There are too many great BBQ places in LR compared to this place. This is bland lifeless meat depending on sauce to flavor it. Cole slaw was strong on onion potato salad tasted from a commercial carton. It gets one star for moisture. Staff was friendly. Food needs improvement. read more

Food was close to 5 stars, as was service. We sampled brisket, their original sausage, fried okra, mac and cheese, and slaw, plus a Fort Chaffee salad with smoked chicken. The meats and sides were excellent: brisket was well-smoked and moist (fatty selected over lean, by choice), sausage was well seasoned but a bit dry -- never fear, the three sauce choices made up for that nobly. The salad was a nice mix of mandarin oranges, chopped strawberries, and candied pecans. I added smoked chicken -- a quarter pound of chopped thigh and leg meat. Tasty! But skip the raspberry dressing; it's called vinaigrette but had no zip. A better choice would have been to dress the chicken with one of the BBQ sauces and dump it over the salad greens! Everyone behind the counter was super nice and informative. The chairs were comfortable, and there are booths, too, as well as a party room available to reserve (501-448-2886). We will come back for the Monday and Friday specials, even though it's way way out Chenal in far west LR. read more

Blue Ember Smokehouse - Daily specials as of April 2025 - Barbeque Near Me - Little Rock, Arkansas

My friend took me here while I was visiting Little Rock, AR. We came here on a Saturday at around 8pm. I ordered 1/3 lb of brisket and also 1/3 lb of pulled pork. I wanted a baked potato as a side but they were out, so I ordered potato salad instead. The brisket was tender and had good flavor, however, the pulled pork was dry and bland. My friend wanted to order ribs but they were out, so she ended up ordering the brisket with coleslaw and mac & cheese Only encounter with staff is during ordering - no issue with service but nothing extraordinary. Sad that several items were not available - maybe it was the time we came, not sure ..... perhaps it would be good to know ahead of time what is not available (eg write/post it on a board) as opposed to finding out when you're ordering at the counter. It would great if they had an option for 1/4 lb so that one can order and taste a variety of meat OR maybe an option for a meal (eg 2-meat with a side; 3-meat with 2 sides, etc) Ambiance - Restaurant is clean and well-lit. It was not packed when we were there. Price is reasonable. Lots of parking. read more

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The bbq is quite tasty. They do something a tad different that really adds to the flavor. I've tried their lean brisket, regular sausage and ribs! The sides are plentiful and yummy. The service is quick as you go through the line. They are friendly as well. The place is clean and well maintained. Our only negative is the gentleman slicing the meats needs to learn that brisket is cut AGAINST the grain. That is, unless you want brisket shreds. We've been here twice and will be returning. read more

I usually get my food to go here but the place is nice, you go in and order then get and pay for your food and sit down. The ribs are very tender and have a great smoke flavor on them. They will slip off the bone (for real a lot of people claim that and it's not true). read more

This is a new BBQ spot close to me so I had to check it out. Simple way to order with a food line and add items as you go. Nice helpful staff. They have a sampler dish that was a rib, some sliced sausage (I went jalapeño because heat is tasty), some pulled pork and beef brisket. They have some sauces to try as well their original, hot and spicy, and finally fresh apple. Rib was fall off the bone and all the sauces went well with it if you like a bit sweet then the "fresh apple" was very flavorful. The "hot and spicy" has nice flavorful heat without over powering the seasoned meats. I really enjoyed the jalapeño sausage. The pulled pork might have dried out a bit while I ate wand wrote at the same time but I really enjoyed the "fresh apple" sauce with the pulled pork and with the e sauce was nice and moist. The beef brisket melted in my mouth and I enjoyed it without any sauces because it was seasoned well. Simple sides of beans and Mac and cheese. A very clean eating experience with no frills decor. Simple seating. Not too busy around midweek dinner. I was eyeing the desserts but this gives me something to look forward to for my next meal here. Price was consistent for Little stock for BBQ. Overall really enjoyed my meal here and highly recommend! read more

Blue Ember Smokehouse - Rib, Jalapeño sausage, pulled pork, Brisket, beans, Mac & Cheese - Barbeque Near Me - Little Rock, Arkansas

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Just average bbq. It lacks a smoked flavor, and my pulled pork was very dry. Their original bbq sauce is very salty. Atmosphere is clean and bright. Wish the food was better read more

Hey friends, just a warning to reconsider patronizing Blue Ember Smokehouse West Little Rock, AR. Juju and I stopped by for lunch on a rare child free afternoon. This was our first dining experience with them. I ordered a pork sandwich with slaw, bbq beans, and fried okra. They gave me a little number for the okra since it was made fresh. I tried to wait on my okra to start my meal, but it had been forever, so I cut a 1" triangle off the edge of my sandwich, where there was no meat present, just to avoid the extra bread, still waiting on that okra They have 3 sauces. I combined the regular and hot and it was still completely bland. I ate 3 bites of my sandwich, and 4 bites of beans and because I was so hungry and continued to wait for the rest of my meal to arrive, and after sitting for a good while, Juju was done with his entire meal. I took my tray back up the the check out (the setup is like subway or chipotle). I asked the girl at the cash register for a refund on the basis that: 1. I still hadn't gotten my okra, the rest of my meal had now gone cold while waiting on aforementioned okra, and that my husband (who is a much slower eater than I) was done with his entire rib plate, and we would like to leave. Here's where it gets contentious. Now, I have a short bob haircut, but am NOT Karen presenting. I even put a full face of make up on today, which y'all know is a big thing as a SAHM to 3 kids. Y'all, this young blonde woman of maybe 23 said she would only refund me for the okra that I didn't get, because I "got all my other food". I explained again that the rest of the plate had grown cold bc (silly goose that I am) likes to eat my entire meal together, not have an okra dessert. She then whipped back to their ordering process...was I given a number plaque, yes...it was a number 7...Did I inform my cashier? Yes, she's the one that gave it to me and we spoke about it briefly. Well, apparently she didn't add it to my ticket so they didn't know. Now, y'all, I have been in the industry for too damn long not to know that a ticket pops out of the line printer when something fresh made is ordered. But somehow during this process she had taken an accusatory tone, which obviously was unsettling me to which I replied "it is not my fault that you dropped the ball, will you please call your manager so I can clarify?" Her response- "I AM THE MANAGER". Of course you are. Christ on a Carousel. Also, "you've eaten half of it" came out of her mouth at one point in there, which obviously was not anywhere near the case, Anyway, long story I could feel bipolar rage bubbling up, which is not pleasant for anyone involved, so I acquiesced at the refunding of two sides. 6 dollars and some change. So I "wouldn't mess up her drawer". I was underwhelmed with the food and overwhelmed with the hostility of the so called hospitality, so if anyone knows anyone who owns it, I'd like to have an (I swear) reasonable conversation about the whole ordeal. read more

Blue Ember Smokehouse - Barbeque Near Me - Little Rock, Arkansas

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Brisket is pretty good, sauces are adequate, atmosphere is cafeteria style.fast Potato salad is dripping with mayo, not a pickle in sight and French fries lukewarm but has a nice spice to them. Lunch was $40 including 2 drinks but not the tip that was requested at the register. Really wanted to like them, but probably won't be back . read more

Food was solid bbq. Cake was outstanding. We had the pulled pork potato and sliced beef.

First time there, checked out the menu online. Unsure of process but ordered sandwich, moved to sides & got the best one! Hub behind me putting in his order. Got a # for fresh side & was asked about drinks. I said yes, what do you have? She said sodas are over there [around corner], I asked if they had beer- yes. I was charged & took receipt to beer counter. Wasn't charged for a beer, but 2 sodas- had to go back for a refund & repurchse. Hub is sitting down with meal. Get it taken care of- expressed 1st time & unsure of process but I felt like it was more of a problem for them than it should have been. Long run of Karen's? Hm. Food was good, Hub got what equated to a sampler plate so we tried ribs, pulled pork, burnt ends, brisket, jalapeno-pineapple sausage, beans & toast, I got a pulled pork sandwich & bacon wrapped stuffed jalapeños (yummm) & got cake for dessert that was bomb! All-in-all, will go again! read more

This location has just recently opened. The atmosphere was really nice e. The staff were polite and friendly. I had the brisket sandwich and it was very moist and tasty. I choose the Mac n cheese side. It was ok not bad but not special. Prices were very reasonable for the amount of food. They do weigh the meat as you'd sandwich is made my brisket was 0.37. They also have 4 different barbecue flavors of sauce to choose from. read more

Blue Ember Smokehouse - Brisket sandwich and Mac n cheese. - Barbeque Near Me - Little Rock, Arkansas

Very pleased with this food. The options of smoked meats and sides is great. The options we selected were served without sauce allowing me to pick and dip from the three sauce options. The concept of this restaurant is unique and is what I would consider " cafeteria" style or "deli" style. You order at the counter where they weigh the meat portions. Then you moved to the sides and salad options then to the checkout followed by a self service style for seating, drinks and utensils. There is no server for this style of restaurant but there are server that bring out the dessert and bus, the tables. They staff was very helpful at the counter in helping to understand the concept of the restaurant. The restaurant has a great modern feel and you can smell the smokers when you walk up. Neat side room that is perfect for a retirement, birthday or other event. read more

The flavor of the meats were good. The texture of the meat was juicy and the smoked flavor was not overpowering. Customer service was good. Very clean. I visited at lunch time and it wasn't overtly busy, and the line was fast moving. I did purchase a cake--strawberry chocolate--it was dry in some parts and the flavor gave me the impression that it may have been old. read more

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The place is so dirty it's indescribable. I used to work there. The food was never fresh; they always served the same old food from last week. On top of that, I used to work there, and the owner had the nerve to come to my other job, go up there, and get me fired. It's a shame how childish the owner of this restaurant can be. She's a grown woman who acts like a child. read more

Today was my 1st and last time spending my money there. People serving this afternoon were NOT friendly, did not make me feel welcomed and appeared to rush me in placing my order, when I explained I hadn't decided yet. There was no one behind me at the time, so I couldn't figure out why I was being rushed. I ordered the burnt ends, which is misleading because It's actually cubed pork belly. The 1/3 and 1/2 serving was very tiny and the majority of them were hard and were disguised with bbq sauce. I paid $16.00 for 1/2 tiny serving size. Their prices do not match the quantity of food you recieve. The sides were good, establishment appeared clean and in a nice area. read more

5-STAR RATING: I have dined and order curbside pick-up at Blue Ember Smokehouse on Rahling Road Little Rock, AR since the restaurant opened. I have absolutely enjoyed all the food I have received there. The BBQ brisket and pork sandwiches are fantastic. All of the sausages, fries, baked beans, sauces and coleslaw are great! The staff have always provided excellent service. The restaurant is priced reasonably. The atmosphere is wonderful. A great dining experience and would highly recommend the place to anyone!! read more

The food is delicious. It's cooked fresh daily and cut in front of you. I've had the turkey breast, brisket and ribs. I cannot complain about any of them. They were moist, tender and had great flavor. The vibe is very casual and relaxed. read more

What a refreshing alternative to the other tired, mediocre, and passionless BBQ options in WLR. Clean and bright building, professional and kind employees that actually understand and practice the dying art of HOSPITALITY, great value from portions / prices and outstanding smoked meats. Corky's and Whole Hog should be intimidated. And also it's nice to know that BE is Arkansas owned. Hats off to this whole team. Keep up the great work! read more

Food is delicious, location is clean and staff is friendly and knowledgable. Great place to enjoy a quiet lunch.

Curbside app doesn't work. Severely mismanaged, employees clowning around. Most of the order was wrong and it was definitely cold for sitting so long. read more

Just stumble upon this awesome smokehouse. You will be amazed at how great everything taste

Food was great the first time (went for lunch) but dinner was not so good, the meat was pretty dry.

Stopped in for the first time because my wife was craving ribs. Meat was dry, sides were lack-luster, WILDLY expensive. Getting 5 ribs for $20 al a carte is highway robbery. Place was pretty empty for a Saturday night and I think there's a reason for that. With how competitive the barbecue scene is here in Little Rock this feels like a greedy half-hearted effort to cash-in on being the only barbecue spot this far into WLR. Will be taking the extra ten minutes to drive to a more established joint next time. read more

My first venture in - just picked up the best brisket sandwich ever! Big soft toasted bun with tender, juicy brisket. There were maybe 3 sauces to choose from. The two I chose were both great compliments but that sandwich needed nothing! Staff were all so kind. read more

Fantastic BBQ and sides. Then top it off with a waffle Sunday :) had Mac and cheese French fry's chicken

Food is wonderful! Better than other well known barbecues. It is a bit pricey but it's still worth it as a treat. The brisket was fabulous and tender. The pulled pork sandwich was delicious and can be split if you have the sides with it. read more

Stopped by for lunch. It was my first time here. The food was delicious. The service was fast and friendly. Really enjoyed the atmosphere. It's only been open for a few weeks, so I know it'll just get better. Highly recommend this place. I'll definitely be back. And to a previous review...the tea station confused you??? There's nothing confusing about the drink setup. read more

BBQ was very good. Sauce is a sweet. Chopped up your pork right as you ordered... "bun" was wonderful

$50 lunch for two for Dry turkey breast, limp fries, overly dressed slaw confusing tea station the praise music couldn't save it And no to the praise music read more

The food was great, some of the best brisket I've had. Burnt ends on the menu for our next visit. The atmosphere was nice, the staff pleasant and helpful. Recommend to anyone who enjoys good food. read more

This was the best Briquet I've had in years and the service was great. We had a party of about 20 and every one of us loved the food.

The food was pretty good. The service was great and the restaurant was a little loud but I went at lunch. Although they are a pricey, we will try them again. read more

Ordered online, showed up at the time the order said it would be ready. Ordering system had apparently been malfunctioning, so they hadn't started on my order. No big deal. 10 or so minutes later I got my order and went home. Opened up order to realize they hadn't given me any bbq sauce, so had to drive back up there. Overall a pretty frustrating experience. read more

Awesome, Awesome new restaurant service, staff and FOOD was delicious. Get up an go try it.....

Food was great I got the pulled pork loaded potato! It was GREAT! I also had a side of baked beans Great ! I would give this place 4 of 5 stars simply because everything came on the side...oh and my boyfriend had the turkey sandwich and fries so freaking good ! Definitely going back ! read more

Loved the loaded potato with brisket. Not so much the cole slaw - too creamy for me. Hubby had pulled pork and sausage and so great too. The corn on cob was wonderful. Smelled and tasted like my favorite bbq place in Fort worth. Going back for sure. read more