The name of this BBQ joint has me confused. It is spelled "Above P@R." Check the signs. The restaurant's theme is a play on golf. No barn tin, farm implements, road signs, not even a picture of a cow inside the restaurant. A golf themed, side of the road, rural country BBQ restaurant sure seems odd to me. And instead of PAR, it is P@R? And then, Above P@R? Wouldn't you want to be below par. Isn't that how golf works? The goal is to come in under par? That means you are good, right? I'm sure that there were hours of thought that went into the name, and it all makes sense to someone. Just never mind, lets focus on the food.
It is a clean, simple little cinder block building on the south side of highway 64, west of Tahlequah. Nothing fancy. The menu covers the BBQ essentials: ribs, brisket, sausage, pulled pork and an Oklahoma favorite bologna. The usual sides, mandatory fried okra, etc. etc. and a surprise, normally only appearing during your family holiday get togethers, Deviled Eggs! Yep, Deviled Eggs!
My wife opted for the Brisket Sandwich with fried okra and potato salad. Brisket here is excellent. Tender, lean with a thick smokey bark. I had the jalapeno sausage, baked beans and the potato salad. Great tasting, smokey sausage. The potato salad here is exceptional. Not the typical mustard potato salad, like you pick up at Walmart in the deli section. I'd guess that Above P@R's potato salad is derived from a secret family recipe. It is tasty. The bake beans tasted like they spent some time in the smoker with the brisket. A nice touch of smoke. The helpings of the sides are generous. Check the pictures. We couldn't finish them all. A selection of BBQ sauce is on the table. The hot is perfect!!!
Great friendly service from a feisty young lady working today. My receipt said it was Christina.
Most BBQ joints are "par" for the course. "Above P@R BBQ" is very good! So, in golf terms, being better, it is below par. That made sense, right?
EAT HERE! The food is fantastic. Be sure to try the golf ball challenge. You might win your meal! read more