These 9 Hole In The Wall BBQ Restaurants In Arkansas Are Great Places To Eat

I’m of the firm belief that the best barbecue in the world comes from the tiniest, most unsuspecting places. Whether that’s because they’ve invested in the recipe more than the venue or just because barbecue tastes better when served with a smile, I’ll never know. If you also believe the best barbecue comes from hole-in-the-wall eateries, you’re in the right place. Below you’ll find nine of the best BBQ restaurants in Arkansas, and they’re all small enough to make you feel right at home.

1. Jones Bar-B-Q Diner

This one is going to make it near the top of our barbecue lists every time, y’all. Jones Bar-B-Q Diner is an institution, a James Beard award winning Arkansas eatery that is the very definition of "hole in the wall." Be cautious about when you go to Jones Bar-B-Q Diner though, as they run out of slow-cooked meat very early in the day—and I do mean every single day. It’s just that good.

Address: 219 W Louisiana Street, Marianna, AR 72360

Visit the website by clicking here.

2. H.B.’s Bar-B-Q

H.B.’s isn’t about to open up a boring old chain. They do what they do best—and that’s mouthwatering barbecue made in a small neighborhood restaurant. When I say they’re a neighborhood restaurant, I really mean that. They call a residential neighborhood home. H.B.’s has been in the barbecue business since 1961, and they’re still serving up roasted meat to die for.

Address: 6010 Lancaster Rd, Little Rock, AR 72209

Visit the website by clicking here.

3. Hog Pen

Don’t worry, they don’t really have a hog out in their outside pen. Inside, however, they do have some fine barbecue. From dry-rubbed ribs to their own incredible barbecue sauce, the Hog Pen is great eats in a clean, friendly setting.

Address: 800 Walnut Street, Conway, AR 72032

Visit the website by clicking here.

4. Gene’s BBQ

Gene’s is a favorite hiding in the small town of Brinkley. You’re going to love the awesome barbecue there, and all the other Arkansas favorites they serve alongside it. It isn’t unheard of to get catfish and barbecue on the same plate at Gene’s.

Address: 1107 AR-17, Brinkley, AR 72021

Visit the website by clicking here.

5. Craig’s

Craig’s isn’t much to look at, but if you’re after totally delicious hunks of meat slathered in drink-able barbecue sauce, you’re looking at a restaurant you don’t want to miss. They offer a full menu of down-home favorites in a cozy, hometown setting.

Address: 15 Walnut, De Valls Bluff, AR 72041

Visit the website by clicking here.

6. Pig’n-Chik

If you’re looking for mouthwatering barbecue in a laidback atmosphere, you need to head to central Arkansas, to the town of Sherwood. You’re going to find a variety of comforting items on their menu, including some absolutely fantastic barbecue. From ribs to pulled pork, they serve slow roasted meat to die for.

Address: 7824 AR-107, Sherwood, AR 72120

Visit the website by clicking here.

7. Sims Bar-B-Q

Okay, Sims does have more than one location around Little Rock, but all of their homes are humble abodes. Folks in Little Rock have grown up on Sims, partly because they’ve been around since 1937. It isn’t only tradition that’s kept Sims in business so long. They’ve stuck around because their barbecue is out of this world.

You can find a Slims location by clicking here.

8. Kibbs BBQ

Homemade fries and perfect, smokey meat awaits you in Stuttgart. Kibbs has been serving up falling-off-the-bone meats for more than 40 years and they’re still going strong. The restaurant doesn’t look like much, but boy their plates have a lot going on.

Address: 1102 E Harrison Street, Stuttgart, AR 72160

Visit the website by clicking here.

9. Bubba’s Barbecue

If it weren’t for the sign you’d probably think Bubba’s in Eureka Springs was somebody’s house, right? Well, you can’t exactly order a truly enormous plate of ribs at somebody’s house. Bubba’s pit barbecue is absolutely decadent, and that home-like atmosphere adds to the experience, too.

Address: 166 W Van Buren, Eureka Springs, AR 72632

Visit the website by clicking here.

Did your favorite make the list? What do you think are the best BBQ restaurants in Arkansas?

For more hole in the wall restaurants in Arkansas you'll love, click here. To find your complete barbecue bucket list, try this list.