Best Barbecue Spots in Little Rock, AR
There's nothing like the distinct smoky and flavorful taste that you get with barbecue. Barbecue has been a part of Arkansas since the early days of the European settlement when settlers brought their barbecue traditions to the area.
Today, Arkansas is known for having some of the best barbecues you can find. From baby back ribs to barbecue sandwiches, you'll find a little bit of everything in the heart of the city.
We've compiled a list of some of the best barbecue spots tucked away in Little Rock, including local favorites and hidden gems. Continue reading to find your next staple BBQ spot in Little Rock.
1. Whole Hog Cafe
First on our list is Whole Hog Cafe. This barbecue restaurant prides itself on serving 100% in-house recipes. If you're interested in beef ribs, the restaurant serves them most Tuesdays. All meat is trimmed by their pit master for the perfect balance of flavors.
On their menu, you'll find staple barbecue sandwiches, like pulled pork and beef brisket. But they also serve pulled chicken if you want lean meat, savory smoked turkey, and pork loins.
Their dinner plates consist of large portions of smoked meat, 2 sides, and a dinner roll. They have several plate options, including ribs, beef/pork combo, and a smoked turkey dinner.
2. Sims Bar-B-Que
This hidden gem delivers some of the best barbecue meals you'll find in Little Rock. Sims Bar-B-Que stands out with its barbecue sauce made with a special blend of herb spices and a few other (secret) things that give the sauce its unique taste.
Sims Bar-B-Que has a deliciously simple menu consisting of a variety of ribs, including Pork BBQ Ribs, chopped or sliced beef ribs, chopped pork ribs, and rib tips. Their select sides go perfectly with any rib portion. Visitors can enjoy coleslaw, BBQ beans, potato salad, greens, green beans, and greens with cornbread.
3. Corky's Ribs & BBQ
Are you ready to enjoy authentic barbecue? Cork's Ribs & BBQ is just what you need. Inspired by Memphis-style barbecue, visitors can taste some savory barbecue dishes with a twist.
Enjoy their award-winning ribs, with options including a 1/2 slab, slab dinner for one, slab dinner for two, and more. They also offer rib platters with staple rib items, such as pulled pork, beef brisket, and half chicken barbecue or rotisserie.
If you're looking for some unconventional food dishes, Cork's Ribs & BBQ offers unique dishes like Cork's Pig Skins, which is topped with pulled pork, cheddar cheese, and bacon bits. Craving a sandwich? Then consider one of their world-famous BBQ sandwiches.
4. Count Porkula
Featured on Burgers, Brew & Que: Season 6, Episode 2, Count Porkula is a barbecue spot in Little Rock that you don't want to miss. This restaurant has mastered smoking meat to bring out the mouth-watering barbecue flavor in every dish.
Count Porkula has a curated menu featuring a variety of food options from smoked meats, baby back ribs, barbecue plates, and more. With that said, they offer a variety of smoked meat options, including pulled pork, chicken, sausage, certified Angus prime brisket, and turkey.
If you want to indulge in a barbecue sandwich, Count Porkula gives you many options to choose from. Select between a brisket sandwich, a brisket burger, a smoked turkey sandwich, and many more options.
Other menu options include baby back ribs, smoked wings, and a BBQ baked potato. With their extensive menu, you're sure to find a savory barbecue dish to enjoy.
Enjoy Delicious Barbecue in the Heart of Little Rock
There is no shortage of BBQ in Little Rock, AR. From small mom-and-pop spots to award-winning restaurants, visitors won't be disappointed when visiting one of these 5 delicious barbecue restaurants in the area.
Barbecue has long been a staple for Arkansas residents, whether it's to come together and socialize or just indulge in the unique and savory flavor that barbecue brings.
If you're looking for the perfect home in Little Rock that allows you to enjoy your own barbecue, our apartment community offers a BBQ and picnic area to enjoy some of that traditional Arkansas BBQ with friends and family.