Arkansas, the land of natural beauty and vibrant culture, is also home to a thriving BBQ scene that has deep roots in tradition and history. From mouth watering ribs to succulent brisket, the BBQ joints in Arkansas offer a variety of flavors that will leave you craving for more! Let us take you on a journey through the BBQ trail of Arkansas, highlighting some of the state's most renowned BBQ restaurants and their specialties. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and dive into the unique BBQ culture of Arkansas!
Located in the vibrant city of Bentonville, Beach BBQ is a must-visit destination for those seeking an exceptional BBQ experience. Since its establishment in 2023, Beach BBQ has been at the forefront of transforming the way people dine and savor food. Renowned for its impeccable brisket, the highlight of the menu is the Drunk Arkansan - a tantalizing combination of chopped brisket, sliced pork belly, slaw, and BBQ sauce with smoked onion aioli. For those with a taste for adventure, the option to craft your own taco platter with 5 lbs of chopped brisket, 20 tortillas, and all the fixings is an irresistible choice. Beach BBQ sets itself apart on a whole new level, and a visit is a must for BBQ enthusiasts. Make sure to drop by next time you're in NWA and let them know we sent you!
Nestled in the picturesque Hot Springs Village, Clampit's Country Kitchen & Meat Market is renowned for its generous portions and mouth watering flavors. Treat yourself to their tender brisket, flavorful pulled pork, and expertly seasoned smoked chicken. Craving something unique? Clampit’s offers a diverse menu featuring frog legs, oxtail, duck breast, and rabbit. Be sure to savor their acclaimed secret recipe sauce, elevating every bite with a burst of flavor. Look out for their enticing weekly specials like "All-You-Can-Eat Ribs'' or "Family Feast," perfect for sharing with loved ones. As the holidays approach, trust Clampit’s to cater your festive gathering. This BBQ hotspot truly has it all!
Located in Batesville, Fox Creek BBQ and Catering is a hidden gem housed in a historic train depot dating back to 1911! Renowned pitmaster Patrick Collins, a BBQ Grand Champion with a string of awards to his name, is the culinary genius behind this Arkansas Foodie destination. Specializing in mouthwatering ribs, pork butt, chicken wings, and more, the menu boasts creative creations like the "Moo-Pig-Sooie" - a half-pound patty with chopped BBQ pork, onion rings, homemade bacon, slaw, and sauce, along with smoked wings with a tantalizing Sweet & Sassy Sauce. Not to be missed are the tender, juicy half rack of pork ribs, which, despite the pitmaster's expertise, boast a delightful fall-off-the-bone tenderness that's hard to resist. Fox Creek BBQ and Catering is a must-visit for any BBQ lover looking for an unforgettable culinary experience!
Situated in the heart of McGehee, Hoot's BBQ Bakery, Bar and Grill is a must-visit destination for foodies in southeast Arkansas. The allure of Hoot's lies not just in its mouth watering BBQ, but also in its delectable German Chocolate Cake that alone is worth the trip! Indulge in their signature Pig Pie, featuring brisket, Fritos, beans, cole slaw, and cheese, or savor the loaded baked potato with pulled pork - both made to order and guaranteed to leave you craving more. Don't miss out on their Ah-Mazing Bakery, serving up homemade desserts that are beyond belief. Add Hoot's BBQ to your Arkansas Foodie Bucket List and prepare for an unforgettable culinary experience!
Ol'Bart Southern Eats in North Little Rock, has been making waves with its exceptional Southern cuisine. The menu boasts unique and mouth watering dishes such as the ‘Tagged Out Sausage Flight’ featuring wild game sausages like Rattlesnake, Rabbit, Wild Boar, Venison, and Alligator, accompanied by specialty jellies. The Smoked Pretzel Charcuterie Board offers a delightful combination of flavors in a giant pretzel, while the BBQ Nachos impress with a perfect meat-to-chip ratio. The 3-Meat Platter, featuring Half a Smoked Chicken, Brisket, and the most amazing Pulled Pork, along with Smoked Cheddar Grits and Badass Beans, is a true feast for the senses! To top it off, the Banana Pudding is a must-try. And let's not forget, being inside Diamond Bear Brewing Company means you can pair these delectable dishes with a flight of amazing beer for a truly perfect meal.
When in Hardy, Arkansas, make sure to stop by Smokin' Rick's BBQ in downtown Hardy for some ah-mazing BBQ! After doing some Christmas shopping in the cute shops, pull up a chair and enjoy the good stuff served by Rick. Don't miss the brisket, which usually isn't on the menu, so keep an eye on their Facebook page to catch it before it's all gone. The ribs are falling off the bone goodness, and the pulled pork sammich is the biggest one you've ever seen! Located in Hardy, Arkansas, Smokin' Rick's BBQ is a must-visit spot, so be sure to tell them we sent you!
Settled on Prince Street in Conway, Vincent's BBQ has been a local favorite since 2008, serving up traditional BBQ cooked over a hickory wood fire pit. Their mouth watering brisket sandwich is a must-try, featuring tender brisket served on a toasted bun. Pair it with their jalapeño Mac & Cheese Balls for a delightful combination of flavors. Another standout on the menu is the Little Roadie Burger, a delectable burger topped with flavorful pulled pork, served alongside crispy onion rings. Be sure to indulge in their BBQ Nachos, featuring a sweet sauce that adds a delightful twist to a classic dish. Vincent's BBQ is a must-visit for those craving authentic BBQ flavors and exceptional service! If you're in the area, make sure to stop by and let them know we sent you!
Trav's Rib Shack in Siloam Springs, is a haven for BBQ enthusiasts! This family-owned establishment upholds the tradition of old-school, handmade cooking methods and original recipes. Their mouthwatering specials include the delectable burnt ends, Bronto Beef Ribs, and luscious banana pudding for dessert. Operating every Saturday from 10:30 am until they run out of food, the Shack guarantees a top-notch customer experience! Their commitment to the community is evident in every succulent bite, making a visit to Trav's Rib Shack an experience worth savoring. Worried about them running out before you arrive? Preorder online so you won’t be sorry!
Since 2014, JC's Bar-B-Q has been delighting the Van Buren community with their homemade sauces, scratch-made sides, and in-house ground and freshly smoked meat. Their menu features mouthwatering items such as The Big Foot Burger, Rib Basket, and Burnt Ends plate, making it a must-visit for BBQ connoisseurs from all over! With decades of experience, JC's Bar-B-Que has become a beloved establishment known for its authentic, hardwood-smoked BBQ, craft burgers, and more!
Arkansas is not just a haven for natural beauty; it is also a paradise for BBQ lovers. The BBQ joints in Arkansas offer a rich tapestry of flavors, each with its own unique twist on traditional BBQ. Whether you're a fan of ribs, brisket, or pulled pork, Arkansas has something to satisfy every BBQ craving. So, embark on a culinary adventure and explore the BBQ trail of Arkansas. From the smoky flavors of Beach BBQ to the down-home goodness of Ol Bart's Southern Eats, these restaurants will leave you craving for more. Get ready to experience the unique BBQ culture of Arkansas and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Other really great BBQ joints around the state that we just love and you need to check out:
3 Heethens’ BBQ & Catering - Monticello
Three Sam’s BBQ and Catering - Mabelvale
Allen's BBQ - Arkadelphia
Almost Famous Smoke House & Grill - Conway
Backyard Barbeque Company- Magnolia
Barb’s Bar-B-Q - Searcy
BBQ Pitts Stop Catering - Hot Springs Village
Bar-B-Q Shack - Paragould
Big Gilley's Smokehouse - Ashdown
Big O's Ribs - Harrisburg
Big Poppa's BBQ - Lamar
Big Springs Trading Company - Saint Joe
Black Sheep BBQ - Yellville
Blue Ember Smokehouse - Jonesboro & Fort Smith
Blue Pig Kraft BBQ - Sheridan
Bob and Sandy's Beach Club BBQ - Hardy
Brothers BBQ - Heber Springs
Charbroiler - Waldron
Count Porkula - LR/NLR/Maumelle
Cowboys BBQ - Batesville
Craig's BBQ - DeValls Bluff
Crayton's BBQ - Magnolia
Cypress Corner BBQ - Lexa
Demo's Smokehouse BBQ - Jonesboro
Dixie Pig BBQ - Blytheville
Drip Drop BBQ Shop - Lake Hamilton
Eddie's BBQ Food Truck - Searcy
GC's BBQ Catering - Morrilton
Gladish's BBQ - Paragould
Glenn's Smokehouse - Searcy
HB's Bar B.Q. - Little Rock
Hickory House - Wynne
Hickory Hut - Camden
Holy Smokes BBQ & Catering - Mountain Home
Jackson's Holy Smokes BBQ - Star City
JC's BBQ - Van Buren
Jerry Neels - Fort Smith
Jones BBQ - Marianna
Jordan's BBQ - Bryant
Kibb's BBQ - Stuttgart/NLR/Pine Bluff
Knightfire BBQ - Searcy
Kream Kastle - Blytheville
KT's barbeque - Gassville
Lindsey's BBQ - North Little Rock
McClard's - Hot Springs
Mean Pig BBQ - Cabot
Mick's BBQ & Catfish - NLR
Mt. Ida Cafe - Mt. Ida
Naaman's Championship BBQ - Texarkana
Nick's Bar-B-Q and Catfish - Carlisle
Oinky's BBQ - Paragould
Ouachita Bar & Grill - Hot Springs
Ozark Chow Hall BBQ - Clinton
Ozark Mountain BBQ - Mountain Home
Penguin Ed's - Fayetteville
Phonzie's 1 Stop Hog Shop - Little Rock
Pig Barn BBQ - Fort Smith
Pull Up At Big Dave's - Little Rock
Que49 Smokehouse - Jonesboro
Rays Rumpshack - Lake City
Reeds or Reid's BBQ - Booneville
Rib Cage BBQ - Hot Springs
Richey's Roadhouse - Greers Ferry
Ridgewood Brothers BBQ - Russellville
Road Hawgz BBQ - Ash Flat
Sauced Barbeque & Brews - Eureka Springs
Sassy's Red House - Fayetteville
Sim's Bar B Que - Little Rock
Smoke Shack Bar-B-Q - Maumelle
Smokin’ Buns BBQ & Catfish - Jacksonville
Smokin’ in Style - Hot Springs
Smokin Joe's Pit Stop BBQ - Smackover
Sweetpea's - Kirby
T's BBQ - Harrison
The Rack Pack BBQ Team - Jonesboro
The Wood Shed BBQ & Catering - White Hall
This Guy's Smoke N Grill - Searcy
Tim's Tavern - Benton
Trauma Hogs BBQ- Brookland
Trav's Rib Shack - Siloam Springs
Uncle Henry's BBQ - Sheridan
VP's BBQ & Soulfood - Cabot
Walk Baby Love BBQ - Arkadelphia
Whole Hog Cafe - Little Rock
Wright's Barbecue - Johnson
Lindsay Jordan is the esteemed Head of Operations and Sarah's trusted right-hand at Arkie Travels. Her deep-rooted passion for all things Arkansas is evident in her unwavering dedication to promoting the state. A loyal supporter of Arkie Travels from its very beginning, Lindsay has been an integral part of the core team for nearly two years. Being an Arkansas native, she takes great pride in her role, where she enthusiastically shares the marvels and splendor of the Natural State, all the while championing the local businesses in every community.
Away from the office, Lindsay finds joy in experiencing the wonders of the Natural State with her family. From camping under the stars to hiking along breathtaking trails, and even exploring waterways on kayaks, she embraces these outdoor adventures wholeheartedly and is happy to share the beauty of Arkansas with everyone around her.