Ordered one of our french fries well done, but both orders tasted the same. Not crispy. I decided to order some BBQ this time. Figured since it's Van's Pig Stand- I should order something with pork. I ordered the chopped pork with cole slaw and potato salad. I like the Texas Toast and the cole slaw was crispy. The pork was meh. The flavor of my sauce was my favorite thing- tangy, sweet with peppery notes. I think I was expecting the texture to be more soft.... It was tough and not as tender as I would like. *sigh*
(2)
Dev C.
My first time here and I'm super impressed. Had the ribs and the meat just came off the bone with no effort. Nice char on the outside, just enough to add some smokey goodness to the meat. Sauce was great, great balance of spice-to-meat ratio. Even when you slather it on the meaty goodness, nothing overpowers the other. Smoke, sauce, rub, and meat become one.
(5)
Francisco P.
Wonderful okie experience ya'll---perfect brisket, chicken, chopped pork. For dessert the carrot cake is packed with nuts. Friendly staff---awesome food.
(5)
Meredith B.
Van's Pig Stand is the bomb. If you're looking for posh seating and kiss-you service, this isn't the place. Romance? Probably not. But fun and great food? Absolutely great. Pork, brisket, chicken, ribs--fantastic. Sides terrific. BBQ sauce is perfect. BBQ doesn't get a lot better!
(5)
Traci A.
Seven years after leaving OK I still drool at the thought of the bar-b-que from Van's. Good, real BBQ just can't be found up north, and Van's had some of the best I ever had. Plus, who doesn't love dining in a renovated service station?! ;-) (Can someone send me some sauce?!)
(5)
Cynthia L.
This was a no frills, local BBQ joint. I loved it. The ribs were better than I expected as I've had bad experiences with BBQ in OKC up to this point. Before each bite, I slathered a good helping of BBQ sauce on the rib meat. Yum! The meat wasn't fall-off-the-bone fork tender, but it was still pretty good BBQ. The BBQ sauce was awesome! The menu was flexible and I was able to order a rib dinner without all the sides. I just wanted the meat. That's it. Prices were very affordable. You can find a great value here for under $10.
(4)
Stacey B.
What can I say, it is good bbq. I love the pulled pork, the brisket, the ribs are usually very juicy and tender. Their okra is really good, as are most of the sides I have tried. Our kids love to come here, as well. When I am in the mood for bbq, this is where I go.
(4)
K F.
We went there just to see what it was like. The prices were reasonable and the service very friendly. The "baked beans" were pretty disappointing both in taste and color. I felt they were somewhat under cooked. The Van's stuffed potato was pretty old and dried out, so that was another disappointment. The ribs were mediocre at best, but the sauces were uninteresting and took away from the ribs further. If the prices were not so good, I would have given it one less star.
(2)
Julie B.
I went to the restaurant in Moore, but I assume all of the locations are similar.... I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised by the food coming out of this hole-in-the-wall shop. Great BBQ sauce, good brisket, and the beans and coleslaw were good too! My friends tried the chopped pork and sausage and liked those as well. Don't judge this restaurant by the way it looks!
(4)
Autumn W.
I think this is the best BBQ place in Norman for sure! I come here often. The Pig sandwich, smoked turkey, burgers, and most of all the fries are outstanding. I literally crave the fries. The staff is very welcoming and friendly.
(4)
Heather B.
Lots of folks love this place and my husband really likes the ribs. Overall the meats are great and their sauce is good. Their sides are okay but they skimp on them big time and when that began happening we slowed way down on visiting this place because the prices went up a little and side servings were cut in half - boo! They have a killer carrot cake but the icing sometimes tastes like rancid grease - yuck - buyer beware but the cake itself is delicious and you could just take the icing off...
(3)
Jessica L.
Great food and very friendly! I would give 5 stars except for the hot links were not as spicy as I'd like....kind of more like hot dogs...but good hot dogs :) I had a hot link and brisket sandwich and my husband had a brisket and ribs plate. Both of us had the curly fries which were awesome. The sauce in the red bottle is great and kind of spicy.
(4)
Molly O.
Ive eaten here many times since my first review. It's the best BBQ in Norman and it's affordable. I really love the relish. Try the Philly Cheese Steak. It's awesome.
(4)
Jennifer D.
We eat here whenever we are in Norman. Have had the turkey, beef, and ribs and they were all great. Their homemade curly fries are the best ever. Got a salad one time which was over priced and consisted of lettuce and tomatoes, but it's a BBQ place so what do you expect?
(5)
Bobbie B.
My son who is a bbq fan gives high marks to the food here. I , although not a BBQ lover, found the place to very creatively decorated in keeping with the theme. The opposite of a hole in the wall. My only critique is the house salad was quite plain and bland and the blue cheese dressing mainly salt. How about some shredded cabbage and other greens in addition to iceberg. Pricing was reasonable but not a bargain.
(4)
Kyle T.
Really good bbq and good service!
(4)
Russ L.
The best ribs around bar none. The staff at Van's is always so friendly and helpfull I love eating there.
(5)
Carrie O.
Good local place for bbq! I really like Rudy's (which I've visited more recently), but love that this place is local and has a really neat vibe (it's in an old filling station building). Every time I visit Norman with someone who hasn't tried true southern bbq, I take them here. Everything I've ever had is great! I wish I could comment more on the food, but I haven't been in awhile (since the time I introduced my now husband to southern bbq years ago). I hope it's still as great as it always was!
(4)
Mandy B.
The food was good but the entire experience was ruined for me when I discovered a trail of ants on my table. After that I began to look around and it just looked dirty. I have to say though I have cooked bbq for an FCCLA dinner and it is really hard to keep things clean when you are dealing with wood to smoke meat with, seasonings, and sauce. Overall the food was good and the service was also.
(3)
Derek L.
Best BBQ in Norman. Very local, no frills. Service is quick and wait staff are friendly.
(5)
Wolf F.
I love this place. Excellent Bar-B-Que
(5)
Elaine C.
This is simple food, but it is great! I walkedin the door to see the old-fashioned feel of a barbeque joint. The atmosphere reminded me somewhat of Sonny Bryan's in Dallas. There were televisions with football, and plain concrete flooring. We walked up to see a stack of slabs of ribs that looked amazing. They were hand rubbed with spices. I ordered the 'lite rib plate," which was 2 ribs, sides, and a piece of what I call Texas toast. I ordered the okra and the baked beans. My husband got the fries and cole slaw as his sides. We also had a piece of apple pie. The ribs were very good and tender, falling off the bone. The bbq sauce was not sweet, it was vinegar based. It was good, and different than any other bbq sauce I have had. Unique and good are not ususally found in bbq joints. The fries were hand cut, with the skins still on. They were good. The fried okra was good, too. The cole slaw and beans were okay. The apple pie was great! We really liked this place, and would come back here next time we are in Oklahoma. It was heavy compared to our regular diet, but what else do you expect from southern bbq?
(4)
Justin G.
Shawnee may have a reputation of producing little for the world besides plentiful casinos, meth labs, gambling addicts and criminals, but its proponents are quick to tell you that Brad Pitt was born there and Sonic Drive Ins were started there. A Hollywood A-lister is nice, but does that make up for plaguing the world with thousands and thousands of car stalls where you can pull up and scarf down a double cheeseburger and tots with the engine running, pumping out CO2 like there's no tomorrow? (guilty as charged!) Se7en was admittedly pretty awesome, but on the balance, not hardly! However, there is one thing that may bring redemption to Shawnee for all the ugliness borne of the Pott County region (yes that includes yours truly), and that is Van's Pig Stand. Van's started in Shawnee many moons ago, back in the prehistoric era (aka "the good old days" in Shawnee), when men were men and women knew their place. Over the ensuing decades they've been smoking up pork and beef slathered with their perfect sauce through world wars, oil booms, oil busts, social upheaval and all that, without skipping a beat. Sometime in the 1990's, Van's opened a restaurant in Norman, bringing their recipes, smoker and sauce with them. Some BBQ "aficionados" will tell you that good BBQ doesn't even need sauce, but these people are delusional and/or developmentally challenged. Van's BBQ sauce may be the best I have ever tried. Being raised on Van's BBQ has spoiled me for life. Van's brisket is amazing (chopped or sliced)... Their ribs are tender and fantastic.... And their pork sandwich ("pig sandwich") with a small dab of pickle relish is truly Shawnee's gift to the world. Put a little squirt (or a lot) of their heavenly sauce on it and it's like I'm instantly transported back to Shawnee, where you're always looking over your shoulder, always concerned that you may go outside to find your car vandalized (if not stolen outright), or that some hobos from the nearby train tracks may have used that rolled down window as an invitation to take a whiz. But that wonderful smoky smell and tangy sauce overcomes all. You have not truly lived until you've feasted upon a "Vanized" double baked potato, with a dollop of garlic butter melting on top. And Van's famous curly fries... and baked beans.. all the sides are top notch. At Thanksgiving, we order a smoked turkey from Van's and it is always an incredible bird, moist and tender and smoked to absolute perfection, which we feast upon for a solid week. Another wonderful item on the Van's menu which I often overlook are their burgers. It has always seemed a waste to me to visit Van's and not get BBQ, so it rarely happens that I order a burger, but given a recent Groupon promo I was reintroduced to them. And boy howdy, were they amazing. Honest to goodness, they were great. So great that I can actually envision future trips to my favorite BBQ place for a burger, insane as it may sound! Van's BBQ has been a constant presence my entire life and that is certainly one thing to be grateful for!
(5)
Shane B.
I just finished buying 60.00 worth of food from Van's for my birthday dinner. I am relatively new to Oklahoma and am realizing that people's viewpoints on what constitutes good is very different than mine. This was my first time eating here and after researching online about bbq and listening to recommendations from people, I decided to try Vans. The famous curly fries were greasy and soggy from not having the grease hot enough and/or not properly draining them after cooking. The smoked turkey and brisket was very dry and under seasoned. My wife and I were both taken back that the chicken that came with the various meals was chicken strips like you would get with a kids meal at Applebees. The pork was just not very good at all and looked more like sloppy joe than pulled pork. I am a good home cook, but by no means a chef, but if I am going to pay money to eat out, my expectation is that the best place in the city can deliver me food that is better than what I could cook at home, even without a smoker. Seriously consider your wood choice and smoking time, because I have eaten amazing brisket and smoked food when I worked in MS and also in TX. Hell, I ate better BBQ than Vans when I lived in Detroit, MI. It isn't terrible food, just very,very average at best. Not terribly priced, but you also do not get a ton of food with the platter meals, so be advised.
(2)
Brian W.
Van's was thoroughly average. Dry, fairly tough ribs. The sides were nothing to write home about. Friendly, prompt service for sure, and a nice atmosphere. But as a BBQ lover, there was not a lot to write home about, as least when it comes to the ribs. I have heard good things about some of the sandwiches on the menu, so maybe go that route. 2 stars, just OK.
(2)
Michael M.
Good yes, but not great. Everything at vans is good yes. I will agree to that but not out of this world great as far as I'm concerned. With my experiences currently I have yet to experience great barbecue in Oklahoma. Hopefully one day this will change. I've been going to van since I was in high school that was about 16, 17,18 I don't know too many years ago to count it seems like. Back then I thought this is awesome barbecue. Little did I realize I just really love the sauce everything else is just pretty good. The good thing about vans that it is probably will the best in the market. The brisket here it's pretty good probly the best thing on the menu. Next up the ribs well I think they leave something to be desired. The sides here are pretty good but nothing to really write home about. It seems the highlight to all all my visits here are the sauce. (Note if you don't like sweets of Vans of won't be for you. Because vans off is definitely a sweet barbecue sauce.) Any knowledgeable self respecting pitmaster will tell you the best thing you can say about a meat is it doesn't need the sauce. Unfortunately van needs the sauce. Will I be back to vans. Probably many times in the future. Like I said I really like this sauce. I usually will stop in and buy a bottle of it just for my own stuff at home. As well if there is a game in Norman and there's nothing better sounding that day, I might as well go to vans. Like I said this is good barbecue it's just not great.
(3)
Aaron N.
Great BBQ! You can tell these guys do not cut any corners when it comes to low-n-slow world class smoking. The ribs and brisket are superb. The BBQ sauces have room for improvement
(4)
Carlos B.
My favorite BBQ in the metro though the meats are hit and miss sometimes at least one of the meats is always top notch. One day they were on point on everything. Oh and I definitely have to praise the service here.
(4)
April C.
Amazing BBQ at a great value for their lunch specials. My colleagues and I came down for a quick bite during lunch. I ordered the brisket sandwich. This was about $9 and came with a ton of homemade curly fries and a drink. The sandwich rocked! It had amazing flavor and was juicy. It went great with their relish and BBQ sauce. My friends ordered the ribs and pulled pork nachos which were outstanding!!! Everything had a great smokey BBQ flavor. I absolutely would recommend van's for their great lunch specials. A side note: my hair absorbed the smokey smell for a few hours after eating here. A small price to pay for rock'n BBQ!!
(4)
Jamie M.
I've eaten many a catered event by Van's. I wouldn't go out of my way to go spend my own money there though. It's average bbq, I guess. The meat is a bit bland and dry for my liking, and the sauces don't do anything to jazz it up either. None of the sides have impressed me terribly.
(2)
Ami V.
Smoked ribs, brisket, cole slaw, and barbecue don't get any better than this. I love coming back to this place every time I'm in town.
(5)
Jill H.
It's the best BBQ place I've tried in Norman (admittedly, I haven't made it to Ray's yet which I hear is also good). I split a 3-meat platter, with okra and potato salad. All of the meat was tasty, as were the sides. 4 stars because the prices are a bit high for the amount of meat and/or sides. Many BBQ places will at least pile the sides, even if the meat serving is average.
(4)
Justin F.
2 stars for me is just being generous to the staff. If you really like SAMs Club, then this is your place. Everything seemed straight out of the package. Including the KC Masterpiece they seem to pour in their bottles. Ribs were not as advertised for the price. The sides were boiled to mediocre from the can. Biggest positive I saw, was the staff was friendly. That's my 2 stars.
(2)
Robert M.
Best BBQ in Norman. They have been doing it for a long time and even longer at their store in Shawnee. Great flavor and portions. Always clean and employees are helpful. Their fresh pies are great if you leave some room for them. Just wish they had a hotter sauce to choose.
(4)
Maestro L.
Grossly overpriced. Paid 18 bucks for 1 a lb. of brisket. Brisket was dry as hell. Its a cool place but your paying alot of money for mediocre bbq at best. Service was good and friendly.
(3)
Kevin M.
Solid BBQ. Ribs were juicy and full of flavor. Burnt ends were excellent. Got the curly fries, onions and pickles. Pinto beans with pork rocked.
(4)
Tayler G.
It's alright. Not the best bbq in town. Bbq sauces are bland and the "hot" bbq sauce really isn't that hot. I had Hot Links, Brisket, and ribs with okra and baked beans. The beans were weird. And the portion of okra was shameful. Swadleys gives you huge bag full. This place only gave me half a cup or so. If your desperate and can't go somewhere better this place will do. And it's over priced. The size of the 3 meat combo is comparable to Swadleys 2 meat combo. You get so much more food.
(3)
Jeff M.
My experience at Van's seems so unlike the experiences had by most of the reviewers. Did I even go to the same place as the rest of you? Looking at some of the posted pictures, I think I may have been gypped on my order. I was still hungry after it was all said and done. Also, the ribs were really... bland. They certainly weren't the highlight of my meal. I'm sorry all my OU friends, don't hurt me! The sides were good, the bread is... bread, and the BBQ sauce is amazing. I just felt like I paid $8.00+ for very little food, which I would have excused if it was delicious. I'll be back, and give it another go, but for right now, it's standard BBQ that doesn't really stand out in any particular fashion. Certainly nothing to call home and rave about.
(3)
David J.
The BBQ is good and above average but the new increased prices are a put off. The drive thru menu is not kept current nor is the online pricing so beware. Overall, it is a great place to eat but I think Rays BBQ on Lindsey is better
(4)
Russ M.
If you love ribs, this is the place for you. Best ribs around. Their hot links are awesome, and their big pig is wonderful for anyone who doesn't dare tackle the ribs. Eat here regularly, never been disappointed.
(5)
Cassie H.
I was sad to read some mediocre reviews for this place. They have the best barbecue around. Their chopped beef is soo good. The ribs are excellent as well. The fries are hand cut and curly. The portions served are more than enough, but so yummy you won't want to share. All of their sides are delicious, if you like baked potatoes, you should try the "vanized" potato. Somewhat a twice baked potato with butter. Really excellent, They have yummy desserts now as well, too. I recommend the cupcakes.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Divey Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : No Caters : Yes
Joy M.
Ordered one of our french fries well done, but both orders tasted the same. Not crispy. I decided to order some BBQ this time. Figured since it's Van's Pig Stand- I should order something with pork. I ordered the chopped pork with cole slaw and potato salad. I like the Texas Toast and the cole slaw was crispy. The pork was meh. The flavor of my sauce was my favorite thing- tangy, sweet with peppery notes. I think I was expecting the texture to be more soft.... It was tough and not as tender as I would like. *sigh*
(2)Dev C.
My first time here and I'm super impressed. Had the ribs and the meat just came off the bone with no effort. Nice char on the outside, just enough to add some smokey goodness to the meat. Sauce was great, great balance of spice-to-meat ratio. Even when you slather it on the meaty goodness, nothing overpowers the other. Smoke, sauce, rub, and meat become one.
(5)Francisco P.
Wonderful okie experience ya'll---perfect brisket, chicken, chopped pork. For dessert the carrot cake is packed with nuts. Friendly staff---awesome food.
(5)Meredith B.
Van's Pig Stand is the bomb. If you're looking for posh seating and kiss-you service, this isn't the place. Romance? Probably not. But fun and great food? Absolutely great. Pork, brisket, chicken, ribs--fantastic. Sides terrific. BBQ sauce is perfect. BBQ doesn't get a lot better!
(5)Traci A.
Seven years after leaving OK I still drool at the thought of the bar-b-que from Van's. Good, real BBQ just can't be found up north, and Van's had some of the best I ever had. Plus, who doesn't love dining in a renovated service station?! ;-) (Can someone send me some sauce?!)
(5)Cynthia L.
This was a no frills, local BBQ joint. I loved it. The ribs were better than I expected as I've had bad experiences with BBQ in OKC up to this point. Before each bite, I slathered a good helping of BBQ sauce on the rib meat. Yum! The meat wasn't fall-off-the-bone fork tender, but it was still pretty good BBQ. The BBQ sauce was awesome! The menu was flexible and I was able to order a rib dinner without all the sides. I just wanted the meat. That's it. Prices were very affordable. You can find a great value here for under $10.
(4)Stacey B.
What can I say, it is good bbq. I love the pulled pork, the brisket, the ribs are usually very juicy and tender. Their okra is really good, as are most of the sides I have tried. Our kids love to come here, as well. When I am in the mood for bbq, this is where I go.
(4)K F.
We went there just to see what it was like. The prices were reasonable and the service very friendly. The "baked beans" were pretty disappointing both in taste and color. I felt they were somewhat under cooked. The Van's stuffed potato was pretty old and dried out, so that was another disappointment. The ribs were mediocre at best, but the sauces were uninteresting and took away from the ribs further. If the prices were not so good, I would have given it one less star.
(2)Julie B.
I went to the restaurant in Moore, but I assume all of the locations are similar.... I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised by the food coming out of this hole-in-the-wall shop. Great BBQ sauce, good brisket, and the beans and coleslaw were good too! My friends tried the chopped pork and sausage and liked those as well. Don't judge this restaurant by the way it looks!
(4)Autumn W.
I think this is the best BBQ place in Norman for sure! I come here often. The Pig sandwich, smoked turkey, burgers, and most of all the fries are outstanding. I literally crave the fries. The staff is very welcoming and friendly.
(4)Heather B.
Lots of folks love this place and my husband really likes the ribs. Overall the meats are great and their sauce is good. Their sides are okay but they skimp on them big time and when that began happening we slowed way down on visiting this place because the prices went up a little and side servings were cut in half - boo! They have a killer carrot cake but the icing sometimes tastes like rancid grease - yuck - buyer beware but the cake itself is delicious and you could just take the icing off...
(3)Jessica L.
Great food and very friendly! I would give 5 stars except for the hot links were not as spicy as I'd like....kind of more like hot dogs...but good hot dogs :) I had a hot link and brisket sandwich and my husband had a brisket and ribs plate. Both of us had the curly fries which were awesome. The sauce in the red bottle is great and kind of spicy.
(4)Molly O.
Ive eaten here many times since my first review. It's the best BBQ in Norman and it's affordable. I really love the relish. Try the Philly Cheese Steak. It's awesome.
(4)Jennifer D.
We eat here whenever we are in Norman. Have had the turkey, beef, and ribs and they were all great. Their homemade curly fries are the best ever. Got a salad one time which was over priced and consisted of lettuce and tomatoes, but it's a BBQ place so what do you expect?
(5)Bobbie B.
My son who is a bbq fan gives high marks to the food here. I , although not a BBQ lover, found the place to very creatively decorated in keeping with the theme. The opposite of a hole in the wall. My only critique is the house salad was quite plain and bland and the blue cheese dressing mainly salt. How about some shredded cabbage and other greens in addition to iceberg. Pricing was reasonable but not a bargain.
(4)Kyle T.
Really good bbq and good service!
(4)Russ L.
The best ribs around bar none. The staff at Van's is always so friendly and helpfull I love eating there.
(5)Carrie O.
Good local place for bbq! I really like Rudy's (which I've visited more recently), but love that this place is local and has a really neat vibe (it's in an old filling station building). Every time I visit Norman with someone who hasn't tried true southern bbq, I take them here. Everything I've ever had is great! I wish I could comment more on the food, but I haven't been in awhile (since the time I introduced my now husband to southern bbq years ago). I hope it's still as great as it always was!
(4)Mandy B.
The food was good but the entire experience was ruined for me when I discovered a trail of ants on my table. After that I began to look around and it just looked dirty. I have to say though I have cooked bbq for an FCCLA dinner and it is really hard to keep things clean when you are dealing with wood to smoke meat with, seasonings, and sauce. Overall the food was good and the service was also.
(3)Derek L.
Best BBQ in Norman. Very local, no frills. Service is quick and wait staff are friendly.
(5)Wolf F.
I love this place. Excellent Bar-B-Que
(5)Elaine C.
This is simple food, but it is great! I walkedin the door to see the old-fashioned feel of a barbeque joint. The atmosphere reminded me somewhat of Sonny Bryan's in Dallas. There were televisions with football, and plain concrete flooring. We walked up to see a stack of slabs of ribs that looked amazing. They were hand rubbed with spices. I ordered the 'lite rib plate," which was 2 ribs, sides, and a piece of what I call Texas toast. I ordered the okra and the baked beans. My husband got the fries and cole slaw as his sides. We also had a piece of apple pie. The ribs were very good and tender, falling off the bone. The bbq sauce was not sweet, it was vinegar based. It was good, and different than any other bbq sauce I have had. Unique and good are not ususally found in bbq joints. The fries were hand cut, with the skins still on. They were good. The fried okra was good, too. The cole slaw and beans were okay. The apple pie was great! We really liked this place, and would come back here next time we are in Oklahoma. It was heavy compared to our regular diet, but what else do you expect from southern bbq?
(4)Justin G.
Shawnee may have a reputation of producing little for the world besides plentiful casinos, meth labs, gambling addicts and criminals, but its proponents are quick to tell you that Brad Pitt was born there and Sonic Drive Ins were started there. A Hollywood A-lister is nice, but does that make up for plaguing the world with thousands and thousands of car stalls where you can pull up and scarf down a double cheeseburger and tots with the engine running, pumping out CO2 like there's no tomorrow? (guilty as charged!) Se7en was admittedly pretty awesome, but on the balance, not hardly! However, there is one thing that may bring redemption to Shawnee for all the ugliness borne of the Pott County region (yes that includes yours truly), and that is Van's Pig Stand. Van's started in Shawnee many moons ago, back in the prehistoric era (aka "the good old days" in Shawnee), when men were men and women knew their place. Over the ensuing decades they've been smoking up pork and beef slathered with their perfect sauce through world wars, oil booms, oil busts, social upheaval and all that, without skipping a beat. Sometime in the 1990's, Van's opened a restaurant in Norman, bringing their recipes, smoker and sauce with them. Some BBQ "aficionados" will tell you that good BBQ doesn't even need sauce, but these people are delusional and/or developmentally challenged. Van's BBQ sauce may be the best I have ever tried. Being raised on Van's BBQ has spoiled me for life. Van's brisket is amazing (chopped or sliced)... Their ribs are tender and fantastic.... And their pork sandwich ("pig sandwich") with a small dab of pickle relish is truly Shawnee's gift to the world. Put a little squirt (or a lot) of their heavenly sauce on it and it's like I'm instantly transported back to Shawnee, where you're always looking over your shoulder, always concerned that you may go outside to find your car vandalized (if not stolen outright), or that some hobos from the nearby train tracks may have used that rolled down window as an invitation to take a whiz. But that wonderful smoky smell and tangy sauce overcomes all. You have not truly lived until you've feasted upon a "Vanized" double baked potato, with a dollop of garlic butter melting on top. And Van's famous curly fries... and baked beans.. all the sides are top notch. At Thanksgiving, we order a smoked turkey from Van's and it is always an incredible bird, moist and tender and smoked to absolute perfection, which we feast upon for a solid week. Another wonderful item on the Van's menu which I often overlook are their burgers. It has always seemed a waste to me to visit Van's and not get BBQ, so it rarely happens that I order a burger, but given a recent Groupon promo I was reintroduced to them. And boy howdy, were they amazing. Honest to goodness, they were great. So great that I can actually envision future trips to my favorite BBQ place for a burger, insane as it may sound! Van's BBQ has been a constant presence my entire life and that is certainly one thing to be grateful for!
(5)Shane B.
I just finished buying 60.00 worth of food from Van's for my birthday dinner. I am relatively new to Oklahoma and am realizing that people's viewpoints on what constitutes good is very different than mine. This was my first time eating here and after researching online about bbq and listening to recommendations from people, I decided to try Vans. The famous curly fries were greasy and soggy from not having the grease hot enough and/or not properly draining them after cooking. The smoked turkey and brisket was very dry and under seasoned. My wife and I were both taken back that the chicken that came with the various meals was chicken strips like you would get with a kids meal at Applebees. The pork was just not very good at all and looked more like sloppy joe than pulled pork. I am a good home cook, but by no means a chef, but if I am going to pay money to eat out, my expectation is that the best place in the city can deliver me food that is better than what I could cook at home, even without a smoker. Seriously consider your wood choice and smoking time, because I have eaten amazing brisket and smoked food when I worked in MS and also in TX. Hell, I ate better BBQ than Vans when I lived in Detroit, MI. It isn't terrible food, just very,very average at best. Not terribly priced, but you also do not get a ton of food with the platter meals, so be advised.
(2)Brian W.
Van's was thoroughly average. Dry, fairly tough ribs. The sides were nothing to write home about. Friendly, prompt service for sure, and a nice atmosphere. But as a BBQ lover, there was not a lot to write home about, as least when it comes to the ribs. I have heard good things about some of the sandwiches on the menu, so maybe go that route. 2 stars, just OK.
(2)Michael M.
Good yes, but not great. Everything at vans is good yes. I will agree to that but not out of this world great as far as I'm concerned. With my experiences currently I have yet to experience great barbecue in Oklahoma. Hopefully one day this will change. I've been going to van since I was in high school that was about 16, 17,18 I don't know too many years ago to count it seems like. Back then I thought this is awesome barbecue. Little did I realize I just really love the sauce everything else is just pretty good. The good thing about vans that it is probably will the best in the market. The brisket here it's pretty good probly the best thing on the menu. Next up the ribs well I think they leave something to be desired. The sides here are pretty good but nothing to really write home about. It seems the highlight to all all my visits here are the sauce. (Note if you don't like sweets of Vans of won't be for you. Because vans off is definitely a sweet barbecue sauce.) Any knowledgeable self respecting pitmaster will tell you the best thing you can say about a meat is it doesn't need the sauce. Unfortunately van needs the sauce. Will I be back to vans. Probably many times in the future. Like I said I really like this sauce. I usually will stop in and buy a bottle of it just for my own stuff at home. As well if there is a game in Norman and there's nothing better sounding that day, I might as well go to vans. Like I said this is good barbecue it's just not great.
(3)Aaron N.
Great BBQ! You can tell these guys do not cut any corners when it comes to low-n-slow world class smoking. The ribs and brisket are superb. The BBQ sauces have room for improvement
(4)Carlos B.
My favorite BBQ in the metro though the meats are hit and miss sometimes at least one of the meats is always top notch. One day they were on point on everything. Oh and I definitely have to praise the service here.
(4)April C.
Amazing BBQ at a great value for their lunch specials. My colleagues and I came down for a quick bite during lunch. I ordered the brisket sandwich. This was about $9 and came with a ton of homemade curly fries and a drink. The sandwich rocked! It had amazing flavor and was juicy. It went great with their relish and BBQ sauce. My friends ordered the ribs and pulled pork nachos which were outstanding!!! Everything had a great smokey BBQ flavor. I absolutely would recommend van's for their great lunch specials. A side note: my hair absorbed the smokey smell for a few hours after eating here. A small price to pay for rock'n BBQ!!
(4)Jamie M.
I've eaten many a catered event by Van's. I wouldn't go out of my way to go spend my own money there though. It's average bbq, I guess. The meat is a bit bland and dry for my liking, and the sauces don't do anything to jazz it up either. None of the sides have impressed me terribly.
(2)Ami V.
Smoked ribs, brisket, cole slaw, and barbecue don't get any better than this. I love coming back to this place every time I'm in town.
(5)Jill H.
It's the best BBQ place I've tried in Norman (admittedly, I haven't made it to Ray's yet which I hear is also good). I split a 3-meat platter, with okra and potato salad. All of the meat was tasty, as were the sides. 4 stars because the prices are a bit high for the amount of meat and/or sides. Many BBQ places will at least pile the sides, even if the meat serving is average.
(4)Justin F.
2 stars for me is just being generous to the staff. If you really like SAMs Club, then this is your place. Everything seemed straight out of the package. Including the KC Masterpiece they seem to pour in their bottles. Ribs were not as advertised for the price. The sides were boiled to mediocre from the can. Biggest positive I saw, was the staff was friendly. That's my 2 stars.
(2)Robert M.
Best BBQ in Norman. They have been doing it for a long time and even longer at their store in Shawnee. Great flavor and portions. Always clean and employees are helpful. Their fresh pies are great if you leave some room for them. Just wish they had a hotter sauce to choose.
(4)Maestro L.
Grossly overpriced. Paid 18 bucks for 1 a lb. of brisket. Brisket was dry as hell. Its a cool place but your paying alot of money for mediocre bbq at best. Service was good and friendly.
(3)Kevin M.
Solid BBQ. Ribs were juicy and full of flavor. Burnt ends were excellent. Got the curly fries, onions and pickles. Pinto beans with pork rocked.
(4)Tayler G.
It's alright. Not the best bbq in town. Bbq sauces are bland and the "hot" bbq sauce really isn't that hot. I had Hot Links, Brisket, and ribs with okra and baked beans. The beans were weird. And the portion of okra was shameful. Swadleys gives you huge bag full. This place only gave me half a cup or so. If your desperate and can't go somewhere better this place will do. And it's over priced. The size of the 3 meat combo is comparable to Swadleys 2 meat combo. You get so much more food.
(3)Jeff M.
My experience at Van's seems so unlike the experiences had by most of the reviewers. Did I even go to the same place as the rest of you? Looking at some of the posted pictures, I think I may have been gypped on my order. I was still hungry after it was all said and done. Also, the ribs were really... bland. They certainly weren't the highlight of my meal. I'm sorry all my OU friends, don't hurt me! The sides were good, the bread is... bread, and the BBQ sauce is amazing. I just felt like I paid $8.00+ for very little food, which I would have excused if it was delicious. I'll be back, and give it another go, but for right now, it's standard BBQ that doesn't really stand out in any particular fashion. Certainly nothing to call home and rave about.
(3)David J.
The BBQ is good and above average but the new increased prices are a put off. The drive thru menu is not kept current nor is the online pricing so beware. Overall, it is a great place to eat but I think Rays BBQ on Lindsey is better
(4)Russ M.
If you love ribs, this is the place for you. Best ribs around. Their hot links are awesome, and their big pig is wonderful for anyone who doesn't dare tackle the ribs. Eat here regularly, never been disappointed.
(5)Cassie H.
I was sad to read some mediocre reviews for this place. They have the best barbecue around. Their chopped beef is soo good. The ribs are excellent as well. The fries are hand cut and curly. The portions served are more than enough, but so yummy you won't want to share. All of their sides are delicious, if you like baked potatoes, you should try the "vanized" potato. Somewhat a twice baked potato with butter. Really excellent, They have yummy desserts now as well, too. I recommend the cupcakes.
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