The Great Debate: Arkansas’s Best BBQ / Pizza / Seafood Spots Ranked
Nestled in the heart of the Ozarks, Fayetteville is more than just a college town; it’s a hotspot for barbecue that draws aficionados from across Arkansas and beyond. Just a short 30-minute drive northwest of Tulsa, Oklahoma, this city’s barbecue scene is epitomized by HogHaus Brewing Co. Known not only for its craft beers but also for its pit-smoked meats, HogHaus delivers a smoky, tender pork shoulder and ribs that are slow-cooked over pecan wood, infusing them with a subtly sweet aroma distinct from the hickory or oak more commonly used elsewhere. Tasting barbecue here is best in the cooler months, when the crisp air complements the cozy warmth of the smokehouse, making a meal almost meditative. Fayetteville’s vibrant College Avenue, alive on weekend evenings, adds a festive backdrop that enhances the communal feel of this distinctly Ozark barbecue experience.
Moving to the southeastern corner of the state, just a quick 20-minute drive from Memphis, Nashville, Arkansas offers a surprising twist on pizza that’s deeply rooted in local ingredients. At Big Orange Pizza, the emphasis is on a thin, crispy crust paired with toppings like smoked Arkansas bacon and fresh produce from nearby farms in the Mississippi Delta region. The restaurant’s open kitchen reveals the dancers of dough tossing and topping, a performance that’s as mouthwatering as the food itself. Dining here in the early evening allows visitors to watch the sunset paint the Delta’s flat landscape gold, a moment that pairs beautifully with a slice of their signature “Delta Delight” pie. The subtle smoky undertones of the bacon combined with a tangy house-made tomato sauce set this pizza apart from any other in the state, making Nashville a must-visit for those who appreciate a farm-to-table approach on a classic dish.
Traveling west to the banks of the Arkansas River, Little Rock offers a seafood scene that defies its inland location. River Market District, just a few minutes from downtown, bursts with eateries specializing in fresh, local fish and shellfish. At Flying Fish, the iconic shrimp and catfish dishes shine through a technique that emphasizes light breading and frying in peanut oil, resulting in a crispy crust without overshadowing the delicate flavors of the seafood. A stroll along the nearby Riverfront Park before or after the meal offers a scenic digestion aid, with sweeping views of the river and the Clinton Presidential Center’s modern architecture framing the skyline. Summer evenings are particularly magical here, as the warm river breeze mingles with the scent of grilled seafood from open-air vendors, creating a truly immersive sensory experience.
Further south, about a two-hour drive from Little Rock, the town of El Dorado stands out for its blend of traditional southern barbecue and seafood that reflects its proximity to Louisiana and the Gulf. At Aubrey’s Southside, diners encounter a menu heavy on smoked brisket and gumbo, drawing on a cultural meld that’s rare in Arkansas. The restaurant’s walls are adorned with local art, and the vibe is casual yet refined, making it a prime spot to engage with El Dorado’s revitalized downtown scene. The gumbo, thick with Andouille sausage and Gulf shrimp, is a crowd favorite, offering a spicy and smoky profile that’s perfect for chilly autumn evenings when the town’s outdoor festivals bring the streets to life. Aubrey’s ability to marry Arkansas’s smoky traditions with Gulf Coast flavors makes it an unparalleled destination for anyone seeking a culinary crossroads.
In the northwest corner of the state lies Bentonville, a city better known for crystal-clear waters and art museums than for its food, yet it boasts a surprising pizza gem. Tusk & Trotter, located just a few minutes from the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, marries culinary innovation with midwestern charm. Their wood-fired pizzas showcase Arkansas-raised pork belly and locally foraged mushrooms, reflecting the area’s commitment to sustainable and seasonal ingredients. After exploring the museum’s extensive collection, which spans from colonial to contemporary American art, a pizza here feels like a delicious extension of the creative spirit. The best time to visit is on a sunny spring afternoon when dining outside lets you soak in the city’s blossoming landscapes and the buzz of the nearby Bentonville Square.
Heading east to the piney woods of Pine Bluff, roughly 45 minutes southeast of Little Rock, a deep-seated love of seafood finds a home at The Dock, a waterfront restaurant perched beside the Arkansas River. Specializing in catfish and soft-shell crab, their dishes embrace the river’s bounty with a no-frills approach that champions freshness and simplicity. Sitting on the deck, diners often spot herons and egrets gliding along the water, adding a wild element to the meal. Early fall offers the most pleasant weather here, cool enough to enjoy the outdoor seating without the summer humidity, making it a perfect time to savor fried catfish alongside a cold local beer. The Dock’s connection to the river ecosystem sets it apart, turning a meal into a reminder of Arkansas’s rich natural heritage.
Finally, the Ozark National Forest region around Jasper, about an hour and a half northwest of Little Rock, offers an outdoor adventure paired with a barbecue tradition that feels deeply woven into the landscape. At nearby North Fork Smokehouse, the barbecue reflects the rugged character of the Ozarks, using wild hickory wood to smoke meat slowly over 12 hours. The pulled pork and smoked turkey here are local legends, often enjoyed after a morning hike along the Whitaker Point Trail. This trail leads to Hawksbill Crag, a renowned overlook that juts dramatically over the forest valley below, rewarding hikers with one of Arkansas’s most iconic views. Visiting in the fall, when the foliage explodes in fiery reds and golds, adds an unforgettable visual punch to both the hike and the hearty meal afterward. This blend of epic scenery and masterful barbecue captures the soulful essence of Arkansas’s outdoor and culinary delights.