When Cameron Treu brought authentic Central Texas barbecue to Orem in June 2013, few could have predicted the passionate following Bam Bam’s BBQ would earn.
This unassuming spot on State Street transformed into a local legend through competition-grade smoking techniques and an unwavering commitment to quality over flash.
From the moment locals tasted that first bite of perfectly tender brisket, word spread like wildfire through Utah Valley.
How Bam Bam’s won everyone’s hearts
The secret to Bam Bam’s explosive popularity starts with Cameron Treu’s impressive barbecue pedigree.
Before opening his restaurant, this Utah native earned his credentials the hard way – winning major competition championships including the 2012 Best Dam BBQ Challenge Grand Champion and Nevada State BBQ Champion titles.
He even completed an internship at the famous La Barbecue restaurant in Texas under legendary pitmaster John Lewis, bringing authentic Lone Star State techniques straight to the Wasatch Mountains.
What truly won over Orem’s hearts was Treu’s refusal to compromise on authenticity.
No drive-thru window, no french fries – just 14 hours of loving attention devoted to perfectly smoking each cut of meat. 🔥
When skeptical Texas transplants like one Yelp reviewer initially doubted that Utah could deliver “real BBQ,” they left completely converted, calling it “the closest to the good Texas BBQ I’ve longed for.”
The restaurant’s authentic atmosphere, complete with picnic tables and butcher paper, creates the genuine Texas roadhouse experience that barbecue purists crave.
Food Highlights
- Brisket: The crown jewel features tender, juicy meat with perfect smoke penetration and that coveted “crust” bark that melts in your mouth, available fatty or lean at $12.99 per half-pound
- Pork Ribs: These smoky, fall-off-the-bone beauties showcase Treu’s competition-winning techniques with deep flavor throughout and just the right amount of spice at $10.99 per half-pound
- Pulled Pork: Perfectly shredded without excess fat, this Carolina-style favorite delivers clean pork flavor enhanced by house-made sauces at $8.99 per half-pound
- Turkey: Hickory-smoked and sliced sandwich-style, this often-overlooked barbecue protein gets the respect it deserves with deep smoky flavor at $9.99 per half-pound
- BBQ Swachos: The restaurant’s signature creation features tortilla chips topped with nacho cheese, beans, your choice of meat, and sweet BBQ sauce – a unique Utah Valley twist on classic barbecue
Atmosphere
Step inside Bam Bam’s and you’ll immediately understand why it feels so authentically Texas.
The low-ceilinged building next to Uncle Sam’s Army Navy Outdoor creates an intimate, no-frills environment where the focus stays squarely on the meat. 😎
Picnic tables, butcher paper, and the sight of Cameron carving brisket right in front of customers creates that genuine barbecue joint vibe that can’t be faked.
The casual dress code encourages diners to get properly messy – because as one reviewer noted, “if you don’t get some on you, you’re eating it wrong.”
Bottom Line
Bam Bam’s BBQ proves that world-class barbecue doesn’t need a Southern zip code – just passion, patience, and uncompromising standards. 🥩
Whether you’re a barbecue skeptic or longtime enthusiast, the combination of competition-winning techniques and genuine Texas hospitality makes this Orem destination worth the inevitable wait in line. ✨
Come hungry, leave converted, and prepare to join the ranks of devoted locals who consider this their barbecue home.
Address: 1708 S State St, Orem, UT 84097
📞 (801) 225-1324
🕔 Mon-Thu 11 AM–9 PM, Fri 11 AM–10 PM, Sat 11 AM–9 PM (Closed Sun)