There are so many excellent BBQ restaurants in Arkansas that we had to put on our stretchy pants to pick the best!
Several days ago, I asked folks to tell me about their favorite Arkansas BBQ restaurant. The response was overwhelming.
Arkansans are passionate about their BBQ and everyone has their favorite spot.
What stuck me as so remarkable were the stories behind each one of these BBQ restaurants. They all have their own and they’re all unique.
Some of them began with recipes that have been passed down for generations and others grew from a hobby of creating excellent BBQ for their families. But, what they all have in common is a love for great BBQ and The Natural State.
BEST BBQ Restaurants in Arkansas
Today, we’re proud to present the best BBQ restaurants in Arkansas as voted by our readers.
These are listed in no particular order. The last is loved just as much as the first!
21. Holy Smokes BBQ and Catering in Mountain Home
Mouth watering ribs and smoked mac ‘n cheese. Enough said!
You’ll find Holy Smokes BBQ here:
400 Highway 201 N Mountain Home, AR 72653
20. Jones Bar-B0Q Diner in Marianna
Jones BBQ is one of the most ICONIC restaurants in Arkansas for a very good reason. They have been serving delicious BBQ to hungry Arkansans and passers-by since 1910.
Jones BBQ is the oldest black-owned restaurant in the South and has been named one of “America’s Most Historic Restaurants.” -source
We’re proud they call Arkansas home.
“Hours are 7 AM until the food runs out.
There is NO MENU. All Jones BBQ Diner serves is a pork BBQ sandwich on Wonder Bread.”
-source
You’ll find Jones Bar-B-Q here:
219 W Louisiana St Marianna, AR 72360
19. Ol’ Bart Southern Eats in Conway
You can’t go wrong with anything you order at Ol’ Bart’s. Everything is amazing! But, I’d like to mention the pulled pork and the cajun corn. Yummo!
“Ol’ Bart Southern Eats was founded from a passion for the outdoors, and the memories created while sharing camp with family and friends. We cater events around the country and create bonds between people and places with simple delicious food.” -source
You’ll find Ol’ Bart Southern Eats here:
1220 Old Morrilton Hwy, Conway, AR 72032
Don’t miss this:
Conway Arkansas Vacation – Things To Do
18. Fat Daddy’s in Russellville
Brisket, ribs, fried pickles, cheesy potatoes, insanely good onion rings… Fat Daddy’s does it all and they do it well!
You’ll find Fat Daddy’s here:
104 North Denver Avenue, Russellville, AR 72801
17. Reid’s Hometown Barbecue in Booneville
Ok, I know y’all love good barbecue and Reid’s puts out some of the best barbecue in Arkansas but can we just talk about their fried peach pie for a minute?
It’s the perfect ending to some of the best BBQ in Arkansas!
“Family Owned. Family Operated. We pride ourselves in providing Moist, Tender, and Flavorful “Smoked Meats”. Hometown service and unique atmosphere. Homemade sauces and sides. Catering available.” -source
You’ll find Reid’s Hometown Barbecue here:
42 W Main Street, Booneville, AR 72927
16. Rub ’em Tender in Greenwood
Folks claim that the BBQ at Rub ’em Tender is some of the best Arkansas BBQ they have ever had and it’s no wonder! They’ve got the magic touch!
Pro tip: Don’t miss the cheese taters and amazing cole slaw too.
You’ll find Rub ’em Tender here:
3 S. Main St., Greenwood, AR 72936
15. Suttle’s Road Hog BBQ
Suttle’s serves up delicious BBQ and kindness all on one plate. Like many of our favorite Arkansas BBQ restaurants, this one is family owned and they greatly care about the folks they are serving. You can’t go wrong at Suttle’s!
“Suttle family owned hole-in-the-wall filled with friendly people, great food, and award-winning ribs! Our rub will make you want to slap your mama!“ –source
Pro tip: Once you’ve decided on your BBQ of choice, don’t miss the corn nuggets, seasoned fries, and fried pickles!
You’ll find Suttle’s Road Hog here:
2008 W Dewitt Henry Dr, Beebe, AR 72012
14. Sims BBQ in Little Rock
Not only is the BBQ at Sims delicious, the sweet potato pie is so good you’ll think your grandmama cooked it! Everything at Sims is delicious so head on over there!
You’ll find Sims BBQ here:
2415 Broadway St, Little Rock, AR 72206
13. Lindsey’s BBQ and Hospitality House
Lindsey’s has been making hungry tummies happy in Central Arkansas for a very long time. What often sets them apart from other restaurants is that you feel like family as soon as you walk in. They truly understand the meaning of hospitality.
“Serving up a tradition of delicious! Fine Food and Elegant Accommodations at an Affordable Price.” -source
You’ll find Lindsey’s BBQ here:
207 Curtis Sykes Dr, North Little Rock, AR 72114
While you’re in town, don’t miss the BEST things to do in North Little Rock!
12. Smokin’ Joes Ribhouse in Rogers & Bentonville
The folks over at Smokin’ Joes aren’t kidding around! They know how to cook up some amazing BBQ in Arkansas! In fact, they have been serving up that hickory smoked goodness in northwest Arkansas for over 30 years.
“Smokin’ Joes is known for its award- winning genuine pit barbecue. Featuring specialty sandwiches, burgers, and more. Served in a friendly, casual atmosphere.” -source
Pro tip: Don’t miss their amazing ribs and a slice of cobbler.
You’ll find Smokin’ Joes in three locations:
803 W Poplar, Rogers, AR
1204 S Walton Blvd, Bentonville, AR
2504 E Central Ave, Bentonville, AR
11. The Mean Pig BBQ in Cabot
The Mean Pig has worked hard to feed hungry folks in Cabot for many years and they are also a huge supporter of the community.
Don’t even get me going about the sign wars they are involved in with other area businesses and schools! These folks are excellent cooks AND jokesters!
“At Mean Pig BBQ, we’ve been blessing the Natural State with our delicious house-smoked meats and warm hospitality for two decades. We take great pride in bringing our Cabot family to the table for our mouthwatering BBQ, and nothing makes us happier than seeing folks enjoying our smoked ribs, chopped beef, smoked frito pie, sausage, our patented hickory-smoked beans, and all the savory sides their hearts desire. Join us for some classic fall-off-the-bone flavor today and feel like family.” -source
Pro top: Don’t miss their AMAZING ribs with spicy rub!
You’ll find The Mean Pig here:
3096 Bill Foster Memorial Hwy, Cabot, AR 72023
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10. Whole Hog Cafe in Conway
Whole Hog Cafe in Conway has a unique story…
“The Whole Hog Café evolved from a hobby that got out of hand. When Whole Hog founders Mike “Sarge” Davis, Ron Blasingame, and Steve Lucchi entered the 2000 Memphis-In-May World Championship BBQ Contest, they knew their rib recipe was something special. The judges agreed, and their team—named The Southern Gentlemen’s Culinary Society—took home a 2nd place trophy that year.” -source
Two years later, they entered the contest with two cooking teams and came home with 2nd place in the ribs category and 1st place in the “Whole Hog” division.
World Champions, y’all!
After that, they decided to open up a concession trailer in a Little Rock parking lot. People went wild for their BBQ so a new idea was born…a dine-in restaurant!
We’re so proud to have World Class BBQ right here in Arkansas.
You’ll find Whole Hog here:
150 E Oak St, Ste A, Conway, AR 72032
9. Nick’s Bar-B-Q and Catfish
Nick’s is the place to be, y’all. Recently, they were voted as serving some of the BEST catfish in Arkansas and, now, here they are again being voted for their other specialty…Bar-B-Q!
Nick’s has been feeding hungry Arkansans since 1972. In fact, people come from all over just to visit Nick’s and get great BBQ.
“We specialize in barbecued pork, beef brisket, chicken, sausage, and of course ribs. We also serve the finest American farm-raised catfish. Folks come from all over the world to enjoy Nick’s.” –source
You’ll find Nick’s here:
1104 Bobby L Glover Highway, Carlisle, AR 72024
8. Hickory House BBQ in Wynne
The folks over at Hickory House aren’t kidding around! They cook up some of the best ribs you’ll find in the area and their sides are oh so delicious.
You’ll find Hickory House BBQ here:
128 Hwy 64 West Wynne, AR 72396
7. Craig’s BBQ in Devalls Bluff
Craig’s BBQ is the place to be, y’all. My friend Angela couldn’t stop raving about it! She said it’s a huge family favorite and the BEST coleslaw she’s ever eaten in her life.
We couldn’t agree more!
You’ll find Craig’s BBQ here:
15 W WALNUT St, De Valls Bluff, AR 72041
6. Cunningham’s Barbeque in Atkins
The Cunningham family is truly a special part of Arkansas’s history. In the late 1880s, their ancestors came to Arkansas from South Carolina looking for a place to call home. They bought land and settled in the Arkansas River Valley.
According to the Cunningham’s story, the family farmed, raised livestock and built a story community in the area.
The barbeque tradition started with barbecue cook off with neighbors and bloomed from there.
“Our grandfather and grandmother Sir Walter Cunningham and Cynthia Cunningham gave our generation the foundation for the Cunningham barbecue sauce. The recipe has been in our family for over 100 yrs.” -source
Generations later, you’ll find the Cunningham family growing strong and thriving right here in Arkansas. They still raise livestock, “do a little farming,” and serve delicious barbeque to us hungry folks.
You’ll find Cunningham’s Barbeque here:
504 N Church St, Atkins, AR 72823
5. 2 Dudes Food Joint in Alma
2 Dudes Food Joint is cooking up some fantastic flavors in Alma. Brisket, baby back ribs, pulled pork, chicken, jalapeno sausage…they do it all.
Their BBQ is amazing and their service is outstanding. You will love 2 Dudes!
“We are open Tuesday – Saturday
10:30 am till WE SELL OUT”
–source
You’ll find 2 Dudes here:
5910 Alma Hwy , Van Buren, AR
4. Wright’s Barbecue in Johnson & Bentonville
“We take people back to the method of open flame, 100% wood fire, on a pit. its simple, but hard. We believe the only way to achieve the flavor and tenderness of real barbecue is through the method of old. You can have a life changing barbecue experience.” -source
Well, Wright’s Barbecue has changed a lot of lives in Arkansas with their amazing barbeque and we’re thankful for it!
Guess what, y’all. They also cater!
You’ll find Wright’s Barbecue here:
2212 Main Dr, Fayetteville, AR 72704 (Johnson location)
208 NE 3rd St, Bentonville, AR 72712
Wright’s Barbecue was also named as one of our FAVORITE things to do in Fayetteville, AR!
3. McClard’s in Hot Springs
Named as one of the BEST restaurants in Hot Springs, Arkansas, McClard’s has been feeding us hungry Arkansans since 1928.
“McClard’s BAR-B-Q in Hot Springs, Arkansas began in 1928 and has remained a family business ever since. Scott McClard, the 4th generation of the family to work at the restaurant, said they take pride in following the same principles begun by his great-grandfather. “Use the best ingredients you can get, buy the best quality cuts you can get, and don’t skimp on any portions.” They make their side dishes on the premises every day, using the same recipes his great-grandfather used.” –source
You’ll find McClard’s Bar-B-Q here:
505 Albert Pike
Hot Springs, Arkansas 71901
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2. Pig-n-Pepper Bar-B-Q in Alma
If you’re hungry for excellent BBQ, head on over to Pig-n-Pepper in Alma. You will love it!
The brisket sandwich and fries is amazing. The brisket is smoked to perfection and never dissappoints.
You’ll find Pig-n-Pepper here:
214 US-64 Alma, AR 72921
1. Vincent’s Road Hog BBQ and Catering in Conway
Vincent’s is excellent for many reasons. First, their BBQ is amazing! You will love their pulled pork sandwiches and ribs.
Second, they make the best BBQ pizza!
Third, they offer $2 kids meals every Tuesday! As a mother of three young children, I can tell you what a blessing this is. It’s nice to be able to take the whole family out for a wonderful meal and not have to break the bank to do it. Thank you Vincent’s!
“BBQ done the old way; over a hickory wood fire pit! Sauces and side items made from scratch daily.” -source
You’ll find Vincent’s here:
2850 Prince Street, Conway, AR 72034
Amazing BBQ in Arkansas
If your favorite didn’t make this list, leave me a comment so I can check them out! Also, follow All About Arkansas on Facebook so you can always get your vote in!
Now, let’s go eat some great Arkansas BBQ.
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