The Three Best BBQ Places in Ponca City, Oklahoma

Let me tell you about the three best Barbecue Restaurants in and around the Ponca City, Oklahoma area. First up is Head Country Barbecue located at 1217 East Prospect.

The taste of Head Country Barbecue sauce was born in World War II when a cook on a naval destroyer named Donovan Fred Head made the sauce for sailors. When Head returned home to the ranch in Oklahoma, he shared the taste with friends and neighbors. People began bringing fruit jars to fill and take the sauce home with them. In 1977 he sold the recipe to his nephew Danny Head and eventually Head Country Barbecue Sauce moved from Shidler, Oklahoma to a manufacturing plant in Ponca City. Bottles of the sauce can be found in grocery stores throughout the state. Soon after the restaurant was built.

The menu includes all of the barbecue lover's favorites such as pork ribs, beef brisket, and ham. But it is on Thursday that the real bargain is offered. The Half Chicken Dinner sells for $4.50. The plate includes a half of chicken which in most cases is hanging off the plate. The skin of the chicken is smoked and puts KFC to shame on any day. The diner can have their choice of wheat or white bread and there are many sides to choose from including slaw, potato salad, french fries seasoned with a barbecue and of course deviled eggs.

The restaurant is operated by longtime area food veteran Charlie Ryan. I have never had a bad customer experience at this establishment and the prices are more than reasonable. For more information on the Head Country Barbecue, click here.

If the Head Country Restaurant is packed, then travel south on Fourteenth Street to Dougan Bar-B-Q located at
215 South Fourteenth Street, in Ponca City near various hotels and motels. Their menu also features all of the standard favorites and sides, brisket, ribs, and chicken to name a few.

Dougan's also features a catering service. Once again I have to say I have never had a bad customer experience at Dougan's and the prices are affordable.

If both restaurants are packed to the limit or you just feel the need to eat in a somewhat more rural area, then head north on Fourteenth Street and follow the road into Newkirk, Oklahoma. Located just 11 miles north of Ponca City, Newkirk is home to Stagecoach Bar-B-Q. Owner Vance Johnson has helped put Newkirk on the map with his barbecue specialties.

Located on 400 West South Street, Stagecoach is only open Friday through Sunday and on those three days, the establishment is packed.

The menu at Stagecoach includes ribs, brisket, chicken, macaroni and cheese, green beans, and many other items. The new potatoes is my favorite side. The round mouth watering treat, is somehow cooked with tasty seasonings that leaves you wanting more. On Friday nights, the menu features steaks and baked potatoes and you will need to get their early to find a seat on steak night.

Johnson recently added a stage and has begun to line up live entertainment.

Stagecoach and the other two restaurants, have been honored many times over for their great tasting BBQ. So when traveling through or near Ponca City and Newkirk, Oklahoma, be sure to check out one or all three locations. I guarantee you will not be disappointed.