This place is not the business. I took my food to go and when I got to my hotel room and open what I thought was a box of joy, not so much. I ordered the brisket and ribs platter ($18.99) the ribs were burnt and brisket was really chewy. Now, I've been around the block when it comes to good BBQ and this BBQ at the most is ok. Meh The fries were the best thing. Bad BBQ makes my inner fat girl very sad. To my fellow airline crew members, not worth coming here for the price you pay for bad food.
(1)
Dale G.
I ordered the ribs with sweet potato fries, clow slaw and bake beans. The ribs where burned , sweet potatoes fries and bake beans were cold. Server was running around trying his best to wait on everyone. 2 other servers just stood by the wall and chatted the whole time. Never offered to help him. At old location the food was a lot better.
(1)
Dan B.
Really good ribs! You can believe the hype. My friends said the steak was very good as well. The staff is fun and friendly, but I have to mention that the manager walked right in front of us while we were eating at the bar and began describing a drainage problem they were having. Admittedly, they were bringing in a professional to fix the issue but I was a little put off that the manager didn't take the time to ask us if we'd like to move while they fixed it. Instead we sat there listening to the appetizing sound of a drain being snaked while we enjoyed our very tasty meal. Immediately following our meal, the stench began and we asked if there was a discount for the smell. The bartender politely stated that they didn't have a button on the POS for that. I imagine you'll probably have a better experience than we did because the odds of this situation happening again aren't very high. On the off chance it does, I hope the manager and the staff are more attentive after reading this review.
(3)
Ashley P.
I live in the city but this is our first time here. We were dining with 2 KIDS. It was a Saturday and not very busy ... I don't know why. The food itself was tasty. The management is NOT. We ordered the app "macho nachos with peppers on the side" when it was sat on the table, it had peppers all over it. The waitress automatically took nachos away without us asking. :) it was returned to us without jalapeños :( however, they were the same nachos! We knew this because there was a couple still hiding. We were offered a remedy but declined free dessert. So if your looking for good food but questionable management this is your place.
(2)
M S.
Good atmosphere. Nice help. Food is terrible. The BBQ here is electric Overcooked mush. Ribs have little meat and the sausage is just a large hot dog. Find another place to eat unless you love electric "BBQ"
(2)
Brandon R.
My family and I have been here several times. Overall the food is very good on most occasions. I've been there when everything is excellent and I have been and left extremely disappointed. It seems that they have trouble finding good kitchen staff. The appetizers are good treat yourself to the mozzarella sticks. They are huge and can't really be screwed up without some serious work. The drinks you order from the bar are good they put decent amounts of alcohol in them and Tuesday's are $.99 bud light. The ribs can be amazing and deserve their "world famous" title (when cooked correctly). The catfish and shrimp and the kitchen sink burger are also very good and fulfilling. Their deserts are awesome always. Large cookies and brownies covered in a generous portion of ice cream. In closing if you go on a night when the chef knows what he/she is doing then you will be very pleased. If you want to ensure you have the best waitress in the business then I recommend requesting to be sat in Lacey's section. She is amazing so friendly and very attentive. I would give her 10 stars alone. I can't rate this establishment any higher because of the inconsistent quality of the food. When they are on its definitely a 5. But when they are off they are really off, so I went in the middle.
(3)
Rachel F.
The food was great, got the guacamole burger. However, the server was not knowledgable.
(3)
Rachel S.
The word of the day for Shorty's is: decent. Nothing was particularly memorable, but it was all 'good'. The service was *decent*. There was a time where my water was very empty when I wasn't drinking it particularly fast, and when you're food is taking a while to get to you, you notice things like that a little more. Cheese dip and chips 3/5: *Decent*. That's disregarding the intense price tag of $7.99. Ouch! The chips were sturdy, and that's totally something to point out, because brittle chips suck and you know it. For the first time in my restaurant experience, there was more queso than there were chips. So that was a pleasant surprise. The queso was thick, but thin enough to make sipping easy. The unfortunate part was that the taste was run of the mill and slightly bland. Smothered chicken (grilled chicken tenders topped with sauteed mushrooms, onions, red and green bell peppers, covered with swiss cheese. served with rice pilaf, green beans and a cheese biscuit) 3/5: All in all, this dish was *decent*. The portion of it was filling (and a bit much if you spring for an appetizer), but I'm not sure I agree with the $13.49 stamp when it comes to quality. The chicken was fairly juicy, but the melted Swiss had that 'plastic'y' quality you get from cheap and/or improperly melted cheese. The green beans were surprisingly good. I was expecting them to taste like out of a can or cooked in a way that left them too firm, but they might have been the better part of the dish. The rice ran about the same as any pilaf you'd get at a *decent* restaurant. Decadent chocolate cake (old fashioned chocolate cake topped with chocolate and more chocolate and more chocolate and more.) 4/5: What an apt description. I ACTUALLY ordered cheesecake, but... whateveeeer. I am not a big chocolate fan, to be honest. This cake was -intense-, guys. Chocolate with chocolate icing on top and between layers with chocolate drizzle and chocolate sprinkles. And it was -dense-. It wasn't very moist, though, and that sort of topples the density of the cake, making it difficult to masticate and enjoy properly. But if you looove chocolate, this is your jam. I don't think I'd return unless I was on this side of town during lunch (they have decent lunch specials).
(3)
Tylonda B.
Husband and I both ordered Shorty's world famous ribs. Very tender, his were sauced and prepared better than mine. Somehow mine head more char and had less sauce, but not bad. Best part was we went on a Tuesday and both plates were $4 off! The chips and queso appetizer hit the spot. My little one was disappointed whyth the kids menu options. She likes to enjoy the flavors of the restaurant we are at, and the basic cotn dog/chicken/burger/pizza options didn't appeal much to her. She went ahead and ordered the pizza and was sad to find out that they only serve cheese pizza. Sorry kids. No pepperoni here! She actually ended up eating ribs with me and really enjoyed them. Best part for her was that kids can choose a popsicle with their meal, from the freezer. Our server was very attentive and entertained our talkative daughter very well. The manager made his way by during our meal to make sure all was well, so that was a nice touch too.
(4)
Tyrone S.
If your looking for a family atmosphere with pretty descent food then this is the place. If your looking for out of this world barbecue then this isn't the place. The onion loaf is great and the other food is good not great but good and the prices are reasonable. Plus kids get to choose from ice creams and that's a big plus!
(3)
Justin W.
I had the Shorty Smalls World Famous ribs, Sadie Size (I'm on a budget and also trying to limit my piggishness). The ribs were excellent, definitely falling off the bone. The beans were a bit sweet more than savory. I liked the coleslaw, which was nice and crunchy and had a but of a zing. No complaints here and the $10 off a purchase of $40 or more attracted us there.
(4)
Remmy B.
This place has nothing good going for it. The food was horrible, despite the overwhelming taste of salt on everything food was bland as cardboard. I had the catfish one night and after one bite of the mushy fresh from the freezer taste I didn't take another bite. The burgers? LOL well save your money and just hit any fastfood burger joint. They talk up their ribs which is surprising since they aren't any better than Chili's and after I had them for lunch the one day, i spent the rest of the afternoon hitting the restroom. That was the last straw so I didn't go back. As for the service, well if time is no issue then by all means go there. You can spend your time looking at all the useless junk hung from the walls making it look like a hoarder's dream come true.
(1)
Esther P.
Wanted something that represented OKC, and was told it was good stuff. Needless to say it was very disappointing....way overpriced. So bummed
(1)
Reazy B.
Two stars cuz Raquel was a great server. I can cook better food in a stranger's RV. Ribs were good, beans tasted like they were from a can and watered down. Slaw was from a secret recipe from an 85 year old lady who lost her sense taste. Fries were old and reheated in the fryer. Brisket was smothered in sauce that tasted like it was from a plastic bottle, so I don't really know how it tasted or what they were trying to hide. Pepsi was excellent! I should've posted a picture of my toilet a couple hours later, just to show the trauma my body endured. I just assume get a McRibb next time I venture out for "BBQ".
(2)
Jeff T.
Four of us stumbled in late, 45 minutes before closing, desperate for dinner. We generally hate to be those guys who inconvenience the staff at closing, but no one was the least bit put out. Chicken fried pasta, which I can only assume is redneck / Italian fusion cuisine, was actually really good. Not the greatest alfredo sauce ever, but still pretty damned good. Cheese stick appetizers are the size of small firewood. Just right prior to the meal. Honey Mustard chicken sandwich filled a ravenous teenage boy post-hunting trip. I call that an endorsement. Overall, I'd call it a win. Waitstaff was pleasant and attentive. We always had full water glasses and the condiments we requested were delivered quick. We'll be back!
(4)
Jason C.
Awesome place good ribs baked beans are some of the best I've had at a bbq restaurant
(5)
Sandy N.
We ordered the smorgasbord and the sirloin with a side of non loaded and a side of loaded potatoes . We ordered it to go got there , before the order was done. Fries and nachos were already luke warm, the mashed potatoes as well. Ordered the steak well done got it medium rare. Cheese biscuits were ok and if the potatoes had been hot they would have maybe tasted good. Also there was green stuff in my non loaded potatoes. The steak can use more flavor.
(2)
Douglas D.
The most unprofessional place I have been in a long time. Steak was just ok but the young staff were having a giggle feast in the kitchen with the manager. He was too busy playing touchy feeling with the young waitresses to come out and check on his customers. He might try working the dining room and it might totally change the attitude of the staff and the customers!
(2)
Justin H.
Overall I would say my experience was...normal. I had the sausage platter which came with two, 4 inch polish sausages that were split in half and smoked. They tasted delicious (a tad heavy on the salt) but I was a bit disappointed at the fact that I only got two for a $13 meal. You will not leave that entree with a full stomach. It came with three sides (baked beans, coleslaw and fries) that were decent. My girlfriend had the smoked brisket sandwich and I feel like it was well worth the cost. The brisket was slightly rubbery but it did have a good flavor. If you're looking for a chain restaurant, I feel like Rib Crib outshines Shortys. The same price will get you some great food. Thanks!
(3)
Richard D.
Sadie size ribs with a tall shiner bock was amazing! Beans are so good. I'd go back in a heartbeat.
(4)
Spencer G.
Not very impressed with this place. Shorty Smalls recently moved from the corner of Meridian and Reno, next to a Red Roof to a place on Meridian, closer to the airport. Their original location was in a pretty sketchy location, therefore I refused to stop by. It had the ambiance of a truck stop. When I walked into the new Shorty Smalls, a nice lady greeted me with a smile, and asked how my day was going. She was very pleasant, and seemed genuine. Walking to my table, there was a lot going on on the walls, as far as decorations go. Sky lodge decor overkill son. I was sat down, my drink order was taken, my server was pleasant as well, and she smelled of roses. She had a ponytail as well. When it comes to ponytails, I'm indifferent. Looking over the menu, the prices were a bit more expensive that I would have guessed. It took me a while to decide what I wanted because I didn't want anything, but I took the time to print out my coupon, get out of my car, and walk in. I've been trying to be more productive with my time, therefore I decided to stay and order. I went with the brisket platter. It was 16.99. Came with coleslaw, beans, fries, and brisket of course. Everything was just ordinary. Beans tasted like they came from a porknbean can to the microwave and then to my plate. Cole slaw was low quality, dry and sad. The brisket was drowned my a vinegar bbq sauce, therefore that was all I tasted. The meat seemed tender though. All in all, service the good, food not so great. I'm giving it 3 stars because the service was 4. and the food was maybe 2. I will not be back here, however if someone asks me where to find the least impressive locally owned restaurant closest to the airport, I'll know where to send them!
(3)
Rocky B.
Fantastic ribs and when I asked for spicy sauce he went back and concocted some. Plus COOP F5 on tap. Excellent.
(5)
Sarah H.
While planning a day trip to Oklahoma City, I took to restaurant.com to find a restaurant and came across Shorty Small's, decided to give it a try, and bought the certificate. It was a little out of our way, but I'm glad we tried it. First, a tip.... You can order a different day's lunch special. Today's was a catfish Po boy which none of us wanted. We didn't ask but our server didn't tell us we could order lunch specials from a different day of the week. Right before we were leaving, we heard another server tell a neighboring table about that. I just wish we would have known. My husband and I shared the rib and brisket platter. Meat was tender, juicy, and seasoned well, however the brisket may or may not have actually been smoked there. You could tell the brisket was machine cut and similar in taste and texture to the precooked and presliced briskets you can buy at Sam's Club. Still, it was tasty. I personally like sweet coleslaw, so I was a little disappointed when I tasted it and discovered the unsweetened variety. However, it was still delicious and crisp! Baked beans were good. Nothing extraordinary but average as well as the French fries. Standard BBQ restaurant fries I added an additional dinner salad with honey mustard dressing. The dressing was delicious ;). Mostly honey...Less mustard. Our son had the kid's pizza with fries. Pizza was a thick personal pan which looked very tasty! Special bonus... Kids meals come with a choice of frozen treat. My son enjoyed going to the freezer and picking out his own push pop. Other options included personal size strawberry ice cream, twin pops, and fudge pop too; though , this may change and vary in selection. Overall after applying our $10 restaurant.com certificate all 3 of us walked out well fed for just under $20 with tip! We ordered... Rib and Brisket Platter Side dinner salad Kids pizza 3 waters Thank you Shorty Small's for participating with restaurant.com . We would have never found you without it.
(4)
Doug K.
It's just okay. I had the Ribs & Brisket. Both served already covered with BBQ sauce. The brisket was thinly sliced and chewy. The ribs were baby backs and were okay. Service was slow. From the time I got my food to when I asked for my check, the waiter never checked on me. No drink refills. For me, Shorty Smalls came up way short of the Mark for good BBQ. I should have known when I saw pasta and seafood on the menu. I'll not be back.
(2)
Bob L.
This was my least favorite of the four bbq restaurants I visited in OKC near the airport. The ribs were not impressive and cold when delivered to my table. The prices are higher than the rest as well. They do have a full bar and not just bbq on the menu which is probably why bbq is not their specialty even though they claim to be the best bbq spot in OKC. NOT TRUE AT ALL. The hostess was courteous, most waitresses speak when walking by and the bartender was good. Managers do check on your table too. I returned the ribs and ordered fish which was DELICIOUS but I only gave a 1 for the ribs on this rating. No, I wasn't charged for not eating the cold ribs
(1)
Gary B.
(I'd give it a 1.5, to be a bit kinder.) To start out, any place whose tap beers almost all end with "lite" doesn't bode well. The more-or-less unengaged staff (yawning while she's talking to me!) didn't help my first impression. The special (which she didn't remember...I had to go up front to look at the board) was a combo platter: ribs, brisket, and pulled pork. I figured I might as well see what they had to offer. My opinion? Meh. (I do love that word). There wasn't much smoke on the meat. The sauce was OK, but it sure wasn't anything to write home about. Sweet, not enough spicing. Just, well, just Meh. The brisket was probably the worst of the lot. It wasn't bad... it just wasn't much of anything. It tasted more boiled than anything. The pulled meat was so-so. Ribs were the best of the lot, but again... nothing. The thing that REALLY brought this down was the pewter platter they served it on. The platter hadn't been pre-heated and by the end of the meal was stone cold...as was the meat on the platter. I may as well have been eating left-overs. When I pointed this out to the manager her mumbled as how it should have been pre-heated, and then went back to eating HIS dinner. Talk about lousy customer service! Anyway... it was close to my hotel and it's a Sunday night so the places I really wanted to go to weren't open. Bottom line... don't waste your money. Most hole-in-the-wall places I've had BBQ at could run circles around this joint.
(1)
Craig S.
I'm a previous server, and I do lots of meat smoking and BBQ, so of the 3 BBQ joints nearby, (listening to reviews) I chose this one. Its' interior is nice and clean. Spacious and quiet for a Monday The server was as helpful as a piece of wet cardboard. Every question was answered with, "I'll have to ask." She was totally confused while taking orders; not able to deal with special orders, questions about the food, or beer selection. Enough about this "server". As far as the food. Bleah! The chips and cheese sauce was as bland and cheeze wiz with green peppers. Green beans were lack luster. Ribs, OMG! Burnt, overcooked, thin, lifeless and sparse. The brisket was fairly good. Smoke was evident, and sauce was not overpowering. They were the true highlight of the meal, but not enough to suggest going. As far as the price, we got a hotel discount of 10%. When we asked the server about he "owners club" we were greeted by that beautiful dumbfounded smile we received concerning all our other questions. I will grant to the company that this was early Monday evening, therefore not the A-team. But nonetheless, all establishments must train their employees to know the menu, bar menu and the basics of the rest of the menu. More importantly, the server must adhere to the basic order hierarchy: Introduce oneself, take drink order and maybe appetizer. Deliver drinks, asks if any questions on the menu. Take order, Deliver order. Check on quality of order. Check on beverages, clear plates. offer desert. After dinner drinks, then bill. (no hovering after bill is dropped). So, overall impression: Not happy. Service lacked, food was lacking, and price was high for product. Next time I will try Billy Sims BBQ, for at least I saw that they were burning real wood in the fire pit.
(1)
Scott P.
I stayed at the hotel next door and wanted some good barbecue. Was tipped off to this place by the hotel staff and decided to give it a try. I really have to say, I'm pretty surprised by all the low reviews that this place has gotten. The barbecue was DAMNED good, and all the sides were really satisfying. I had a big 'ol glass of sweat tea and a meat sampler, and I was pleasantly pleased (onomonopesomething for ya!) by everything. The service was good, the ribs and brisket were excellent, the sides were good... there's nothing else that I can really say about this place. I guess it's a chain, with other locations throughout the city? Be that as it may, it's a chain that's doing things well. I'm sure there are probably *better* BBQ locations in OKCity, but for a hungry traveller staying in the middle of nowheresville with not many options, it's a damned good place to grab some grubbage.
(4)
Klint A.
Food was good but way over priced for what you got, most entrees are over 12 and come with no sides, you have to purchase them extra, their signature drink is disgusting!
(3)
Lisa P.
Don't order a salad. Way overpriced for the quality you get. Burgers are good though.
(3)
Mark g.
the one guy is right, it's just an upscale bar food and grill. don't expect anything else, just pretty much the same food you can screw up at home-burgers, nachos, etc. The guy working the front desk was a real please tho. Older guy very nice. Food is just mediocre.Nice atmosphere, cheese dip was excellent. Salads are very expensive. Maybe i need to try the ribs next time....
(3)
Autumn B.
Went for lunch. Chicken fried steak and fried okra were good. The mashed potatoes were cold. Server was fine, not friendly but good a refilling drinks and to be fair we were a table of 6 and probably loud. Just okay.
(3)
Sarah F.
We had brisket and ribs with all the fixings. Ribs were okay brisket were fatty and greasy. Biscuit was overcooked. Coleslaw was not bad. Disappointed in food. Nice clean atmosphere and great staff.
(2)
Debi R.
I should have left when the pre-register host was rudely insistent to my mother about her cell phone number. He told her he had to have her number so we could be called when our table was ready. I intervened and got inside without sharing our phone number. Inside it didn't get any better. You have to realize that there was only two tables filled in the restaurant. We were immediately seated which made me realize they only needed our number to send future marketing texts. Once seated it was at least 10 minutes before we snagged a waiter to take our orders. We were a party of six. The menu was diverse and everyone found something to beat. Their owners club offers discounted meal prices but costs $15 per person per month. Trust me, even at the discounted price, the food here would be overpriced. Another 10 minutes pass before our drinks arrive and all we ordered was water. We had to request twice silverware. The food we ordered was what you would expect at a baseball concession stand. The ribs and brisket had been microwaved or left in an oven way beyond coking time. Coleslaw was tasteless unless you really like mayonnaise. One member if our party is on dialysis and requested no added salt. His fries were coated in seasoning. When we requested new fries for him we were told that the seasoning isn't salt when in truth it was. We snagged the waitress at the other table and she brought out new fries that were almost frozen. The chicken fry was giant but the size was to disguise the fact that there wasn't any meat. It lacked flavor and after a few bites left me nauseated. Overall, I can't give the food even one star. The final straw was when the bill arrived. One couple paid cash but the two others used credit cards. Luckily. Someone noticed that the cards had been switched. But so had the bills! We had another wait of 10 minutes trying to explain what needed to happen so that we were charged the correct amounts. We asked for a copy if the refund ticket and told that we didn't need it. The manager was not helpful at all and when he visited our table should have noticed are full plates.
(1)
Joe N.
If this place says the best ribs in town, Oklahoma City has truly got a problem!! The ribs was completely dry soaked them with sauce with a vinegar base truly disgusting... Also in the baked beans they completely soaked them with jalapeno peppers and vinegar juice you could not even taste the means at all. The cheese biscuit was hard on the outside and Raw on the inside. Truly a disappointing evening. The service was almost nothing, you practically had to throw stuff at the server to get their attention. Like I said if I could do a zero they would have it!!!
(1)
Katherine B.
It's okay. Pretty much on par with Twin Peaks or Hooters, so if that's you're thing then you'll have a blast. Personally I prefer Bikini's.
(3)
David E.
I was traveling so thought I would try. The service was good and the bbq was average. The brisket was a little dry for my liking. The ribs were good. The serving we're large and I left full. I. Also liked the fact that I never ran out of soda. The server kept my cup full.
(3)
Paul P.
Completely underwhelming. I don't consider the price "moderate" for the quality of the food or service. it was next to hotel, but i wish i had gone elsewhere.
(1)
Marcus S.
The guy at my hotel told me the sign outside Shorty Small's was accurate: best ribs in town. I took the advice and had the ribs. They weren't bad, but no way could they be best in town. I had to get an extra bowl of BBQ sauce to get some flavor on them. Tender? Yes. Flavorful? Not really. The real treat of the meal wasn't the ribs or the beans or slaw, it was the biscuit. The biscuit was fantastic.
(3)
Staci P.
Cute place! On mondays kids eat free! They were busy when we were there but got seated right away. Our appetizers took forever but they apologized & didn't charge us for it. Waiter real sweet. Had the ribs and pulled pork. Fall off the bones ribs were great not big on the pork or the beans. But everything else was delicious!
(4)
Dennis H.
I fnally found somethiing "small" at Shorty Small's! (My real agenda was to have enough room for dessert.) I had the grilled salmon, which was just the right portion. It was well seasoned and juicy (not over cooked and dry). I still had room for a berry cobbler topped with ice cream!!
(5)
Tsz-Cheong C.
Delicious chicken fried steak, this dish is a classic here for me. The BBQ brisket is awesome. Many sides to choose from. The fried okra never disappoints. The onion loaf is greasy but oh so good. They also make a pretty good burger as well.
(4)
Andrica D.
This place is a nice place to go have a meal and be able to hear the person across fri you talk ... I had the American cheese burger and it was huge ! Good flavor as well we also got the big sample as a appetizer which has a good assortment of snacks .. Wait staff was on it with the drinks which was awesome , they were also able to sit a party of 13 at the same table which not many places can do that .. Thank you management for an awesome team tonight !
(4)
Shaun A.
Went back a few days after my first review and I have to confirm they are a solid biz. Went on a Tuesday night at 6:30 and there were not many patrons. Got the chicken fried steak this time (to impress someone that hadn't been there before) and it was outstanding. Service was solid as well. If you want traditional, Southern food, you have arrived.
(4)
Darrin L.
Stopped in for a work dinner with another business associate. Wait staff was prompt but not well informed. I asked what type of ribs the special were (e.g., beef, pork, etc.).....answer "I don't know". I decide to give it a try anyway as I like either. Ordered full rack of ribs, received a half rack. They were warm to cool, dry, and very unpleasant. It seemed to me they may have been frozen then perhaps rewarmed in a microwave or something. Basically, I received tasteless food for the $20 I paid. Would never return here - but then again I guess you get what you pay for.....low-end food at under $25 pricing.
(1)
Jane P.
Really enjoyed the Appetizer Platter. A lot of food, we couldn't eat it all! Especially the Fried Cheese!
(5)
David W.
I've been to the Meridian location several times. They have a great burger and the pasta is good. Serving size is good, you won't leave hungry. The staff is friendly and helpful. They are on my regular list.
(4)
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Address :2037 S Meridian Ave
Oklahoma City, OK, 73108
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Manuel G.
This place is not the business. I took my food to go and when I got to my hotel room and open what I thought was a box of joy, not so much. I ordered the brisket and ribs platter ($18.99) the ribs were burnt and brisket was really chewy. Now, I've been around the block when it comes to good BBQ and this BBQ at the most is ok. Meh The fries were the best thing. Bad BBQ makes my inner fat girl very sad. To my fellow airline crew members, not worth coming here for the price you pay for bad food.
(1)Dale G.
I ordered the ribs with sweet potato fries, clow slaw and bake beans. The ribs where burned , sweet potatoes fries and bake beans were cold. Server was running around trying his best to wait on everyone. 2 other servers just stood by the wall and chatted the whole time. Never offered to help him. At old location the food was a lot better.
(1)Dan B.
Really good ribs! You can believe the hype. My friends said the steak was very good as well. The staff is fun and friendly, but I have to mention that the manager walked right in front of us while we were eating at the bar and began describing a drainage problem they were having. Admittedly, they were bringing in a professional to fix the issue but I was a little put off that the manager didn't take the time to ask us if we'd like to move while they fixed it. Instead we sat there listening to the appetizing sound of a drain being snaked while we enjoyed our very tasty meal. Immediately following our meal, the stench began and we asked if there was a discount for the smell. The bartender politely stated that they didn't have a button on the POS for that. I imagine you'll probably have a better experience than we did because the odds of this situation happening again aren't very high. On the off chance it does, I hope the manager and the staff are more attentive after reading this review.
(3)Ashley P.
I live in the city but this is our first time here. We were dining with 2 KIDS. It was a Saturday and not very busy ... I don't know why. The food itself was tasty. The management is NOT. We ordered the app "macho nachos with peppers on the side" when it was sat on the table, it had peppers all over it. The waitress automatically took nachos away without us asking. :) it was returned to us without jalapeños :( however, they were the same nachos! We knew this because there was a couple still hiding. We were offered a remedy but declined free dessert. So if your looking for good food but questionable management this is your place.
(2)M S.
Good atmosphere. Nice help. Food is terrible. The BBQ here is electric Overcooked mush. Ribs have little meat and the sausage is just a large hot dog. Find another place to eat unless you love electric "BBQ"
(2)Brandon R.
My family and I have been here several times. Overall the food is very good on most occasions. I've been there when everything is excellent and I have been and left extremely disappointed. It seems that they have trouble finding good kitchen staff. The appetizers are good treat yourself to the mozzarella sticks. They are huge and can't really be screwed up without some serious work. The drinks you order from the bar are good they put decent amounts of alcohol in them and Tuesday's are $.99 bud light. The ribs can be amazing and deserve their "world famous" title (when cooked correctly). The catfish and shrimp and the kitchen sink burger are also very good and fulfilling. Their deserts are awesome always. Large cookies and brownies covered in a generous portion of ice cream. In closing if you go on a night when the chef knows what he/she is doing then you will be very pleased. If you want to ensure you have the best waitress in the business then I recommend requesting to be sat in Lacey's section. She is amazing so friendly and very attentive. I would give her 10 stars alone. I can't rate this establishment any higher because of the inconsistent quality of the food. When they are on its definitely a 5. But when they are off they are really off, so I went in the middle.
(3)Rachel F.
The food was great, got the guacamole burger. However, the server was not knowledgable.
(3)Rachel S.
The word of the day for Shorty's is: decent. Nothing was particularly memorable, but it was all 'good'. The service was *decent*. There was a time where my water was very empty when I wasn't drinking it particularly fast, and when you're food is taking a while to get to you, you notice things like that a little more. Cheese dip and chips 3/5: *Decent*. That's disregarding the intense price tag of $7.99. Ouch! The chips were sturdy, and that's totally something to point out, because brittle chips suck and you know it. For the first time in my restaurant experience, there was more queso than there were chips. So that was a pleasant surprise. The queso was thick, but thin enough to make sipping easy. The unfortunate part was that the taste was run of the mill and slightly bland. Smothered chicken (grilled chicken tenders topped with sauteed mushrooms, onions, red and green bell peppers, covered with swiss cheese. served with rice pilaf, green beans and a cheese biscuit) 3/5: All in all, this dish was *decent*. The portion of it was filling (and a bit much if you spring for an appetizer), but I'm not sure I agree with the $13.49 stamp when it comes to quality. The chicken was fairly juicy, but the melted Swiss had that 'plastic'y' quality you get from cheap and/or improperly melted cheese. The green beans were surprisingly good. I was expecting them to taste like out of a can or cooked in a way that left them too firm, but they might have been the better part of the dish. The rice ran about the same as any pilaf you'd get at a *decent* restaurant. Decadent chocolate cake (old fashioned chocolate cake topped with chocolate and more chocolate and more chocolate and more.) 4/5: What an apt description. I ACTUALLY ordered cheesecake, but... whateveeeer. I am not a big chocolate fan, to be honest. This cake was -intense-, guys. Chocolate with chocolate icing on top and between layers with chocolate drizzle and chocolate sprinkles. And it was -dense-. It wasn't very moist, though, and that sort of topples the density of the cake, making it difficult to masticate and enjoy properly. But if you looove chocolate, this is your jam. I don't think I'd return unless I was on this side of town during lunch (they have decent lunch specials).
(3)Tylonda B.
Husband and I both ordered Shorty's world famous ribs. Very tender, his were sauced and prepared better than mine. Somehow mine head more char and had less sauce, but not bad. Best part was we went on a Tuesday and both plates were $4 off! The chips and queso appetizer hit the spot. My little one was disappointed whyth the kids menu options. She likes to enjoy the flavors of the restaurant we are at, and the basic cotn dog/chicken/burger/pizza options didn't appeal much to her. She went ahead and ordered the pizza and was sad to find out that they only serve cheese pizza. Sorry kids. No pepperoni here! She actually ended up eating ribs with me and really enjoyed them. Best part for her was that kids can choose a popsicle with their meal, from the freezer. Our server was very attentive and entertained our talkative daughter very well. The manager made his way by during our meal to make sure all was well, so that was a nice touch too.
(4)Tyrone S.
If your looking for a family atmosphere with pretty descent food then this is the place. If your looking for out of this world barbecue then this isn't the place. The onion loaf is great and the other food is good not great but good and the prices are reasonable. Plus kids get to choose from ice creams and that's a big plus!
(3)Justin W.
I had the Shorty Smalls World Famous ribs, Sadie Size (I'm on a budget and also trying to limit my piggishness). The ribs were excellent, definitely falling off the bone. The beans were a bit sweet more than savory. I liked the coleslaw, which was nice and crunchy and had a but of a zing. No complaints here and the $10 off a purchase of $40 or more attracted us there.
(4)Remmy B.
This place has nothing good going for it. The food was horrible, despite the overwhelming taste of salt on everything food was bland as cardboard. I had the catfish one night and after one bite of the mushy fresh from the freezer taste I didn't take another bite. The burgers? LOL well save your money and just hit any fastfood burger joint. They talk up their ribs which is surprising since they aren't any better than Chili's and after I had them for lunch the one day, i spent the rest of the afternoon hitting the restroom. That was the last straw so I didn't go back. As for the service, well if time is no issue then by all means go there. You can spend your time looking at all the useless junk hung from the walls making it look like a hoarder's dream come true.
(1)Esther P.
Wanted something that represented OKC, and was told it was good stuff. Needless to say it was very disappointing....way overpriced. So bummed
(1)Reazy B.
Two stars cuz Raquel was a great server. I can cook better food in a stranger's RV. Ribs were good, beans tasted like they were from a can and watered down. Slaw was from a secret recipe from an 85 year old lady who lost her sense taste. Fries were old and reheated in the fryer. Brisket was smothered in sauce that tasted like it was from a plastic bottle, so I don't really know how it tasted or what they were trying to hide. Pepsi was excellent! I should've posted a picture of my toilet a couple hours later, just to show the trauma my body endured. I just assume get a McRibb next time I venture out for "BBQ".
(2)Jeff T.
Four of us stumbled in late, 45 minutes before closing, desperate for dinner. We generally hate to be those guys who inconvenience the staff at closing, but no one was the least bit put out. Chicken fried pasta, which I can only assume is redneck / Italian fusion cuisine, was actually really good. Not the greatest alfredo sauce ever, but still pretty damned good. Cheese stick appetizers are the size of small firewood. Just right prior to the meal. Honey Mustard chicken sandwich filled a ravenous teenage boy post-hunting trip. I call that an endorsement. Overall, I'd call it a win. Waitstaff was pleasant and attentive. We always had full water glasses and the condiments we requested were delivered quick. We'll be back!
(4)Jason C.
Awesome place good ribs baked beans are some of the best I've had at a bbq restaurant
(5)Sandy N.
We ordered the smorgasbord and the sirloin with a side of non loaded and a side of loaded potatoes . We ordered it to go got there , before the order was done. Fries and nachos were already luke warm, the mashed potatoes as well. Ordered the steak well done got it medium rare. Cheese biscuits were ok and if the potatoes had been hot they would have maybe tasted good. Also there was green stuff in my non loaded potatoes. The steak can use more flavor.
(2)Douglas D.
The most unprofessional place I have been in a long time. Steak was just ok but the young staff were having a giggle feast in the kitchen with the manager. He was too busy playing touchy feeling with the young waitresses to come out and check on his customers. He might try working the dining room and it might totally change the attitude of the staff and the customers!
(2)Justin H.
Overall I would say my experience was...normal. I had the sausage platter which came with two, 4 inch polish sausages that were split in half and smoked. They tasted delicious (a tad heavy on the salt) but I was a bit disappointed at the fact that I only got two for a $13 meal. You will not leave that entree with a full stomach. It came with three sides (baked beans, coleslaw and fries) that were decent. My girlfriend had the smoked brisket sandwich and I feel like it was well worth the cost. The brisket was slightly rubbery but it did have a good flavor. If you're looking for a chain restaurant, I feel like Rib Crib outshines Shortys. The same price will get you some great food. Thanks!
(3)Richard D.
Sadie size ribs with a tall shiner bock was amazing! Beans are so good. I'd go back in a heartbeat.
(4)Spencer G.
Not very impressed with this place. Shorty Smalls recently moved from the corner of Meridian and Reno, next to a Red Roof to a place on Meridian, closer to the airport. Their original location was in a pretty sketchy location, therefore I refused to stop by. It had the ambiance of a truck stop. When I walked into the new Shorty Smalls, a nice lady greeted me with a smile, and asked how my day was going. She was very pleasant, and seemed genuine. Walking to my table, there was a lot going on on the walls, as far as decorations go. Sky lodge decor overkill son. I was sat down, my drink order was taken, my server was pleasant as well, and she smelled of roses. She had a ponytail as well. When it comes to ponytails, I'm indifferent. Looking over the menu, the prices were a bit more expensive that I would have guessed. It took me a while to decide what I wanted because I didn't want anything, but I took the time to print out my coupon, get out of my car, and walk in. I've been trying to be more productive with my time, therefore I decided to stay and order. I went with the brisket platter. It was 16.99. Came with coleslaw, beans, fries, and brisket of course. Everything was just ordinary. Beans tasted like they came from a porknbean can to the microwave and then to my plate. Cole slaw was low quality, dry and sad. The brisket was drowned my a vinegar bbq sauce, therefore that was all I tasted. The meat seemed tender though. All in all, service the good, food not so great. I'm giving it 3 stars because the service was 4. and the food was maybe 2. I will not be back here, however if someone asks me where to find the least impressive locally owned restaurant closest to the airport, I'll know where to send them!
(3)Rocky B.
Fantastic ribs and when I asked for spicy sauce he went back and concocted some. Plus COOP F5 on tap. Excellent.
(5)Sarah H.
While planning a day trip to Oklahoma City, I took to restaurant.com to find a restaurant and came across Shorty Small's, decided to give it a try, and bought the certificate. It was a little out of our way, but I'm glad we tried it. First, a tip.... You can order a different day's lunch special. Today's was a catfish Po boy which none of us wanted. We didn't ask but our server didn't tell us we could order lunch specials from a different day of the week. Right before we were leaving, we heard another server tell a neighboring table about that. I just wish we would have known. My husband and I shared the rib and brisket platter. Meat was tender, juicy, and seasoned well, however the brisket may or may not have actually been smoked there. You could tell the brisket was machine cut and similar in taste and texture to the precooked and presliced briskets you can buy at Sam's Club. Still, it was tasty. I personally like sweet coleslaw, so I was a little disappointed when I tasted it and discovered the unsweetened variety. However, it was still delicious and crisp! Baked beans were good. Nothing extraordinary but average as well as the French fries. Standard BBQ restaurant fries I added an additional dinner salad with honey mustard dressing. The dressing was delicious ;). Mostly honey...Less mustard. Our son had the kid's pizza with fries. Pizza was a thick personal pan which looked very tasty! Special bonus... Kids meals come with a choice of frozen treat. My son enjoyed going to the freezer and picking out his own push pop. Other options included personal size strawberry ice cream, twin pops, and fudge pop too; though , this may change and vary in selection. Overall after applying our $10 restaurant.com certificate all 3 of us walked out well fed for just under $20 with tip! We ordered... Rib and Brisket Platter Side dinner salad Kids pizza 3 waters Thank you Shorty Small's for participating with restaurant.com . We would have never found you without it.
(4)Doug K.
It's just okay. I had the Ribs & Brisket. Both served already covered with BBQ sauce. The brisket was thinly sliced and chewy. The ribs were baby backs and were okay. Service was slow. From the time I got my food to when I asked for my check, the waiter never checked on me. No drink refills. For me, Shorty Smalls came up way short of the Mark for good BBQ. I should have known when I saw pasta and seafood on the menu. I'll not be back.
(2)Bob L.
This was my least favorite of the four bbq restaurants I visited in OKC near the airport. The ribs were not impressive and cold when delivered to my table. The prices are higher than the rest as well. They do have a full bar and not just bbq on the menu which is probably why bbq is not their specialty even though they claim to be the best bbq spot in OKC. NOT TRUE AT ALL. The hostess was courteous, most waitresses speak when walking by and the bartender was good. Managers do check on your table too. I returned the ribs and ordered fish which was DELICIOUS but I only gave a 1 for the ribs on this rating. No, I wasn't charged for not eating the cold ribs
(1)Gary B.
(I'd give it a 1.5, to be a bit kinder.) To start out, any place whose tap beers almost all end with "lite" doesn't bode well. The more-or-less unengaged staff (yawning while she's talking to me!) didn't help my first impression. The special (which she didn't remember...I had to go up front to look at the board) was a combo platter: ribs, brisket, and pulled pork. I figured I might as well see what they had to offer. My opinion? Meh. (I do love that word). There wasn't much smoke on the meat. The sauce was OK, but it sure wasn't anything to write home about. Sweet, not enough spicing. Just, well, just Meh. The brisket was probably the worst of the lot. It wasn't bad... it just wasn't much of anything. It tasted more boiled than anything. The pulled meat was so-so. Ribs were the best of the lot, but again... nothing. The thing that REALLY brought this down was the pewter platter they served it on. The platter hadn't been pre-heated and by the end of the meal was stone cold...as was the meat on the platter. I may as well have been eating left-overs. When I pointed this out to the manager her mumbled as how it should have been pre-heated, and then went back to eating HIS dinner. Talk about lousy customer service! Anyway... it was close to my hotel and it's a Sunday night so the places I really wanted to go to weren't open. Bottom line... don't waste your money. Most hole-in-the-wall places I've had BBQ at could run circles around this joint.
(1)Craig S.
I'm a previous server, and I do lots of meat smoking and BBQ, so of the 3 BBQ joints nearby, (listening to reviews) I chose this one. Its' interior is nice and clean. Spacious and quiet for a Monday The server was as helpful as a piece of wet cardboard. Every question was answered with, "I'll have to ask." She was totally confused while taking orders; not able to deal with special orders, questions about the food, or beer selection. Enough about this "server". As far as the food. Bleah! The chips and cheese sauce was as bland and cheeze wiz with green peppers. Green beans were lack luster. Ribs, OMG! Burnt, overcooked, thin, lifeless and sparse. The brisket was fairly good. Smoke was evident, and sauce was not overpowering. They were the true highlight of the meal, but not enough to suggest going. As far as the price, we got a hotel discount of 10%. When we asked the server about he "owners club" we were greeted by that beautiful dumbfounded smile we received concerning all our other questions. I will grant to the company that this was early Monday evening, therefore not the A-team. But nonetheless, all establishments must train their employees to know the menu, bar menu and the basics of the rest of the menu. More importantly, the server must adhere to the basic order hierarchy: Introduce oneself, take drink order and maybe appetizer. Deliver drinks, asks if any questions on the menu. Take order, Deliver order. Check on quality of order. Check on beverages, clear plates. offer desert. After dinner drinks, then bill. (no hovering after bill is dropped). So, overall impression: Not happy. Service lacked, food was lacking, and price was high for product. Next time I will try Billy Sims BBQ, for at least I saw that they were burning real wood in the fire pit.
(1)Scott P.
I stayed at the hotel next door and wanted some good barbecue. Was tipped off to this place by the hotel staff and decided to give it a try. I really have to say, I'm pretty surprised by all the low reviews that this place has gotten. The barbecue was DAMNED good, and all the sides were really satisfying. I had a big 'ol glass of sweat tea and a meat sampler, and I was pleasantly pleased (onomonopesomething for ya!) by everything. The service was good, the ribs and brisket were excellent, the sides were good... there's nothing else that I can really say about this place. I guess it's a chain, with other locations throughout the city? Be that as it may, it's a chain that's doing things well. I'm sure there are probably *better* BBQ locations in OKCity, but for a hungry traveller staying in the middle of nowheresville with not many options, it's a damned good place to grab some grubbage.
(4)Klint A.
Food was good but way over priced for what you got, most entrees are over 12 and come with no sides, you have to purchase them extra, their signature drink is disgusting!
(3)Lisa P.
Don't order a salad. Way overpriced for the quality you get. Burgers are good though.
(3)Mark g.
the one guy is right, it's just an upscale bar food and grill. don't expect anything else, just pretty much the same food you can screw up at home-burgers, nachos, etc. The guy working the front desk was a real please tho. Older guy very nice. Food is just mediocre.Nice atmosphere, cheese dip was excellent. Salads are very expensive. Maybe i need to try the ribs next time....
(3)Autumn B.
Went for lunch. Chicken fried steak and fried okra were good. The mashed potatoes were cold. Server was fine, not friendly but good a refilling drinks and to be fair we were a table of 6 and probably loud. Just okay.
(3)Sarah F.
We had brisket and ribs with all the fixings. Ribs were okay brisket were fatty and greasy. Biscuit was overcooked. Coleslaw was not bad. Disappointed in food. Nice clean atmosphere and great staff.
(2)Debi R.
I should have left when the pre-register host was rudely insistent to my mother about her cell phone number. He told her he had to have her number so we could be called when our table was ready. I intervened and got inside without sharing our phone number. Inside it didn't get any better. You have to realize that there was only two tables filled in the restaurant. We were immediately seated which made me realize they only needed our number to send future marketing texts. Once seated it was at least 10 minutes before we snagged a waiter to take our orders. We were a party of six. The menu was diverse and everyone found something to beat. Their owners club offers discounted meal prices but costs $15 per person per month. Trust me, even at the discounted price, the food here would be overpriced. Another 10 minutes pass before our drinks arrive and all we ordered was water. We had to request twice silverware. The food we ordered was what you would expect at a baseball concession stand. The ribs and brisket had been microwaved or left in an oven way beyond coking time. Coleslaw was tasteless unless you really like mayonnaise. One member if our party is on dialysis and requested no added salt. His fries were coated in seasoning. When we requested new fries for him we were told that the seasoning isn't salt when in truth it was. We snagged the waitress at the other table and she brought out new fries that were almost frozen. The chicken fry was giant but the size was to disguise the fact that there wasn't any meat. It lacked flavor and after a few bites left me nauseated. Overall, I can't give the food even one star. The final straw was when the bill arrived. One couple paid cash but the two others used credit cards. Luckily. Someone noticed that the cards had been switched. But so had the bills! We had another wait of 10 minutes trying to explain what needed to happen so that we were charged the correct amounts. We asked for a copy if the refund ticket and told that we didn't need it. The manager was not helpful at all and when he visited our table should have noticed are full plates.
(1)Joe N.
If this place says the best ribs in town, Oklahoma City has truly got a problem!! The ribs was completely dry soaked them with sauce with a vinegar base truly disgusting... Also in the baked beans they completely soaked them with jalapeno peppers and vinegar juice you could not even taste the means at all. The cheese biscuit was hard on the outside and Raw on the inside. Truly a disappointing evening. The service was almost nothing, you practically had to throw stuff at the server to get their attention. Like I said if I could do a zero they would have it!!!
(1)Katherine B.
It's okay. Pretty much on par with Twin Peaks or Hooters, so if that's you're thing then you'll have a blast. Personally I prefer Bikini's.
(3)David E.
I was traveling so thought I would try. The service was good and the bbq was average. The brisket was a little dry for my liking. The ribs were good. The serving we're large and I left full. I. Also liked the fact that I never ran out of soda. The server kept my cup full.
(3)Paul P.
Completely underwhelming. I don't consider the price "moderate" for the quality of the food or service. it was next to hotel, but i wish i had gone elsewhere.
(1)Marcus S.
The guy at my hotel told me the sign outside Shorty Small's was accurate: best ribs in town. I took the advice and had the ribs. They weren't bad, but no way could they be best in town. I had to get an extra bowl of BBQ sauce to get some flavor on them. Tender? Yes. Flavorful? Not really. The real treat of the meal wasn't the ribs or the beans or slaw, it was the biscuit. The biscuit was fantastic.
(3)Staci P.
Cute place! On mondays kids eat free! They were busy when we were there but got seated right away. Our appetizers took forever but they apologized & didn't charge us for it. Waiter real sweet. Had the ribs and pulled pork. Fall off the bones ribs were great not big on the pork or the beans. But everything else was delicious!
(4)Dennis H.
I fnally found somethiing "small" at Shorty Small's! (My real agenda was to have enough room for dessert.) I had the grilled salmon, which was just the right portion. It was well seasoned and juicy (not over cooked and dry). I still had room for a berry cobbler topped with ice cream!!
(5)Tsz-Cheong C.
Delicious chicken fried steak, this dish is a classic here for me. The BBQ brisket is awesome. Many sides to choose from. The fried okra never disappoints. The onion loaf is greasy but oh so good. They also make a pretty good burger as well.
(4)Andrica D.
This place is a nice place to go have a meal and be able to hear the person across fri you talk ... I had the American cheese burger and it was huge ! Good flavor as well we also got the big sample as a appetizer which has a good assortment of snacks .. Wait staff was on it with the drinks which was awesome , they were also able to sit a party of 13 at the same table which not many places can do that .. Thank you management for an awesome team tonight !
(4)Shaun A.
Went back a few days after my first review and I have to confirm they are a solid biz. Went on a Tuesday night at 6:30 and there were not many patrons. Got the chicken fried steak this time (to impress someone that hadn't been there before) and it was outstanding. Service was solid as well. If you want traditional, Southern food, you have arrived.
(4)Darrin L.
Stopped in for a work dinner with another business associate. Wait staff was prompt but not well informed. I asked what type of ribs the special were (e.g., beef, pork, etc.).....answer "I don't know". I decide to give it a try anyway as I like either. Ordered full rack of ribs, received a half rack. They were warm to cool, dry, and very unpleasant. It seemed to me they may have been frozen then perhaps rewarmed in a microwave or something. Basically, I received tasteless food for the $20 I paid. Would never return here - but then again I guess you get what you pay for.....low-end food at under $25 pricing.
(1)Jane P.
Really enjoyed the Appetizer Platter. A lot of food, we couldn't eat it all! Especially the Fried Cheese!
(5)David W.
I've been to the Meridian location several times. They have a great burger and the pasta is good. Serving size is good, you won't leave hungry. The staff is friendly and helpful. They are on my regular list.
(4)