Oklahoma's Own: Get Your Barbecue Fix On Route 66 in Bristow

Craig Day, News On 6

BRISTOW, Oklahoma -- With the holidays now behind us, you may be a little tired of leftover ham and turkey and dressing. It is time to get back to an Oklahoma basic, barbecue.

I have found a great place to get your post holiday barbecue fix is on Route 66.

Two things I love about Oklahoma are Route 66 and great barbecue and you can find both in Bristow.

Come lunchtime, Russ Ribs at 223 South Main Street in Bristow is a busy place. Busy for a reason.

"Good food, Good atmosphere and everybody is really nice in here," said customer Kenny McGuire.

"It's good food, and a lot of it," said customer Jason McGuire.

This place has good food, good service and a good time, right along America's Highway, Route 66.

"It's just been a little stop along the way from Tulsa to Oklahoma City over the years on Route 66," said owner Larry Coleman.

Russ has been around a while, but Larry Coleman bought the BBQ joint this year, adding a few things, but keeping what makes the spot popular.

"I think it's a great place," said customer Sherry Elias.

That includes the signature item on the menu.

"We take pride in our tri tip," said Larry Coleman.

Tri Tips are the bottom part of a sirloin. A triangular, lean and mouth watering cut of meat that sets Russ apart.

"I don't want to say we're world famous yet, but we want to get there," Larry Coleman said.

Maybe not world famous, but pretty close. At least according to the walls, the ceiling, the window sills, where countless people, not just Oklahomans have left their names.

From Eagle, Idaho to El Paso, Texas and beyond.

"Different states, different countries," said customer Jason McGuire.

"Germany, France, Italy, Spain. You name it, the writing is on the wall," said Larry Coleman.

Many sign the walls when they stop while traveling down the Route 66. The most famous so far is Paul McCartney, but to Larry they're all special.

"I guess you'd say they're all favorites to me, they're all customers," said Larry Coleman.

Many of those customers keep coming back.

So leave I-44 for an historic highway and your weight loss resolutions behind. Leave your mark, and leave with a fully belly with a great barbecue back roads adventure under your belt.

"If you leave hungry, it's your own fault," said Jason McGuire.

The building where Russ Ribs is located was built around 1930 and was hamburger joint for years.

Hank Williams, Bob Wills and many other music legends have stopped there to eat between gigs in Tulsa and Oklahoma City.

Read more of Craig Day's Oklahoma's Own stories.