When you’re craving ‘cue, any old restaurant just won’t do! And that’s why we scoured Arkansas for the most delicious hole-in-the-wall BBQ joints in the state. We then compiled a list of the best of the best and mapped out a route that leads to each eatery, just to make sure you (and your taste buds) don’t miss out.
Grab your keys and prepare for a drool-worthy 214-mile journey!
google.com The entire route, round trip, will take just under 4 hours to complete. Want to alter the route? Click here.
- Craig’s Bar-B-Q (De Valls Bluff)
Ryan Black/Google
Timothy Mosby/Google In the business of ‘cue since 1947, Craig’s Bar-B-Q knows its meats! It serves a variety of slow-smoked meats, but is most known for its smoked and sliced pork sandwiches, which come slathered in the eatery’s signature sauce. For more info, click here. Craig Bros Cafe, 15 W Walnut St, De Valls Bluff, AR 72041, USA
- The Mean Pig BBQ (Cabot)
The Mean Pig BBQ/Facebook
The Mean Pig BBQ/Google The Mean Pig BBQ serves up ‘cue classics, like ribs, pulled pork, and chopped beef. However, it’s most known for its “Shut Up Juice,” a super hot sauce that was featured on Man v. Food. For more info, click here. The Mean Pig BBQ, 3096 Bill Foster Memorial Hwy W, Cabot, AR 72023, USA
- Smoke Shack Bar-B-Q (Maumelle)
Larry Nordstrom/Google
Jonathan Griswold/Google A tiny eatery with a big reputation, Smoke Shack Bar-B-Q is known for its flavorful smoked meats, tasty sides, and signature sauces. For more info, click here. Smoke Shack Bar-B-Q, 20608 AR-365, Maumelle, AR 72113, USA
- Capitol Smokehouse and Grill (Little Rock)
Capitol Smokehouse and Grill/Facebook
Capitol Smokehouse and Grill/Facebook
At this Little Rock restaurant, beef, pork, and chicken are smoked to perfection and doused with delicious sauces. The end result is tender, flavorful barbecue, which, in 2010, earned the eatery a spot on Maxim’s list, the “Top 10 Temples of ‘Cue in the World.” For more info, click here.
Capitol Smokehouse & Grill, 915 W Capitol Ave, Little Rock, AR 72201, USA
- H.B.‘S BAR-B-Q (Little Rock)
aye fukker/Google
H B’s Bar B.Q./Facebook Dubbed Arkansas’ “best kept secret,” this little hole-in-the-wall has been dishing up some of the state’s best ‘cue since 1961. Not much has changed at the eatery throughout the decades, including the fact that it’s “cash only,” so make sure to stop at an ATM before your visit. For more info, click here. H.B.‘S BAR-B-Q, 6010 Lancaster Rd, Little Rock, AR 72209, USA
- Uncle Henry’s BBQ (Sheridan)
google.com
Regine Skrydon/Google A “country-style, down home BBQ restaurant,” Uncle Henry’s serves up sizzling eats in the form of flavorful meats. The menu also includes an array of classic sides. For more info, click here.
So, what do you think? Are you ready to set out on this delicious Arkansas road trip? Did we miss your favorite BBQ hole-in-the-wall? If so, tell us!
google.com
The entire route, round trip, will take just under 4 hours to complete. Want to alter the route? Click here.
Ryan Black/Google
Timothy Mosby/Google
In the business of ‘cue since 1947, Craig’s Bar-B-Q knows its meats! It serves a variety of slow-smoked meats, but is most known for its smoked and sliced pork sandwiches, which come slathered in the eatery’s signature sauce. For more info, click here.
Craig Bros Cafe, 15 W Walnut St, De Valls Bluff, AR 72041, USA
The Mean Pig BBQ/Facebook
The Mean Pig BBQ/Google
The Mean Pig BBQ serves up ‘cue classics, like ribs, pulled pork, and chopped beef. However, it’s most known for its “Shut Up Juice,” a super hot sauce that was featured on Man v. Food. For more info, click here.
The Mean Pig BBQ, 3096 Bill Foster Memorial Hwy W, Cabot, AR 72023, USA
Larry Nordstrom/Google
Jonathan Griswold/Google
A tiny eatery with a big reputation, Smoke Shack Bar-B-Q is known for its flavorful smoked meats, tasty sides, and signature sauces. For more info, click here.
Smoke Shack Bar-B-Q, 20608 AR-365, Maumelle, AR 72113, USA
Capitol Smokehouse and Grill/Facebook
Capitol Smokehouse and Grill/Facebook
At this Little Rock restaurant, beef, pork, and chicken are smoked to perfection and doused with delicious sauces. The end result is tender, flavorful barbecue, which, in 2010, earned the eatery a spot on Maxim’s list, the “Top 10 Temples of ‘Cue in the World.” For more info, click here.
Capitol Smokehouse & Grill, 915 W Capitol Ave, Little Rock, AR 72201, USA
aye fukker/Google
H B’s Bar B.Q./Facebook
Dubbed Arkansas’ “best kept secret,” this little hole-in-the-wall has been dishing up some of the state’s best ‘cue since 1961. Not much has changed at the eatery throughout the decades, including the fact that it’s “cash only,” so make sure to stop at an ATM before your visit. For more info, click here.
H.B.‘S BAR-B-Q, 6010 Lancaster Rd, Little Rock, AR 72209, USA
google.com
Regine Skrydon/Google
A “country-style, down home BBQ restaurant,” Uncle Henry’s serves up sizzling eats in the form of flavorful meats. The menu also includes an array of classic sides. For more info, click here.
This isn’t the only route that will show you the best of Arkansas. Click here for a road trip that leads to the state’s most whimsical attractions, themed restaurants, and more.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
