North Little Rock has quietly become a barbecue destination, where pitmasters perfect their craft over hickory and oak. From no-frills joints serving up tender brisket to family-owned spots with secret sauce recipes, the city’s BBQ scene offers something for every carnivore. Whether you’re craving fall-off-the-bone ribs, perfectly smoked pulled pork, or that elusive perfect bark on brisket, these five restaurants represent the best of what North Little Rock’s barbecue culture has to offer. Each brings its own personality to the plate, from traditional Arkansas-style cooking to innovative twists on classic favorites.
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Quick Comparison
| Restaurant | Rating | Price | Best For | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Smoke Shack Bar-B-Q | 4.5 | $ | Best Value |
 | Count Porkula | 4.0 | $$ | Date Night |
 | Sim’s Bar-B Que | 4.1 | $$ | Most Authentic |
 | H.B.’s BBQ | 3.9 | $ | Quick Service |
 | Ol Bart Southern Eats | 3.9 | $ | Hidden Gem |
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The Complete List
For a deeper dive, here are the full profiles, insider tips, and signature dishes for all 5 of North Little Rock’s best barbeque restaurants.
Smoke Shack Bar-B-Q
Smoke Shack earns the top spot with consistently excellent barbecue at unbeatable prices. Their sausage has developed a cult following, while the ribs and brisket showcase perfect smoke rings and tender textures. Despite being packed during peak hours, the friendly staff maintains fast service without compromising quality.
Count Porkula
Count Porkula brings a creative twist to traditional barbecue with their New American approach. The cozy dining room atmosphere sets it apart from typical BBQ joints, while their sausage platter and pulled pork showcase excellent technique. Visitors consistently praise the Arkansas-style barbecue and friendly service.
🚗 Worth the Drive
These top-rated spots are just a short drive from North Little Rock and well worth the trip.
Sim’s Bar-B Que
Sim’s represents traditional Arkansas barbecue at its finest, with their chopped beef sandwich earning particular acclaim. The vinegar-based sauce enhances rather than masks the natural meat flavors, while sides like beans and greens complement the barbecue perfectly. This is old-school BBQ done right.
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H.B.’s BBQ
H.B.’s keeps things simple and does it well, earning passionate praise from customers who describe it as ‘amazing BBQ.’ Their pork sandwich and ribs deliver solid barbecue fundamentals without unnecessary frills. The cash-only policy adds to the authentic, old-school atmosphere.
Ol Bart Southern Eats
Ol Bart’s earns its spot with exceptional brisket that stays moist and flavorful, plus standout sides like their famous Cajun cream corn. The aroma from their smoker greets you at the door, promising the authentic barbecue experience that follows. Quick service makes it perfect for a satisfying meal without the wait.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Based on our research, Smoke Shack Bar-B-Q takes the top spot with its 4.5-star rating, unbeatable prices, and legendary sausage. Their consistent quality and friendly service make it the best overall choice for barbecue in North Little Rock.
For budget-friendly options, both Smoke Shack Bar-B-Q and H.B.’s BBQ offer excellent barbecue at $ price points. Smoke Shack provides exceptional value with their sausage and pulled pork, while H.B.’s keeps it simple with quality fundamentals.
For celebrations or date nights, Count Porkula offers the most upscale atmosphere with its cozy dining room and New American approach to barbecue. The $$ price point reflects the enhanced dining experience while still delivering excellent barbecue.
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Final Thoughts
North Little Rock’s barbecue scene offers something for every taste and budget. Whether you’re seeking the legendary sausage at Smoke Shack or the upscale atmosphere at Count Porkula, these five restaurants represent the best the city has to offer. Start with our top pick and work your way down – your taste buds will thank you.
