2021
2022
Sponsored By
Sourcing the finest ingredients for your favorite BBQ spots.
Eat Local. Eat Often. 1 Ben E. Keith Way
North Little Rock, AR 72117
www.benekeith.com
This passport belongs to:
START DATE
__ / __ / ____
FINISH DATE
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Unlike our boastful Texas neighbors, Arkansans quietly prepare good barbecue, enjoy eating it and then move on with our lives. Because we don’t brag, Arkansas barbecue has never received the national recognition it deserves. Let’s make this much clear: Some of the best cooking anywhere can be found in Arkansas, though national television shows and magazine articles tend to focus on that barbecue from Texas, the North Carolina variety or what can be found in Memphis or Kansas City. In addition to the modesty of the natives, a reason for that lack of recognition is that people from outside our state have a hard time making sense of Arkansas. We’re a fringe state, you see, not solely part of any one region. We’re mostly Southern but also a bit Midwestern and a tad Southwestern. One thing Arkansans have in common, though, is that while never boastful, we’re proud. So it is that we’ve done a better job celebrating our barbecue heritage in recent years. This project is just another step in that direction. Please join us in celebrating The Natural State of Barbecue.
Rex Nelson
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: 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 LITTLE ROCK METRO
Ozark Mountains
The Ozark Mountains are one of the six natural divisions of Arkansas, though many outsiders have long associated the entire state with the Ozarks. This is the upland South with its own distinct culture, a place where croplands and pastures were concentrated in the valleys and towns were traditionally small. In the past several decades though, Northwest Arkansas has become one of the most economically dynamic areas of the country, with people from around the world moving there and bringing with them their own traditions.
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.
Bubba’s Barbecue ➸ 166 W. Van Buren, Eureka Springs, 479-253-7706 A Eureka Springs institution, this hole-in-the-wall specializes in Memphisstyle barbecue. Open since 1979, Bob “Bubba” Wilson serves up memorable barbecue nachos and ribs.
Lucky Luke’s ➸ 220 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.
Penguin Ed’s ➸ 230 S. E 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.
Sugar Booger’s Barbecue ➸ 12191 AR-21, Huntsville, 479-665-2424 A longtime favorite of hikers traveling to and from the Ozarks on Highway 21, this laid-back joint is the perfect stop to fill up before a trip to the Buffalo River. If you’re brave, ask to try the hot sauce.
Wright’s Barbecue ➸ 2212 Main Drive, Fayetteville, 479-313-8618
➸ 208 NE. 3rd St., Bentonville, 479-367-2619
Jordan Wright has been serving Texas-style barbecue in Northwest Arkansas since 2016. Originally a food truck, this joint has taken the Northwest Arkansas barbecue scene by storm with the best brisket this side of the Red River.
River Valley
The Arkansas River Valley parallels the Arkansas River, running from Fort Smith in the west to Central Arkansas cities such as Morrilton and Conway. The valley is about 40 miles wide and includes features typical of both the Ouachitas and the Ozarks. Petit Jean Mountain, Mount Nebo and Mount Magazine (the highest point in Arkansas) are among its landmarks. With its location in the middle of the state, the Arkansas River Valley tends to combine the culture of the surrounding natural divisions.
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 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.
KnightFire BBQ ➸ 308 W. Race Ave., 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 turkey. This food truck is open Thursday-Saturday only.
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.
Ridgewood Brothers BBQ ➸ 2611 W. Main St., Russellville, 479-886-4386 Russellville natives Grant Hall and Robert Couser 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. Friday and Saturday only.
Rivertowne BBQ ➸ 205 S. 3rd St., Ozark, 479-667-1808 Rivertowne has been a downtown Ozark staple for more than 20 years, delighting locals and tourists alike with its delicious barbecue and legendary “Possum Dumplins” served with coon-fat gravy.
Subtle’s Roadhog BBQ ➸ 2008 W. Dewitt Henry Drive, Beebe, 501-882-1034 Tasty pork barbecue sandwiches, fried pickles and homemade pie make this longtime Beebe restaurant stand out.
Little Rock Metro
Situated on the banks of the Arkansas River in the geographic center of the state, Little Rock is the cultural, economic and governmental center of Arkansas. The city was incorporated in 1831, but the French arrived in the area as early as 1720. The city derives her name from a rock formation along the Arkansas River, first referred to as Le Petite Roche by the explorer Jean-Baptiste Benard de la Harpe. Because of its central location and large population, the metro area features a hefty sampling of Arkansas barbecue styles from every region of the state.
Count Porkula at The Rail Yard ➸ 1212 E 6th St, Little Rock, 501 804-9561 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. Design plans are underway for the new location, which will be just off the north side of Cantrell Road at 201 Keightly Drive.
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. One of the best-kept secrets in Central Arkansas.
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!
Pig ’N-Chik BBQ ➸ 7824 Highway 107, Sherwood, 501-834-5456 Pig ’N-Chik BBQ is a family restaurant that has been serving the Sherwood/North Little Rock area since 1994. The menu is extensive. Along with sliced brisket, ribs and pulled pork, you can get a burger, country fried steak, catfish or an open-faced roast beef sandwich.
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 loyal patrons ribs and chopped pork slathered in a distinctive and delicious vinegar-based sauce since 1937. You can find Sims at two locations in Little Rock.
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.
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.
Whole Hog Cafe North Little Rock ➸ 4333 Warden Road, 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 barbecues three tons of meat weekly, and typically offers “Beef Rib Tuesdays.” Formerly in a small storefront, Whole Hog Cafe North Little Rock now operates out of a former Applebees.
SERIOUS. BARBECUE.
LeBron James does basketball. Paul McCartney does music.
WE DO BARBECUE.
And just like them, we do it because we love it, but also just like them we take it seriously. As Seen On Food Network’s Tasty Travels with Rachael Ray! Voted A Multiple Award Winner in the Arkansas Times Readers Choice and Best of Arkansas Awards Too Many Times To Count Since 2007!
Ask About Catering! Come See Our New Location! 4333 Warden Rd., North Little Rock 501-753-9227 | www.wholehogcafenlr.com
Ouachita Mountains
The Ouachita Mountains also are part of the upland South, but there are differences between the culture here and the culture of the Ozarks. To put it more simply, the Ozarks (which also reach into parts of Missouri and Oklahoma) are a tad more Midwestern and the Ouachitas are more Southern. The accents and food traditions of the Ouachitas reflect this difference. Hot Springs in the Ouachitas is the most cosmopolitan spot in the region, given its long tradition as a health spa that attracted visitors from across the country.
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 barbecue joint. Ask your waiter about the origin of the sauce, and don’t leave without trying the tamale spread.
Smokin’ in Style BBQ ➸ 2278 Albert Pike Road, Hot Springs, 501-767-9797 Smokin’ in Style has been serving a variety of dry-rubbed barbecued meats to its loyal fans since 2004. The menu features some unconventional favorites, including BBQ nachos, quesadillas and turkey legs.
Stubby’s Bar-B-Q ➸ 3024 Central Ave, Hot Springs, 501-624-1552 Loyalties run deep in Hot Springs, and Stubby’s certainly draws its fair share of devotees. Since 1952, its hickory smoked ham, spuds and Pot-O-Beans keep customers coming for more.
GREAT
BBQ STARTS ON THE
FARM Arkansas farmers and ranchers are the key to great BBQ beef, pork and chicken. Enjoy the Arkansas BBQ Trail and thank a farmer along the way.
arfb.com
Visiting all of Arkansas’ legendary BBQ joints?
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Piney Woods
The West Gulf Coastal Plain is the Piney Woods of South Arkansas, part of the larger Gulf Coastal Plain that runs from Texas to Georgia. Forestry is significant in this largely rural region, and it’s far enough south that cultural influences have seeped into the region from both Texas and Louisiana. From a food standpoint, that means one is more likely to find beef barbecue here than in other parts of the state, though pork is still the choice of a majority of residents.
Allen’s BBQ Company ➸ 3100 Hollywood Road, Arkadelphia, 870-403-0331 Allen’s has been a hometown favorite in Arkadelphia since 2012, and since then it’s garnered quite the reputation in the region. The homemade, hickory smoked sausage is a must-try.
Backyard Barbeque Company ➸ 1407 E. Main St., Magnolia, 870-234-7890 For 32 years and counting, Backyard BBQ has served Magnolia and the surrounding area with pride.
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.
JJ’s BBQ ➸ 1000 E. Main St., El Dorado, 870-862-1777 Opened by Joe and Joyce Gallea in 1990, JJ’s is known for its smoked meats and its Angus ribeye steaks. JJ’s cajun spicy or mild BBQ sauce is sold onsite, along with its seasoning mix.
Lower Delta
The Lower Delta, also part of the Mississippi Alluvial Plain, is the most Southern part of the state culturally, its customs being closer to what one finds across the river in Mississippi than in the upland areas of Arkansas. It’s here that the African American influences are most pronounced because this was an area where cotton was once king. Black-owned restaurants are common, and the barbecue is pork.
Craig’s Bar-B-Q ➸ 15 Walnut, De Valls 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.
Cypress Corner Bar-B-Q ➸ 298 AR-1, Lexa, 870-295-6546 One of the best-kept secrets in the state, Cypress Corner is located at the intersection of Highways 1 and 121 near the tiny town of Lexa. Don’t forget a healthy heaping of spicy sauce on your sandwich.
Hoot’s BBQ & Steaks ➸ 2008 US-65, McGehee, 870-222-1234 An eclectic spot located in a converted gas station, this hometown favorite features some creative menu items, including the BBQ burger, brisket grilled cheese and the Piggy Pie.
Jones Bar-B-Q Diner ➸ 219 W. Louisiana St., Marianna, 870-295-3807 Jones might just be 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.
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 more than 40 years. If you’re looking for something different, try the smoked bologna with spicy sauce.
The Wood Shed BBQ & Catering ➸ 9621 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.
TM
Knob Creek® Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 50% Alc./Vol. ©2021 Knob Creek Distilling Company, Clermont, KY.
Upper Delta
The Upper Delta is largely part of the Mississippi Alluvial Plain. Cutting through it is Crowley’s Ridge, which ranges in width from 1 to 12 miles. The ridge enters the state in far northeastern Arkansas and runs to Helena. Jonesboro and Paragould are the most dynamic towns economically on the ridge. Though there are subtle differences, people on the ridge tend to share the Delta culture that surrounds them.
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Burt’s BBQ ➸ 285 SFC 843, 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 Forest 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 homemade hush puppies, french fries and coleslaw for $8.75. Open Wed.-Sat.
Delta Q ➸ 112 N. Washington St., Forrest City, 870-633-1234 It might be the new kid on the block, but don’t let that fool you. Some of the best barbecue around can be found at Delta Q.
DePriest BBQ ➸ 1107 N. Main St., Brinkley, 870-734-9965 A trip to DePriest is well worth the detour off Interstate 40 in Brinkley. Come hungry, the large menu will satisfy even the biggest appetites with barbecue sandwiches, pork steaks and catfish. Big trucks welcome.
Dixie Pig ➸ 701 N. 6th St., Blytheville, 870-763-4636 Vinegar is the name of the game at the iconic Dixie Pig. The pig sandwich comes with a hefty helping of slaw, and locals love to douse their sandwiches in the unique vinegar-based sauce. This spot holds a candle to anything that can be found in Memphis.
Kream Kastle ➸ 112 N. Division St., Blytheville, 870-762-2366 Known throughout the Mid-South, Kream Kastle was opened in 1952 by the son of first-generation Lebanese and Syrian immigrants. It was the first restaurant in town to remove the “Whites Only” sign with the passage of the Civil Rights Act. Cash only.
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.
Ray’s Rump Shack ➸ 918 AR-18, Lake City, 870-616-0989 Opened just this year 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 offers pork steaks the first Saturday of the month and makes everything fresh in house, using local sorghum and honey. In peach season, they source local peaches for a peach bourbon barbecue sauce.
Allen’s BBQ Company
Backyard Barbeque Company
Brother’s BBQ
Bubba’s Barbecue
Burge’s Hickory Smoked Turkeys and Hams
DePriest BBQ
Dixie Pig
H.B.’s Barbecue
Hoot’s BBQ & Steaks
JJ’s BBQ
Lindsey’s Hospitality House
Lucky Luke’s
McClard’s Bar-B-Q
Neumeier’s Rib Room
Penguin Ed’s
Sims Bar-B-Q
Smokin’ Buns
Smokin’ in Style BBQ
Stubby’s Bar-B-Q
Subtle’s Roadhog BBQ
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.
Burt’s BBQ
Count Porkula at The Rail Yard
Craig’s Bar-B-Q
Cypress Corner Bar-B-Q
Delta Q
Jones Bar-B-Q Diner
Kibb’s Bar-B-Q
KnightFire BBQ
Kream Kastle
Lackey’s Smoke House
Pig ’N-Chik BBQ
Ray’s Rump Shack
Reid’s Hometown Barbecue
Ridgewood Brothers BBQ
Rivertowne BBQ
Sugar Booger’s Barbecue
Terri Lynn’s BBQ and Delicatessen
The Wood Shed BBQ & Catering
Whole Hog Cafe North Little Rock
Wright’s Barbecue
Prizes The Whole Hog
Collect one stamp from every restaurant in the passport in 12-months-time or less. (40 stamps)
The SIXER
Collect stamps from at least two restaurants in each of the seven regions. (min 14 stamps)
Prize: New Original PK300*
The Three-fer
Collect every stamp in three complete regions in the passport in 12-months-time or less. (Min 11 stamps)
Prize: PKG0*
The LOCAL FLAVOR
Collect stamps from every restaurant in one region in 12-months-time or less.
Prize: Insulated Cup*
Prize: PK360*
The BBQ FAN
Collect any five stamps
Prize: PK Hat*
TAG US: #ARBBQTRAIL #PkGRILLS
*Prizes available while supplies last. PK reserves the right to substitute prizes based on availability.