If you want to see Oklahomans get protective, just talk about the best barbecue in the state. It's no secret they love their favorites, which is why we went searching for the best barbecue places, according to the locals. If you didn't read our first barbecue restaurants article, you can find it here. Read on to find 12 restaurants that serve the best barbecue in Oklahoma:

1. Smokin' Joes Rib Ranch, Davis

For big portions, outstanding smoked meat and some of the best bbq in the state, take a trip to Smokin' Joes in Davis for unforgettable bbq.

2. John & Cooks BBQ, Lawton

Since 1936, John & Cooks has been serving Okahomans delicious barbecue. Menu suggestion: The Dinner Platter which comes with your choice of meats from pulled pork, ribs, beef brisket, sausage, hot links, or tips. For sides choose from baked beans, cole slaw, or potato salad with two slices of white bread.

3. Jake's Rib, Chickasha

Jake's Rib is a great place to get huge portions of Oklahoma barbecue. The ribs alone are worth the drive and don't forget the massive portion of french fries as a side.

4. Albert G's Bar-B-Q, Tulsa

Albert G's Bar-B-Q has been smoking ribs, brisket and pork for over 20 years. Try the two meat dinner with chopped brisket and bologna, along with baked beans and potato salad.

5. Van's Pig Stand, Multiple Locations

Van’s Pig Stands has been doing Bar-B-Q right since 1930, and has been an Oklahoma tradition for decades. Famous for their hickory-smoked ribs, brisket and Pig Sandwiches, customers across the state and even across the country consider Van’s among the nation’s top barbecue restaurants.

6. Ray's Smokehouse BBQ, Norman

The restaurant is famed for its southern hospitality, family atmosphere, and most importantly, its tasty BBQ. Their motto is "A rib so tender, you don’t need teeth!"

7. Head Country Bar-B-Q Restaurant,

Oklahoma's #1 selling barbecue sauce also has a small restaurant in Ponca City. Of course anything is good with Head Country, but try the sampler plate with ham, sausage, brisket and ribs. The bell pepper pasta salad dish is a great side dish that goes perfectly with the meat.

8. Wildhorse Mountain BBQ, Sallisaw

Barbecue at this Sallisaw landmark is a family tradition, and that's just how you'll be treated when you walk through the door. The Holman family serves up fabulous pork ribs and tangy barbecued beans. The sauce is wonderful and it is available in a mild, medium or hot.

9. Leo's BBQ, Oklahoma City

This iconic BBQ joint has been dishing out hickory-smoked meats & homestyle sides in a humble venue since 1974. Favorites include: brisket, ribs, bologna and chicken.

10. Mac's Barbeque, Skiatook

Enjoy premium meats and ingredients cooked the old fashioned way over hickory and pecan wood using their homemade rub. Their award winning sauce is made fresh weekly and is their own recipe. It has become a staple part of the Mac's tradition and taste. Try the Messy Pig-pulled pork, coleslaw, bbq sauce, all on a Philly bun.

11. Swadley's BBQ, Multiple Locations

With five locations in Oklahoma, getting your Swadley rich, smoky flavor is easy to come by. The fresh meats (never frozen) go into the smokers very early every morning. Some even go in the night before for the tender and juicy barbecue that keeps patrons coming back year after year.

12. Buffalo's BBQ, Sperry

A small trailer sits just north of Tulsa in Sperry, and is home to Buffalo's BBQ - some of the best barbecue you've ever tasted! The ribs are bursting with flavor and the baked beans are spicy and smoked. They are located next door to Daylight Donuts in Sperry.

Don't forget to check out our other top 10 barbecue places to see if your favorite is on the list.