Spencer's tempts with barbecue, cinnamon rolls

Spencer's Smokehouse & BBQ " owned and operated by two brothers and their wives: Steve and Molly Spencer, and Mike and Carol Spencer " recently celebrated its 21st anniversary. The country-style restaurant located at 9900 NE 23rd has expanded its menu, as well as square footage. It even offers shipping of its meat and sauces nationwide.
 
I first tasted Spencer's barbecue seven years ago during a wedding rehearsal dinner, and have since compared all barbecue to theirs. The ribs are cut large and smoked to perfection. As you bite into the slightly blackened, smoky, pink ribs, your eyes might just roll to the back of your head as the meat willingly falls off the bone.

In my opinion, the ribs don't need it, but in order to taste the homemade sauce, I drizzled some on top of the pork loin ($12.95) on a recent visit. It was a nice combination with homemade macaroni and cheese and coleslaw on the side. Bottles of the sauce are available " in hot or mild, at $3.50 apiece " to take home or give as a gift.

Another favorite among locals is the smoked rotisserie chicken, moist and tender. Prices range from $4.25 for two pieces of dark meat to $37.50 for 15 pieces of all breast meat. Molly Spencer says to order yours ahead or get there early. She doesn't like to see customers upset when they run out.

Other dinner items include chopped beef ($11.95), pulled pork ($11) and Polish sausage ($11.25), each with two sides. Larger portions are available for a small price. For carryout orders, meat can be purchased by the pound, while sides are sold by the pint.

On the dessert menu, you'll find peach and cherry cobbler ($3), chocolate cake ($3) and the famous cinnamon roll ($2.25). In 2007, Steve Spencer launched his cinnamon rolls with sour cream icing through the Robert M. Kerr Food Agricultural Product Center on the Oklahoma State University campus to distribute throughout the region. Schools in Oklahoma and Texas order them to sell as fundraisers. They can also be found in convenience stores and other restaurants.

But alas, your visit won't be complete unless you try the scrumptious apple fritters, deep-fried and rolled in powdered sugar, which gives an intriguing citrus flavor. As Carol Spencer said with a smile, "It's a full-time position for one person to keep two baskets frying and serve them throughout the day. If customers don't get their complimentary fritters, they get upset."

Spencer's Smokehouse & BBQ is open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

photo Molly and Carol Spencer hold a rib dinner at Spencer's. Photo/Shannon Cornman