Iron Star Barbeque
Tucked away on 36th in Oklahoma City is a brick building with some of the 405’s most revered barbecue. For fifteen years, Iron Star Urban Barbeque has combined smoked meats and upscale dining to create a unique twist on Southern comfort food.
Iron Star was the second restaurant opened by the local A Good Egg Dining Group, which traces its beginnings to the now-legendary Cheever’s Cafe on NW 23rd Street. The particular space Iron Star occupies was formerly Leslie’s Painted Desert, an old neighborhood favorite where Good Egg founder Heather Paul recognized her passion for the food industry. She started as a hostess there and eventually managed the restaurant.
Now, that beloved space houses one of the most refined spots for carnivores to get their grub on in the OKC metro. And we do mean refined. Bacon-wrapped quail breast and salmon salad aren’t the typical fare of most barbecue joints, but at Iron Star, the menu presents these surprising features right next to the more familiar pulled pork nachos and meat & cheese sampler. The St. Louis-style ribs are one of their signature dishes, featuring a particular cut of pork ribs rubbed down overnight in a secret blend of spices. The smoked brisket is another crowd pleaser. Due to demand, Iron Star smokes batches of all of their meats not once, but twice daily. For those who want something lighter, try that salmon salad, or meet in the middle with the beef tenderloin salad. A crispy wedge of iceberg lettuce is stuffed with grilled sliced beef, blue cheese, and spiced pecans.
Vegetarians are usually wary of barbecue restaurants. Most only offer a few side dishes, many of which still contain meat. But herbivores are welcomed with open arms to Iron Star with a plethora of meat-free sides. Recommended is to order the veggie plate, specifically choosing the fancy mac & cheese, whole fried okra, and corn pudding. Everyone at the table, barbecue lover or not, will enjoy a flavorful and satisfying dining experience at Iron Star.
While it’s a fantastic spot to take either a date or the family, Iron Star is also equipped for big parties. They feature two separate banquet rooms, the largest holding over 120 people. Ideal for business meetings or wedding parties, Iron Star has the space for your event. If you’d rather, they can also arrange for large deliveries, perfect for football watch parties or work luncheons. Please note that Good Egg Dining is not responsible for on-the-clock naps or loss of productivity.
> Iron Star Barbeque, 3700 North Shartel Ave, OKC
