Spicy bbq sauce actually isn't really spicy in my opinion. But that's find with me.
(4)
Vicky H.
The smoked turkey is awesome. Maybe the best I have ever had
(5)
Katie W.
I love Rudy's. I've been to many of their locations across Texas. Their brisket is my meat candy. That having been said, I refuse to go to this Rudy's anymore. The only location in my new home state has some of the slowest and rudest service. On my final visit to this location, it took more than 45 minutes to get through a line 5 people deep. When I finally got near the registers, the only meat slicer they had decided to take an order from the couple BEHIND ME. This was the last straw in a sadly long history of tolerance in the name of brisket and real breakfast tacos. I always stop at the Rudy's locations whenever I'm in Texas, but I don't recommend this location to anyone unless they're really craving some Rudy's food goodness and willing to wait for it. The 2 stars are for the food because they use Rudy's original recipies and I'll drive hundreds of miles to get it... in Texas.
(2)
Michael W.
For me it isn't just about the food. I would give them a solid 4 out of 5 stars if I could get the BBQ without having to communicate with any of their employee's. I hate to paint with broad strokes because it is not fair to any of the employee's that care about customer service. My experience was one that left me wondering if there was any customer service training at all. Did they provide customer service expectations to these three inconsiderate employee's? They had no concept of customer service and it was clear that those of us in line were intruding on their causal conversation by deciding to eat there that day. Employees are a direct reflection of those who manage them, I would contend that leadership development is in order.
(1)
Jordan K.
The food here is medium quality bbq and is overpriced for what you get. I'm not won over by the 'charm' of a gas station converted into a cafeteria style restaurant, but some may like it. Some people give this place great reviews, but there are several better bbq places in Norman. Like I said, the food isn't bad, but is definitely not worth the price.
(2)
Hot Tub J.
great 'cue and a wonderful staff!
(5)
Darren P.
Love the extra moist brisket! Wish they had one of these in Cleveland.
(5)
Larry L.
Great food. Very open seating area. Cost more than other places. A lot more. Its not just beef. Turkey, chicken, pork, a few types of sausage, and yes beef. There are also quite a few sides to choose from. Moist brisket or Turkey for me... yum!
(4)
George S.
Best damn bbq!!!!!
(5)
Carrie O.
Rudy's is a great place to visit for quality bbq in Norman. The brisket is really nicely done & always delicious. I like the Turkey as well, and the chicken. All are wood fired meats & come with delicious sauses (sic). I'm a fan of the sissy one, but they have hotter ones as well. The creamed corn is REALLY fantastic too, and is a main reason I visit this place when in Norman. The other sides are great as well, but definitely get the corn. (:
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Accepts Bitcoin : No Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Has TV : No Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : No Caters : Yes
Stacey B.
Have only tried Rudy's once. It is a no-frills chain place for BBQ. They were quick with our order and they give you free bread, which is nice. We ordered some ribs, brisket and smoked turkey. The ribs were very dry and hardly any meat on the bone. The turkey was very peppery, too much. I liked the brisket. The sweet tea is delicious, though. I am a sucker for good sweet tea. Their sauces are definitely on the more spice and vinegar side. My kids didn't like it and I wasn't impressed either.
(2)Connie R.
My husband and I recently had lunch here. I really like the set up of the place and the way you order your food. I had a pulled pork sandwich which was decent. The BBQ sauce is tasty. My husband had half a chicken which he liked and he got a baked potato which was just mediocre. It would have been a lot better if they melted the cheese and made it hot instead of just putting cold cheese and cold sourcream on top. Its priced well... for the food, a beer and a drink it came to just under $20.
(3)Elise P.
I really like Rudy's. They're a great no-frills place for BBQ. They're pretty quick with regular meat orders, but they do take just a bit of time to get sandwiches or BBQ potatoes together, although I'm ok with that since it means my food isn't getting old under a heat lamp. Personally I love the turkey and the baked potatoes with meat. My husband goes for the pulled pork or brisket. The prices are pretty good ($5 for a sandwich or $6 for a large loaded potato with meat) and the sweet tea is delicious. I'd say Rudy's has the best BBQ meat in Norman. Their sauces are definitely on the more spice and vinegar side, since I like mine a little sweeter, but it's my husband's favorite sauce. I definitely recommend Rudy's.
(5)Rawn H.
Ribs are spicey at times. The dry brisket is really good. Tonight the ribs were not that good. I think it might just be a bad batch. Bill Sim's in Altus has better ribs I believe. Rudy's has great atmosphere with big flat screens for watching ball games.
(3)Heather J.
Hands down my favorite BBQ anywhere. Anytime I see one I go. Absolutely delicious. I'm from Iowa...land of corn...the cream corn is...well words cannot describe the tastiness. I always grab some of the turkey & maybe a rib or toe if I am in the mood.
(5)Mr S.
Went there for their breakfast tacos last week and they were fantastic! Had the egg and brisket and egg and jalapeno sausage tacos. Yummy! Can't wait to get back to Oklahoma City so I can try lunch and/or dinner there!
(4)April C.
Rudy's can be phenomenal. And when I say can, I mean to say that they have their good days and their bad days. I always order the moist brisket because most of the time, they nail it. It's smokey bbq heaven that is perfectly moist and not dry. On occasion, I have ordered the moist brisket and there were large prices of fat that were not appetizing. Most of the time, I get delish brisket that I crave regularly. When they get it right, it's the best brisket I've ever had. I've tried pretty much all the menu items and would say the brisket is by far my favorite. I order the half pound (which is plenty) and always ask for extra bread then load up on garnishes like pickles peppers and onions found on the side table. Combine that with their killed bbq sauce and you have 2-3 delicious brisket sandwiches. If you've had a bad batch I highly recommend giving it another go. I think the next time I see pieces that don't look right, I'll just ask for another batch because it's soooooo worth getting their great brisket. I've recently tried their brisket taco for breakfast and it was pretty knockout. The brisket was chopped so it seemed a bit more crisp and caramelized, different then the moist brisket but absolutely amazing. These tacos are $2!!!!!! Need I say more?
(4)b l.
I guess I went to a different Rudy's than the five star ad copywriters, I mean, reviewers did. Or something. Friendly greetings from dead cold-eyed employees as I walked through the door should have been my warning. The barn-inspired decor should have told me to walk away. Rudy's design team went with a country store motif, so there are no real menu items. You're buying supplies at a country store, get it? I ordered the items most BBQ joints would have called a rib platter; half-pound of ribs (3, small), cole slaw and potato salad. The slaw was dry, and as chopped cabbage with no vinegar on it will do, spoiled - inedible. The potato salad was flavorless and I'd be willing to bet out of a plastic jar. The ribs were moist, not too fatty and nice. If they had not been the only thing I tried that was worth shooting, I'd have more charity. If I'm ever in the mood for abuse in the future and go back to Rudy's, it will be ribs and only ribs for me.
(2)Jamie M.
Truthfully, I've only ever eaten the breakfast here, but the breakfast tacos are the bomb. Scrambled eggs, cheese, and meat (I like the brisket and smoked sausage the very best). Smothered in bbq sauce, these tacos will get you off to a great start to your day. And the price can't be beat.
(3)Angela S.
This is a place everyone can agree on. Low carb this week? Check. Gluten free? Check. Comfort food? Check. My favs are the green chili stew, made with the BBQ meat, which I was pleased to discover; the brisket baker, which I spend as many calories getting it mashed together as I take in (I tell myself) and the turkey. The potato salad is so good!! Great place to watch a game, too.
(4)Clint G.
Best BBQ I've had so far. At least in Oklahoma. Very good! Very laid back. Coming through the doors there's a long beer trough filled with iced long necks if you drink. We don't but it's cool kind of help yourself kind of thing. As you start through the line there's a giant menu board with boxes of bagged potato chips under it. Moving on through the line there's an open cold case where you can chose cold sides and cold desserts already in containers with kids. At the order counter the give you a plastic crate where the put your already chosen items in the you just order your meats, hot sides & bread. They also have wrapped brownies and Krispie treats. I had the trim beef brisket and he had the pork ribs. We each also got a half of jalapeño sausage. On the tables are two BBQ a sauces a regular which has a kick (mmmm) and a "sissy" but the meat is so good you don't even need sauce. Flatware is plastic and you eat off of brown waxed butcher paper! Ribs were the best my husband said he has ever had! The beef brisket was coated black pepper rub! He had slaw and I had the beans which were like ranch style spicy & tasty! For dessert we each had a mini 3-4" pecan pie! Not mom's but it was still good. They also have a serve yourself fountain sodas, sweet & unsweet tea!
(5)Chris S.
A friend and I flew into Oklahoma City to experience Bedlam. I'd been to Norman before, but we have no connections to OU, and in fact, don't know anyone in the state. I do know Rudy's, however, and have been to several in Texas. My friend, on the other hand, has also eaten BBQ across the country, but was a Rudy's virgin. He was more than impressed. He thought the atmosphere was wonderful and really liked how the cashier was helpful and offered samples of all the meats. In turn, he chose prime rib, lean brisket and sausage, all of which were delicious. Honestly, it was the best food we had in Oklahoma. Personally, I think the turkey here in incredible. It's juicy, tender and saturated with flavor. And, the chopped, spicy brisket is awesome. In fact, there isn't much at Rudy's that isn't very good. All their meats pass the test and set the bar high, as does the green chili stew, which although spicy is crammed with spices and bursting with flavor. Anyone who doesn't enjoy lunch with work friends, dinner with the family or even a quick stop solo doesn't know good BBQ. I'm sure some people fret over not being able to get a cheap value meal, but if you want good meat you need to pay for it. And, the food is reasonably priced here. And, for those who are complaining about the meats being fatty, etc, on here, please tell the truth. We all know that at Rudy's they show you the meat prior to weighing it. If there was an issue you could ask for a different cut, which would never be necessary, because they only dish out quality goods. Whether dining in or cruising through the drive through, this Rudy's location delivers consistent, top-notch cuts of meat, sausage, turkey, etc, at lightening fast speed, while providing good sides, and desserts that make you want to eat more, even when full. Try the chocolate pudding, banana pudding and peach cobbler. You'll not want to eat again for a while, but will be glad you did.
(4)Tammy F.
Fantastic BBQ! I have never been a brisket fan until now and you must try the cream corn. The country store was nothing special but the food definitely was.
(4)Scott H.
Bumping up my review of Rudy's a star after trying the breakfast tacos. I'd say these are 4 star breakfast tacos, but with the lackluster dinner (see my original review) it averages out to a 3 star rating. We tried several types of tacos: bacon/egg/cheese, sausage/egg/cheese, chopped brisket/egg/cheese, egg/cheese/jalapeno sausage/potato, and bacon/egg/cheese/potato. We shared, so I got to try most of them. They are all on an average size flour tortilla which is griddled on the flat top. This gives it slight char, which I love. Also, all of the tacos are wrapped in foil, which kept them piping hot even after the drive home. Also, they are substantial, they are basically small burritos. Great value, as they were all around $2 each. My favorites were the chopped brisket and bacon, egg, cheese, and potato. The brisket is moist and has a little bit of sauce, which gives it a nice flavor. If you are concerned about the BBQ going with eggs, don't be. It was fantastic. This is an absolute re-order, and was the favorite among those that had breakfast with us. The potatoes could have been griddled a little to get some crispness to them, but I would recommend adding them to your taco. It makes it a small breakfast in a tortilla. The bacon is thick, and you get plenty of cheese to go with the eggs. Very simple, but very tasty. They have the usual pickle/onion/pepper bar. Additionally, they had red and green salsas. I preferred the green, but neither one had any heat. So, you'll need to add your own spice if that's your thing. I'll absolutely return to Rudy's for more breakfast tacos.
(3)Michelle J.
Brisket was tender. BBQ sauce was a little more tomatoey than I personally like but it was still good. Staff was super friendly and gave me samples when I informed them it was my first time. I took a detour from the interstate on my road trip to find this place after yelping nearby spots. Worth the few extra minutes.
(4)Lakin A.
I love bbq but when I bit into my pulled pork sandwich I was NOT expecting onions, and I didn't say there would be any on the menu when I ordered it. The flavor of the meat was good but I HATE onions. I'm just saying a warning would be nice. The employees were nice and the prices are fine. It's not the worst but I have been traumatized by onions.
(2)Michael M.
I was told by a friend this is great BBQ. Well I don't really agree with the great assessment. Is this good bbq? Well yes. Just like most places in Oklahoma when it comes to bbq it is just good. Of course Rudy's is a chain food resteraunt. Don't know if that helps or harms the product. Had the brisket, pulled pork and some ribs. Everything was just okay. Brisket was prob my favorite of the grouping. Still nothing to write home about. Also had the cream corn side. Which might have been my favorite part of the whole meal. Last but not least the banana pudding which is a definite skip if you like banana pudding. Don't waste your money with this rather mundane versions of the dessert classic. Overall this place is just okay. Nothing really special here.
(3)Gilbert T.
Rudy Rudy Rudy. Probably the only thing I would be missing if I moved back to CA. You don't get meat options like this back home. Yes we have bbq in CA. But there's Something about the county that makes bbq taste a lil better.. Lots of seating very open, and Staff was friendly.
(5)Jeremy R.
A good 'fall-back' BBQ choice. The food is decent, though fatty. Potato salad is homemade-like. The BEST part about Rudy's is the atmosphere and the ease of getting drinks, sides, and food (you just grab the former on the way up). I would like to see them open up the garage door windows around the patio and the rumor that they aren't open on game day is disconcerting. I go there, but wouldn't consider it a local BBQ joint.
(3)Shawn H.
Always great food! Great place to grab some take home BBQ or tailgate food before a game. Prices are a little high but the food is always fresh and top notch. Stop in for the breakfast burritos as well. They are quick to grab and great!
(5)Johnny S.
Closed on game day... Night! Special hours my butt! We showed up after night game to buy some sauce and noticed people still eating inside...but, door was locked Girl opened door and said were closed...I responded nicely I would like to eat but really just needed a couple bottles of sauce. She again told me they were closed even though 80,000 people were trying to get out of Norman and her parking lot was full! I told her I have been a Rudys fan for years and to tell the manager I thought they should be open...and she said ..I'm the manager! Owners/GM deal with this before she cost you more money! I'm done with Rudys after many years.
(1)Alan S.
The food is alright, but I'm not a big fan of buying my lunch by it's weight. I rather just have the ability to order a combo plate or something. The meat was alright, but since I had to take it too go, it was cold by the time I got to eat it. The sweet tea seemed off. However the customer service here is great.
(3)Brad S.
Been there several times as my workmates insist on going. I want to give it a chance but come away disappointed every time. Last time had "moist" brisket because the "lean" brisket was too dry on the previous visit. This brisket was mostly fat with little meat and had a bland flavor. The only decent meat I have had is the smoked turkey, but even it was on the dry side. The "sause" tastes like V8 juice with added salt and spice. There is no vinegar option for those of us who like it on pork. Bottom line: there are much better BBQ places in Norman than this chain franchise.
(2)Ryan P.
Overall my pulled pork sandwich was pretty good but they didn't have any french fries. Besides that the only thing they had were some weird potato things in butter... The employees were friendly and had a nice meal. I wouldn't drive way out of my way to come back but if I drive by and it's dinner time they could see me again.
(4)Terri B.
I love this place! You receive excellent service and food! Its a fun place to bring family and friends, enjoy your meal, watch tv..and if you like to drink cold beer...they have that too!
(5)Rita A.
I'm not a big BBQ person but we came here while visiting my parents. Hubby liked the brisket and the sauce they offered was tasty. We all loved the cream corn. Nice staff and banana pudding was yummy.
(4)Pete W.
Moist Brisket is what I normally get and its usually very good but I had the loaded baked Potato with pork this time. Excellent, the smoke flavoring in the skin was so good, all that went in the trash was the paper and utensils.
(5)Nicole P.
One good thing about Rudy's is that they have pretty good hours, are open late, and have a convenient drive-thru. One bad thing about Rudy's is that I'm just not into the sauce. I end up going here a lot because my husband likes it a lot, but if it were up to me, I would probably head north and hit up one of the other bbq places in Norman. I might be a bit of a BBQ sauce snob, because I'll give new sauces a try, but if they immediately aren't as delicious as head country, my bbq sauce of choice, I won't have it. Also, I'm not a big fan of any of the side items at Rudy's. I guess I'm just not into the flavors there. I will say, the banana pudding is delicious, but can you really go wrong with banana pudding?
(2)Colin K.
This place has some really good BBQ. I first went to this place when I lived in Houston and had no complaints. I usually get either the jalapeno sausage or pulled pork. They're kind of strange in that they give you the meat by weight (pulled pork, brisket, etc...) and give you bread for free on the side, which is nice because you can go back up and get more bread if you find yourself with extra meat, that is to say they don't nickle and dime you on everything. They make their own BBQ sauce (spicy [which isn't all that spicy] or "Sissy" sauce) which goes great on the meat. The atmosphere: indoor picnic tables, local sports memorabilia , and TVs running ESPN. Be sure to finish off your meal with a cup of banana pudding!
(4)Janon J.
So this place has some mixed reviews so I am going to set the record straight. The smoked brisket and turkey are excellent! It only comes second to something smoked in your buddies backyard. The ribs and sauce are decent but you may find something better at other barbecue joints in the area. I give this a 4 because my expectations are realistic. Meaning that in Oklahoma I expect to find some great smoke meat. This place has it! However, I do not expect to find spectacular ribs or sauce because that is not what Oklahoma is known for. So if you want good ribs drive to Kansas City.
(4)Elizabeth C.
Great BBQ! The pulled pork sandwich, sweet corn, and potato salad is what I usually get and it never gets old! Everything tastes great here!
(5)Waya A.
My husband and I started going to Rudy's not to long after moving to the area. We are both college students, and usually we are so busy that we have to grab something quick to eat and head home. So this place is great for that. The atmosphere is pretty basic. You place your order (the meat is weighed) you pay, they hand your food to you and you sit down and eat. No frills. The sauce is something you add yourself and it has spice to it. So, if you are someone who thinks BBQ sauce should be sweet (for example, on your bottle of BBQ sauce... if the first thing listed on the list of ingredients is molasses or sugar or both ) then this place may not be for you. The meats are smoked. The smoked turkey is moist and flavorful. It is the best smoked turkey I have ever had. The sausage is pretty good as well. I usually get the jalapeno, and it is pretty spicy... well.. for me. My husband says it isn't. We recently tried the brisket and ribs. Both were amazing! I personally don't care for the sides that they offer or the desserts. They seem very plain and flavorless to me. My husband and I are from Texas and we think that BBQ shouldn't have to be smothered in BBQ sauce to taste good. BBQ should be flavorful enough that it can be eaten without sauce. Rudy's is that kind of BBQ.
(5)Daniel H.
I loved this place so much! The brisket and sides were amazing as well as the friendliest service I've had in a long time.
(5)Micky K.
Love the spicy sausage and breakfast taco's!
(4)Manny F.
I'm never disappointed when I eat her nor in the North OKC location! one of our favorite restaurants when we go to OKC. they have a great variety of meats. The moist brisket, baby back ribs and regular sausage are my favorites! Prices are listed by the quarter pound, but you can buy in different sizes: full pound, half, eighth or even slices if you want to try a few different things. Both their sauses are really good, though I always get the "sissy sause". What else can I say? Eat here when you get the chance!
(5)Justin G.
Not a fan, the best thing I've had here is the potato with chopped beef, which was pretty good but not my favorite BBQ. Rudy's "sause" just is not good at all. There are several other BBQ places in town that I'd go to before Rudy's.
(2)D C.
This is not as good as the Texas restaurants. The food is tepid. It is left in warming trays that I suspect are not keeping the food warm enough. I went there once for lunch around 1:30, the bun was stale and the meat was warmish. It said on the menu it came with sauce. When I asked the staff for it , they said it was already on there... Nope it was dry. Maybe if you go at peak times you'll get something hot, but I have been there a dozen times and it is just not worth it... so I will not be going back. I think they are semi assembling the breakfast tacos which results in stale tortillas, cold eggs and just not worth the price food. Seriously someone needs to put a thermometer on those warming trays it could be a health violation. The dining area has really bad country music blasting from the speakers even at 8am. There are too many staff members wandering, talking, making noise in the dining area. The ICE MACHINE! It is in the dining area. The staff are constantly bringing buckets, dolly's and tea dispensers to fill them up with ice. Perhaps the owners need to trip to a Texas Rudy's to see what Texas friendly is all about.
(1)David W.
BBQ here is okay. Breakfast tacos are great though. The real attraction here is their dry rub that they sell. It is the best.
(3)Anne S.
This is good BBQ. Probably not worthy of the insane raves that some people give it, but definitely good. I had the chopped brisket sandwich (yum) with a side of potato salad (generic, but still good). I think the best thing about this particular location is that on football game days, they stay open "until people stop coming," according to the guy behind the counter. So, getting out of a 6 pm game at 10 pm and being starving, this should be #1 on your list. It was on ours!
(4)Uyen P.
I love Rudy's!! They have really good barbque! Their ribs are really tender, but still have a slgiht char taste to them. Although, its not the absolute best barbque ribs I've ever had, its probably the best I've ever had in Norman. They had quick and friendly order service and its a cool place to hang. Their Spicy bbq sauce actually isn't really spicy in my opinion. But that's find with me.
(4)Vicky H.
The smoked turkey is awesome. Maybe the best I have ever had
(5)Katie W.
I love Rudy's. I've been to many of their locations across Texas. Their brisket is my meat candy. That having been said, I refuse to go to this Rudy's anymore. The only location in my new home state has some of the slowest and rudest service. On my final visit to this location, it took more than 45 minutes to get through a line 5 people deep. When I finally got near the registers, the only meat slicer they had decided to take an order from the couple BEHIND ME. This was the last straw in a sadly long history of tolerance in the name of brisket and real breakfast tacos. I always stop at the Rudy's locations whenever I'm in Texas, but I don't recommend this location to anyone unless they're really craving some Rudy's food goodness and willing to wait for it. The 2 stars are for the food because they use Rudy's original recipies and I'll drive hundreds of miles to get it... in Texas.
(2)Michael W.
For me it isn't just about the food. I would give them a solid 4 out of 5 stars if I could get the BBQ without having to communicate with any of their employee's. I hate to paint with broad strokes because it is not fair to any of the employee's that care about customer service. My experience was one that left me wondering if there was any customer service training at all. Did they provide customer service expectations to these three inconsiderate employee's? They had no concept of customer service and it was clear that those of us in line were intruding on their causal conversation by deciding to eat there that day. Employees are a direct reflection of those who manage them, I would contend that leadership development is in order.
(1)Jordan K.
The food here is medium quality bbq and is overpriced for what you get. I'm not won over by the 'charm' of a gas station converted into a cafeteria style restaurant, but some may like it. Some people give this place great reviews, but there are several better bbq places in Norman. Like I said, the food isn't bad, but is definitely not worth the price.
(2)Hot Tub J.
great 'cue and a wonderful staff!
(5)Darren P.
Love the extra moist brisket! Wish they had one of these in Cleveland.
(5)Larry L.
Great food. Very open seating area. Cost more than other places. A lot more. Its not just beef. Turkey, chicken, pork, a few types of sausage, and yes beef. There are also quite a few sides to choose from. Moist brisket or Turkey for me... yum!
(4)George S.
Best damn bbq!!!!!
(5)Carrie O.
Rudy's is a great place to visit for quality bbq in Norman. The brisket is really nicely done & always delicious. I like the Turkey as well, and the chicken. All are wood fired meats & come with delicious sauses (sic). I'm a fan of the sissy one, but they have hotter ones as well. The creamed corn is REALLY fantastic too, and is a main reason I visit this place when in Norman. The other sides are great as well, but definitely get the corn. (:
(4)