Best BBQ Restaurants in Fayetteville, AR (2026): 15 Ranked by Reviews

Wright's Barbecue Johnson is the most-reviewed BBQ joint in Fayetteville, with 2,893 Google reviews and a 4.8-star average. Google describes it as laid-back outpost serving an array of smoked BBQ meats & hearty sides, plus a roomy outdoor patio. It is moderately priced and closed Sunday, located in Fayetteville. One 5-star reviewer wrote: “We saw Wrights BBQ on Peter Santenello’s episode about Bentonville & Fayetteville on YouTube. As we drove north from Florida back to SoDak we made it a point to include this with a couple stops in the area.”

2212 Main Dr, Fayetteville, AR 72704, USA

Sassy's Red House is the second-most-reviewed BBQ joint in Fayetteville, with 1,970 Google reviews and a 4.4-star average. Google describes it as ribs, brisket, pulled pork & more dished up at this casual BBQ joint with a lively, sports-bar vibe. It is moderately priced and open seven days a week, located in Fayetteville. One 5-star reviewer wrote: “Pretty good bbq spot. Sides were good and the chicken was really good and smoky. Both the wings and sandwhich were on point. Brisket was a bit dry but still had good flavor. Their sauces are really good.”

708 N College Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA

Penguin Ed's Bar-B-Que is the third-most-reviewed BBQ joint in Fayetteville, with 1,379 Google reviews and a 4.6-star average. Google describes it as long-running local chain serving serving hickory-smoked BBQ, beer & vegetarian options. It is moderately priced and open seven days a week, located in Fayetteville. One 5-star reviewer wrote: “Food was excellent! Prices were great for the quantity and quality. The cookies are overpriced in my opinion for them to just taste like something I can cook at home, but the Brisket Philly Cheesesteak is top tier.”

230 S E Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA

Penguin Ed's Barbeque is the fourth-most-reviewed BBQ joint in Fayetteville, with 1,341 Google reviews and a 4.4-star average. It is moderately priced and open seven days a week, located in Fayetteville. One 5-star reviewer wrote: “This is one of the best flavored bbq places. All food was great the atmosphere is quiet”

2773 E Mission Blvd, Fayetteville, AR 72703, USA

Grub's Bar & Grille is the fifth-most-reviewed BBQ joint in Fayetteville, with 1,064 Google reviews and a 4.3-star average. It is moderately priced and closed Monday, located in Fayetteville. One 5-star reviewer wrote: “Grubs is a great place to go if you’re looking for somewhere to sit and eat with friends. I went a couple days ago and had an amazing experience. Everyone was so welcoming, and the service was excellent.”

220 N West Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA

Sassy's Barbecue and Grille is the sixth-most-reviewed BBQ joint in Fayetteville, with 932 Google reviews and a 4.1-star average. Google describes it as laid-back Southern-style BBQ joint for meats, sides & homemade sauces, plus sports on TV & beer. It is moderately priced and open seven days a week, located in Fayetteville. One 5-star reviewer wrote: “Truly enjoyed the food and service. We were served by Carson and she attended to us very swiftly. I order a 2 meat plate with brisket and wings —— AND IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT!!!! Specifically the wings!!!!”

1290 Steamboat Dr, Fayetteville, AR 72704, USA

Whole Hog Cafe is the seventh-most-reviewed BBQ joint in Fayetteville, with 749 Google reviews and a 4.3-star average. Google describes it as outpost of a local BBQ chain dishing out ribs, brisket & other standards in a laid-back atmosphere. It is moderately priced and open seven days a week, located in Fayetteville.

3009 N College Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72703, USA

Lucky Luke's BBQ is the eighth-most-reviewed BBQ joint in Fayetteville, with 537 Google reviews and a 4.4-star average. Google describes it as laid-back BBQ joint serving hickory-smoked meats & award-winning wings, plus local & craft beers. It is moderately priced and closed Sunday, located in Fayetteville. One 5-star reviewer wrote: “This hole-in-the-wall BBQ joint has a well worn and loved feel. When we visited on a Thursday at 11:30, it was bustling with a local crowd.”

1220 Garland Ave #1, Fayetteville, AR 72703, USA

South Side Smoke Shack is the ninth-most-reviewed BBQ joint in Fayetteville, with 476 Google reviews and a 5.0-star average. It is moderately priced and closed Monday and Sunday, located in Fayetteville. One 5-star reviewer wrote: “Best BBQ in Fayetteville! I've passed by many times. Finally able to stop and try it. Ordered the pulled pork sandwich: $5 and change. Can't get food like this for that price.”

596 S Happy Hollow Rd, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA

Rudy's "Country Store" and Bar-B-Q is the tenth-most-reviewed BBQ joint in Fayetteville, with 388 Google reviews and a 3.6-star average. Google describes it as brisket, ribs & sides served up cafeteria-style in a no-frills setting with indoor picnic tables. It is moderately priced and open seven days a week, located in Fayetteville. One 5-star reviewer wrote: “My wife and I were in Fayetteville for the evening and looking forward to eat, stumbled upon Rudy’s. I highly recommend. We were there on a Tuesday night. There’s no way for food and they had a special of a buy one.”

4084 W Martin Luther King Junior Blvd, Fayetteville, AR 72704, USA

Ronda's Roadhouse is the #11 most-reviewed BBQ joint in Fayetteville, with 245 Google reviews and a 4.7-star average. It is moderately priced and closed Monday and Sunday, located in Fayetteville. One 5-star reviewer wrote: “Honestly the best breakfast I’ve had in years across many restaurants. Yes, it’s a dive, but a family friendly dive which you can’t tell by the outside.”

504 E 15th St, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA

Wes BBQ Burger Plus is the #12 most-reviewed BBQ joint in Fayetteville, with 184 Google reviews and a 4.4-star average. It is moderately priced and closed Sunday, located in Fayetteville. One 5-star reviewer wrote: “Took my daughter here for some lunch. Delicious and really affordable! Will definitely come back for more!”

14 S University Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA

Smoke 'N' Willie is the #13 most-reviewed BBQ joint in Fayetteville, with 131 Google reviews and a 4.9-star average. It is moderately priced and closed Monday, Tuesday and Sunday, located in Fayetteville. One 5-star reviewer wrote: “One of the most underrated BBQ joints in NWA and it out beats Wrights BBQ and Penguin Ed’s any day.”

1255 W Wilson St, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA

Rub Me Raw BBQ is the #14 most-reviewed BBQ joint in Fayetteville, with 25 Google reviews and a 4.7-star average. It is moderately priced and closed Monday and Sunday, located in Fayetteville. One 5-star reviewer wrote: “Literally the best tri tip, elote and mac and cheese ive ever had.”

2121 N Center St, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA

FlavorSmith's Craft Barbecue is the #15 most-reviewed BBQ joint in Fayetteville, with 14 Google reviews and a 4.7-star average. It is moderately priced and closed Monday and Sunday, located in Fayetteville. One 5-star reviewer wrote: “Delicious Barbecue. This place has an awesome owner who I’ve seen on site every visit, he very knowledgeable and friendly. Service has always been top notch. Their prices are fair and portions are large.”

2920 E Zion Rd, Fayetteville, AR 72703, USA