Benny Bob's Barbecue

If you’re rolling through Blytheville, Arkansas and craving real Southern-style barbecue, you’ll want to plan your week around a visit to Benny Bob’s Barbecue at 847 E Main St. This isn’t your average roadside BBQ joint—it’s the kind of hidden gem locals swear by, and travelers stumble upon only to wonder why it’s not nationally famous. As someone who’s reviewed barbecue across the South, I can tell you with certainty: Benny Bob’s serves some of the best barbecue in Blytheville—and it’s not even close.

Now, here’s the thing about Benny Bob’s: the hours are limited, and the shop is closed more days than it's open. But that’s actually part of the appeal. You quickly learn that when a barbecue joint only opens a few days a week—Tuesday through Friday, with extended hours on Thursday and Friday—it’s because they focus on doing a few things really, really well.

Barbecue with Character 

Let’s get into the food. The smoked meats are the undeniable star here. Whether it’s the brisket, the pulled pork, or the melt-in-your-mouth ribs, each protein is cooked low and slow until the bark is deep, flavorful, and beautifully caramelized. The brisket, in particular, stands out with its visible smoke ring and just the right balance of tenderness and chew. It doesn’t fall apart into mush; it holds together like a proper cut should, and that’s a clear sign of a pitmaster who knows their craft.

The pulled pork is equally strong—lightly smoky, moist without being greasy, and begging for a dash of Benny Bob’s house barbecue sauce, which hits that sweet spot between tangy and slightly spicy. You can tell this sauce didn’t come out of a gallon jug from some big-box supplier. It’s made with purpose, just like everything else here.

Sandwiches, Sides & Local Flair

You won’t find an endless menu, but you’ll find everything you need. The barbecue sandwiches here are served on fresh buns, stacked high, and packed with flavor. Grab one with a side of baked beans or potato salad, and you’ve got a solid Southern lunch that’s both affordable and satisfying.

Another underrated item? The BBQ nachos—a local favorite that’s worth the carbs. Piled high with pulled pork, cheese, jalapeños, and sauce, it’s the kind of shareable plate you’ll end up finishing by yourself.

When it comes to side dishes, don’t overlook the coleslaw, which brings a nice crunch and a lightly sweet vinegar kick that pairs beautifully with any of the meats. And if you're lucky enough to swing by on a day when they’re offering dessert, grab it. Everything, down to the last crumb, is made with care.

Casual, No-Frills, and All About the Flavor

The interior is simple—no frills, no fuss, no fake wood paneling trying to imitate “rustic charm.” Benny Bob’s doesn’t need any of that. You walk in, you smell smoke, and you know you’re in the right place. Orders are taken fast, food comes out hot, and the staff is friendly in that no-nonsense, Southern-hospitality kind of way.

This place thrives on word of mouth, and once you’ve eaten here, it’s easy to understand why it consistently shows up when people search for barbecue restaurants near me in Blytheville AR. It’s exactly what a neighborhood BBQ joint should be—locally owned, slow-cooked, and consistently good.

Worth Rearranging Your Week For

Since Benny Bob’s is closed Saturday through Monday, you’ll want to time your visit carefully. But that scarcity? It’s part of what makes this place so special. It’s not mass-produced, it’s not trying to serve everyone all the time, and it’s not pretending to be something it’s not. It’s just good barbecue, made the right way.

Anyone who’s spent time studying or working in barbecue knows that consistency and smoke control are the real tests—and Benny Bob’s passes both. This isn’t fast food pretending to be slow-cooked; it’s the real deal. You taste it in the meat, you smell it in the air, and you feel it the moment you walk through the door.