Smokehouse Social looks to puff up OKC BBQ scene

Barbecue joint at the new OKANA resort leans into the smoke.

Smokehouse Social is aptly named — a fun environment with smoke-heavy flavors.

Part of the new OKANA Resort and Waterpark in Oklahoma City, this barbecue restaurant sits next to the development’s outdoor beach and just a few steps away from the hotel entrance.

It has a fun bar and grill vibe with three sports simulator bays that allow guests to drive golf balls, play basketball and pitch in a baseball game.

The menu has all the barbecue staples along with some creative twists.

The pork ribs had a sweet and heavy fruit flavor, a product of the cherry wood (they also use oak). A better bark could have helped balance the ribs, but even the barbecue sauce — called Smoky Tomato — was like liquid smoke.

The brisket had a spicy bark but was a tad undercooked. Like the ribs, the cherry smoke flavor was strong.

Overall, the meats were average and didn’t necessarily shine on their own.

However, their sweet taste worked well in the trashcan nachos and on a sandwich.

There’s even smoke with the desserts as the signature brownie and ice cream dish is presented with the lifting of a glass dome that had been trapping in smoke.

The vibe was fun, and the service was excellent.

The meat counter and smoker are visible, and I watched attentive pitmasters give their barbecue the care it deserves. There’s plenty of room for improvement here, but I’m excited to make a return visit to see what tweaks are made and how much more they lean into the barbecue.

Got an Oklahoma BBQ suggestion? A hidden treasure I need to try? Let me know: btfelder@gmail.com