Arkansas is known for its deep roots in barbecue culture. Across the state, you’ll find small shacks, roadside joints, and local hangouts where the smoke never stops and the flavors stay true to tradition. While each place has its own way of doing things, they all share a focus on slow cooking, seasoned pits, and a strong sense of community. Whether you’re from the area or just passing through, good barbecue is always part of the experience.
This article rounds up 30 of the best BBQ spots in Arkansas. The list is based on online reviews, local opinions, and overall popularity across the state. These places have earned a following not just for their food but for the people behind the grill and the warm welcome that keeps folks coming back. If you’re looking for trusted spots that locals recommend, this guide will point you in the right direction.
#30 – Reid’s Hometown Barbecue
Reid’s Hometown Barbecue in Booneville brings solid Southern-style cooking to western Arkansas with a focus on smoked meats and made-from-scratch sides. The restaurant uses wood-fired pits to smoke brisket, pulled pork, ribs, sausage, turkey, and chicken. Meats are served as plates or sandwiches, with sauces available on the side in both mild and spicy versions. Their sides include mac and cheese, baked beans, coleslaw, and loaded fries, all prepared fresh each day. Fried pies and other rotating desserts are also available, adding a sweet option for those dining in or taking out. Its consistent approach to flavor and traditional barbecue methods has earned it a spot among Arkansas’s most talked-about BBQ spots.
#29 – Ol’ Bart’s Southern Eats
Ol Bart’s Southern Eats has built a loyal following in Arkansas with its mix of Texas-style smoking and Memphis barbecue roots. With locations in Conway and North Little Rock, the restaurant focuses on cooking meats low and slow using post oak wood. This method brings out a deep, smoky flavor that keeps people coming back. Customers often talk about the friendly service, clean setup, and how consistent the food is each time they visit. The laid-back feel, combined with the strong flavors, has helped Ol Bart’s stand out among newer spots in the state. It may be a newer name, but it’s earned its place as one of the best barbecue spots in Arkansas.
#28 – Naaman’s BBQ
Naaman’s BBQ in Texarkana has become a favorite for many in southwest Arkansas thanks to its mix of strong flavors, solid portions, and a laid-back setting. Known for its Texas-style smoking, the restaurant uses traditional methods like slow cooking over wood to bring out deep flavor in every bite. Customers often mention how consistent the food is, with meats that are well-seasoned and cooked just right. The indoor dining area has a relaxed vibe with retro-style decor and some live music nights that make it more than just a food stop. What started as a small operation has grown into a well-known spot that locals trust and visitors seek out. Naaman’s continues to stand out for its steady quality, welcoming feel, and no-nonsense approach to good barbecue.
#27 – Brother’s BBQ
Brother’s BBQ in Heber Springs is known for its slow-smoked meats and bold vinegar-based sauces that bring a sharp, balanced flavor. The cooking method relies on traditional wood smoking, giving each cut a steady, smoky taste. Its hot vinegar sauce stands out for its strong kick, while still letting the meat’s flavor come through. The portions are generous, and the menu includes sandwiches and plates served with sides like coleslaw, baked beans, and fried okra. The restaurant keeps a casual and relaxed atmosphere, offering a straightforward barbecue experience that focuses on quality and consistency. Brother’s BBQ has become a trusted name in central Arkansas by sticking to proven methods and delivering strong flavor without overcomplicating the menu. It continues to be one of the most reliable barbecue spots in the area.
#26 – Dixie Pig
Dixie Pig in Blytheville has been serving barbecue since 1923, making it one of the oldest barbecue spots in Arkansas. The restaurant uses a traditional pit-smoking method, cooking meat slowly over a mix of charcoal and hickory wood. This approach gives the meat a steady, smoky flavor that has stayed consistent for decades. One of the standout features is its vinegar-based pepper sauce, which is thin, sharp, and designed to bring out the flavor of the meat instead of covering it up. The sandwich plates often come with slaw and sides like hand-cut onion rings and fries. The restaurant has kept a simple setup and has remained in the same family for generations. Its long history, solid cooking techniques, and focus on flavor have helped Dixie Pig keep its place as one of the most respected barbecue spots in northeast Arkansas.
#25 – Capitol Smokehouse & Grill
Capitol Smokehouse & Grill in Little Rock is known for its plate-lunch style barbecue served in a laid-back and friendly setting. The restaurant focuses on slow-smoked meats like pulled pork, brisket, ribs, and smoked chicken. Each plate comes with a choice of homemade sides such as baked beans, potato salad, greens, and jalapeño cornbread. Service is cafeteria-style, making it quick for lunch crowds and ideal for anyone looking for a filling meal without a long wait. Capitol Smokehouse has built a steady following by offering reliable, good food at fair prices. The focus stays on simple, well-cooked barbecue and comfort food that keeps people coming back.
#24 – Platnum BBQ
Platnum BBQ in Little Rock is located inside River Market’s Ottenheimer Hall and has become a go-to spot for barbecue in the city. The restaurant uses a mix of wood and charcoal to slow smoke its meats, bringing out rich flavor in dishes like brisket, pork ribs, short ribs, and smoked sausage. The menu includes a wide range of Southern-style sides such as collard greens, broccoli cheese casserole, macaroni and cheese, yams, and purple hull peas. Platnum BBQ also serves daily specials like smoked meatloaf, Cajun pasta, and beef tips, offering more variety than a typical barbecue place. Portions are generous and served quickly in a relaxed, casual setting. Platnum BBQ has earned its spot among Arkansas’s best by focusing on well-prepared meats, bold sides, and steady service in the heart of Little Rock.
#23 – Nick’s Bar-B-Q & Catfish
Nick’s Bar-B-Q & Catfish in Carlisle has been serving barbecue and Southern-style meals since 1972. The restaurant uses traditional pit-smoking methods to cook pork, beef, chicken, sausage, and ribs, focusing on slow cooking to bring out a steady, rich flavor. In addition to barbecue, Nick’s is also known for its farm-raised catfish, offering a seafood option that fits well with the rest of the menu. Sides include items like fried green tomatoes, onion rings, and house-made cheese dip, giving guests a well-rounded meal in a relaxed, casual setting. The restaurant sits just off Interstate 40, making it a convenient stop for travelers and a regular choice for locals. It has kept its recipes and service style consistent over the years, which helps explain its long-running popularity.
#22 – Beau’s Bayou Smokehouse
Beau’s Bayou Smokehouse in Farmington blends traditional Southern barbecue with Cajun and Creole flavors, creating a menu that stands out in Northwest Arkansas. The restaurant uses slow-smoking techniques to prepare meats like pulled pork, brisket, ribs, and sausage, focusing on deep flavor without relying heavily on sauce. Sides include options like loaded mac and cheese, Cajun-boiled potatoes, collard greens, and seasoned beans, all made from scratch. The barbecue is served in a casual setup with covered picnic seating that gives it a laid-back and welcoming feel. While the restaurant started small, its steady quality and creative menu have helped it grow into a local favorite. Beau’s Bayou Smokehouse keeps things simple and flavorful, making it one of the more unique and respected barbecue spots in the region.
#21 – Three Sam’s BBQ
Three Sam’s Barbeque Joint in Mabelvale is known for serving classic Arkansas-style barbecue with steady quality and generous portions. The restaurant focuses on slow-smoked meats like chopped pork, beef, ribs, and smoked hot dogs, all prepared to bring out a deep, smoky flavor. Plates often come fully loaded, especially the large baked potatoes and footlong hot dogs topped with meat. The sauce has a balanced mix of sweet and tangy that pairs well with the smoked meats without overpowering them. Homemade desserts like pies and cookies are also part of what makes this spot stand out. The setting is simple and casual, offering counter service with indoor seating, and it’s open only on weekdays for lunch and limited dinner hours. Three Sam’s has built a solid reputation for good food, fair prices, and a straightforward approach that keeps customers coming back.
#20 – Hoot’s BBQ & Steaks
Hoot’s BBQ & Steaks in McGehee has earned a strong reputation in southeast Arkansas for its slow-smoked meats and classic Southern menu. The restaurant smokes brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and whole chicken for up to 14 hours using a traditional low and slow method. This brings out a rich, smoky flavor that does not rely heavily on sauce. The menu includes a wide range of options such as hand-battered onion rings, pinto beans, burgers, sandwiches, and steaks that go up to 22 ounces. A bakery counter offers fresh desserts like banana pudding and cake. The space is decorated with vintage signs and a country-style setup, giving it a comfortable and relaxed feel. Hoot’s is both a local favorite and a stop for travelers passing through the region.
#19 – Mean Pig BBQ
Mean Pig BBQ in Cabot has been serving central Arkansas since 1997 with a strong focus on traditional hickory-smoked meats. The restaurant is known for its pulled pork, ribs, smoked sausages, and chopped beef, all cooked low and slow to bring out a deep, natural smoke flavor. One of their standout items is the smoked cheese dip, which has become a local favorite. Sides like barbecue beans and coleslaw are made fresh, and their portions are generous. Mean Pig keeps things simple with a casual setup and friendly service that makes both locals and visitors feel welcome. Their house sauces range from mild to very hot, including one labeled “Shut-Up Juice” that’s made for heat seekers. With its solid reputation and consistent quality, Mean Pig BBQ continues to be one of the most trusted names in Arkansas barbecue.
#18 – Stubby’s BBQ
Stubby’s BBQ in Hot Springs has been a steady name in Arkansas barbecue since 1952, known for smoking pork, beef, ribs, and chicken over hickory wood. This traditional method gives the meat a strong smoky flavor, and their house sauce is sweet, thick, and mild, often added while the meat cooks to build a flavorful glaze. The menu includes more than just barbecue, with options like smoked baked potatoes and barbecue sandwiches served cafeteria-style. Sides such as pit-baked beans and potato salad are made fresh daily, and homemade desserts like peach cobbler are also available. The setting is casual and easygoing, with a simple dining space and friendly service. Stubby’s has stayed consistent through the years by keeping its focus on classic cooking techniques and steady quality, making it a go-to stop in Hot Springs for those looking for traditional Arkansas-style barbecue.
#17 – Kibbs Bar-B-Que
Kibbs Bar-B-Que in North Little Rock is known for its smoky meats, bold flavors, and no-frills setup. The restaurant smokes pork, brisket, ribs, and sausage daily using wood-fired pits, giving the meat a strong, natural smoke flavor. Their sandwiches are popular and come with a choice of sauces, including a spicy jalapeño blend. Kibbs also serves rib tips, smoked bologna, and burgers, all made to order. Sides like baked beans, vinegar slaw, potato salad, and hand-cut fries are made fresh and served in generous portions. The location is mainly takeout with a walk-up window and outdoor picnic tables for casual seating. Customers return for the consistent quality and the bold, straightforward style that Kibbs is known for. With its focus on flavor, value, and friendly service, Kibbs remains a steady favorite for barbecue fans around central Arkansas.
#16 – Corky’s Ribs & BBQ
Corky’s Ribs & BBQ in Little Rock and North Little Rock brings true Memphis-style barbecue to Arkansas. The restaurant slow-smokes ribs and pulled pork over hickory and charcoal to add deep, smoky flavor. Their meats are brushed with a sweet, mild sauce during cooking to form a tasty crust. The menu also includes items like smoked sausage, barbecue sandwiches, and a range of hearty sides such as coleslaw and fries. As part of a larger Memphis-based chain, Corky’s bottles its barbecue sauce for retail and caters events across the region. With decades of experience and a direct focus on bold, slow-smoked flavors, Corky’s remains one of the most recognized names in the region’s barbecue scene.
#15 – Penguin Ed’s Bar-B-Q
Penguin Ed’s Bar‑B‑Q in Fayetteville has been a fixture since its first trailer opened in 1993, and it still draws a steady crowd at its Highway 45 and 265 location. The restaurant slow-smokes meats like brisket, pulled pork, sausage, and chicken over wood, delivering a clear smoke flavor in each bite. Plates are built to be filling and affordable, with sides such as baked beans, coleslaw, potato salad, and hand-cut fries served fresh daily. Their sauces include a sweet-spicy blend and a tangy mustard-based option that lets customers pick how much punch they want. The setup is simple, featuring counter service and a casual, down-to-earth feel with indoor seating and picnic tables outside. Penguin Ed’s also offers vegetarian choices and rotating daily specials like burgers and loaded baked potatoes. With over 30 years in business and a reputation for consistent, honest barbecue at fair prices, Penguin Ed’s holds a firm place on Arkansas’s BBQ map.
#14 – Blue Ember Smokehouse
Blue Ember Smokehouse in Little Rock and Jonesboro is known for serving smoked meats in a clean, fast-casual setting. They cook over wood-fired pits, offering items like brisket, pulled pork, sausage, and turkey with a mild smoke flavor. Meats are sliced to order and served by the pound or in sandwiches. Their apple-based barbecue sauce adds a touch of sweetness without covering the flavor of the meat. The restaurant has gained attention for offering a more modern barbecue option while still sticking to wood-smoking methods. With a growing following and consistent service, Blue Ember continues to build its name in the Arkansas barbecue scene.
#13 – Lucky Luke’s BBQ
Lucky Luke’s BBQ in Fayetteville is known for its steady smoke flavor, large portions, and laid-back setting near the University of Arkansas. They slow-smoke meats like ribs, brisket, sausage, pulled pork, and wings over wood, giving each item a deep, cooked-in flavor. The pulled pork basket and smoked chicken are especially well-liked for being flavorful and tender. Their homemade sides like potato salad and baked beans add to the overall value, and the prices are considered fair for the quality. The setup is counter-service, and the space is casual with outdoor seating that’s also dog-friendly. While the place keeps a no-frills look, it earns steady praise for consistent quality and portion size. Lucky Luke’s may not have a fancy setup, but it makes up for it with strong flavors and affordable meals.
#12 – H B’s Bar-B-Q
H B’s Bar-B-Q in Little Rock is a small, no-frills spot known for its smoked meats and spicy house-made sauce. The restaurant operates out of a converted home and has been serving locals for decades. Pork, brisket, and ribs are slow-cooked over wood, giving each bite a strong smoke flavor. Their sauce is known for being hot, with a vinegar-pepper base that adds heat without covering the meat. Seating is limited, and the place only accepts cash, which adds to its old-school charm. H B’s keeps things simple but delivers solid barbecue that’s built a loyal following over the years.
#11 – Smokin’ Buns
Smokin’ Buns BBQ & Catfish in Jacksonville is a popular choice for those craving both smoked meats and fried catfish in a relaxed, rustic setting. The team smokes brisket, ribs, sausage, and pulled pork over wood, aiming for bold smoke flavor that shines through without overpowering. Their fried catfish is made with U.S. farm-raised fillets, flaky and crispy, and a key highlight of the menu. Sides range from hushpuppies to corn on the cob, baked beans, coleslaw and even BBQ nachos or fried green tomatoes, all made fresh and hearty. The dining area includes booths and tables, while old-school country music adds to the atmosphere. With a diverse menu and down-home feel, Smokin’ Buns offers something for both barbecue and catfish fans.
#10 – Lindsey’s Hospitality House
Lindsey’s Hospitality House in North Little Rock is known for serving Southern-style barbecue and comfort food using recipes passed down for generations. They slow-smoke a variety of meats like ribs, beef, pulled pork, smoked chicken, and sausage, focusing on flavor that builds through hours of cooking over wood. Their barbecue sauce has a sweet and tangy blend that works well with both meats and sides. The dining space is casual and welcoming, with seating for both regular meals and larger gatherings. The restaurant has remained a steady favorite for over 60 years.
#9 – Smokin’ In Style BBQ
Smokin’ In Style BBQ in Hot Springs is known for its hickory-smoked meats cooked in a traditional rotisserie-style smoker. The restaurant focuses on building flavor slowly, using real wood smoke instead of relying on heavy sauces. Meats like pulled pork, ribs, turkey, sausage, and brisket are all cooked on-site and served with a variety of house sauces including sweet, mustard-style, mild, and hot. The space has a laid-back feel with plenty of seating, making it good for families and larger groups. Customers often mention the portion sizes and consistent quality of both food and service. Smokin’ In Style has become a reliable stop for both locals and visitors looking for well-prepared, wood-smoked barbecue in a casual setting.
#8 – Ridgewood Brothers BBQ
Ridgewood Brothers BBQ in Russellville is known for its wood-smoked meats and small-batch approach. They smoke brisket, pork, turkey, and sausage over live fire and slice everything fresh to order. The brisket stands out for its tenderness, and the handmade sausages are packed with rich, smoky flavor. Customers can order by the pound or as part of a sandwich or plate. Popular sides like mac and cheese, jalapeño-cheddar grits, baked beans, and smoked green beans are made in-house. Ridgewood Brothers has earned strong reviews for its focus on quality, consistency, and friendly service, making it one of the standout barbecue spots in Arkansas.
#7 – Count Porkula
Count Porkula BBQ in North Little Rock is known for its wood-smoked meats and laid-back setting. What started as a food truck has become one of the area’s most talked-about barbecue spots. They smoke brisket, pulled pork, ribs, sausage, and chicken low and slow to keep the meat tender with a deep smoky taste. While sauce is available, the flavor of the meat stands on its own. Count Porkula offers counter service and a casual setup that works well for quick lunches or relaxed dinners. With its focus on classic smoking techniques and a clean, no-nonsense menu, Count Porkula has built a strong following in central Arkansas.
#6 – McClard’s Bar-B-Q
McClard’s Bar-B-Q in Hot Springs has been serving barbecue since 1928 and is known for its old-school, hickory-smoked meats. The restaurant cooks pork and beef using a traditional pit method that brings out deep flavor without relying on heavy spices. Their tomato-based sauce has a mild sweetness and tang that adds just enough to complement the meat without overpowering it. The setup is simple, with a diner-style layout and quick counter service that adds to its local charm. For many visitors, it’s not just the barbecue that stands out but also the consistency of the food and the no-frills atmosphere. McClard’s has been a favorite in Hot Springs for generations, and it continues to draw locals and travelers looking for a classic barbecue experience rooted in tradition.
#5 – Craig’s Bar-B-Q
Craig’s Bar-B-Q in De Valls Bluff has been a staple since the 1940s, known for its old-school approach to Arkansas barbecue. The meats are cooked over a hickory wood fire in a traditional pit, giving them a strong smoky flavor that fans travel for. The chopped pork and beef sandwiches come topped with creamy coleslaw and wrapped in wax paper, keeping things simple but packed with flavor. Most of the food is ordered to go, but there are a few tables inside for dining in. The menu sticks to the basics and does them well, with no need for fancy extras. Its long-running popularity comes from staying consistent and true to its roots, offering a taste of Arkansas barbecue that hasn’t changed much over the years.
#4 – Whole Hog Cafe
Whole Hog Cafe has become one of the most recognized barbecue chains in Arkansas thanks to its focus on traditional Memphis-style barbecue and variety of house-made sauces. The restaurant uses a slow-smoking method with dry rubs, and offers ribs, pulled pork, brisket, and other smoked meats. One thing that sets them apart is the range of sauces available at each table, letting customers choose the flavor that suits them best. Whole Hog Cafe is also known for its large portions, making it a popular choice for families and group gatherings. Many return for the brisket and pulled pork, along with classic sides like potato salad and beans.
#3 – Jones Bar-B-Q Diner
Jones Bar-B-Q Diner in Marianna is one of the oldest barbecue restaurants in the country, serving slow-smoked pork since the early 1900s. It’s known for cooking pork shoulders over oak and hickory in cinder block pits for hours, giving the meat a strong smoke flavor and tender texture. The restaurant itself is very small with just a couple of tables, and most customers grab their food to go. Its old-school approach, consistency, and long history have helped it become a key part of Arkansas barbecue culture. Despite its simple setup, Jones Bar-B-Q continues to draw people from all over for its no-frills style and rich flavor.
#2 – Sims Bar-B-Que
Sims Bar-B-Que has been a steady part of the Little Rock barbecue scene since 1937. This long-running spot is known for its slow-cooked meats and signature sweet, brown sauce that brings out the full flavor of every plate. The restaurant uses a cinder block pit to smoke pork, ribs, sausage, and beef daily, which helps create a deep smoke flavor and tender texture. Sims keeps things simple, focusing on the basics and doing them well. Its straightforward approach, large portions, and rich flavors have made it a go-to spot for locals who want no-frills, traditional Southern barbecue. Even without fancy setups, it’s clear that people keep coming back for the consistency and taste that’s been passed down for generations.
#1 – Wright’s Barbecue
Wright’s Barbecue in Johnson, with locations in Rogers, Bentonville, and Little Rock, has become one of the most popular barbecue spots in Arkansas. Known for its wood-fired approach, Wright’s focuses on slow-smoking meats like brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and sausage to bring out bold, natural flavors. Their cooking leans toward a mix of Texas and Tennessee styles, using traditional offset smokers and simple seasoning. Customers often highlight the strong smoke flavor and steady quality across their menu. Sides are freshly made, and the casual setting adds to the relaxed, backyard-style experience. Even with its growing number of locations, Wright’s keeps a strong local following by focusing on consistency and well-prepared barbecue. Wright’s continues to stand out by sticking to classic methods and high-quality ingredients.
What Makes Arkansas BBQ Stand Out
Barbecue in Arkansas blends southern traditions with a few local twists. The state doesn’t stick to one single style, but you’ll find strong influences from Memphis and Texas, especially in the use of pork and brisket. Many Arkansas barbecue joints rely on slow smoking with hickory wood, and sauce plays a big role here. Most sauces lean toward sweet and tangy, often tomato-based, but some places offer a spicier or vinegar-style version. Sliced or chopped pork sandwiches are common across the state, and ribs are a steady favorite.
What also sets Arkansas apart is the number of long-running, family-owned spots that have been serving barbecue for decades. You’ll find everything from small roadside joints to large, full-service smokehouses, each with its own take on cooking methods and flavors.
FAQs About Arkansas BBQ
Is Arkansas barbecue more like Memphis or Texas style?…