Looking for the best BBQ in Northwest Arkansas? We’ll all agree that BBQ is a mainstay in the diets of most NWA residents and also in the diets of most of its regional visitors. It seems that everyone has an opinion about what great BBQ should taste like. Disputes arise over whether meat is more important than sauce, wood pits over coal smoking, and don’t even get me started about the differences in opinion about how long the smoking should last. Here at the Best of Northwest Arkansas Top 10, we’re more concerned with the end result. We want to know how does the barbecue taste.
Below you will find our list of the 10 Best BBQ joints in NWA:
Table of Contents
Bella Vista
Rhythm and Q $
1721 Forest Hills Blvd, (479) 268-6858
Many customers drive from miles around just to enjoy the unique barbecue served at the local chef owned and operated Rhythm and Q. It’s been open only a few months, but has already established a rabid fan base. Diners love the perfectly smoked meats, delicious sides and flavorful sauces. The Baby Back Ribs are meaty, tender and tasty. For you music lovers, there’s live music on Friday and Saturday nights. Note: The hours are a little tricky – breakfast is served only on Saturday mornings from 7:30 AM – 10:30 PM, lunch only is served on Sunday from 11 AM – 2 PM, and on Tuesday – Saturday the hours are from 11 AM – 8 PM
Bentonville
Fred’s Hickory Inn $$
1502 N Walton Blvd, (479) 273-3303
If you are craving a memorable Pit Bar B-Q experience in NWA,take your family, friends and visitors to Fred’s. You just can’t get better friendly service, atmosphere or real pit BBQ. They are also known for their mouthwatering steaks and authentic Italian food.
Whole Hog Cafe $$
1400 SE Walton Blvd, (479) 271-6566
Award-winning, World Champion BBQ – Menu includes some of the best pork, chicken and beef BBQ. Try the jumbo pulled pork sandwich, which is always a hit!
Smokin’ Joe’s Ribhouse $$
1204 S. Walton Blvd, (479) 273-1685
Genuine Pit Barbecue, known as one of the best BBQ catering services for all of NWA. Ribs are smoked all the way through and the meat literally falls off the bone.
Eureka Springs
Rockin’ Pig Saloon $$
2039 E Van Buren, (479) 363-6248
A full service dining, drinking and entertainment establishment serving BBQ, burgers and wood-fired pizzas in a fun atmosphere. Try the pork ribs and baked beans.
Fayetteville
Sassy’s Red House $$
708 N College Ave, (479) 856-6366
Known far and wide for having the perfect BBQ sauce. Try the barbecue nachos as an entree instead of an appetizer. Service is terrific too.
Penguin Ed ’s Bar-B-Que $$
6347 W Wedington Dr, (479) 251-7429
You’ll be impressed with Penguin Ed’s mouth-watering bar-b-que. Customers come in time after time for this hickory-enhanced smoked meat.
Lucky Luke’s BBQ $$
1220 N Garland Ave, (479) 521-7550
Stoked for a really good BBQ sandwich? Some say this is the best pulled pork in the region. Their pork, kielbasa sausage and chicken is premium quality and smoked right on the premises. Lucky Luke’s is a friendly, very casual, BBQ joint that specializes
in good food and knowledgeable, efficient service. A favorite with the U of A crowd, they are also a good choice for your catering needs. Try the rib or pulled pork sandwich once, and you’ll be hooked.
Rogers
Big Rub BBQ & Catering $
Walmart Supercenter at
4208 Pleasant Crossing Blvd, (479) 372-3802
Big Rub started as a food truck that has now earned a permanent vendor site inside Wal-Mart. This is because they have some of the best BBQ in NWA along with other unique food items. This food is simply out-of-this-world delicious. Even the reviewers,
who are consistently reluctant to give high marks, rave about Big Rub’s food. Try the Sabroso, a popular menu item, and one you are sure to enjoy.
NOTE: Also located via a Food Truck at Walmart’s Home office
on M-F and 410 SW “A” Street in Bentonville
Springdale
Tyler’s Craft BBQ $
22754 Raymond St, (479) 409-7423
If your idea of BBQ is tender, moist pork with a light pecan smoked flavor, you simply must try one of the handcrafted BBQ sandwiches served out of this local food truck. Slaw lovers, this is your chance to try some of the most delicious Wasabi slaw you
will ever put in your mouth.
Honorable Mention
FireStation 29 Pub and Grill $
116 Main St NE
Gravette, AR 72736
(479) 344-6148
The BBQ is exceptional, from their pulled pork and chicken to their brisket and smoked sausage. Their sandwiches and BBQ plates are so mouthwatering that their customers keep coming back time after time. The patio has a great atmosphere, and is a great place to hang out with friends and meet new ones. The staff is welcoming and efficient. Big screened TV’s, popular with sports enthusiasts, are tuned to the popular games.
G@D’s BBQ $
2405 N 2nd St
Rogers, AR
(479) 619-5841
Amazing pulled pork BBQ sandwiches, and delicious coleslaw. Some say these are the best ribs in Rogers Arkansas. Solid BBQ
experience.
Be sure to check out the other many delicious BBQ restaurants in Northwest Arkansas.
- Bentonville BBQ
- Eureka Springs BBQ
- Fayetteville BBQ
- Lowell BBQ
- Rogers BBQ
- Siloam Springs BBQ
- Springdale BBQ
Note: Picture at top of the page courtesy of Tyler’s Craft BBQ.