The last time I reviewed a barbeque joint—the Godforsaken Maples in the Plaza District—I received plenty of hate mail, a handful of death threats, and a whole lot of racist indignation from upstanding Oklahoma City folk that didn’t appreciate me dripping sauce on their lily-white shoes.
So I guess I was admittedly a bit gun-shy about dining at another barbeque restaurant, but, regardless, I have to say that George’s Happy Hog Bar-B-Q, 712 Culbertson Drive, reaffirms my charred passion with their damn good smoked meats and assorted sides; if you’re at all serious about good barbeque—serious enough to threaten to kill me, at least—make a pit-stop here.
While situated in a bit of a hard-to-find area off Lincoln, the atmosphere was festive as a birthday party was going on when we walked in and it was hard not to want to be immediately involved in the festivities. My pal Jodie and I made our way to the counter to order as a man in the kitchen was cutting and slicing various meats at a breakneck pace to keep up with the orders.
As I ordered my meal—the Hog Wild Rib-End Dinner ($10.79) with two sides, as well as a slice of Sweet Potato Pie ($2.25)—it was hard not to become absolutely intoxicated with every inhale of the pecan-smoked meats that were being carried out from the back for delicious dismemberment on the cutting board. Tray of eats in hand, I headed to a nearby window seat.
The dining room is open and kind of small, so as the birthday party was directly next to us, it seemed only apropos to sing along and clap after each of the poetic toasts were given. I hinted to Jodie that I might like to have my own birthday party here in September, hoping that she picked up what I was dropping.
These rib-tips were the absolute bomb, man—no sauce is needed, with the darkly moist flavor seeping through every muscle and sinew, right down to the impressively chewable cartilage. Rib-ends, for me, at least, are a far more compact way to enjoy ribs and George’s had plenty of meat on each tip, much more than you’d think, in every pecan-blessed chunk.
As for my two side delights, the “Marvelous Mixed Greens” were a tart specialty, even more so with a few drops of Trappey’s peppers-in-vinegar concoction to add a little heat to the mix. Additionally, “George’s Baked Beans” were a deliciously sweet take on the famed frijoles, as was the master-level cornbread that comes individually wrapped in cellophane, making it easier to buy a couple more pieces for the ride home.
Now I know for me it’s a bit unusual to down an after-dinner dessert, but the one thing I truly can’t pass up is Sweet Potato Pie; with a defiantly buttery crust and a good bit of spices that made this sweet potato ever sweeter, as I took a bite, I leaned back in my chair and exhaled my own sweet relief. I think I kinda want this for my birthday cake too, if you’re listening.
Speaking of which, after everyone sang “Happy Birthday” to the guest of honor—an 80-year-old man who’s lived in the neighborhood his entire life, give or take a war or two—the place started to close down, so I grabbed my leftovers and thought about coming back soon for lunch, mostly just to try their Big Brisket Sandwich. Cómpralo ya!
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Follow Louis on Twitter at @LouisFowler and Instagram at @louisfowler78.
The comment thread on Maples is entertaining. I love playing “spot the restaurant employees” in critical reviews of places.
Thank You, I have been waiting to here your take on one of my favorites. It will never be as good when the old man was still kicking but the Rib Ends by the pound are one of OKC’s best BBQ deals. Don’t forget to grab a bag of school house cookies from the counter. I love Earl’s but Happy Hog is the real deal & makes my belly smile. Go fast, go often & keep this place rockin!
I had the school house cookies, Lou politely declined when I offered him a taste. They were some of the best cookies I have EVER HAD!
Happy Hog rocks. Never had anything there I didn’t like.
With many good BBQ places in OKC I still like Leo’s & Back Door as the best!
Back Door? They have Maples prices minus actually giving you a good portion of beef. Hard pass.
Tiny portions.
I will be giving this place a try!
My favorite–glad you found it!!!
Much better than the white boy crap at Maples
No sauce needed, best words to see in a BBQ review. Going to check it out soon!
This is the real deal here!!! Legit southern BBQ.
georges and leos both my favs! worst is swadley bbq now I read he didn’t want folks with tattoos in his restaurant!! brent swadley the king of crap bbq puts his foot in his mouth again!!!read the enid news clips!! read the review by Louis on swadleys new concept jims chicken in nicoma park PUKE 15 bucks for a greasy bird!! georges has allways been consistant thru the years…
Swadleys is some of the worst bbq ever served to mankind. The only people who eat there are the ones who don’t know better.
dales on s side for me ! agreed swadleys super sucks the owner is a prick, you can tell by how he treats his workers and his demeanor as he walks about the restaurant ! also noticed he wears a high dolla rolex drives a 550 class benz! but I would bet he don’t provide insurance or benefits to his workers the majority are latino
leo the bomb when you catch em on a good day ! georges is the same not consistant !! swadleys is not fit for a dog,the sauce is bad, side orders frozen nothing fresh very worst bbq no soul!