After a full day exploring Hot Springs, Arkansas, this BBQ absolutely HIT the spot. Before you even walk inside, look to your left -- you can see the giant smokers going and smell that incredible smoky BBQ aroma before you ever reach the door. Honestly, that smell alone had us excited to eat. The setup here is casual and easy. You order at the counter, grab a table, and they give you a number, though a lot of the food was ready so quickly that several items were handed to us almost immediately after ordering. Our group shared all kinds of things so we got to try a little bit of everything. My daughter and I split a loaded baked potato topped with pulled pork and added several sides to the table because honestly...we wanted to try it all. The fried okra was especially delicious, but truly everything we had was good. Around the table: * My dad ordered the nachos * My mom got a sweet potato along with brisket-stuffed jalapeños wrapped in bacon (which she absolutely loved) * We sampled sides galore and nobody left hungry The atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable, staff was friendly, the restaurant was clean, and service was FAST without making the experience feel rushed. This felt like exactly what good Southern BBQ should be -- flavorful, generous portions, no unnecessary fuss, and the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table happy after a long day out exploring. read more

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We were in town for a conference and thought we would give Blue Ember a try. There is ample parking outside, the building looks new and attractive with a wall of cut logs to the left of the entrance. The smoke aroma hits you before you open the door which is nearly always a good sign. Both of us decided on their Special Op's sandwich, which comes with a Brisket, Pulled Pork, a choice of sausage (jalapeño pineapple or four cheese), a rib and a side of beans. We each ordered a side of potato salad and we split an order of Brisket Twisters which are jalapeños stuffed with brisket and cream cheese and wrapped in bacon. Neither of us finished and both of us had to get a to-go box. Overall everything was really good. Everything was fresh, the hot foods were hot, not warm or dried out, from sitting around in a warming cabinet, for hours, and the potato salad was well chilled, not room temperature. It is things like this that I notice, and make a difference. The only thing I was not keen on was the rib. It was extremely soft almost mushy and literally falling of the bone. I know thats how many people like their ribs. I just prefer my ribs to be a little less well done and have a bit of a pull to the meat to get it off the bone, so I am not going to ding them for that. The counter where you order and get your meal is clean, bright and cheerful, the staff are all really pleasant, friendly and helpful. The dining room is fairly large and roomy, with plenty of space to relax and enjoy your food. Overall, a really good dining experience and we both agreed we would dine there again. read more

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Stopped in for a late lunch so the crowd was not here. Pulled pork sandwich was piled high with meat but the seasoning was light. The homemade buns were soft with a slight toast to it. The potato salad was mayo based and very creamy. I really enjoyed it. The brisket sandwich hada nice smoke ring to it and very moist. The baked beans my wife absolutely loved she said just the right amount of smoke and sweetness. The original sauce had a slight smoke flavor and light on the sweetness. The spicy has the kick on the back end and mixed with the apple bbq sauce really elevated everything. read more

Blue Ember Smokehouse - Brisket Sandwich with baked beans - Barbeque Near Me - Hot Springs, Arkansas

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Mixed review. Beef brisket- 1/3 pound but most of it was either burnt a bit too much so it was hard or too fat and burnt. Wish there was more softer meat parts to it. Potatoe Salad- this was good but I realized it had bacon in it, for me that's a hard pass. Mac& Cheese- I liked this but I guess I expected a yellow cheddar based cheese, not a whatever I had was. My hubby asked if the slaw had seeds and we were told no but it definitely had celery seeds in it which would send him to the hospital. Overall- it filled a spot. Not the best or worst either. read more

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Delicious. This gem is outside of the riff raffle of the downtown area, so it was way less busy. We are Texans, love BBQ and this was some darn good brisket. You have to request onions and pickles, which was fine, they are free and the pickles are good. The cost is far less than what we are use to in Texas. The green beans on the other hand are less than spectacular. Very bland and could possibly have just come from a can. I still give it 5 stars bc it exceeded my expectations for Arkansas BBQ. read more

Blue Ember Smokehouse - Barbeque Near Me - Hot Springs, Arkansas

If you're wondering what Pork Nachos look like, here you go... Not a great presentation in my opinion but that's how they do it there. read more

Blue Ember Smokehouse - 1/3 pound pulled pork and Mac & cheese - Barbeque Near Me - Hot Springs, Arkansas

Order on the left here; meat and then sides. The food was great!! Juicy ribs! Burnt ends cooked to perfection! My baked potato was huge! Definitely a great stop!! read more

Blue Ember Smokehouse - Pulled pork Loaded Baker - Barbeque Near Me - Hot Springs, Arkansas

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The moist brisket was tad bit too dry, but still good. The barbecue was too sweet for my tastes, but my friend liked it. Coleslaw, corn on the cob, and stuffed jalapeños were good. Sweet tea was horrible. Aesthetic of the restaurant was nice, and the staff were nice. They have prime, but not prime rib, if anyone needs the clarification before they go in asking for it, like I did. read more

Party of 5 4 adults one toddler The food just wasn't very good as the other locations the smoked bologna was more burned like completely black and charred and terrible, the turkey was dry, the ribs dry, the burnt ends were okay the potato salad and brisket twister sides were good, as was the side of Mac and cheese the side salad was subpar and wilted lettuce the ranch dressing was good probably will skip the HS location for others in the star read more

Service was great, restaurant and bathrooms were very clean. Smoked bologna sandwich, beans, and brisket twisters were well-prepared. I will go back. Also, I like that the bathroom stall doors open out. read more

Disorganized and disappointing experience at Blue Ember - Hot Springs I really wanted to like this place, but the experience fell short. My order was supposed to be ready at 7:29, yet staff came out at 7:40 asking for my name--again at 7:45--and I didn't receive my food until 7:53. Meanwhile, staff inside were chatting while one overwhelmed person handled boxing and bagging orders. It felt chaotic and uncoordinated. The food itself had potential. The fried okra was tasty, but arrived ice cold. I ordered the brisket sandwich "moist," but it was dry and lacked the tenderness I expected from a smokehouse. For a place that prides itself on slow-smoked meats and quality service, this visit didn't reflect that. To-Go Pickup Needs Attention If you're a new customer trying car-side delivery or to-go pickup, there are no signs outside the building to indicate where to park or check in, which adds to the confusion. Clear signage would go a long way in improving the experience and making it more welcoming for first-timers. I hope they tighten up their operations and pay more attention to order timing and food quality. Until then, I won't be rushing back. read more

This is just not good barbecue; I wanna be objective ...but it's just bad. Now I am from Memphis so I know good barbecue and this is just not good. The ribs are boiled first mistake! This ain't Tony Romas! Just bad ...no smoke to them grill or nothing! Then the burnt ends were so coated in sweet barbecue you could barely taste the meat; but once I tasted the meat...I knew why! The meat was tough and had me chewing for ever! Then the brisket...no season no flavor and seemed old. Lastly I got the jalapeño with pineapple Sausage...probably the only thing I could handle...even this I could have gotten from the local grocery store. If you want BBQ; don't eat here. They were polite...restaurant clean...but food is just bad. But if you think about it; if your bbq place is too clean and they are too nice; is the bbq really good?! read more

Food was ok. The cashier was rude and then implied that we didn't pay for our food but assured me that it was "ok with her manager". We didn't need nor ask for free food. Not impressed. Wouldn't go back. read more

Fantastic!! The Kickin' Apple bbq sauce is unique, full of flavor, and exceptional! Burnt ends were like candy! Just the way I like it...

I've been there twice first time I ordered the barbecue chicken sandwich. It was delicious. Second round I ordered the brisket, and this is the one I highly recommend it was amazing. Service was nice, but you do go up to place your order and then carry it to the table yourself. That's why I only gave it four stars, also it's a bit noisy so wouldn't recommend it for a date night or a relaxing evening. For me it's a definite, good lunch place with maybe a friend, but not serious dining. There's an older black gentleman that prepares your sandwich. He couldn't be kinder and was a real joy to talk with, he kept us entertained while preparing our sandwiches. It's worth it to go there just to meet him. I might have to start him a fan club., he was great. read more

We got our food to go was slices brisket, it was great, it was served fairly quickly. Food is served in a walk through line , you have to fill your own drink and get your own sauces , yet the people were requesting a trip at the check out... read more

Grilled turkey, potato salad and bbq beans were great! Everyone in my group got something different and loved it!!

Yummy!! This place was fabulous! All the food was good . The sausage the pulled pork the Mac and cheese.

The food is great and the customer service is nice as well. I wish they had more sides but when I go I get their green beans. The green beans could use more seasoning but I get them because I must have something green to eat prior to eating the remaining portion of my meal. The ambience has always been nice while there as well. We just went this past Sunday and we will be going back. read more

Brisket and baked beans are amazing! Service was perfect! Ambiance was spot on! Love the place. Best BBQ in Hot Springs!

This is my second visit and it will be awhile before there's a third. First, most of my stars are for the atmosphere: bright, modern and hip. Easy access to Oaklawn and most of the sights to see in HS. Now, the things for this place to work on: most everything else. I've had the pulled pork, smoked turkey and sausage and by far the turkey is the winner of the two: excellent. The pulled pork, however, was dry and bland, as pointed out by the butcher who asked if I wanted some of the "bark, because it really has most of the flavor." Uh, no it didn't. Coupled with the bread and dry rub sprinkled on it post cut, get ready to slather on the sauce or have a drink to push it down your gullet. The walk up/checkout person on my two visits had a hearing problem because both orders for sides were not what I told her. She couldn't care less, offered no explanation other than to take my sides back and dramatically throw them in the trash. Then there's the bill. Probably not bad by tourist standards but a sandwich and one side and a drink will set you back close to $20 because they do want a tip--even though there is no service and it's a walk-up and order arrangement. Bottom line, while impressed with appearances, Biue Ember has work to do for earn the chops to be called more than average Arkansas BBQ. I'll take McClard's BBQ any day or better yet, happily drive 90 minutes to my current state-wide, hands down favorite, Suttles Road Hog BBQ in Beebe. read more

Ribs were so overcooked they were mush. Brisket was mehh. Staff was great. Place was clean. Food was not good.

Food was very good. Service was fast and nice. Atmosphere was pleasant. We will return next time we are in town.

Amazing food and service. You glad that they've add one in hot springs. I highly recommend this place to try read more

Wow!!!!! Amazing, amazing!!! Delicious brisket, delicious ribs, delicious beans, delicious sausage, delicious everything!!! This is the place to fill your hunger needs and have your taste buds thank you!! read more

Tried this place for the first time tonight and it will definitely be our new bbq spot. We ordered ribs, burnt ends, and the stuffed jalapeños with beans, potato salad, Mac n cheese and a sweet potato. The ribs were falling off the bone and my wife loved the sour apple bbq sauce. Portions are big and everything was DELICIOUS. read more

Traveling through and spotted this gem! Do glad we stopped in! We have tried bbq places all over and this didn't disappoint. Brisket was very moist, ribs tender, burnt ends delicious! The bbq sauces were very tasty and we had the Cole slaw and potato salad (basically loaded baked potatoes)! Excellent overall! I'd come back again! read more

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Really good, and this is coming from a Texan! Like moved fast and they were very helpful in telling how much weight came in each item, ie how much brisket in the loaded potato. Clean and new-check it out! read more

The Brisket was spot on! The potato salad was pretty solid too! The pork burnt ends were so dry I thought I was gonna get splinters. Service was good and the ambiance was pretty good for a smokehouse. We will definitely give Blue Ember Smokehouse another try! read more

Food great! Service process slow! Pricinging on higher side. The restaurant building is beautiful and comfortable. Parking can be limited when busy. read more

Blue Ember catered a wedding in Hope, Arkansas this past weekend, and let me say it was exceptional. I have worked over 200 weddings as the DJ, and this was the best BBQ and sides I've ever tasted! I also cook a lot, and Blue Ember does it right! Smoked sausage, brisket, pulled pork, beans, potato salad...all incredible! The staff was amazing as well. They make their own sausage and different flavors of BBQ sauce that made it all stand out! Really, really good! I ate too much and was miserable on the drive home! Grabbed some extra to eat for lunch on Sunday, and it was remarkable again! 10 stars! Don't even think about using anyone else! Best BBQ hands down. read more

Food was great! Staff were very friendly. Sliced meats right in front of you and even weighed them so you can see exactly what you pay for. Great spot read more

Great bbq, and atmosphere. Ice cream on a waffle, amazing strawberry cake, stellar we went back two more times when we were on vacation.

food was cold and overpriced compared to the good BBQ places in hot springs the staff was inattentive and not helpful about where utensils, drinks, ect were not worth the money read more

always friendly service, hot fresh food. definitely recommend the potatoes! very new so it's still super clean.

Texas bbq snob here (full disclosure). had no idea what to expect b/c it's new and shiny and modern w/out a great deal of atmosphere. almost kind of sterile vibe but brother the q makes up for it. folks behind the counter are helpful & attentive. I've had (several times now) the brisket and a few ribs. both are on point. brisket cut thick enough to where you get some good bark and moist. even like the sauces but not needed. ribs were meaty and fall off bone tender. heck even the sides were good. bbq has gotten expensive the last few yrs and this is worth it. have only been to stubby and smokin in style. won't need to go back to either of those places. believe I've found my fave right here. please keep it up and don't make me look bad read more

My wife and tried this place. The atmosphere is great, clean and everyone was professional and friendly. The food was amazing and great prices. The only thing is, I wish the food came on plates instead of metal trays. But the food again was great! Will come back with the whole family! read more

It's definitely legit BBQ! Price is fair, food and service are great, and they have options! If they threw some beef ribs on the menu or even brisket burnt ends they would be rockstars! read more