Mac's BBQ — Restaurant in Skiatook

Mac's Barbeque

Preview: Savor the rich, smoky flavors at Mac's in Skiatook, where each bite of perfectly seasoned meat takes Oklahoma barbecue to the next level.

Final Score: 53/60 Excellent

Barbecue is the beloved food of Oklahoma, so much so that loyalty to a favorite spot can make all others feel like blasphemy. Mac's, a staple in Skiatook since 1985, was originally founded by Mike McMillan. Today, it's in the hands of Adam Green, a military veteran and smoke master who has elevated barbecue to new heights. Under Adam’s leadership, Mac’s recently won the Tulsa World BBQ Bracket Contest, with “Mac’s Mafia” showing up in full force to support.

Adam’s dedication to hard work and passion for his craft shine through in every dish. He brings creativity to barbecue with unique flavor profiles that go far beyond traditional smoked meats. Each visit has revealed new seasonings; honey, coriander, cumin, rosemary, and thyme all adding depth to his incredible creations. With Mac’s recent competition victory, it was the perfect time for a formal review. So, let’s see what’s smokin’ let’s eat!

Smoked Turkey

The depth of smoke Adam achieves with each bite is impressive. Every mouthful perfectly fuses the smoky flavor with the delicate seasoning of the turkey. The meat is incredibly juicy, with the smoke and seasoning so well integrated throughout the breast that I initially thought it had been brined. However, I later learned that this remarkable flavor is purely the result of Adam’s smoking expertise.

Chicken Leg

Much like the breast, the leg offers a perfect balance of smoke and seasoning. Each bite falls off the bone, delivering initial bursts of rich salt, paprika, and pepper, followed by tender, smoky chicken. The finish is a delightful blend of chicken fat and skin that coats the palate beautifully.

Pork Ribs

The ribs offer a tender yet slightly firm texture, providing a pleasing contrast in each bite. Once again, the balance of smoke, seasoning, and meat is masterfully executed. The flavor journey begins with a burst of seasoning, transitions to the richness of the pork, and finishes with a perfect touch of smoke.

Pulled pork

The pulled pork was the most delicate in terms of smoke and seasoning with an emphasis on the pork flavor. It was tender and juicy.

Jalapeno and Cheddar Polish Sausage

Each bite delivers the rich, savory flavor of sausage, followed by sharp cheddar and smoke in the middle, and finishing with the subtle heat of jalapeño. The blend of flavors elevates this sausage far beyond the traditional smoked variety.

Sides: Coleslaw, Potato Salad, BBQ Beans The coleslaw is bold and unapologetic. Its creamy sauce is perfectly balanced with the crisp slaw, delivering an intense hit of garlic and cream that gives way to the fresh flavor of the cabbage, creating a beautifully counterbalanced palate experience. It's a powerful combination.The potato salad, featuring eggs, leans on the creamy side with chunks of potato and a mild tang from mustard and dressing. The beans aren’t overly sweet, offering a smoky barbecue flavor with bits of chewy meat. The green beans have a classic profile, seasoned with smoke and salt.

Overall:

Mac's is truly a barbecue mecca for its loyal "mafia" and all of Oklahoma. Adam's mastery of the smoking process and his innovation with proteins set him apart. His weekly specials, featuring items like redfish, half chickens, salmon, and beef ribs, go beyond the traditional pulled pork, brisket, and ribs. This creativity allows Adam to explore new flavors rather than focusing solely on one barbecue style, such as Carolina or Texas. By doing so, he offers something fresh in a field that often clings to tradition without moving forward. Until next time, friends—let’s eat!

Final score:...

I’ve been in Tulsa now for a couple years. Dropped in for the first time tonight. On recommendation from the cashier I got a combo. I got a couple of ribs, pulled pork, sliced brisket, and smoked bologna. I ordered campfire potatoes and cole slaw on the side. On arriving home, the smell overpowered me and I couldn’t wait long enough to get a proper picture (I got it to-go, the brisket is hiding under the bologna.)

The ribs were great. Good texture and very meaty. I was a big fan - clean flavor and not overpoweringly smokey. Light on bark, but not disappointing at all.

The pulled pork was moist and savory, with the right amount of bark. It’s good with the sauce and pretty good without it as well. I will probably get this as a sandwich next time.

The bologna was perfect. If you love smoked bologna, this is the best I’ve had up around Tulsa. I love Burn Co, but I find those slices too thick. These were just right. Highly recommend if you’re a bologna fan.

The sliced brisket was tender and delicious. Great smoke ring, not a ton of bark (awww man) but great texture. This was really good - it might’ve been lean/flat, but it tasted like moist/point cut. Definitely worth a visit for a taste.

The campfire potatoes were GREAT. Cheesy hashbrown goodness. The cole slaw was crunchy, slightly sweet and refreshing. The sauce was familiar, but also original. I usually don’t sauce my bbq, but I mopped this stuff up.

If you want to impress some visitors, it’s worth a drive up to Skiatook. I’ll definitely be bringing my family...

The moment you walk in, the smoked meat aromas overwhelm your senses and set your mouth to watering! This is a very casual, no-frills, rustic design type of BBQ joint, with your meal being prepared on metal trays rather than plates. Thoughtful customers can clean up after themselves, placing their trays and silverware on the cabinet by the front door, which also has a place to deposit trash. My go-to at this place is the sliced beef sandwich! I love how incredibly moist and tender the meat is, with a great smoky flavor I choose to enjoy without bothering to add their BBQ sauce! The sandwich buns are fresh baked, light, and fluffy! Customers can add peppers and onions if they choose to from the station against the wall where beverage "condiments" are also available. There is no alcohol available for purchase here, but there are canned sodas and bottled water, fountain drinks, and iced teas to wet your whistle offered for purchase with your meal. I was so hungry that I completely forgot to take photos until after I was putting the last bite in my mouth. I'll edit to add photos next time I'm in Skiatook and stop in for...