Great BBQ place! Worth a stop in but please save room for the dozen homemade cream pies they will offer for dessert. We had the lunch special which gave us a drink, two large pulled pork sliders with a HUGE half order of their delicious swirl cut fries. Only 7.99 and enough to share. We finished with a piece of Coconut Cream Pie..... Unbelievable good. No mushy crusts but crunchy and delicious. read more

See all

Everything about this place was great!! Service was amazing, and the food was nothing short of phenomenal! Got burnt ends and the special sausage as the side and both were great, then the rolls with the apple butter was to die for! To top it off, got the pecan pie, with a twist, and you sure won't have to twist my wrist to get another slice of that big ole pie! read more

Disclaimer: I'm not a BBQ snob. I'm actually a recovering vegetarian who is thisclose to going back to being a vegetarian again (woah). Even if I DO go back to being a vegetarian, I will make semi-annual allowances for the smoked turkey at Big R's. It is the best smoked turkey I have ever had. I wish the toasted bread were a bit toastier (but in the end it doesn't matter because the FLAVOR). This is my third time at Big R's and this time they knocked the food out of the park. EVERYthing was as good as the first time I went (about a year ago). The second time was good, but not AS good as the first. But today was 4.5 stars so rounded up to 5 because, after all, we DO drive an hour from northeast OK to Joplin just to visit Big R's. By all means do get the onion rings. I didn't even LIKE onion rings before I had these. I'm not joking when I say my first bite of Big R's onion ring was one of those life-defining events. I won't forget it. The batter is perfection. The salad is meh. I rant about iceberg lettuce enough in my other reviews. Other than that, the sides are good. I don't care for the fries (I know, I know) but that's just personal preference. Everyone else in the world likes them. We always have good, friendly servers. Service was just a tiny bit slow tonight, but our server was very polite and friendly and thanked us for "being patient and kind" tonight. Hey guy, you were doing a great job on a busy Saturday night and I hope you got lots of good tips tonight. Bonus: leftovers are great. We have one of those oven stone things at home; the sandwich and onion rings heat up nice and crisp on it. Parking is limited; don't let that dissuade you from going. Just be patient, man. You're out for a good meal. Just relax and enjoy! Haven't had dessert here yet (how do people find ROOM for that??) but if we lived closer we would definitely try a pie. read more

Wow...a 4-stars average for this joint, huh? It's not the worst I've had, but it's down there. This is a "BBQ" restaurant that seems to be known for it's fried food and desserts. Not good. I have a rule: If a BBQ joint has a fryer, chances are really good you'll be disappointed. There are exceptions to this rule, though not very many (they can easily be counted on one hand). We went here with pretty high hopes. It seems Big R is from Arkansas and some of the best Q in the country can be found there, believe it or not. It was disappointing to be kind. The brisket was dry. Lay it over on itself and it breaks. The more I ate, the thirstier I got. The pork might or might not have been cooked in a crock pot. If they use a rub, you can't tell. It was just overcooked pork and I can find that anywhere. The ribs were awful. They didn't seem to be rubbed. They definitely weren't glazed or sauced. If you eat with your eyes first, I would have been bulimic. They were dry, flavorless bits of carcass. It looked like a cross between a rawhide and the skin of a newly discovered caveman, frozen in ice. The baked beans were more onion with some commodity beans thrown in as a technicality. The applesauce was decent. Clearly it is made elsewhere. I'm giving 2 stars because the service was pretty friendly. read more

Service was great. Trey did an awesome job. The applesauce was amazing and the sampler platter was great. The Sticky Ribs left a bit to be desired. They seemed like they were cooked in a crockpot with lots of barbecue sauce which is fine for Sunday lunch at home but not at a barbecue restaurant. It was also warm in the restaurant which didn't help things. We got our pies to go and they look wonderful. read more

Everything is good but The real reason to go here is definitely the PIE! And it's a huge serving for the price compared to what most restaurants serve! read more

Small bbq joint off the main road. Great decor with small family feel. Service was fabulous. We stopped in for lunch. Food was really good. Meat was tender and tasty. Suzie Q's (fries) are homemade and excellent. Portions are good size, but not too big; although you get a lot of fries so if you are with someone else I suggest you each get a different side and share. Had Snicker's pie, 1 slice, for dessert to split with 3 and LOVED IT!!! Exceeded my expectations and we will stop on our next pass through town. YUM!!!! read more

Best pies in town and the bar-b-q is pretty good as well. The service is pretty good, but I wish they were open more hours than they are

OMG we went to Big R's bbq on a Saturday for a late lunch for the first time & WOW the food & service was awesome. We got Rib's for 2 plus sides & Oh' yes "PIE"...... We were so full We didn't eat again till the next day around lunch. BUT I would do it again, OH YAHHHHHH!!! Will be returning very soon. Thanks JRL read more

An okay BBQ place in Joplin. Overall, not in my top three around the area but is a good place to try!! BBQ is very subjective in my mind. Some people love this place so maybe you will too! You do get a lot for the price and the staff is always very nice. read more

On vacation and looking for a good BBQ place to eat BBQ. The food was good but when I finished my beer and found glass in my last drink my opinion changed. Luckily I didn't swallow it. When I showed it to the waitress and she said oh wow. I saw the quality and value they had for us customers. Little to none. Disappointed in how they handled the situation. The manager didn't even come over and apologize. Nothing. Seriously an apology goes a long way. read more

Good stuff. I went off route from KC to Branson and this place is worth it. I'll be back for sure next time I travel through.

Barbeque is one of my favorite food choices and this was very good...especially liked the the ribs with the great smoke flavor. As good as the food was, the service was even better. My server, Fina, provided probably the best "service with a smile" I have seen. The service made the experience! read more

Big R's BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Joplin, Missouri

Being from Missouri I have been to many BBQ places, and I must say Big R's stacks up to the competition. I would not say its my favorite BBQ, but definitely my favorite BBQ in the greater Joplin area! Very good corn bread, sides were delicious, and the BBQ is self was good. If I'm in the area again I will certainly consider coming back here again! read more

I am really surprised to even have to say the following. Normally, this place is just the best place in town to me. My wife ordered the big Turkey sandwich, and it was very soggy by the time it got to us. I ordered the turkey, brisket, pulled pork plate. I got two sides. One the potato salad and the other macaroni salad. The meat was very dry, and the little salads didn't taste like it used to. Very bland. The pie looked like someone tossed it to the plate so that it didn't look like pie. We asked for drinks to go and never got them. I am rather disappointed, and I hope that maybe it was just a bad day. My wife does not want to go back. read more

I LOVE this place! My sis took us here who is a local! The fried broccoli was to die for and we all had a piece of their AMAZING pie. The restaurant is the cutest with mason jar glasses and the free rolls that come with yummy apple butter which is the cutest touch! We will be back next time I'm in town :) read more

One order of ribs with the included sides are enough for two adults. We always order a slab of ribs, a baked potatoe (giant) and side salad (giant). If you order a side of suzy Q's, then you better be hungry. The plate of them is overflowing and you can't eat them all. Split a piece of coconut cream pie for dessert. The food is not the best I have ever had, but the "best food" at other fancy restaurants usually costs $40/plate. I would say the food is "very good" and you definately get your money's worth at a reasonable price. read more

Definitely in my top 3 favorite places to eat in Joplin. You get SO MUCH bang for your buck it's unreal. Their ranch dressing is perfect, and their Suzy Q's are addicting. If you like average BBQ find somewhere else to go because Big R's BBQ is GREAT!! Their non-BBQ items are amazing as well. Their Zesty Chicken Sandwich is my favorite menu item and there is nothing BBQ about it. Expect to pay a little and eat A LOT! read more

$22.22 for two brisket sandwiches, two ice teas. Lady and man at the door we're basic smart assess. Food was just ok, don't understand the 4 stars? Service was slow, even slower to get our bill. Sandwich bun soaked in oil cold fries. Not very good! read more

If you are driving near Joplin, you have to try the ribs here! Best in the west! Bbq sauce is perfect blend of sweet, tangy and mildly hot. Perfect! Meat falls off the bone and sides are tasty. Don't forget the pie!! read more

Another great local joint. Went there last night for a birthday party and the food was good and the prices were better. Usually I expect a higher premium when I go to a BBQ restaurant but their prices were really reasonable. The birthday boy even got a free slice of pie, and it looked like it was a quarter slice. Atmosphere is a little different, just something particular to this place. Looking forward to going back on a Friday and trying their prime rib. read more

So the service was good. My meat was cold. Told the server and she informed management I guess. Nothing happened. I live in TX. I know bbq. I'm good. read more

Stopped at this place on the way through Missouri during a Christmas holiday trip. Easy to find, if you use a cell phone app. Reasonably close to the interstate. I ordered the brisket plate with 1/3 lb of meat, dinner rolls and two sides for around $10. Plenty of food. The coleslaw was great, with not too much vinegar. The mustard potato salad was good, but could have used a little more mustard, but that's just a personal preference. Soft drinks are served in a large canning jar, with free refills. Service was fast, with not much of a wait for food, but we did arrive about 7:00 PM which was probably after their usual Saturday dinner rush. All in all, a very good experience. Since this is on a route we take at least 3 times a year, I'll definitely stop again. read more

I personally do not think the hype of this restaurant is worth it. The pie was average. My meal was mediocre. Prices were outrageous. Won't be going back. read more

We really came here for the pie. I think the lemon pie I had was really old. Not homemade and not real whipped cream. It reminded of the pie I used to get as a kids, when we'd go to Furrs cafeteria after church. We got pulled pork and burnt ends. The pork was chewy and the ends were really hard and fatty. I couldn't chew them. We won't be back. read more

was in Joplin last week and I got a to go order after a 13 hour drive it was very good. The Brisket was perfect the ribs were OK but over all good meal. read more

Amazing service, great food, and not that bad of a price. I loved the fact that you're served your drink in a mason jar. I would recommend that everyone try this fine establishment. My only complaint is that the floors were a little slick. Not that big of a deal though. read more

Stopped there on the 2012 Power Tour - 3650 miles total for me. I took 6 other people to this place when we stayed in Joplin, and we all overwhelmingly agree that it was the best that we had on the entire trip! We are still talking about this place 2 weeks later. I cannot say enough about the food, staff, atmosphere and how I could not stop eating! We had everything from the Big Man, the pork tenderloin, ham, salad, kids chicken, sweet tea, pies. It was too much, for a great price, and I will go out of my way to stop there when I get back to that area. To the people that live around Joplin, consider yourselves lucky in the restaurant department!!!! read more

The perfect place for when you want a plate of fries the size of a toddler then eat pie so good you question your memories of your granny's baking talents. No complaints on the ribs either. read more

Usually like this place. Ordered special which Was ribeye steak. The meat was of poor quality plus they charge extra for a loaded baked potato and extra for the grilled onions on top. The ribs tasted OK but they were so full of bone grit I had to keep picking the bones out of my mouth. This visit was very disappointing. read more

Fantastic service and delicious home cookin'. A must for anyone who loves good food. The chicken fried steak is gigantic and scrumptious. I couldn't even finish it! Also if you get dessert, try the coconut cream pie. Homemade goodness on a plate right there. You will leave absolutely satisfied and probably with leftovers. read more

Holy Shit!!! Save room for pie. I was driving through Joplin with my teenage son. We heard about this place and made a stop. My Gawd, im glad we did! Save room for pie. As we came in we saw a cooler with numerous pies. We were pleasantly greeted by a nice hostess. It was lunch time, my son and I ordered sandwiches. Our server was very helpful. Gave us the heads up that a side of fries feeds 2. Or 4, if you are going to save room for pie. Save room for pie. Drinks were served in Mason jars. Service was great. My son liked his pulled pork, I had the "Big Man". This had 3 different meats. All were great. We saved room for dessert. Glad we did. Chocolate cream pie was excellent. Lord have mercy! The pie was huge. Turns out it is a 5th of a pie. A 5th! It is the only time I have ever finished a 5th and didn't black out. If your in Joplin. Stop in, eat some bbq get a slice of pie. Tell 'em the Lord sent you! Absolutely awesome!! read more

This is an awesome place. They really know how to make good BBQ. I will definitely got there more often now. Service was Kind and on point. I would recommend making a reservation, if you want to go with a bigger party. This place can get packed. They also serve homemade cake, which looks amazing - I haven't tried it yet though. read more

Best Burnt Ends I've ever had. Everything else was delicious too! Makes me want to bath in BBQ sauce. Not sure why...just felt like saying that. The jam was made from scratch it seemed. So yummy. read more

Real nice ribs when they don't run out. Best I have had in Joplin for sure. And PIE!

Love it! My mom and I go here when I am in town. the decorations Suck! but I love me some good BBQ a big block of Suzy Q's and drinking Ice-T out of a jar. Now that I have become an LA snob I drink my Wine through a Jar. Gotta keep it real. I love thier brisket sandwhich. Crappy location, small parking but worth the stop. Big R's! Keep it up. read more

The Pies alone give this place the five stars it deserves. You would think we would be in all a rave about the bbq but it takes second place to the pie... I go out of my way to go by Big R's just to get some pie! One of the few places in Joplin you can get a burnt ends sandwich. Just got to get there early, as you would any bbq place for a burnt ends. My suggestion... Order something and split it and save room for some pie! read more

While not the best barbecue (I am partial to Texas BBQ), the food was very good, staff was very friendly, and the atmosphere comfortable. We had a large group (9 people) that they quickly accommodated. This gave was a great opportunity to try many of the items. All were great. The pulled pork was moist and smokey and were the ribs and brisket. The was sauce was just like I like, smokey and vinegary and not sweet. The burger was massive as were the mound of French fries. We saw a tower of onion rings on another table that I wish we would had tried. Unfortunately, we were so full that we did not have room for the pies that look great as you pass by when you walk in. I will eat the pie first next time I eat there. read more

We were there on a Thursday evening & waited 1.5 hrs for our dinner. There were only 11 people there. We saw our waitress twice-that was after asking for her a few times. Our food came out after post orders were submitted. When we asked about it there were no apologies, not even a fake excuse. Food was great but because of bad service won't be going back. read more

I love their BBQ. I miss them dearly now I live in Knoxville. Love the suzy Q loaf and the gravy is delicious.