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Posted in Arkansas Bars & Nightlife, Food & Dining July 06, 2021 by Daniella DiRienzo

An Unassuming, Two-Table Eatery, Jones Bar-B-Q Diner Is One Of The Most Acclaimed Restaurants In Arkansas

Looks can be deceiving. For instance, when you first set eyes on Jones Bar-B-Q Diner in Arkansas, it doesn’t appear to be anything special. In fact, aside from the signage out front, it’s not even clear that it’s a restaurant. But it is a restaurant – and not just any restaurant. With numerous accolades under its belt, it’s one of the most acclaimed restaurants in Arkansas.

Occupying the bottom floor of a residence in the small town of Marianna, Jones Bar-B-Q Diner is pretty discreet – but only in appearance.

Its reputation stretches far and wide – and goes back decades, even longer than the diner’s sign indicates.

The diner’s age is one its most notable features. It’s billed as “the oldest African-American owned restaurant in the South and possibly the nation.”

That’s not its only claim to fame, though. The diner has won lots of awards over the years, including being designated as an America’s Classic by the James Beard Foundation.

It definitely lives up to the hype. Both locals and tourists flock to the diner for a taste of the famous BBQ pork, which is served two ways – on white bread or by the pound.

The flavorful pork is so good, it’s the only thing whipped up at Jones Bar-B-Q Diner.

Canned drinks and bagged chips are also available for purchase.

Ready to visit this legendary BBQ joint?

Remember, it’s best to call before you visit. The diner regularly sells out – despite cooking a whopping 900 pounds of pork a week!

Also, there are only two tables, which means you might have to take your grub to-go.

For more information, call Jones Bar-B-Q Diner at (870) 295-3807. You can also visit the diner’s Facebook page.

So, did you know about this landmark diner? Ever visited? If so, what’d you think of the BBQ? Tell us!

This isn’t the only trek-worthy BBQ restaurant in Arkansas. Click here for 9 holes-in-the-wall that you don’t want to pass up.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: Jones Bar-B-Q Diner, 219 W Louisiana St, Marianna, AR 72360, USA

Daniella DiRienzo

Though Daniella was born in New York and has lived in a couple of other states, Mississippi has been her home for the past 25 years. After graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi, Daniella began to hone her writing skills through various internships, working for The Royal Obsession and Anatomie clothing. In the years since, she’s had the privilege of having her articles appear in several publications, such as Parents & Kids Magazine and Girl Meets Strong. She’s also had the honor of interviewing actress Sela Ward for The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience.