11 Arkansas BBQ Spots Recognized Statewide For One Timeless Plate
Arkansas knows its way around a smoker, and the proof is sizzling on plates across the Natural State.
From family-run shacks that have been perfecting their craft for generations to newer spots earning their stripes one rack at a time, these barbecue joints have become legends in their own right.
What makes them stand out isn’t just the smoke or the sauce—it’s that one unforgettable plate that keeps folks coming back for more, whether they’re driving across town or across the state.
Get ready to meet eleven Arkansas barbecue destinations that have earned their place in the hearts (and stomachs) of true ‘cue lovers everywhere.
1. Jones Bar-B-Q Diner – Marianna
Stepping into Jones Bar-B-Q Diner feels like traveling back to a simpler time when barbecue was about patience, tradition, and a whole lot of hickory smoke.
This legendary spot has been serving up mouthwatering plates since the 1910s, and it’s widely regarded as one of the oldest barbecue joints of its kind still operating in the country.
James Harold Jones and his family carry on their century-old tradition, slow-smoking pork over hickory wood in a pit that’s been feeding hungry folks for generations..
The menu is wonderfully simple: you get tender, smoky pork served on white bread with their tangy sauce on the side. There’s no fancy frills here, just honest-to-goodness barbecue done the way it’s been done for over a hundred years.
People drive from all corners of Arkansas—and beyond—to taste what makes this place so special.
Located at 219 W Louisiana St, Marianna, AR 72360, this James Beard Award-recognized gem proves that sometimes the best things in life are also the simplest.
2. Craig Bros Bar-B-Q Cafe – De Valls Bluff
Tucked away in tiny De Valls Bluff sits a barbecue treasure that locals guard like a delicious secret.
Craig Bros Bar-B-Q Cafe has been smoking meat to perfection since 1947, and their reputation has spread far beyond this little Delta town. The cafe’s story is tied to Lawrence Craig and his uncle Wes, and the tradition has carried on through the family over the decades.
Their ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender, with a smoky crust that barbecue dreams are made of. The pulled pork is equally impressive, served with their signature tangy house sauce that cuts through the richness perfectly.
What really sets this place apart is the care that goes into every single plate—nothing leaves the kitchen unless it meets their high standards.
You’ll find this gem at 15 W Walnut St, De Valls Bluff, AR 72041, where the aroma of smoking meat greets you before you even park your car.
Bring your appetite and your patience; good barbecue is worth the wait.
3. McClard’s Bar-B-Q – Hot Springs
When folks talk about Arkansas barbecue royalty, McClard’s name always comes up first.
This Hot Springs institution has been serving up legendary plates since 1928, and their story is as flavorful as their food. The McClard family started with a secret sauce recipe they received as payment for a debt, and boy, did that turn out to be a wise investment!
Their ribs are coated in that famous tangy, slightly spicy sauce that’s been making mouths water for nearly a century. The meat is smoked low and slow until it practically melts off the bone.
Even President Bill Clinton has been linked to McClard’s as a longtime fan from his Arkansas years, often mentioned among the restaurant’s famous admirers.
The restaurant still operates at 505 Albert Pike Rd, Hot Springs, AR 71913, where it has been a fixture since moving into this location in 1942 and the walls are covered with decades of memories and awards
Every bite tells a story of tradition, quality, and a commitment to doing barbecue the right way.
4. Smokin’ In Style BBQ – Hot Springs
Hot Springs doesn’t just rest on its barbecue laurels—it keeps raising the bar with spots like Smokin’ In Style BBQ.
This established favorite has been serving Hot Springs since 2004, earning a devoted following by combining traditional smoking techniques with creative flavor combinations that surprise and delight.
The pitmasters here aren’t afraid to experiment while still respecting the fundamentals that make great barbecue great.
Their brisket is a showstopper, with a perfect smoke ring and a tenderness that makes you close your eyes and savor every bite. The ribs are equally impressive, glazed with a sauce that balances sweet, tangy, and just a hint of heat.
What makes this place stand out is the attention to detail—from the quality of the wood they use to the sides that complement rather than compete with the star of the show.
Located at 2278 Albert Pike Rd, Hot Springs, AR 71913, this spot proves that Arkansas barbecue continues to evolve while honoring its roots.
Come hungry and prepare to be impressed.
5. Wright’s Barbecue – Johnson
Northwest Arkansas has its own barbecue hero, and its name is Wright’s Barbecue.
This Johnson gem has been perfecting the art of smoked meat since opening its doors, and the locals can’t get enough of what they’re serving. Owner Shane Wright learned his craft from years of competition barbecue before deciding to share his talents with the community.
The result is competition-quality food served in a casual, welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels like family. Their pulled pork is incredibly tender with just the right amount of smoke flavor, while their ribs have won countless fans with their perfect texture and seasoning.
The sides here deserve special mention too—they’re made from scratch and complement the meat beautifully.
You’ll find Wright’s at 2212 Main Dr, Johnson, AR 72704, where the smell of smoking meat wafts through the neighborhood and draws hungry folks like a delicious magnet.
Whether you’re a barbecue purist or an adventurous eater, you’ll find something to love on their menu.
6. Whole Hog Cafe – Little Rock
Sometimes success stories start small and grow into something bigger, and that’s exactly what happened with Whole Hog Cafe.
What began as a single location has expanded across Arkansas and beyond, but the Little Rock spot remains a favorite for folks who know great barbecue when they taste it. The name says it all, they’re committed to serving whole hog barbecue that honors Arkansas traditions.
Their pulled pork is phenomenal, with meat that’s been smoked for hours until it reaches that perfect balance of tender and flavorful. The ribs are meaty and satisfying, with a smoke flavor that doesn’t need to hide behind heavy sauce.
What makes Whole Hog special is their consistency—you know exactly what you’re getting every single time, and it’s always excellent.
The restaurant at 12111 W Markham St, Little Rock, AR 72211, serves up generous portions in a comfortable setting that’s perfect for family dinners or casual lunches.
Their success proves that doing barbecue right never goes out of style.
7. Sim’s Bar-B-Que – Little Rock
Family recipes passed down through generations create something magical at Sim’s Bar-B-Que.
This Little Rock landmark has been serving the community since 1937, making it a longtime Black-owned Arkansas institution with deep roots in local food history. The Simpson family’s dedication to quality and tradition shines through in every plate they serve.
Their ribs are legendary—tender, smoky, and coated in a sauce that’s been perfected over decades of service. The hot links are another standout, with a spicy kick that keeps folks coming back for more.
Walking into Sim’s feels like visiting a relative’s house where you know you’re going to be fed well and treated like family.
The restaurant at 2415 Broadway St, Little Rock, AR 72206, has become a cultural institution as much as a dining destination.
People from all walks of life gather here to enjoy food that tells the story of Arkansas barbecue heritage. Every bite connects you to history, community, and the simple joy of really good smoked meat done right.
8. H.B.’s Bar-B-Q – Little Rock
Hidden gems are the best kind of discoveries, and H.B.’s Bar-B-Q is definitely one of them.
This Little Rock favorite doesn’t rely on fancy marketing or flashy gimmicks—they let their food do all the talking, and boy, does it speak volumes. The pitmasters here understand that great barbecue starts with quality meat and proper smoking techniques, and they never cut corners.
Their brisket is incredibly juicy with a beautiful bark that adds texture and flavor to every slice. The pulled pork is equally impressive, seasoned perfectly and smoked until it reaches that ideal tenderness.
What regulars love most is the consistent quality, you can visit during their weekday hours and know you’re getting the same excellent food.
Located at 6010 Lancaster Rd, Little Rock, AR 72209, H.B.’s has built a loyal following through word of mouth and satisfied customers who can’t help but tell their friends.
The sides are homemade and delicious, rounding out a meal that hits all the right notes.
9. Burge’s Hickory Smoked Turkeys & Hams – Little Rock
Not every barbecue legend focuses solely on pork and beef—Burge’s proves that poultry deserves the spotlight too.
This Little Rock institution has been smoking turkeys and hams to perfection since 1962, creating a specialty that’s become essential for holidays and special occasions across Arkansas. The Burge family’s smoking process creates incredibly moist, flavorful meat that converts even the most devoted pork barbecue fans.
Their hickory-smoked turkeys are phenomenal, with meat that stays juicy and tender while picking up just the right amount of smoke flavor. The hams are equally impressive, offering a sweet and smoky combination that’s hard to resist.
Many Arkansas families consider their celebrations incomplete without a Burge’s turkey on the table.
You’ll find them at 5620 R St, Little Rock, AR 72207, where they’ve been perfecting their craft for generations.
They also offer sandwiches and plates for those who can’t wait for a holiday to enjoy their incredible smoked meats.
10. Nick’s Bar-B-Q & Catfish – Carlisle
Why choose between barbecue and catfish when you can have both?
Nick’s Bar-B-Q & Catfish in Carlisle understands that Arkansas food lovers appreciate variety, and they deliver on both fronts with impressive skill. This local favorite has mastered two Southern cooking traditions under one roof, giving diners the best of both worlds.
Their barbecue ribs are fall-apart tender with a smoky flavor that satisfies every craving, while their pulled pork is seasoned and smoked to perfection. The catfish is equally noteworthy—crispy on the outside, flaky and tender on the inside, fried to golden perfection.
Many regulars can’t decide between the two, so they order both and leave completely satisfied.
Located at 1012 N Bankhead Ave, Carlisle, AR 72024, Nick’s has become a destination for folks traveling through the area who know good food when they smell it.
The portions are generous, the prices are fair, and the quality never disappoints, making it a true Arkansas treasure.
11. The Dixie Pig – Blytheville
Up in the northeast corner of Arkansas, The Dixie Pig has been serving exceptional barbecue since 1923.
This Blytheville landmark has survived nearly a century of changes while staying true to the recipes and techniques that made it famous in the first place. Walking through the doors feels like stepping into Arkansas history, with walls that could tell countless stories of satisfied diners.
Their pork ribs are the stuff of legend—meaty, tender, and flavored with a sauce that’s been pleasing palates for generations. The barbecue sandwiches are piled high with meat that’s been smoked low and slow until it reaches absolute perfection.
Locals treat this place like a community gathering spot, where you’re likely to run into neighbors and friends enjoying a great meal.
You’ll find The Dixie Pig at 701 N 6th St, Blytheville, AR 72315, where they continue to prove that the old ways of doing barbecue are still the best ways.
Every plate is a testament to tradition and quality.