Highest-rated barbecue restaurants in the Little Rock area by diners
Highest-rated barbecue restaurants in the Little Rock area by diners
Barbecue stands as one of America's most cherished culinary traditions, weaving together a rich tapestry of history, regional diversity, and evolving flavors that resonate with diners from coast to coast. A July 2022 YouGov survey revealed that nearly all Americans (96%) who consume meat enjoy barbecue, underscoring its widespread enduring appeal and cross-cultural significance. Among the 1,000 survey respondents, Texas dominated as the place most often associated with barbecue, but the cuisine's roots expand far beyond the Lone Star State.
American barbecue can be traced back to Indigenous cooking techniques and was further enriched by the influences of enslaved Africans. In the centuries since, it's evolved into a multifaceted culinary art with distinct regional styles: the tangy, vinegar-based sauces and slow-cooked pork of the Carolinas; the tender brisket of Texas with sauce served on the side; the robust, sweet-forward flavors characteristic of Kansas City; and Alabama's signature mayo-based white sauce drizzled over some juicy chicken.
Alongside these classic offerings, innovative interpretations have surged in popularity in recent decades, as multicultural variants such as Korean BBQ, with its marinated cuts and sizzling grill presentations, and Mexican barbacoa, known for its richly spiced, slow-cooked succulence, have carved out their own niche in the competitive barbecue landscape.
Over the years, barbecue has not only mirrored America's evolving palate but has also fostered a spirit of community, as festivals, backyard cookouts, and friendly competitions celebrate the art of smoking and grilling—traditions lovingly passed down from generation to generation.
Nationwide, barbecue restaurants today greet families and friends with the intoxicating aroma of slow-smoked meats served on sturdy metal trays, often covered in rustic butcher paper. And what meal would be complete without those hearty sides? Whether you opt for gooey mac and cheese and smoky collard greens or crumbly cornbread and creamy coleslaw, you can't go wrong.
If you're craving some good 'cue in your neck of the woods, Stacker has you covered with the highest-rated barbecue restaurants in Little Rock based on diners' reviews on Yelp as of February 2025. Restaurants with at least 20 reviews tagged as "barbecue" within a 10-kilometer radius of Little Rock were included. As a result, some restaurants featured may serve other food items.
Keep reading to see where to go when the hunger for all things low-and-slow strikes you!
#23. Corky's Ribs & BBQ
- Rating: 3.0/5 (86 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2947 Lakewood Village Drive North Little Rock, Arkansas
- Categories: Barbecue, American, Burgers
- Read more on Yelp
#22. Texas Roadhouse
- Rating: 3.0/5 (134 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2620 South Shackleford Road Little Rock, Arkansas
- Categories: Barbecue, American, Steakhouses
- Read more on Yelp
#21. Pig 'N Chik BBQ
- Rating: 3.1/5 (44 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 7824 Ar-107 Sherwood, Arkansas
- Categories: Southern, Barbecue, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#20. Texas Roadhouse
- Rating: 3.1/5 (131 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3601 Warden Road North Little Rock, Arkansas
- Categories: American, Steakhouses, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#19. Corky's Ribs & BBQ
- Rating: 3.1/5 (122 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 12005 Westhaven Drive Little Rock, Arkansas
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#18. LongHorn Steakhouse
- Rating: 3.3/5 (66 reviews)
- Address: 3911 Mccain Blvd. North Little Rock, Arkansas
- Categories: American, Steakhouses, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#17. Arkansas Best Wings
- Rating: 3.4/5 (27 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 9817 Highway 107 Sherwood, Arkansas
- Categories: Barbecue, Chicken Wings
- Read more on Yelp
#16. Platnum BBQ
- Rating: 3.4/5 (21 reviews)
- Address: 400 President Clinton Ave. Little Rock, Arkansas
- Categories: Barbecue, Breakfast & Brunch, American
- Read more on Yelp
#15. LongHorn Steakhouse
- Rating: 3.4/5 (116 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2628 South Shackleford Road Little Rock, Arkansas
- Categories: Steakhouses, American, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#14. Sim's Bar-B Que
- Rating: 3.8/5 (83 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1307 John Barrow Road Little Rock, Arkansas
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#13. Mick's Bar-B-Q
- Rating: 3.8/5 (35 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 3609 Mac Arthur Drive North Little Rock, Arkansas
- Categories: Barbecue, Burgers, fast food
- Read more on Yelp
#12. H.B.'s BBQ
- Rating: 4.0/5 (35 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 6010 Lancaster Little Rock, Arkansas
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#11. Whole Hog Cafe
- Rating: 4.0/5 (166 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 12111 West Markham St. Little Rock, Arkansas
- Categories: Barbecue, African, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#10. Count Porkula BBQ
- Rating: 4.0/5 (51 reviews)
- Address: 201 Keightly Drive Little Rock, Arkansas
- Categories: Barbecue, Caterers
- Read more on Yelp
#9. Count Porkula
- Rating: 4.0/5 (46 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 10840 Maumelle Blvd. North Little Rock, Arkansas
- Categories: Barbecue, New American
- Read more on Yelp
#8. Sim's Bar-B Que
- Rating: 4.1/5 (70 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2415 South Broadway Little Rock, Arkansas
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#7. Whole Hog Cafe
- Rating: 4.1/5 (584 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2516 Cantrell Road Little Rock, Arkansas
- Categories: Barbecue, Sandwiches, Chicken Shop
- Read more on Yelp
#6. Blue Ember Smokehouse
- Rating: 4.1/5 (21 reviews)
- Address: 1020 Rahling Road Little Rock, Arkansas
- Categories: Barbecue, Sandwiches, Caterers
- Read more on Yelp
#5. Three Sam's BBQ Joint
- Rating: 4.3/5 (47 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 10508 Mann Road Mabelvale , Arkansas
- Categories: Barbecue, American
- Read more on Yelp
#4. Wright's BBQ
- Rating: 4.3/5 (120 reviews)
- Address: 1311 Rebsamen Park Road Little Rock, Arkansas
- Categories: Barbecue, Salad
- Read more on Yelp
#3. Burge's Hickory Smoked Turkeys and Hams
- Rating: 4.4/5 (52 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5620 R St. Little Rock, Arkansas
- Categories: Barbecue, American
- Read more on Yelp
#2. Terri-Lynn's Bar-B-Q & Deli
- Rating: 4.4/5 (33 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 10102 Rodney Parham Road Little Rock, Arkansas
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#1. Lindsey's Hospitality House & Barbecue
- Rating: 4.6/5 (142 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 207 Curtis Sykes Drive North Little Rock, Arkansas
- Categories: Barbecue, Soul Food
- Read more on Yelp
This story features data reporting by Wade Zhou, writing by Cynthia Rebolledo, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 281 metros.
