Since Richard “Stubby” Stubblefield, Jr. opened it in 1952, Stubby’s has become a benchmark of great barbecue, not only in Hot Springs but in all the South. Now in the capable hands of Chris Dunkel, whose parents bought it from Stubby in 1977, it is a restaurant where everything is done the old-fashioned way. Sauce is brewed daily in the back room. Meats are slow-smoked over hickory and carved to order as you watch from the short cafeteria line.
Ribs are big and meat-laden; ham is sweet and swanky; ruggedly-hacked pork ranges from velvet-soft white meat to chewy bark. Even the brisket is Texas-tender and dripping juice. Chicken, which in our book of barbecue tends to be a secondary consideration, is absolutely first class here, its skin glazed dark, its meat moist and ludicrously tender.
No matter what meat you choose, two side dishes are essential. The smoked pit potato is a massive spud that emerges from a long, slow heat bath with insides that are fluffy and delicious even before butter and sour cream are applied. (It is possible to get the potato loaded with barbecued beef or pork — an awesome meal.) Stubby’s pot-o-beans is larded with hunks of smoky ham and blanketed with sauce. The sauce is one of the nation’s best: tangy, peppery and so beguilingly spiced that even after the meat on your plate is only a glowing memory, you may find yourself using white bread to mop the last of it from the bowlful that comes with every meal.
Sunday | 11am - 8pm |
Monday | 11am - 8pm |
Tuesday | 11am - 8pm |
Wednesday | 11am - 8pm |
Thursday | 11am - 8pm |
Friday | 11am - 8pm |
Saturday | 11am - 8pm |
Other Nearby Restaurants
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Old Mill Bread & Flour Co.
Little Rock, ArkansasThe Old Mill Bread & Flour Co. specializes in soft-crusted “American hearth breads” including spinach feta, cinnamon swirl & cranberry pecan.
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The Root Cafe
Little Rock, ArkansasThe Root Cafe is an inviting Little Rock gem that sources local ingredients for such dishes as chunky sweet potato fries with ‘Hickory Chip’ mayo.
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The Pantry
Little Rock, ArkansasThe Pantry is a homey Little Rock gem serving such German and Czech dishes as béchamel spaetzle, mushrooms & shallots, and a snappy house-made brat.
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McClard’s Bar-B-Q
Hot Springs, ArkansasA destination for BBQ fans from Arkansas and beyond. McClard’s signature rib and fry plate is a rack of meaty bones smothered by superb French fries.
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Mr. Whisker’s Catfish
Hot Springs, ArkansasMr. Whiskers is the place to go in Hot Springs for platters of catfish (fried or blackened), shrimp and oysters. Sides include hushpuppies, fries and slaw.
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The Pancake Shop
Hot Springs, ArkansasAt Hot Spring’s most popular breakfast spot, count on big plates of buttermilk or buckwheat pancakes, with or without blueberries.