I really, really love BBQ!  I don’t mean just grilling or just ribs or just sauce, I mean, Southern-style, spice-rubbed, pork bbq with all the fixins.  One of my favorite things to do in Hot Springs is sample the local bbq.   BBQ places in Hot Springs are like coffee shops in the city, they’re everywhere.  Each one offers something different and usually features recipes or techniques that have been passed down through generations.

My hands-down favorite, one-stop place is Whole Hog Café.  This is kind of an unusual choice for me because I tend to be a bit of a snob about “chain” establishments.  That said, everything here is so mouthwateringly yummy. What I love most is that they have six different sauces.  As someone who loves swimming things around is sauce, getting to try all the different sauces and mix them together is fabulous.  Second, they make the best potato salad ever.  It is so creamy and flavorful (I’m pretty sure the secret ingredient is cream cheese).  We will eat here three times during the week we are in Hot Springs – it’s that good!

McClard’s is probably the best-known place, mostly because Bill Clinton said it was his favorite.  And, it is really good and worth the trip.  I also highly recommend Stubby’s – the pot-of-beans is awesome!  Both of these establishments have been in business for over 50 years.

No picture could perfectly capture this deliciousness on a plate, but this one from their web site looks good to me