Iron Starr defines urban barbeque for Oklahoma City
by Tim | January 13, 2011 | 47 Comments
Iron Starr Urban BBQ
(4.06 with 84 votes)
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Oklahoma City, OK 73110
405-524-5925
Revisit note: this review was originally published in November of 2007, but has been revisited and updated.
It’s been over three years since we published our original review of Iron Starr (see the original review below), and I felt it was time for a refresh. Iron Starr continues to be a regular in my restaurant rotation, primarily because it has become my wife’s absolute favorite restaurant.
While I love trying new restaurants (and almost have to to keep this site going), my wife, who eats out less frequently, likes to stick with what she knows and loves. Iron Starr is the perfect comprimise for us because, while I’ve been there many times, I really don’t mind visiting over and over.
I’ve had many experiences at Iron Starr and they have all been good. Every one. Every time. The service has always been excellent. The food has always been excellent, and I love the atmosphere which provides an upscale experience for a moderate price.
There are a few things I’ve discovered about Iron Starr since my original review was written. First, the ribs. I love the ribs here. I don’t eat a lot of ribs primarily because they violate my “too much effort for too little reward” standards. But at Iron Starr, the meat falls off the bone with no effort at all. It’s so tender and so delicious — why can’t all ribs be like this?
Second, I discovered a new side item — the fried onions and jalapenos. These are not battered, but just seasoned and sauteed. I’m not sure why I love these so much but I just do. It’s just another great addition to their fantastic line up of sides.
Of course, that chocolate cake is still around. The price has now gone up to $10 and the piece is still big enough to feed an army. However, here’s a little hint I discovered. On your birthday, Iron Starr gives you a free dessert. If you choose the chocolate cake, it’s a smaller portion, but still more than enough for two. Something to think about for your next birthday celebration.
Finally, I just want to say a word about price. I occasionally hear a word about Iron Starr being overpriced, but I just don’t get that (aside from the chocolate cake). A light rib dinner is $10.95. The portion of ribs is plenty and you get two fantastic sides and a huge piece of that fabulous cornbread. This is very comparable to the price at places like Swadleys and Earl’s and the food and experience is far better at Iron Starr, in my opinion.
So, you can tell I like Iron Starr. I’ve enjoyed it since the first time I visited and I’m still enjoying it. If you haven’t tried it, give it a try. If you have, please let us know what you think in the comments below.
Original review from November 2007:
When I first saw Iron Starr’s outdoor sign declaring it was an urban barbeque restaurant, I was immediately intrigued. I thought of Manhattan’s Blue Smoke, which serves its urban take on barbeque both in its upstairs restaurant and its downstairs jazz club, the Jazz Standard. Barbeque and jazz — now that’s hard to beat.
Well, Iron Starr doesn’t have a jazz club in the basement, but it’s the only place I know where you can experience the unique taste of urban barbeque in Oklahoma City. Of course, this causes me to ask, “what exactly is urban barbeque?”
I’ll give you my take — urban barbeque offers moderate portions of meat served alongside some creative side dishes on nice plates in an upscale atmosphere. That would be as compared to regular barbeque, where success typically means enormous piles of meat and a big roll of paper towels on the table.
Iron Starr delivers on my urban barbeque expectations with a quality that satisfies on all fronts. Their meats are very well prepared and served tastefully in moderate portions with a delicious sauce. But what really keeps me going back to Iron Starr are the side dishes. You can choose from a variety of them. They are all creative, beautiful and tasty.
My favorite is the dutch oven potatoes. It’s sweet potatoes with an amazing combination of heat and sweet that defies description. I also like the whole green beans. Seems pretty mundane, I know, but they cook them just right, leaving the color and crispness intact, and combine them with some red peppers and garlic for a little extra flavor. Speaking of flavor, the seasoning of everything is really superb. Oh, and the cornbread — perfectly moist and flavorful. Most people I’ve ever eaten with try the fancy mac and cheese. I’ve had a bite of it off someone else’s plate and it is good as well. It just seems that you can’t go wrong with any of their sides. They even offer a vegetable plate where you can just choose a bunch of sides for your meal. I’d do it, but I always seem to want some meat, too. Decisions, decisions.
The atmosphere at Iron Starr is superb. They’re in a quaint, old building near Crown Heights, and what a nice job they’ve done inside combining deep, rich woods and colors with pleasant art adorning the walls. It’s comfortable, not stuffy, but still sophisticated. I always feel myself relax a bit when I walk into the room. That might be because we always leave the kids with grandparents when we go. Nah, I’m sure it’s the atmosphere.
Finally, my wife said she would disown me if I didn’t mention the chocolate cake. The thing is, I’m not really a big dessert eater. I choose to spend my calories on the savory rather than the sweet. But, I can tell you from the few bites I’ve had off of my wife’s plate that Iron Starr has a very good chocolate cake. I do have a problem with it, though. It costs $10. Granted, it’s big enough to serve six people, but that’s the problem. I don’t normally dine with six people. So, it seems a bit much to get an enormous $10 slice of cake when it’s just the two of you, especially when one of you doesn’t eat much dessert. That said, my wife would tell you it’s a steal at $10.
Speaking of pricing, I’ve known some people who feel that Iron Starr is a little pricey in general. Honestly, though, I think that comes from the normal expectations associated with “barbeque.” You just can’t go to Iron Starr thinking it’s going to be like Earl’s or Bad Brad’s just because it has the word “barbeque” in the title. It’s a whole other level and one worth the extra cost. Chocolate cake aside, the cost really isn’t even that much higher. You can spend $10-15 on a dinner at Iron Starr but you can get pretty close to that at Earl’s. Overall, you may spend a little more at Iron Starr, but you get an elevated experience that is well worth it. Plus, here’s a hint, my wife and I often split a dinner and it is plenty of food for both. We do the same at Earl’s.
So, the food is great and it’s carefully presented on nice plates in an upscale yet comfortable atmosphere. That says urban barbeque to me. But, just to be thorough, I asked Keith Paul, owner of A Good Egg Dining Group (the company behind Iron Starr, Cheever’s and Red Prime Steak), how he defines urban barbeque. Here’s what Keith had to say:
“Urban BBQ – in one word: “citified.” We combine elements of fine dining with true smokehouse flavor. The menu offerings are truly unique: bacon-wrapped quail, excellent salads and fresh seafood. These all make our concept stand apart from the normal BBQ joint.”
Well said, Keith.
However you define it, I don’t know of another restaurant in Oklahoma City that offers it. If you know another place you’d like to mention, or if you’d like to offer your own definition of urban barbeque, please leave a comment.
More Photos from Iron Starr Urban BBQ
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November 14th, 2007 at 3:49 pm
I love Iron Star, great location, great food, and it is easier to get in to since the expanded.
March 3rd, 2008 at 1:04 am
jimsotonna…
jimsotonna dropped by…
April 1st, 2008 at 9:17 am
We get Iron Starr catered at my school for certain teacher days and there is never anything left. It’s just down the street, reasonably priced, and everyone can eat there, even our Kosher friends! I also love the half-price wine days!
It’s been too long…I’m starting to get the bbq itch now.
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:02 pm
By all accounts, it’s pretty hard to fault Iron Star for their sides but the thing that really got me was the smoked brisket – it might as well have been shoe leather!
I’m used to barbecue that is tender, fatty, and falls apart. The meat at Iron Star seemed entirely too lean (and dry) in my opinion. Lean is a great thing in steaks and ground beef but not so in barbeque.
April 24th, 2008 at 8:30 pm
Sean, I will admit that I, too, find the brisket dry, though I wouldn’t go as far as calling it shoe leather
We usually get the pulled pork which is moist and tender, and if you haven’t tried the ribs, they are definitely melt-in-your-mouth.
May 19th, 2008 at 10:47 pm
We ate here tonight – took our Moms for a very late Mother’s Day celebration. The ribs were definitely the best meat selection – the brisket and turkey were good, but really quite average. I agree with Tim in that the “sides” are the selling point as far as the food goes – mac and cheese, dutch potatoes, potato salad – all very good. Disappointments were the house salad – wilted lettuce – and the deviled egg appetizer, which was way below average. The buttermilk pie is better than the banana pudding. Service could have been a little more on top of things – they never did check back on us after the food came – ran low on drinks, etc. Overall, though – good and different – will definitely go back.
August 19th, 2008 at 9:19 am
Ate here again last night. I am really favoring the ribs now. A lite portion at dinner is still plenty of meat, with two sides and a big piece of that tasty cornbread for under $10. That’s a great deal at dinner, I believe.
Also, was with a friend who had a birthday that they gave him a free dessert. But this isn’t just any dessert, it’s the $10 piece of chocolate cake that can easily serve 4 people. Now that’s a birthday gift if you ask me. Ask for it on your birthday!
September 3rd, 2008 at 10:22 am
Love love love this place!! Had a wonderful birthday dinner here, where they give the birthday a free dessert of your choice off the menu! Everything we tried was fantastic!! I would recommend this place to anyone who wants a good barbecue meal with a little twist. I can’t wait to go back!
September 4th, 2008 at 9:28 am
They have the best okra ever! Just love the pulled pork too.
October 25th, 2008 at 10:55 pm
Iron Starr is a wonderful place to eat! I thorougly enjoyed the ribs that I cut with my fork, and the macaroni and cheese was the best I have had since my mom made it 30 years ago. Great atmosphere and the wait staff was extremely efficient.
January 14th, 2009 at 3:56 pm
The grilled salmon salad is OMG unforgettable. I can’s forget it. I have it every time we go: A luscious green salad with all kinds of delightful things, grilled tomatoes, a spicy dressing, topped with a portion of salmon perfectly grilled and crowned with a regal heap of the best onion rings you have ever had–no exaggeration! Who would have thought a salad could be so serious! Nations have gone to war for less!
April 19th, 2009 at 4:54 pm
I enjoyed my trip to Iron Starr!! Our waiter was very courteous and helpful, and readily answered our questions and was attentive throughout dinner. We started with the meat and cheese sampler, which included ribs, brisket, smoked sausage, cheddar, pickles and chow-chow. The Iron Starr’s ribs definitely rock–they’re falling-off-the-bone good! I recommend the pepper-crusted smoked Prime Rib and the Wedge Salad with beef tenderloin for dinner–both offerings are delicious! Two of us split the Peach Crisp for dessert, and that was very good. I tried the Dutch Oven scalloped sweet potatoes and corn pudding, and those sides were very tasty. I took enough home to have a very nice dinner later in the week, too! This site has given me some ideas for my next visit, since I will definitely be going back, and I plan to try the Chocolate Bread Pudding-that just sounds obscenely good! Just be careful when you’re backing out of your parking space if you’re on the NW 36th St. side of the restaurant–some motorists treat it like the Indy 500!
May 4th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
I couldn’t wait too long for a return trip, so I went to the Iron Starr again on May 2, while it was pouring rain in OKC. I was seated right away, and the waitstaff was very pleasant amd prompt with their service. I had the Wedge Salad with beef tenderloin, and the pecan dressing was delicious. The lettuce wedge is stuffed with this bleu cheese blend that tastes awesome! I also got some ribs to take home, since they’re both delicious and tender. For dessert, I ordered the fantastic Double Chocolate Bread Pudding–it has LOTS of chocolate chips in it, and is topped with a Grand Marnier glaze. I better not rave about it too much, or Oklahoma might declare it illegal! It’s a very relaxed and enjoyable place to eat, and I look forward to going back.
May 4th, 2009 at 1:57 pm
P.S. I ordered a side of the Fancy Macaroni and Cheese, and that was some of the tastiest Mac and Cheese I’ve had in a long while!! Try the Dutch Oven Sweet Potatoes also if you never have before–you won’t be disappointed! TM
May 15th, 2009 at 7:36 am
I’ve lived decades convinced bbq, when done well, is an experience far too grand to ever be concoted via a typical back end of a sit down restaurant.
Over the years the typical first tipoffs that someone wanted me to try QBB (quasi style, something totally bassackwards from true BBQ) was if the invite in any way referenced the decor, used the word plates, or uttered the word restaurant. After all, real BBQ is the province of shacks, huts, joints and home smokers.
Iron Starr = the exception to the rule.
May 15th, 2009 at 3:35 pm
@Kevin, I’m glad you make an exception for Iron Starr. I think the urban bbq concept has its merits and I’m glad we can experience it here in OKC.
May 19th, 2009 at 9:38 am
I went for the first time a few weeks ago for lunch. The fancy mac & cheese was great, and I got the brisket lunch plate. The part that impressed me the most was I asked for Sweet Tea, just assuming they would have it. My waiter didn’t say anything, he just brewed me my own sweet tea. He came out to apologize that it was taking so long since they don’t normally stock it. Awesome customer service, and the place was packed!
May 26th, 2009 at 3:12 pm
My boyfriend and I have gone to Iron Starr twice, and I have nothing but great things to say about this place. I’ve had the fall-off-the-bone ribs as well as the prime rib, both of which are excellent entrée options. I can’t say enough about that fancy Mac and Cheese (it’s creamy and just downright perfect), and taste-wise it seems to veer from the sharper cheddars of standard recipes but with good results. The fries are well-seasoned, so no need for ketchup (I never use condiments on fries, and when I feel the need to do so, it means a restaurant isn’t up to snuff on its French fries). I also would recommend the Southwestern slaw. I’ve been tempted to try the corn pudding, so that might be on my list of side orders for the next time. And that chocolate cake is great. It’s one monster piece, and I agree that actually could feed three or four people.
May 27th, 2009 at 8:54 am
Just read article in The Oklahoman, 5/27/09, regarding the Iron Star. YES. No mistake, the food is exceptional. However the article mentioned several dishes, including the new BBQ club sandwich BUT failed to mention one of my favorites (hope it is still on the menu) BRAISED collards! Absolutely wonderful!!
June 7th, 2009 at 7:27 pm
Since Tim wrote this article, chocolate cake has gone up to $10!! I am obsessed with chocolate cake, but paying $10 for dessert seems outrageous, even if it is a pound of it.
If you enjoy sides, Iron Starr is definitely the place to eat. The corn bread is divine.
Service is always good here, and the waiters at Iron Starr all seem to have something in common, which makes me smile. =)
June 8th, 2009 at 2:42 pm
Can’t wait for the new location to open in Norman. Love the place, and now within biking distance.
June 8th, 2009 at 4:27 pm
@Josie, yeah, that chocolate cake is pricey but here’s something to consider – Market-C (from the same restaurant group) offers the very same chocolate cake for somewhere around $6 a slice I think when you pick it up to take it home. If you’re in the mood to get it to go, that might be a great option for your chocolate needs.
August 5th, 2009 at 10:52 am
Iron Starr is a good bet. Those ribs are tasty! Love the ‘upscale mac & cheese’ and some of the other sides.
A solid 4-star joint. I’m glad it’s there.
August 30th, 2009 at 9:10 pm
I really liked Iron Starr when I went with two other diners earlier this month. We each tried different meats and all were good, although I think we agreed that the pulled pork was divine. It was moist, flavorful, and smoky. We also had sliced brisket and ribs.
We tried different side dishes as well and they were all excellent… and of course, that cornbread! The cornbread is wonderful… it was flavorful, with a great texture (not at all dry or bland.)
Oh, this is making me crave it again. Maybe I can get my girlfriend to take me there for a date soon. (She’s a vegetarian but maybe she will be content with eating all sides and cornbread and chocolate cake?
September 22nd, 2009 at 10:33 am
Urban BBQ is an insult to craft. This place is no exception. It’s BBQ for Edmond housewives who feel they are being big risk takers by eating somewhere along 23rd street. Save your money and eat at a place where the proprietors are confident enough in the quality of their food that they don’t have to resort to a bourgeois marketing ploy.
October 12th, 2009 at 7:50 pm
Harsh Jason, but not so long ago, I was you.
Tough though it was to cross that divide, I concede now there’s more than one way to do it right.
And for those south of OKC, or those who just want a change of scenery, Iron Starr is now at Campus Corner in Norman!
October 21st, 2009 at 8:31 am
Atmosphere = Good.
Service = Great.
Side dishes = Superb! (the main reason to go)
Meat/BBQ = Good, but not the best.
Dessert = Excellent.
Overall = Will return.
November 14th, 2009 at 7:45 pm
One of OKC’s best! I am proud to take out of towners to this delicious spot!!!
January 9th, 2010 at 9:17 am
It’s OK, but having dined at Oklahoma Joe’s in Kansas City, which will spoil you rotten on any type of BBQ, I have to say Iron Starr ranks down on the list. Dry brisket is the killer, as some have noted above.
February 4th, 2010 at 11:40 pm
I never was a big BBQ afficianado, no BBQ ever grabbed me until Iron Starr opened. BBQ always seemed cheap, bland and uninteresting to me. Now Iron Starr gives me what I always thought REAL BBQ should be, which is NOT simply hunks of pork with watery, vinegar sauce on top (I prefer cooked-in sauce) and white Wonder bread. Way to go, Iron Starr. Ask for Tory if you go there, she will take care of you.
February 11th, 2010 at 6:21 pm
i used tp get in a big debate with a friend who had better BBQ, KC or OKC THATl ived in Kansas City, KC is suppossed to be a big BBQ mecca but why is the best place named Oklahoma Joes and don’bother going to the KC Masterpiece one of the worst IMHOI havn’t tried iron starr yet but am skeptical, I recently went to another BBQ Mecca Memphis and was dispappointed
February 24th, 2010 at 10:34 am
I went here with 3 friends before going out one night. We split 3 apps, the cornmeal fried shrimp, meat & chees sampler, and the nachos. Although nothing was flat out bad, I wasn’t excited about it and probably won’t be going back anytime soon.
June 15th, 2010 at 5:16 pm
My take on Iron Starr and many of my friends agree that if you have been to the really good Barbeque joints in the southwest then you know that the meat at Iron Starr is average at best. I used to go there when it was the Painted Desert and I’ve been to Iron Starr. I’ve always liked that location but many above are correct, they do have different and unique sides and they are generally pretty good but barbeque is more like something you might get on a buffett at Golden Corral or Home Town Buffet. Don’t get me wrong I like going there sometimes I just don’t go for the barbeque.
August 23rd, 2010 at 9:35 am
I have been here twice in the last few months, both for work lunches. The first time I went I got the veggie plate-salad, fried okra, green beans, and mac & cheese with a piece if cornbread. I really liked the okra, it is fried whole so that was different. And the green beans were really good, nice and crisp. As for their “famous” man & cheese…eh, i wasn’t too impressed. I mean, it was ok, but nothing I wanted to have again. The next time I went I got the pulled pork sandwich. It was good, but honestly i prefer texas roadhouse’s pulled pork to iron stars.
August 23rd, 2010 at 9:36 am
What is bad, is I totally forgot I had even been here before. I only rememebered because I saw my comment from the past as I was scrolling up.
September 16th, 2010 at 9:03 pm
I didn’t read all of the comments but it appears I may be in the minority – I love Iron Star! There bread pudding is so, so yummy that at times I would go there simply to eat that!
But I love their sauce and their sides as well!
October 5th, 2010 at 11:12 pm
Just went there tonight and I’m already thinking about a second trip. Most restaurants include sides as something to fill you up after the main attraction is eaten – totally not the case here. I was all over those sides like a bad rash. Everyone (almost) at the table ordered something different so we could pick at them all and decide what we want to eat more of. The answer was a resounding “everything!”
The ribs were hands down the best I’ve had in the city so far. I liked that the sauce was on the side – as it damn well should be. Sauce made here is just too heavy and drowns out the flavor of the meat. Really loved the mac n’ cheese, but next time I’m going corn pudding all the way. Definitely, *definitely* need more corn bread. I haven’t had good, moist cornbread in years and theirs was delightful.
I also had bites from everyone else’s plate and agree with the comments about dry brisket. I wouldn’t be happy with just that as my main, but in addition to something else it would be alright (if you’re looking for brisket, the grocery store “Buy for Less” on Penn n’ 23rd has bbq offerings friday through sunday and it ain’t half bad. the brisket makes a tasty little mexican-esque meal with tortillas n’ fixin’s). The prime rib was also very good. They cooked it just right (medium rare) and I’ve never had a crusted steak before (for shame!) so that was a tasty surprise. Definitely blew Cattlemen’s out of the water, but to be fare so did Brix – yes the sport’s bar in Bricktown. You would have to pay me to eat steak at Cattlemen’s again it was so awful, tough, dry, and overcooked (not to order). Anyway, this is about Iron Starr….
So, yeah, dinner was *awesome* and there’s another Good Egg restaurant on my list of places that need to be in frequent rotation.
And just to mention it, service was great. The waiter was polite, took our orders, and our drinks never went empty. Can’t ask for better than that.
October 25th, 2010 at 3:20 pm
After planning a trip to the Iron Star several weeks ago, My husband and I went Friday night. The food was good, but the service was really bad. The place was not busy, maybe 2 tables in the front and one table of 4 in the back. We were taken to the back of the building and left there for over 10 min. A lady came in after us and when her waiter showed up he apologized for the delay. We at this point have not been even been spoken to. When a waitress started walking back, my husband threw up his hands and asked if we were seated in the back for a reason and could we see a menu and order drinks, about 5 min later our waitress showed up without a apology. We eat out a many places and I am sorry to say we will not go back to this one.
December 13th, 2010 at 10:28 am
Typically, my wife is not a BBQ fan. However, she loves when we go to Iron Starr. It’s definitely different than other BBQ restaurants. We love the food and the service!
December 28th, 2010 at 8:43 am
Had an oppurtunity to eat at iron star a few weeks back and though I would not likely return I really do not have anything bad to say about them. It is just different. If you are like me and bbq is your favorite type of food i think you will probably be disappointed here. If you think bbq is just ok but your turned off by the typical greasy, smokey smelling, red and white table cloth with multiple squirt bottles on the table joints, this may be your place to enjoy some q. I sum it up as phoofy bbq. The meats were okay, not spectacular. They were not tough which is the main thing with bbq. The flavor left something slighty to be desired. I had briskey and Turkey. I did sample one of my daughters ribs which had a very unique taste and was actually pretty tasty. The sides are just in a different league than your oridnary bbq spot. They are higher in quality no question…..they are “phoofy”. Personally with bbq just give me regular ole green beans and regular potatoe salad, cole slaw maybe even some fries if im not sticking to a diet and I’m happy. I don’t want 5 star green beans with bbq even though they were okay. The service was very good here and they have a full bar. First bbq restaraunt i have ever eaten that I would say had any ambience whatsoever and this place actually has quite a lot. I would have no problem bringing a girl who wanted to eat bbq here on a first date….it would actually be a pretty cool spot take a date. Anyways thats my take on iron star….nothing bad just not for me.
January 13th, 2011 at 9:48 pm
I’ve been to Iron Starr countless times and have always been so satisfied. My favorites include the smoked turkey, the BBQ Club, dutch oven potatoes, fancy mac & cheese, and the cornbread.
January 13th, 2011 at 11:12 pm
Iron Starr has decided to not continue operations at Campus Corner in Norman. While they will be missed by many for their unique differences, numerous Q opportunities remain in the community and the surrounding area.
January 16th, 2011 at 2:04 pm
Hmmm the last time I was in this place I was told I had to hurry up and eat because it was going to be a busy night. The host told me I had no more than 45 minuets. I will never go back.
February 17th, 2011 at 4:14 pm
I loved Iron Starr. I’ve only been a couple of times, but both dinners were extremely enjoyable and delicious. I normally do not eat dessert, but at Iron Starr I will make an exception. The host and wait staff were particularly amazing. Def one of this girl’s faves in OKC.
March 2nd, 2011 at 7:55 am
Seriously this place is incredible!! I highly recommend the cornbread and the mac and cheese…oooooh that glorious mac and cheese!!
June 30th, 2011 at 11:08 am
Very disappointed. The sides were awful, drenched in grease and soggy. The BBQ was okay but the sauce didn’t complement the meat very well, a poor choice to pair such an overwhelmingly smoky sauce.
I don’t understand why BBQ places are so expensive, this is low-brow rural food!
Please tell us what you think.