Northwest Arkansas is indeed hog heaven from its famous and beloved Razorbacks to the many top rated BBQ joints located in this beautiful corner of the state. Since bar-b-cue is so popular, it seems there’s a BBQ joint on every corner, making it doubly difficult to limit our list to the Top 10 Rated BBQ joints in NWA and a couple of Honorable Mentions.
One thing is for sure, using the list below will give your taste buds a memorable sensation:
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Top BBQ Winners In Northwest Arkansas – UPDATED
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.
Bentonville
Big Rub BBQ & Catering $
410 SW A, Bentonville, (479) 372-3802
Big rub is one of the more established food trucks in NWA. It offers some of the best BBQ and other unique side items in the region. Big Rub’s food is simply out-of-this-world delicious. Try the Jordan or the Sabroso, both are popular menu items, and ones you are sure to enjoy.
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!
Eureka Springs
Rockin’ Pig Saloon $$
2039 E Van Buren, (479) 363-6248
A full service dining, drinking and entertainment establishment serving BBQ, burgers and wood-fired pizzas in a fun atmosphere. Try the pork ribs and baked beans.
Fayetteville
Herman’s $$
2901 N. College Rd, (479) 442-9671
Everything at Herman’s is fresh and handmade. The ribs are juicy and tender, the kind that fall off the bone and melt in your mouth. The steaks are hand-cut and aged to perfection, and Nick’s Shrimp Remoulade with homemade sauce is delicious beyond words. Open for both lunch and dinner with a deck where you can watch the BBQ being grilled, Herman’s has 45 years of experience cooking and serving up delicious BBQ.
Lucky Luke’s BBQ $$
1220 N Garland Ave, (479) 521-7550
Stoked for a really good BBQ sandwich? Some say this is the best pulled pork in the region. Their pork, kielbasa sausage and chicken is premium quality and smoked right on the premises. Lucky Luke’s is a friendly, very casual, BBQ joint that specializes in good food and knowledgeable, efficient service. A favorite with the U of A crowd, they are also a good choice for your catering needs. Try the rib or pulled pork sandwich once, and you’ll be hooked.
Sassy’s Red House $$
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.
Rogers
Pit Master’s BBQ $
Frisco Station Mall 100 N Dixieland, (479) 202-5344
The entire menu is made fresh daily, and no smoked meats are precooked, frozen and eventually thawed out. Pit Master’s BBQ maintains the integrity and just smoked flavor of meats by slow smoking every morning. Don’t miss the all-you-can-eat ribs deal on Thursdays, and get there early as folks begin to line up early for this tasty special.
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
Smokin’ Joe’s Ribhouse $$
1204 S. Walton Blvd, Bentonville, AR, (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.
FireStation 29 Pub and Grill $
116 Main St NE, Gravette, AR, (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.