5 Best Barbecue Restaurants in Little Rock, Arkansas to Try

Little Rock sits at the crossroads of major barbecue influences: some Memphis sweetness, Eastern Carolina tang, and Texas smoke.

The result is a local tradition with plenty of slow-cooking, peppery spice, and inventive sides.

If you like yours “wet,” “dry,” or somewhere in between, you’ll find barbecue in Little Rock to be hearty, saucy, and downright comforting.

Whole Hog Cafe

A local legend with roots in the world championship circuit, Whole Hog’s menu reads like a BBQ greatest hits list: ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and loaded potatoes all shine.

Don’t miss their six homemade sauces (from sweet to spicy) and the melt-in-your-mouth beans.

Sims Bar-B-Que

Little more than a humble roadside counter, Sims is all about tradition—juicy pork shoulder, chicken, and hot links with a tangy, rich house sauce.

Open since the 1930s, the smoky aroma alone draws crowds, and every dish comes with Southern hospitality.

Lindsey’s Hospitality House

Family-owned and rooted in North Little Rock, Lindsey’s is almost as famous for its down-home sides (from fried okra to cabbage) as its smoked meats.

Their beef, pork, and ribs are slow-smoked, tender, and typically served with a smile.

HB’s Bar-B-Q

One of those blink-and-you’ll-miss-it gems in a strip center, HB’s delivers generous plates of chopped pork, ribs, and spicy sausage doused in a rich, housemade sauce.

Locals come especially for lunch and the retro cafeteria setting.

Count Porkula

This tongue-in-cheek food truck-turned-restaurant operates out of The Rail Yard, serving brisket, pork, and creative sandwiches (try “The Notorious P.I.G.”) and specials like barbecue nachos.

Enjoy the expansive patio, outdoor games, and community vibe.