Local Business: Shorties Grille

Shorties Grille

Firing Up the Grill and Dishing Out Goodness

by Delaney Williams

If you’ve been to many outdoor events in Bartlesville, you’ve likely come across Shorties. They’ve been firing up the grill and providing Bartlesville with both classics and updated versions of your favorite foods for the past nine years. Owner Chris Barnhill is experienced in Bartlesville’s restaurant scene and passionate about what he does.

Barnhill opened the Madison Ally Cigar Co. and Madison Ally Bistro at Washington Park Mall in the late 90s. Following their closings, he worked with the Frank Phillips Club to serve breakfast and lunch while the organization made its home in the Adams Building. After their move, he continued to cater the organization’s evening dinners, something he still does to this day, going on 20 years. Barnhill worked with Frank and Lola’s for a couple years, but then took a break from restaurants for a time to decide on his next move. He started researching food trucks and found one for sale in Laramie, Colorado. He made the trip all the way there and brought his truck,“Myrtle” back home to Bartlesville. At first, Barnhill parked the truck at local bars and served late night breakfast offerings to patrons, giving him time to craft a menu.

In 2012, he pulled the trigger and started opening for lunch, marking the official beginning of Shorties Grille as we know it now. The name Shorties, Barnhill said, comes from the nickname he has for his stepdaughter, Lana. “I called her Shortie, and she called me Shortie back and it stuck. The rest is history.” That family-oriented name reflects how he runs his business, “We are a family-owned business. My wife, mother, daughters, niece, nephew, brother-inlaw, and cousin have worked for me or are working for me now, especially for our catering. We do have other staff that isn’t related, but we’re just one big, happy family.”

I’ve you’ve visited Shorties’ home location, you might notice something a bit unique about the set up. Their dining room is a converted garage that they park their food truck next to as a kitchen. Staff sends orders to Barnhill in the truck and when they’re ready he passes them through a window. It’s a unique set up that is a lot of fun.

Shorties adds new menu items from time to time, but there are some favorites that stick out. Barnhill says he recommends Ally’s Twisted Fries, the pulled pork grilled cheese, the boneless wings, and, of course, the Margarita Chicken Salad. They even offer the Impossible Burger, giving vegans and vegetarians alike the opportunity to enjoy a delicious burger. If you’ve noticed any new restaurants on food delivery apps that you haven’t seen around town yet, that might just be Shorties Grille doing some “ghost kitchen” work. Right now they are offering fare from Mr. Beast Burger, Larray’s Loaded Mac, Philly Fresh Cheesesteak, Smashmouth Burgers, B***h Don’t Grill My Cheese, and Wham Bam Burrito. These options are available both on delivery apps and in their restaurant.

Big things are on the way for Shorties Grille. Barnhill said he can’t reveal any secrets yet, but stay tuned for some exciting announcements at the beginning of 2022.

To keep up with Shorties Grille, follow them on Facebook @shorties.grille or on Instagram at @shorties_grill. To inquire about catering, email them at Shotiescatering@gmail.com Shortie’s Grill is located at 319 ½ Dewey Ave in Downtown Bartlesville.