Looking for bbq in Bentonville, Eureka Springs, Fayetteville or Springdale Arkansas? Getting a regular Barbecue fix is of top priority with the people of Northwest Arkansas.
The Top 10 BBQ joints/ restaurants/food trucks below grill some of the very best tasting bar-b-q you’ll find on the planet. Grilling techniques and sauces vary considerably, so it’s best to try several to find the ones that are your favorites.
Whether you like pulled pork, brisket, dry or wet ribs, you’ll find them all and more in restaurants and barbecue joints on the Best of NWA Top 10 Barbecue list below:
BENTONVILLE
Smokin Joe’s $$
2504 E Central Ave, (479) 621-0181
Particularly known for its award-winning genuine pit barbecue, Smokin Joe’s Ribhouse offers specialty sandwiches, burgers, ribs, pulled pork, BBQ plates and classic sides. This is BBQ at its best, taste it once and you’ll be hooked for life. Smokin Joe’s has another location in Rogers, AR.
Photo Courtesy of Smokin Joe’s
EUREKA SPRINGS
Bad to the Bone Pit BBQ $$
3200 E. Van Buren, (479) 981-2009
This is Texas BBQ at its best. The brisket and pulled pork are perfection-in-your-mouth. The sandwiches are piled high with these tender pit bbq meats, and the homemade sides are fresh and delicious too. Bad to the Bone is a friendly place where you can relax and enjoy some of the very best bbq in the area.
Rockin’ Pig Saloon $$
2039 E Van Buren, (479) 363-6248
A full service dining, drinking and entertainment establishment serving BBQ, burgers and wood-fired pizzas in a fun atmosphere. Try the pork ribs and baked beans.
Photo Courtesy Rockin Pig Saloon
Sauced Barbeque & Brews $$
139 East Van Buren, (479) 239-2044
Get you fill of delicious, low and slow cooked BBQ at reasonable prices when you choose to dine at Sauced. When you walk through the doors, you are greeted with the aroma of tantalizing Hickory and Red Oak smoke, just a precursor of what is to come. You’ll enjoy every bite no matter which menu item you select. The people who run the place are fantastic, and the service is great.
FAYETTEVILLE
Herman’s $$
2901 N. College Rd, (479) 442-9671
Everything at Herman’s is fresh and handmade. The ribs are juicy and tender, the kind that fall off the bone and melt in your mouth. The steaks are hand-cut and aged to perfection, and Nick’s Shrimp Remoulade with homemade sauce is delicious beyond words. Open for both lunch and dinner with a deck where you can watch the BBQ being grilled, Herman’s has 45 years of experience cooking and serving up delicious BBQ.
Image courtesy of Herman’s
Penguin Ed’s $$
230 S E Ave, Fayetteville, AR, (479) 521-3663
Has delightful, unique ambiance, and served some of the best BBQ you’ll find in the Northeast section of the state.
The menu is varied, but do try the pulled pork, ribs or brisket if you enjoy barbecue. You can’t go wrong with either of the three.
The Bar-B-Q Place $
3542 E. Huntsville Road, (479) -301-2500
Old school Bar-B-Q spot, which is open Thur- Sun. Locally owned and operated and serving screaming good ol’ hickory smoked bar-b-que. The baby back ribs are amazing as is the pulled pork and brisket. You’ll taste the difference in this outstanding bar-b-q.
Wes’s BBQ- Burger Plus $
14 S University Ave, (479) 521-5901
Looking for friendly service, affordable prices and down home cooking, you must visit Wes’s BBQ place in Fayetteville. In business for more than 20 years, this favorite spot is popular with locals and visitors alike. Wes, the owner, is still there making sure everything is to your liking. Great place!
Johnson
Wrights Barbecue $$
2212 Main Dr, (479) 633-7229
Offering handcrafted, 100% wood-fired pit barbecue, large portions and friendly service The brisket is so tender, you can cut it with a fork. The sides, including their amazing baked beans are full of substance and lip-smackin’ flavor.
Wright’s is also available for catering, tailgate parties and special events. You’re missing out if you haven’t tried this delicious smoked meat.
Now with an additional locations next to the Lawrence Skate Park/Ice Rink in downtown Bentonville and in the Pinnacle Hills area of Rogers.
Photo courtesy of Wright’s Barbecue
SPRINGDALE
Yankabilly Smokehouse $
3445 S Old Missouri Rd, (833) 468-2867
This is smoked BBQ at its best. Using hardwoods, all meats are slow smoked, and the delicious sides including their amazing mac and cheese are scratch made. The melt-in-your-mouth brisket, the tender pulled pork and the tasty pulled chicken will make your taste buds jump for joy. Owners are friendly and knowledgeable, and they go above and beyond to make sure you have a great meal. Try the Yankabilly experience soon, you’ll be so glad you did. Image at top of the page is courtesy of Yankabilly Smokehouse.
HONORABLE MENTION
`G’s Meaty Buns $
2415 N Center, (479) 435-4838
Elkins, Arkansas
People shout to the rooftops about the BBQ at G’s Meaty Buns. The food is delicious, the portions are huge, service is exceptional and the prices are reasonable. The brisket is succulent and tender, and worth much more than the modest price. And unless you have a lumberjack’s appetite, you’ll have enough food left over for lunch the next day. Try G’s soon to see what all the buzz is about.
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