Clark Crew BBQ in Oklahoma City: Memphis-Style Ribs and Brisket with Competitive Pricing

Clark Crew BBQ is a counter-service barbecue restaurant specializing in Memphis-style smoked meats, located in Oklahoma City and focused on pork ribs, brisket, and pulled pork finished with rubs and light sauce rather than heavy glaze.

What Clark Crew BBQ actually is

Clark Crew operates as a casual takeout and dine-in spot built around Memphis-style barbecue, where the rub and smoke matter more than sauce. The operation centers on whole hog smoking and cuts like St. Louis ribs and competition-grade brisket. Unlike Texas-forward spots that lead with beef, or Carolina joints that lean into vinegar-heavy sauces, Clark Crew positions itself in the middle ground: quality meat execution without regional dogmatism. The restaurant accommodates both grab-and-go orders and limited table seating, making it accessible for lunch runs or small group meals.

Menu and pricing

Clark Crew's meat plate options run from $13 to $18 per entrée, depending on the cut and portion size. A half-rack of ribs sits around $15, while brisket plates (typically a quarter-pound to half-pound portion) range from $16 to $18. Pulled pork sandwiches cost $10 to $12. Sides including baked beans, coleslaw, and cornbread run $2 to $3 each. Family packs for four people start around $50 and include ribs or brisket with two sides and cornbread. Pricing is consistent with mid-range Oklahoma City barbecue and undercuts higher-volume spots like Ted's Cafe Escondido (which operates as Tex-Mex, not barbecue, but commands similar per-plate costs for entrées in the $14 to $16 range). Exact pricing should be confirmed directly, as portions and meat availability shift with smoking schedules.

How it compares to other Oklahoma City barbecue

Oklahoma City barbecue splits between Texas-style operations like Cattlemen's Steakhouse (brisket-forward, larger format) and newer independent spots like Tamashii Ramen + Izakaya (which serves smoked items as part of a broader menu, not as a primary focus). Clark Crew sits between those poles: it's not a historic institution like Cattlemen's, but it's more specialized than restaurants that treat barbecue as a side category. Compared to other Memphis-style focused spots in the region, Clark Crew's emphasis on competition-grade rub and lighter sauce application differentiates it from restaurants that apply sauce more liberally. Choose Cattlemen's if you want brisket in a full-service steakhouse environment with sides like loaded potatoes; choose Clark Crew if you want ribs and pulled pork made without heavy sauce and minimal fuss.

Who it suits and who it does not suit

Clark Crew works well for barbecue purists who prefer meat quality and smoke profile over sauce flavor, for midday lunches where counter ordering is efficient, and for diners on a moderate budget. It suits small groups and families ordering family packs more than large parties expecting table service or drink programs. It does not suit diners seeking full-service dining, alcohol, or elaborate side dishes. It also may not appeal to those who prefer sauce-forward or vinegar-based barbecue styles.

What the first visit involves

Walk to the counter, review the meat and side options posted above (availability shifts daily based on smoking), order, and pay. Meats are portioned and plated to order, so expect a 5 to 10 minute wait even during off-peak times. You'll receive your order at the counter or have it brought to a table if you're staying in-house. The dining room is sparse but functional, with a handful of tables and no table service. Takeout orders are bagged and ready within the same timeframe.

Hours, parking, and logistics

Clark Crew operates Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. (verify current hours, as barbecue restaurants occasionally adjust based on meat availability or staffing). Parking is street-level or in a small adjacent lot; the space is not large enough for extended wait times during lunch rush (roughly 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekdays). The restaurant is cash-friendly but accepts cards. The space is small and does not accommodate groups larger than eight comfortably without takeout.

Clark Crew fills a specific role in Oklahoma City's barbecue landscape: competent Memphis-style execution at reasonable prices, without the institutional feel of older steakhouse barbecue or the sauce-heavy approach of many regional chains.