Earl's Rib Palace

This "palace," opened in 1996 and now with several Oklahoma City-area locations, has been described as the perfect roadside diner, with oversized portions of barbecue for everyone from office workers to hungry passersby alike. The interior is cozy and casual, the walls adorned with Elvis Presley photos and old license plates. Why Elvis? Well, Earl’s Rib Palace’s website weaves the tale of the late barbecue chef Earlywine "Earl" Jackson, who purportedly traveled the country as Elvis’ personal chef and companion and took great pride in Elvis gaining 50 pounds on his watch. (Gee, and all this time we thought the King’s weight gain could be attributed to the infamous fried peanut butter and banana sandwiches whipped up by the personal chef at Graceland, Mary Jenkins Langston.) No one’s quibbling with the barbecue recipes at Earl’s, regardless of how they may or may not have affected Elvis’ waistline. Racks of pork ribs are the featured menu item, of course. Many of the featured meats can be sampled in the appropriately named Earl’s Binge, which includes ribs, sliced or chopped beef brisket, hot link sausage and smoked bologna. Pulled pork, chicken, turkey and polish sausages are also featured. Sauces and sides such as fried okra, curly fries, coleslaw and baked beans are made fresh daily.

Kids' menu. Beer available. Serving lunch and dinner daily.

"The real standout on this menu is the Smokestack. Layers of chopped brisket, hot link slices, barbecue sauce and coleslaw melt together between two halves of a buttered and lightly grilled bun."

— Full Custom Gospel BBQ blog