ARKANSAS - Arkansas is known for its rich culinary culture. From boiled peanuts and homemade cornbread, Arkansas has always been known for providing tasty meals combined with great hospitality. Arkansas barbecue is steeped in community spirit. When visiting any one of Arkansas' many barbecue joints, be assured that those working there will treat you like family and offer warm hospitality - you are sure to be welcomed with open arms and smiles.
Best BBQ in Arkansas: From Whole Hog to Brisket, Ribs & Beyond!
Arkansas might not be the first state that comes to mind when you think of barbecue, but the Natural State boasts a surprisingly rich and diverse BBQ scene. From whole hog cooking and classic ribs to smoked brisket and unique regional specialties, Arkansas offers a delicious BBQ experience for every palate. This article guides you to eight of the best BBQ spots across Arkansas, each with its own unique style and flavors.
Arkansas's BBQ Champions:
1. Whole Hog Cafe (Multiple Locations): Whole Hog Expertise
Whole Hog Cafe, with multiple locations across Arkansas, is widely recognized for its namesake specialty: whole hog cooking. This technique, where the entire pig is slow-smoked, results in incredibly tender and flavorful meat. Whole Hog Cafe is consistently considered a top choice for BBQ in Arkansas. They have some of the best BBQ in the state.
- Locations: Multiple locations across Arkansas (including Little Rock, North Little Rock, Conway, Bentonville, Fayetteville)
- Highlights: Whole hog BBQ, tender and flavorful meat, multiple locations, top-rated BBQ
2. Sims Bar-B-Que (Little Rock): A Little Rock BBQ Institution
Sims Bar-B-Que is a popular Little Rock spot often mentioned among the best BBQ options in the state. This long-standing restaurant offers classic Arkansas-style BBQ, with a focus on smoked meats and flavorful sauces. They are know for their ribs.
- Location: Little Rock, AR
- Highlights: Popular Little Rock spot, classic Arkansas-style BBQ, smoked meats, flavorful sauces, long-standing reputation, ribs
3. Wright's Barbecue (Johnson & Bentonville): Open Flame, Wood-Fired, and Local Pecan Wood
Wright's Barbecue, with locations in Johnson and Bentonville, is lauded for its open flame, wood-fired cooking method using local pecan wood. This technique imparts a unique smoky flavor to their meats, making it a standout in the Arkansas BBQ scene. They have some of the best brisket in the state.
- Locations: Johnson, AR & Bentonville, AR
- Highlights: Open flame cooking, wood-fired, local pecan wood, smoky flavor, unique technique, brisket
4. McClard's Bar-B-Q (Hot Springs): A Well-Known Hot Springs BBQ Spot
McClard's Bar-B-Q is a well-known Arkansas BBQ spot located in Hot Springs. This restaurant has a long history and a loyal following, serving up classic BBQ dishes in a casual atmosphere. They are known for the Hot Springs style of BBQ.
- Location: Hot Springs, AR
- Highlights: Well-known Hot Springs BBQ spot, classic BBQ dishes, long history, loyal following, casual atmosphere
5. Jones Bar-B-Q Diner (Marianna): Historic Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Jones Bar-B-Q Diner in Marianna, Arkansas, is a historic restaurant known for its pulled pork sandwiches. This James Beard Award-winning spot is a true piece of Arkansas culinary history, offering a simple yet incredibly satisfying BBQ experience.
- Location: Marianna, AR
- Highlights: Historic restaurant, pulled pork sandwiches, James Beard Award-winning, simple and delicious, Arkansas culinary history
6. Craig's Brothers Cafe (De Valls Bluff): A Notable Stop on the Arkansas BBQ Trail
Craig's Bar-B-Q in De Valls Bluff is another notable spot on the Arkansas BBQ Trail. This restaurant offers classic Arkansas-style BBQ, with a focus on smoked meats and traditional sides.
- Location: De Valls Bluff, AR
- Highlights: Arkansas BBQ Trail, classic Arkansas-style BBQ, smoked meats, traditional sides
7. Ridgewood Brothers BBQ (Russellville): A Recommended Russellville Spot
Ridgewood Brothers BBQ is a highly recommended spot in Russellville, Arkansas. This restaurant offers a variety of BBQ favorites, with a focus on quality and flavor.
- Location: Russellville, AR
- Highlights: Recommended Russellville spot, variety of BBQ favorites, quality and flavor, great for BBQ lovers
8. Hoots BBQ & Grill (McGehee): BBQ Specialties and Unique Offerings
Hoots BBQ & Grill in McGehee offers a range of BBQ specialties, including loaded potatoes and their unique "pig pie" (which is not actually a dessert, but a savory dish featuring pulled pork). This spot offers a taste of classic Arkansas BBQ with some creative twists.
- Location: McGehee, AR
- Highlights: BBQ specialties, loaded potatoes, "pig pie" (savory), classic Arkansas BBQ, creative twists
Arkansas's BBQ scene is a delicious blend of tradition and innovation. From whole hog cooking and classic smoked meats to unique regional specialties, these eight BBQ joints represent some of the best that the Natural State has to offer. So, embark on your own Arkansas BBQ adventure and discover your personal favorites!
