Reviewing Big O’s Pork and Dreams: High-quality BBQ and unmatched flavors near Oklahoma City.  

At the age of 12, while many kids were mowing lawns, Owen “Big O” Wilson, Jr. was catering smoked meats in his neighborhood using the smoker his grandfather purchased for him. This beginning later evolved into a food truck business and finally into a brick-and-mortar restaurant. The family legacy of producing quality barbeque served him well. And just as crucial to this owner, it enabled him to fuel his passion for helping the youth in the Oklahoma City area.  

Having worked with many young people as a coach and as a counselor to juvenile delinquents, he strongly desired to continue helping them even as as his business began to demand more of his time. The food truck and, ultimately, the restaurant have allowed him to launch the Big O’s DreamCAST Development Program. This outreach, coordinated with other local businesses, offers apprenticeship programs. They work with local students who are willing and show incredible drive to set and achieve goals.  

In Oklahoma, barbeque is always at the top of any list of restaurants to try. So, with this admirable backstory in mind, my husband and I decided to stop by Big O’s for lunch one day. We discovered that Big O sets an excellent example of hard work, quality, and integrity. 

The ambiance is exactly what you would expect for a barbeque place—bright and open with lots of natural light. A simple chalkboard has the menu posted. All the favorite smoked meats are offered- brisket, pulled pork, ribs, hot links, turkey, and bologna. One can order the brisket sandwich either with shredded or sliced brisket.  

I opted for pulled pork (no bun) with sides of steak fries and potato salad. The serving size was enormous—it was easily enough for two people. The tender pulled pork was shredded just enough to soak up the BBQ sauce I poured on top. The fries were good-sized steak fries—perfect with a BBQ meal—not little crisp fries that can’t stand up to a hearty fare. 

My husband chose the sliced brisket sandwich with steak fries and added a hot link to his meal. Again, the serving size was most ample. He enjoys a good hot link and this one fit his requirements—spicy but not overpowering heat. The brisket had the fabulous hickory smoked flavor sought after by barbeque lovers. 

Also on the menu were incredible-sounding stuffed smoked, baked potatoes. These bad boys were huge, with delectable shredded brisket, baked beans, sour cream, and cheese. These will definitely be our choice on our next visit. 

Other items on the menu are loaded nachos, ribs, hamburgers, and cheeseburgers. I don’t doubt that anything ordered would make a great meal. The smoked meats can be ordered as a plate with sides, on a bun, or by the pound. 

It’s a win-win to support a locally owned business that not only serves great BBQ but also serves the community by mentoring the area’s youth. Kudos to Big O’s. 

And yes, we took some home!