Arkansas' Best Barbecue Restaurants

I have eaten at several barbecue restaurants in Arkansas in the past 41 years. No complaints about any of them. I love any kind of barbecue. But there are a few that rank at the top of my list as having the best barbecue. Here are some of the best:

1. Craig's Brother's Cafe
Hwy 70
Devalls Bluff, AR 72041
(870)998-2616
I ate at Craig's when I was a child. It was something that I always looked forward to. We would visit my grandmother in Helena, Arkansas and on the way back home, we would stop at Craig's. They have the best sandwiches and you have your choice of meat; beef or pork. They have won numerous awards for their barbecue. Their barbecue sauce is the best in the world. At one time, they sold it at Kroger. I bought it whenever I got a chance. They stopped selling it. I know they sell it through the mail, but you have to buy several bottles at once. I miss eating at Craig's. My grandmother passed away when I was 18 and I haven't been there since.

2. Shack Bar-B-Q
608 Hwy 365 North
North Little Rock, AR 72113
(501)998-2616
I've eaten at Shack BBQ several times. Their barbecue is out of this world and their sauce is too. They really pile the food on your plate. So be hungry when you go there. I would love to go eat there again.

Here is a recipe that I have for "The Shack:" BBQ Sauce that is close to the "real" thing:

"The Shack" BBQ Sauce

Ingredients:
¼ onion, finely chopped
1 cup water
1 cup vinegar
1 cup ketchup
1 T. + 1 ½ teaspoon chili powder
1 T. + 1 ½ teaspoon sugar
1 T. + 1 ½ teaspoon black pepper
1 T. + 1 ½ teaspoon salt

Combine all ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a rolling boil. Reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 1 ½ hours. Stir every 10 minutes. This is really good if you like a vinegar-based barbecue sauce.

3. Hog Pen Bar-B-Q
800 Walnut
Conway, AR 72032
(501)327-5177

My husband and I ate it here one time. We ate their barbecue sandwich. While we were waiting for our order, the waitress brought us a free barbecue rib sample. It was so delicious. Next time we go there, we'll get the ribs. We were absolutely stuffed when we left their restaurant. Their customer service was excellent.

The next barbecue place that I want to go to is Whole Hog Barbecue at Faulkner Plaza Shopping Center in Conway. They opened up last month. Hopefully, I'll get to go soon. If you happen to live in Arkansas, check out some of these barbecue places that I have listed. If you don't, check out some in your state. You won't regret it.