BBQ Passport 2022-2023

2023 2022

This passport belongs to:

START DATE __ / __ / ____

FINISH DATE __ / __ / ____

In 2020, during the most uncertain of pandemic times, I was a second-year student at the UA Clinton School of Public Service looking to complete my final capstone project. That’s when I conceived the idea of The Arkansas Barbecue Trail as an economic development project to help promote locally owned barbecue joints and food tourism in Arkansas.

Back in my native state of Texas people travel all over for barbecue and stand in line for hours. Memphis, Kansas City and St. Louis are all known for their barbecue traditions. Arkansas is conveniently situated between all these regions, so why aren’t we known for our barbecue? After all, we’ve got some of the most storied barbecue restaurants in all the South, not to mention the best food.

In the fall of 2021, I partnered with the Arkansas Times to launch the inaugural Arkansas Barbecue Passport: 40 of the best barbecue restaurants in the state divided by the six natural regions. Little Rock’s own PK Grills sponsored the prizes, and down the Trail we went.

In the past year people have traveled throughout the state and traveled into the state to hit the Trail: Many PK Grills have been awarded, participants have reported on their travels, friends have been made, great barbecue has been discovered and restaurants continue to serve their loyal communities. Four of the restaurants on the trail have recently moved out of trucks and into brick-andmortar locations.

We are happy to report that barbecue tourism is alive and well in the state of Arkansas. It is with pride that we present the second edition of the Arkansas Barbecue Passport. See y’all on the trail!

What to do:

Visit barbecue restaurants around the state to taste the best Arkansas has to offer. Collect stamps from the participating restaurants. You could be awarded a new PK grill or other prizes based on the number of stamps you collect.

How to claim your prize:

Fill out this form

Name: Street address:

City, State, Zip:

Email address:

Telephone number:

Prize Redemption Method:

Pick up in person at PK HQ

Contact me for shipping details

Mail completed passport, along with your name, address, email address and telephone number to:

PK Grills, 7821 Doyle Springs Road Suite I Little Rock, AR 72209

*Passports without all required information will not be validated. Questions? email ArkansasBBQTrail@gmail.com.

For full rules & details visit pkgrills.com/bbqpassport.

Arkansas

The State of Arkansas is divided into six distinct geographical regions, plus the Little Rock metro. The Lower and Upper Delta generally share a culture with the rest of the Mississippi Alluvial Plain (colloquially known as the Delta), with food and customs being more closely related to our neighbors in Mississippi than the upland Ozarks. The Ozark and the Ouachita Mountains are upland regions whose culture is distinct. The Arkansas River Valley splits the two mountainous regions, taking a little from each, ultimately spilling into Little Rock, whose culture is predominantly metropolitan. The Piney Woods of South Arkansas, part of the larger West Gulf Coastal Plain that stretches from East Texas to Georgia, takes many of its cultural cues from Texas and Louisiana.

Ozark Mountains

PENGUIN ED’s

This funky Fayetteville fixture has been smoking since the summer of 1993. Ed Knight, the “Pilgrim of All Penguins,” first began his operation out of a tent. Later that summer he acquired a food trailer, which sat on the same corner of Mission Boulevard and Crossover Road where Penguin Ed’s is located today. Though long before the popularization of food trucks, Ed’s operation proved wildly successful, and by July of 1996 he was able to move into a building just a few paces away from the tent-site. The enormous collection of penguins and penguin-related artifacts is impressive, but not as impressive as the barbecue. The restaurant’s breakfast, only available at the original location, is positively the best in town.

BRIAN CHILSON

Brother’s BBQ ➸ 301 Southridge Parkway, Heber Springs, 501-362-5712

The best barbecue to be found anywhere near Greers Ferry Lake. In business for more than 30 years, Brother’s is known for its baby back ribs. The pie is good, too. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tue.-Wed.; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Thu.-Sat.

Girls Gone BBQ ➸ 2630 E. Citizens Drive #20, Fayetteville, 479-879-8222

Dana Neely, a native of Des Arc, started Girls Gone BBQ in Seattle, Washington, and luckily for us moved the business to Fayetteville just this year. The vibe is reminiscent of your grandparents’ house, yet there’s something for everyone here, including vegan and vegetarian options. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Tue.-Sat.; noon-3 p.m. Sun.

Lucky Luke’s ➸ 1220 N. Garland Ave. #1, Fayetteville, 479-521-7550

Locals know that Wednesday night is wing night at Luke’s, where they smoke their wings, then flash fry them to lock in their delicious flavor. Come early, this quaint spot fills up fast. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon.-Sat.

Penguin Ed’s ➸ 230 S. East Ave., Fayetteville, 479-521-3663; 2773 E. Mission Blvd., Fayetteville, 479-587-8646

Penguin Ed’s has been a funky Fayetteville landmark since 1993, when pitmaster Eddie Knight opened his first barbecue truck. Today, there are two permanent locations that serve fine hickory smoked meats. 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Mon.-Thu.; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Fri.-Sat.; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sun.

Wright’s Barbecue ➸ 2212 Main Drive, Johnson; 208 NE 3rd St., Bentonville, 479-313-8618

Jordan Wright has been serving Texas-style barbecue in Northwest Arkansas since 2016. Originally in a food truck, this joint has taken the Northwest Arkansas barbecue scene by storm with locations in Johnson, Bentonville and a new location in Rogers coming in 2023. Wright’s is where you’ll find the best brisket this side of the Red River! 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Tue.-Sat.

Arkansas River Valley

RIVERTOWNE BBQ

Rivertowne has been a River Valley staple and a fixture of downtown Ozark for over 20 years. Kevin and Pam Doyle, founders and former truck drivers, were passing through Ozark on a run when they decided to stay and open a restaurant. The building they chose, one of 43 downtown Ozark buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was originally a blacksmith shop during the frontier days, then a pool hall, then a car shop. Rumor has it they chose the building because it looked like a barbecue joint — and we couldn’t agree more. The pork and beef barbecue here is delicious, but we would be remiss to not mention one of the state’s best appetizers, Possum Dumplins served with coon-fat dressing. These little pork meatballs are delicious, and no possums were harmed. We do wish they would bring back their creamed possum dish, though.

ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND TOURISM

Fat Daddy’s Bar-B-Que ➸ 104 N. Denver Ave., Russellville, 479-967-0420

River Valley residents will remember Fat Daddy’s original shack in Blackwell, but today’s slick downtown Russellville location bears little resemblance to the humble beginnings. The pork and brisket are great, but don’t leave without trying the ribs (some of the best in the River Valley) and the BBQ nachos. 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

Mon.-Thu.; 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri.-Sat.

KnightFire Craft Barbecue ➸ 304 S. Main St., Searcy, 501-322-9971

Pitmaster Matthew Knight has single-handedly put Searcy on the Arkansas barbecue map with his Texas-style sliced brisket tacos, candy painted ribs, pork belly candy (pork belly coated with sugar or honey and smoked) and underrated smoked turkey. KnightFire transitioned from a food truck to a brick-and-mortar earlier this year and is a must stop if you’re in the area. 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Wed.; 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Thu.-Fri.; 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat.

Neumeier’s Rib Room ➸ 424 Garrison Ave., Fort Smith, 479-494-7427

The Rib Room has been an anchor of downtown Fort Smith since 1998. Stop in for some refreshments, live music and some of those state championship ribs. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon.-Sat.

Ridgewood Brothers BBQ ➸ 803 W. Main Place, Russellville, 479-886-4386

Russellville natives Grant Hall and Robert Crouser turned their backyard passion into possibly the best barbecue truck in the state in 2017. Their delicious brisket, pork, ribs and sausage roll off an impressive 1,000-gallon smoker. Their newly built brick-and-mortar location opens Dec. 1. 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; 4-8 p.m. (or until sold out) Thu.-Sun.

Reid’s Hometown Barbecue ➸ 42 W. Main St., Booneville, 479-675-2159

Check out the menu and pictures of the barbecue at Reid’s in Booneville and you’ll want to make the drive out to Logan County in West Arkansas. Steve Reid, a former law enforcement officer, opened Reid’s in 2015. The shop has an enticing barbecue menu that also features homemade fried pies and cheesecakes. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Thu.-Sat.

Rivertowne BBQ ➸ 205 S. 3rd St., Ozark, 479-667-1808

Rivertowne has been a downtown Ozark staple for over 20 years, delighting locals and tourists alike with their delicious barbecue and legendary “Possum Dumplins” served with coon-fat gravy. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Tue.-Thu.; 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat.

Little Rock Metro

Sims BAR-B-Q

Allen and Amelia Sims opened the original Sims Bar-B-Que on 33rd Street in 1937, making it the oldest barbecue restaurant in town. It is one of three remaining Black-owned restaurants that saw the demise of “separate but equal” dining protocols during the civil rights movement. Sims might be best known for its distinctively flavored sauce, which is thin, herby and sweet, and is perhaps responsible for the proliferation of that style of sauce in the Little Rock metro area. The ribs are transcendent, the sandwiches are huge, and one gets the option of white bread or a bun, with the slaw or without. Either way you go, you’re gonna need a fork.

BRIAN CHILSON

Count Porkula ➸ 1212 E. 6th St., Little Rock, 501-804-9561; 10840 Maumelle Blvd., North Little Rock, 501-246-5669

This food truck turned brick-and-mortar has become a staple of Little Rock’s trendy East Village since its founding in 2008. Pitmasters Kelly Lovell and Walt Todd moved into the Rail Yard beer garden in 2018 and serve up creative sandwiches, tasty sides and some of the best brisket in Little Rock in a fun, laid-back environment. In addition to the newly opened Maumelle location, design plans are underway for a new Little Rock location, which will be just off the north side of Cantrell Road at 201 Keightly Drive. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Tue.-Sun.

H.B.’s Barbecue ➸ 6010 Lancaster Road, Little Rock, 501-565-1930

Little Rockers have been frequenting H.B.’s since it was called “The Shack” in the 1950s. The Slaughter family still runs the place, it’s still cash only, and you still need to arrive early if you want a place to sit. It’s one of the best-kept secrets in Central Arkansas. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Mon.-Fri.

Lindsey’s Hospitality House ➸ 207 Curtis Sykes Drive, North Little Rock, 501-374-5707

Lindsey’s has been an anchor of downtown North Little Rock since Bishop D.L. Lindsey Sr. founded the restaurant in 1956. Come for the barbecue and yams, stay for the salvation! 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.

Sims Bar-B-Q ➸ 2415 Broadway St., Little Rock, 501-372-6868; 1307 John Barrow Road, Little Rock, 501-224-2057

Sims is one of the oldest restaurants in the state, serving its loyal patrons in Little Rock since 1937. Sims’ meats are cooked over an open flamed pit and its thin and tangy sauce is available by the pint, quart, half gallon or gallon jugs. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon.-Sat.

Smokin’ Buns ➸ 25401 AR-107, Jacksonville, 501-988-2867

A former food truck turned brick-and-mortar, this popular restaurant in northeastern Pulaski County specializes in ribs, brisket and catfish. Don’t worry about picking one; generous combo plates are available. 10:45 a.m.-8 p.m. Wed.-Sat.

Terri-Lynn’s BBQ and Delicatessen ➸ 10102 N. Rodney Parham Road, Little Rock, 501-227-6371

Terri-Lynn’s BBQ started out as a small grocery store and deli in 1959. Over time the deli became the focal point of the business and Terri-Lynn’s became known for its in-house smoked deli meats. A popular lunch spot, Terri-Lynn’s offers a variety of sandwiches and specialty hot dogs in addition to its barbecue.

10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Tue.-Fri.; 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat.

Whole Hog Cafe North Little Rock ➸ 4333 Warden Road, North Little Rock, 501-753-9227

Rich Cosgrove and Nancy Green, the married team behind Whole Hog Cafe North Little Rock, have been smoking meats for nearly 40 years and competed on world championship barbecue teams. The team at Whole Hog North Little Rock barbecue three tons of meat weekly, and typically offers “Beef Rib Tuesdays.” Formerly in a small storefront, Whole Hog Cafe North Little Rock now operates in more spacious digs with a nice outdoor patio. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Mon.-Sat.

“Barbecue may not be the road to world peace, but it’s a start.”

— Anthony Bourdain, American chef and author

Ouachita Mountains

McClard’s bar-b-q

What started out as a popular automobile tourist court (a type of precursor to the modern motel) in the early 1920s became one of the South’s best barbecue restaurants by 1928. Back then the house specialty was smoked goat, which I’m sure paired well with the restaurant’s incomparably tangy and spicy sauce. Unfortunately there’s no goat on the menu anymore, but McClard’s still operates out of the same white stucco building they moved to in 1942. McClard’s most famous customer is President Bill Clinton, who has dined here all his life and had barbecue flown back to D.C. on Air Force One a number of times. They even catered his 60th birthday party and the opening of the Clinton Presidential Center, and the restaurant contributed a few barbecue recipes in “The Clinton Presidential Center Cookbook.” It’s also been said that the former president’s reservation is the only one they will accept.

Clampit’s Country Kitchen ➸ 5398 N. State Hwy 7, Hot Springs Village, 501-204-5030

Located in Hot Springs Village, Clampit’s Country Kitchen offers daily lunch specials and is home to a country store and meat market featuring prime beef, pork, fish and lamb, plus 20 different sausage varieties made by hand. Dine in, carry out or order barbecue bundles for the whole family. Breakfast served on Saturdays. 8 a.m.-6 p.m. (lunch 11 a.m.-2 p.m.) Mon.-Fri.; 7 a.m.-6 p.m. (breakfast 7-10 a.m.) Sat.

Drip Drop BBQ Shop ➸ 173 Marion Anderson Road, Hot Springs, 501-693-4664

New to the trail in 2022, Drip Drop BBQ Shop started as a food truck. Owner Terrence Culclager opened a brick-and-mortar during the pandemic and is now providing low and slow-cooked barbecue and homemade sides and desserts to the Lake Hamilton area of Hot Springs National Park. In addition to the barbecue staples on the menu, pulled pork and brisket quesadillas are available, as well as daily specials like smoked brisket Philly cheesesteak sandwiches and the Big Tee featuring brisket, pulled pork and sausage. Catering available as well. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Wed.-Thu.; 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. Fri.-Sat.

McClard’s Bar-B-Q ➸ 505 Albert Pike Road, Hot Springs, 501-623-9665

Established in 1928, McClard’s is noted as President Bill Clinton’s favorite BBQ joint. Ask your waiter about the origin of the sauce, and don’t leave without trying the tamale spread. 11a.m.-7 p.m. Tue.-Thu.; 11a.m.-8p.m. Fri.-Sat.

Smokin’ in Style BBQ ➸ 2278 Albert Pike Road, 501-767-9797

Smokin’ in Style has been serving a variety of dry-rubbed barbecued meats to their loyal fans since 2004. The menu features some unconventional favorites, including BBQ nachos, quesadillas and turkey legs. 11a.m.-8 p.m. Tue.-Sat.; 11a.m.-3 p.m. Sun.

Stubby’s Bar-B-Q ➸ 3024 Central Ave., Hot Springs, 501-624-1552

Loyalties run deep in Hot Springs, and Stubby’s certainly draws their fair share of devotees. Since 1952, their hickory smoked ham, spuds and Pot-O-Beans keep customers coming for more. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. daily.

EXPERIENCE THE BARBECUE PASSPORT TRAIL IN COMFORT, IN EVERY CORNER OF ARKANSAS.

With properties around the state, you’re never too far from a comfortable night’s stay. At Beechwood Pinnacle Hotels, our welcoming rooms and suites are the perfect place to rest after experiencing everything the area has to offer.

www.beechwoodpinnaclesales.com bphsales@lrar.com

Piney Woods

BURGE'S HICkory smoked turkeys and hams

Alden Burge started smoking meat in his backyard smokehouse in Lewisville after moving his family there from Shreveport, Louisiana, in 1953. Nine years later he started a restaurant, the original Burge’s, in an old dairyette where he served some interesting barbecue staples: chicken, turkey, ham and goat. Today you won’t find any goats on the menu, but you can still get some of the best turkey and ham anywhere in the country. Over the years the business grew, with Alden opening a Burge’s 135 miles north in Little Rock. Now, with the help of the internet, Burge’s sells upward of 20,000 smoked turkeys a year from its facility in Lewisville. If you’re interested in ordering some holiday delicacies, visit smokedturkeys.com.

Allen’s BBQ Company ➸ 3100 Hollywood Road, Arkadelphia, 870-403-0331

Allen’s has been a hometown favorite in Arkadelphia since 2012. The homemade, hickory smoked sausage is a must-try. 11 a.m.-sold out Tue.-Sat.

Backyard Barbeque Company ➸ 1407 E. Main St., Magnolia, 870-234-7890

Family-owned and operated, Backyard BBQ has served Magnolia and the surrounding area with pride since 1989. Known for its slow-cooked barbecue, house-made sides and Ms. Glenda’s scratch-made pies. 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Tue.-Sat.

Big Gilley’s Smokehouse ➸ 491 E. Hamilton St., Ashdown, 903-276-8268

Big Gilley’s might be the newest kid on the Piney Woods barbecue block, but you couldn’t tell it by the food. They do it all here. From briskets to bundt cakes to jalapeno poppers, there’s nothing that Matt Gilley can’t smoke. Up until recently, Gilley has been serving out of a food truck, but by the time this passport hits the stands, his new brick-and-mortar should be up and running. 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Mon.-Sat.

Burge’s Hickory Smoked Turkeys and Hams ➸ 526 Spruce St., Lewisville, 870-921-4292

Burge’s has been an Arkansas legend since 1962. They smoke it all here, including whole turkeys and hams, available for purchase online and at the Lewisville location. The smoked turkey melt with tots and a jumbo cherry limeade is a perfect lunch. You simply must grab some smoked turkey salad to go. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Mon.-Fri.; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat.-Sun.

“Golf is my passion, and so is great barbecue.”

— John Daly, American professional golfer

Lower Delta

Jones bar-b-q Diner

The Jones family began making and selling barbecue sandwiches out of their little white shack in 1910, making Jones Bar-B-Q

Diner the oldest continually operated Black-owned restaurant in Arkansas, the South, and possibly the United States. Mr. Harold Jones, grandson of the original Jones barbecue man, reports that the recipe is even older than that, going back over 150 years. Not much has changed at Jones over the years. The barbecue is still smoked in a makeshift-looking cinder block pit, served on two slices of white Sunbeam with slaw, and is just $3 a sandwich. The recipe for the sauce is guarded with the utmost secrecy — not even Jones’ wife knows the formula. Winner of the James Beard Foundation’s 2012 America’s Classic Award, Jones Bar-B-Q Diner is the first restaurant in Arkansas to win a James Beard award.

KAT ROBINSON

Craig’s Bar-B-Q ➸ 15 W. Walnut St., DeValls Bluff, 870-998-2616

Craig’s has been an Arkansas Delta institution since 1947, and is considered by many to serve the best barbecue sandwich in the state. Get it with slaw and spicy barbecue sauce. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Thu.-Sat.; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sun.

Cypress Corner Bar-B-Q ➸ 8298 AR-1, Lexa, 870-295-6546

One of the best-kept secrets in the Delta, Cypress Corner is located at the intersection of Highways 1 and 121 near the tiny town of Lexa. Don’t forget a healthy heaping puddle of spicy sauce on your sandwich. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat.

Hoots BBQ & Steaks ➸ 2008 U.S.-65, McGehee, 870-222-1234

An eclectic spot in an old converted gas station, this hometown favorite features some creative menu items, including the BBQ burger, brisket grilled cheese and the Piggy Pie. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon.-Thu.; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri.-Sat.

Jones Bar-B-Q Diner ➸ 219 W. Louisiana St., Marianna, 870-295-3807

The first Arkansas restaurant to receive a James Beard award, Jones is the oldest continually operated Black-owned restaurant in the South, and perhaps even the country. Now in its fourth generation of Jones family owners, the smoked pork is still served on plain white bread. After a fire nearly destroyed the Marianna institution last year, more than $80,000 was donated by the public to help Mr. James Harold Jones rebuild. About six months later Jones was one of the 50 U.S. restaurants to land on The New York Times Restaurant List. Mon.-Sat. 7 a.m.-sold out.

Kibb’s Bar-B-Q ➸ 1102 E. Harrison St., Stuttgart, 870-673-2072

Kibb’s has been feeding hungry Delta duck hunters in Stuttgart for over 40 years. If you’re looking for something different, try the smoked bologna with spicy sauce. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Mon.-Thu.; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Fri.-Sat.

The Wood Shed BBQ & Catering ➸ 9621 U.S. Hwy. 270, White Hall, 870-247-7424

Find smoked pork, brisket, spare and baby back ribs, sausage, chicken, turkey, ham and bologna at this Jefferson County favorite. On Tuesdays, homemade pork tamales are on special. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tue.-Wed.; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thu.-Fri.; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sat.

Upper Delta

DIXIE PIG

The Dixie Pig’s roots can be directly traced to the old Rustic Inn, a log cabin barbecue joint opened by Ernest Halsell in 1923. In 1946 he sold the building and gave up barbecue. But, alas, the allure of the pig drew him back, and in 1950 he opened the Dixie Pig on 6th Street. where it sits today. In Blytheville, the “Barbecue Capital of Arkansas,” the sandwiches are known as pig sandwiches. They usually come chopped, with the slaw, and a heavy dose of thin and tangy sauce. The iconic sauce might be the most famous thing about the Dixie Pig: It comes in repurposed glass ketchup bottles, it’s very thin, almost clear, and only has three ingredients (vinegar, water, spices). Trust us, it’s worth getting an extra bottle for the house.

Burt’s BBQ ➸ 8089 U.S.-70, Palestine, 870- 261-2498

Located off the grid (type in the address rather than the name of the restaurant on Google Maps) in between Brinkley and Forrest City, Burt’s BBQ is known for its ribs, pork butt and brisket. Burt’s also has a Fish Plate Friday featuring three pieces of catfish, two handmade hush puppies, french fries and coleslaw for $8.75. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wed.-Sat.

Delta Q ➸1112 N. Washington St., Forrest City, 870-633-1234

They might be the new kid on the block, but don’t let that fool you. Some of the best “fine southern swine” around can be found here at Delta Q. Daily specials, homemade desserts and catering are available. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Mon.-Sat.; noon-6 p.m. Sun.

Dixie Pig ➸ 701 N. 6th St., Blytheville, 870-763-4636

Vinegar is the name of the game at the iconic Dixie Pig, which has been serving Blytheville for nearly a century. “The Pig Sandwich” is a chopped pork delight that comes with a hefty helping of slaw that locals love to douse with their unique sauce, a fiery, thin blend of pepper and vinegar that can be found on the tables in repurposed ketchup bottles. This spot will hold a candle to anything that can be found in Memphis. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Mon.-Fri.

Hog Pen Barbecue ➸ 2874 S. U.S.-61, Osceola, 870-563-2283

Located just off Highway 61, this joint is one of the best-kept secrets in the Arkansas Delta. A popular spot for duck hunters, Hog Pen has some of the best pulled pork, ribs and smoked chicken this side of the Mississippi River. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; 3-7 p.m. Mon.-Sat.

Lackey’s Smoke House ➸ 601 Malcom Ave., Newport, 870-217-0228

More than just a barbecue joint, Lackey’s has been serving Newporters breakfast, lunch and dinner since 1996. Be warned, one bite of the Cajun chicken tamale and you’ll be hauling a dozen home with you. 6 a.m.-8 p.m. Mon.-Sat.; 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun.

Oinky’s Barbecue ➸ 318 W. Northend Ave., Paragould, 870-236-4659

Oinky’s is a Paragould staple, serving up some of the best baby backs this side of Crowley’s Ridge. They’re known for their pork “Piggy Fries,” and sweet sauce; however, the Friday fried catfish is not to be overlooked. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Wed.-Sat.

Ray’s Rump Shack ➸ 101 Stone St. Suite BBQ, Lake City, 870-616-0989

(slated to reopen in December)

Opened in 2021 by a former pitmaster for Wright’s BBQ, Ray’s Rump Shack is ironically dubbed “The Worst BBQ in Arkansas.” Try the brisket; you won’t be sorry. Ray’s sides are made fresh in house and you’ll want to order the mac and cheese. Trust us. Ray’s should be opening in its new digs in December. Check arktimes.com/rays for updates.

Penguin Ed’s

Lucky Luke’s

Wright’s Barbecue Brothers BBQ

Girls Gone BBQ

Burt’s BBQ

Dixie Pig

Lackey’s SmokeHouse

Ray’s Rump Shack

Oinky’s Barbecue

The Wood

Kibb’s Bar-B-Q Knightfire BBQ

Shed BBQ & Catering

Count Porkula

Lindsey’s Hospitality House

Reid’s Hometown Barbecue Rivertowne BBQ

Smokin’ Buns

Terri-Lynn’s BBQ and Delicatessen

Whole Hog Café North Little Rock

What to do:

Visit barbecue restaurants around the state to taste the best Arkansas has to offer. Collect stamps from the participating restaurants. You could be awarded a new PK grill or other prizes based on the number of stamps you collect.

McClard’s Bar-B-Q

Smokin’ in Style BBQ

Stubby’s Bar-B-Q

Drip Drop

BBQ Shop

Hog Pen

Barbecue

Craig’s Bar-B-Q

Cypress Corner Bar-B-Q

Hoot’s BBQ & Steaks

Clampit’s Country Kitchen

Jones Bar-B-Q Diner

Neumeier’s Rib Room Ridgewood Brothers BBQ Fat Daddy’s Bar-B-Que

HB’s Barbecue

Sims Bar-B-Q

Allen’s BBQ Company Backyard Barbeque Company

Burge’s Hickory Smoked Turkeys and Hams

Big Gilley’s Smokehouse

Delta Q

over500 prizesTOWIN thisyear!

Prizes

The Whole Hog

Collect 1 stamp from every restaurant in the passport in 12 months’ time or less. (40 stamps)

The SIXER Collect stamps from at least four restaurants in each of the seven regions. (min. 30 stamps)

Prize: PK360*

The Three-fer Collect every stamp in five complete regions in the passport in 12 months’ time or less.(min. 20 stamps)

Prize: Original PK*

The LOCAL FLAVOR

Collect 5 stamps from every restaurant in one region in 12 months’ time or less.

Prize: Insulated Cup*

Prize: PKG0*

The BBQ FAN

Collect any 3 stamps.

Prize: PK Hat*

TAG US: #ARBBQTRAIL #PkGRILLS

*Prizes available while supplies last. PK reserves the right to substitute prizes based on availability. One prize per particpant per challenge.

For number of prizes available, please visit pkgrills.com/bbqpassport