Where is the best place to get BBQ in Bentonville, Eureka Springs, Fayetteville, Johnson 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. Smoking 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
🍖Beach BBQ $20 – $30
📍 1080 SE 14th St, Bentonville, AR
📞 (479) 544‑1060
🕒 Tuesday – Saturday: 11 AM – 8 PM | Sunday – Monday: Closed
A casual Bentonville favorite serving up juicy, flavor-packed barbecue with generous portions and addictive sides like mac and cheese, baked beans, and slaw. Known for its tender brisket and pulled pork, Beach BBQ also offers a solid craft beer selection and a spacious front patio for outdoor dining. Friendly, efficient service and consistently bold flavors make it a go-to for laid-back BBQ done right.
CAVE SPRINGS
🍖Yankabilly Smokehouse $10 – $20
📍 1499 S Main St, Cave Springs, AR
📞 (833) 468-2867
🕒 Daily: 11 AM – 7:30 PM
Located at The Creeks Golf Course in Cave Springs, Yankabilly serves slow-smoked barbecue, fresh-ground burgers, and house-made sides in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. From smoked pork, ribs, and turkey to specialty burgers and weekly favorites like Rib Night, every meal is made with quality ingredients and Southern hospitality. Open to the public year-round, Yankabilly is the perfect spot to enjoy great food whether you’re finishing a round of golf or simply stopping by for lunch or dinner.
Image courtesy of Yankabilly Smokehouse
EUREKA SPRINGS
🍖 Bubba’s Barbecue $10 – $20
📍 166 W Van Buren, Eureka Springs, AR
📞 (479) 253‑7706
🕒 Daily: 11 AM – 8 PM
A longtime staple for smoky, satisfying barbecue, Bubba’s delivers saucy ribs, tender brisket, and hearty sides in a no-frills, old-school setting that locals love. The vibe is relaxed, the portions are generous, and the tradition runs deep. Now under new ownership, the legacy lives on with just a touch of fresh energy.
Image Courtesy of Bubba’s Barbecue
🍖 Sauced Barbeque & Brews $10 – $20
📍 139 E Van Buren, Eureka Springs, AR
📞 (479) 239‑2044
🕒 Thursday – Monday: 11 AM – 8 PM | Tuesday – Wednesday: Closed
Follow the scent of hickory and red oak smoke to this laid-back BBQ joint serving low-and-slow favorites at wallet-friendly prices. Sauced delivers tender meats, bold flavor, and a warm, welcoming vibe — the kind of place where the service is as good as the brisket.
FARMINGTON
🍖Beau’s Bayou Smokehouse $15- $25
📍 243 W Main St, Farmington, AR
📞 (479) 871‑5373
🕒 Tuesday – Saturday: 11 AM – 7 PM | Sunday – Monday: Closed
Beau’s Bayou Smokehouse Food Truck is a real gem. Their BBQ brisket and ribs are outstanding – some of the best you’ll find. What sets them apart is their homemade sausages, including unique options like gator and elk. They even offer German bologna topped with smoked roasted garlic chipotle pimento cheese for something different.
The sides are equally impressive. The mac and cheese, fries, beans, and greens are all top-notch. For dessert, don’t miss the banana pudding cheesecake with salted banana caramel – it’s unlike anything you’ve tasted before.
It’s not just about great food though. The creativity and passion behind each dish make eating here a memorable experience. Beau’s isn’t your average food truck – it’s a culinary adventure. Watch the video of Beau’s Bayou Smokehouse
FAYETTEVILLE
🍖Herman’s $10 – $20
📍 2901 N College Ave, Fayetteville, AR
📞 (479) 442‑9671
🕒 Tuesday – Saturday: 11 AM – 2 PM & 5 PM – 9 PM | Sunday – Monday: Closed
A Fayetteville staple for over 45 years, Herman’s is known for juicy, fall-off-the-bone ribs, hand-cut aged steaks, and the legendary Nick’s Shrimp Remoulade. Everything is made fresh, with open-flame grilling you can watch from the deck. Classic, flavorful, and full of local charm.
Image courtesy of Herman’s
🍖Penguin Ed’s $10 – $20
📍 230 S East Ave, Fayetteville, AR
📞 (479) 521‑3663
🕒 Daily: 11 AM – 8 PM
A longtime local favorite with a quirky, inviting atmosphere and a menu full of smoked staples. Penguin Ed’s is known for flavorful pulled pork, tender ribs, and juicy brisket — all served up in generous portions with a side of hometown charm.
JOHNSON
🍖Wrights Barbecue $10 – $20
📍 2212 Main Dr, Fayetteville, AR
📞 (479) 633‑7229
🕒 Monday – Saturday: 11 AM – 8 PM | Sunday: Closed
Wright’s serves up 100% wood-fired pit barbecue with big portions, tender brisket, and sides that hit the spot — especially the baked beans. With friendly service and a laid-back vibe, it’s become a go-to for smoked meats done right. Also available for catering, tailgates, and events, with additional two additional locations in Bentonville (Square and Walmart Campus) and one in Rogers. Look Inside
Image courtesy of Wright’s BBQ
ROGERS
🍖Smokin’ Joe’s Ribhouse $10-$20
📍 200 N 8th St, Rogers, AR
📞 (479) 621‑0181
🕒 Monday – Saturday: 11 AM – 8 PM | Sunday: Closed
Smokin’ Joe’s serves up no-nonsense, pit-style barbecue with big flavor and generous portions. From ribs and pulled pork to specialty sandwiches and stacked BBQ plates, the menu covers all the classics — with sides that hit just right. It’s a go-to for locals who know good BBQ, with the original location in Bentonville to keep the goodness going.
Image courtesy of Smokin Joe’s BBQ
HONORABLE MENTION
`G’s Meaty Buns $15- $25
📍 2415 N Center, Elkins, AR
📞 (479) 435‑4838
🕒 Tuesday – Saturday: 11 AM – 7 PM | Sunday – Monday: Closed
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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