Criag's is an Arkansas icon and hallowed ground. Approach the hole in the wall BBQ joint with the proper reverence when you stop here. Say a prayer of thanks to the powers that brought this celestial BBQ to us mere mortals. One thing to note about Craig's is the meat is sliced. This is not pulled or chopped as the common pig would be, it is sliced -as in little porcine slices of Heavenly manna. And it is fabulous! The sauce is thicker than what people assume Arkansas vinegar base sauce would be like and so flavorful. I detest most BBQ sauces and hate sweet sauce outright (I wanna taste smoke in the meat, sugar in dessert), but Craig's sauce is balanced perfection. I prefer a medium heat, but the spicier people in my life love the hot sauce on everything. And yes, pick up some bottles to go. Try it on everything else in your life; you'll thank me later. The slaw is my absolute favorite. I am very picky about slaw and don't like most, but I could live off this stuff. And then the Lord said, "Let there be pie!" And it was oh, so very good. Which kind of pie to get, you ask? Yes. Say yes to all the pies. Whatever is available. All of it. Yes. read more

Really good food and the place was really clean. And the service was really fast and nice.

I paid $74 for one rack of ribs and one bbq sauce bottle. I did not realize the extent I was being ripped off until later when I was hours from there down the road. read more

Good bbq and best coleslaw in Arkansas. We eat there every time we're in the area or at least pick some up to take home.

This restaurant is really good. The best Bar-B-Q I have ever eaten. I live in northeast Oklahoma and travel there just to get the food.

This is the worst pulled pork I've ever had in my life. Among the texture, taste, presentation, there is no redeeming quality. I love the taste of vinegar. I drink it straight sometimes. They've misused it. Fat, salt, sugar, acid. There's an imbalance here. Way to much acid and salt, not enough sugar and certainly not enough fat. I've had school BBQ sandwiches that were more moist. If you must, get something else. Please. The sauce resembled chili. They included Fritos so I thought they mistook my order and gave me frito pie. It's been a while since I've had a miss this bad. Whew. Stick to the chicken here folks. read more

The Bbq at the roadside hole in the wall is always delicious!!!!! The pork and the beef are yummy!!! Their hot sauce is so good, if you like it hot!! The sauces there are so flavorful and different from other bbq places!! read more

Most amazing BBQ creation on earth. Been going there since the early '70's and it's exactly the same. Love it forever!

Perfection . When I can't afford the meat I cook my own bostonbutt but use their BBQ sauce n slaw. It's sooo good.

Nothing fancy here just awesome bar b q in this hole in a wall place in De Valls Bluff, AR. Love the cole slaw on the pork sandwich. read more

Craig Bros Cafe - Barbeque Near Me - De Valls Bluff, Arkansas

Great BBQ and great staff. The owners are the best. Cheeseburger with medium sauce is a good choice if you're not feeling the pork sandwich.

I've been coming to Craig's bbq for 30 years I went there today with friends and told them it was best bbq sandwich on face of the earth. We stood in line with probably 20 others. Unfortunately for first time in 30 years we were disappointed. Very little meat and very little sauce on sandwiches. It just wasn't the same. However I will be back and try it again. read more

I found Craig's earlier this year. I have eaten there 4-5 times and it was good to very good. But last week I stopped and it was terrible!! I was upset. Probably give it one chance. read more

Craig's is a distinctive, dare I say... stretching, experience. It's a short drive off I-40. In spite of (or because of?) my extensive redneck past, everything about it - the physical establishment, the clientele, the decor - made me uneasy. And I generally see dives as a challenge. But I'm glad I went, and I'll be back, should I ever have reason to be in this delta Timbuktu again. There's almost a "squatters' party in a condemned building // keep an eye out for the cops!" vibe going on. All it needs is a burn barrel to complete the aesthetic. In retrospect, it appeals to me. In the moment, it was unnerving. The pork is nothing to slap anyone over. In fact, I found it to be pretty tough. But the sauce beats it into submission. It's thick, even a little bitter? Get it as hot as you can handle. It's a pretty special combination. The side is... chips. Maybe they had beans; I don't remember since I don't do beans. (I know, I am the barbeque heretic.) It's all about the meat here, folks. This is one of those sum-of-the-parts experiences. Everything taken separately, it's decent at best, just plain scary at worst. The icing on the cake is the endorphin rush that comes as one drives away, the joy of surviving to tell. But seriously, the food is like nothing I've had in 30 years of dozens of high- and low-end Tennessee BBQ joints. Highly unique and highly recommended for adventurous souls in the area. A must-stop for BBQ pilgrims. read more

Craig Bros Cafe - All you need to know about the decor. - Barbeque Near Me - De Valls Bluff, Arkansas

This place was awesome for the past 20 years ,but for some reason the last 2 times I've ordered from here there is not much meat and sauce is barely noticeable, a little dry. I'm not going to rule this place out but getting a little concerned. read more

What a hole in the wall. We visited Craig's BBQ in Devalls Bluff on a trip across country. This place is infamous in Arkansas and my fiancee's family had been going here for over 50 years. Man, they've got a great thing going there, but the place is tiny and I wish it were cleaner looking. The folks there are extremely friend and seem to make the best out of their little ship. The food is to die for. The tangy BBQ sauce combined with the coleslaw make the pork sandwich my new favorite in the world. I had this sandwich only once before after her aunt had frozen it and we ate it months later. That was good. Being there, in the moment, eating the real thing was even better. I don't know if I will ever get back, but because my fiancee's history with the state of Arkansas, I can confidently say I will eat Craig's again. We bought some BBQ sauce home with us, so we'll just have to see how that goes -- I might have to have them FedEx me a case of it. Sweet crackers this place is good. read more

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If you haven't heard of Craig's your hiding under a rock. This is one of the best home in the wall BBQ joints in Arkansas. Yesterday I got there pork dinner plate with slaw and beans. There was enough meat for 2 sandwiches on that plate! I love their cole slaw, you can tell his made from scratch. (I think they put apple in it) but over all some great southern BBQ. If you with in 30 miles of De Valls Bluff, head to Craig's. You won't be disappointed. read more

Craig Bros Cafe - Pork dinner plate at Craig's! - Barbeque Near Me - De Valls Bluff, Arkansas

Traveling from Northern Alabama to Colorado and decided to stop here for lunch. Located in a small town with a lot of character. You can tell how much they care about the food from the look of the place. The pork sandwich was delicious and the pie was even better. We were probably inside for 20 mins and every person that came in greeted everyone in the place. Not sure if everyone in this town is just that nice or it's small enough that everyone knows each other. Either way, if you're in the area definitely check this place out for some authentic Arkansas BBQ. read more

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Was told to make this stop on way toward Memphis and can say the detour off from I-40 was worth it. Loved talking with a number of locals who would constantly drop in to pick up orders to go. Had the pork sandwich with beans and slaw as my sides. Beans were typical and fine....the slaw was extremely good. Definitely a unique sauce that was very good on my smoked pork.....topped it with a sweet tea and coconut creme pie. If you want a true Arkansas bar-b-q experience with great people it is worth the 10 mile side junket off from I-40. read more

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We've driven by several times.. after all the reviews, decided to stop. Horrible.. worst BBQ I've ever had and I've had lots! Meat, sliced, no taste.. He got mild and I got hot. Neither had any flavor! Baked beans are straight out of a can.. can't understand what the great reviews are about! read more

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If the mallard duck panelling in this joint didn't get 5 stars, the bbq would anyways. I am from the pacific northwest and when I lived in the south, I STILL didn't have super great bbq. The woman that took my order figured I should have already known what I wanted, and She is totally right, the first thing I saw is what I got since its all i could read quickly enough to answer the question "what'l yall have?" I will have anything you give me!!! and I will take two bottles of sauce home too! the end read more

This may well be the best BBQ in the universe. It's the yardstick by which I judge other barbecue places; if you're 50% as good as this place then by my standards you're doing pretty well. I've been coming here since I was very young and this place has never been short of amazing. Every time I come back to Arkansas this place is on the list of must visits after family and friends. Their menu is small. That's good; they only do a few things but they do them all well and their chopped pork best of all. All sandwiches come with slaw unless you ask them to leave it off. Drinks are all bottled, no fountains and the sides are very limited, usually chips of some sort. Visually it's not impressive. That's a good thing; they're focus here is on food not on decor. It looks like a roadside BBQ shack because that's exactly what it is. You'll have to drive well out of your way, at least 20 minutes off of the interstate to get here. There really isn't table service, you just walk in and tell them what you want. Most of their business is takeout but there are a few tables laying around if you want to eat there. Craig's is cash only which is normally something I fault people for, particularly when I am writing about restaurants in New Orleans but Craigs gets a pass; they're in a town of just over 600 people and 20 miles from the interstate with poor cellular and data service that would allow them to use a squareup or something. On your way out be sure to get a bottle of sauce to take home. You won't find better. There's a nice park on the banks of the white rive maybe a couple of miles up the road with picnic tables and the like with a good view of the old rail bridge; it's the perfect place to take your food for a nice lunch. read more

Strange little spot off the hwy with really yummy barbecue! You have to intentionally go here but I think it's worth the short drive. It's a total dive (complete with duck paneling) and desolate town. ONLY TAKES CASH. Worth noting. The pork sandwich is delicious with the coleslaw and hot BBQ sauce. The old slaw is a bit sweet (maybe has apple in if?) and works really well with the BBQ sauce. We didn't order anything else, just more sandwiches. Across the street is a pie shop. You won't see it at first but if you stand by the front door of Craig's you can see spray painted on the side of a house "Pie shop" haha. It looks scary but I get the feeling they sell out to locals daily. If it's open, go! One Slice is almost 1/4 a pie so you can share. The chocolate pie was delish. Go and enjoy the BBQ! It's been around since the 1940's. time tells the truth! read more

This is some of the best BBQ I've ever had, and I've eaten all over the South. Amazing, tender, perfectly smoked ribs! Ethereal barbecue most places dream of, but can't even come close to achieving. Plus, their sauce is spectacular! It's the only sauce I've ever come across that I actually will eat on BBQ. Some secret ingredients? Apples? Oranges? Not sure, but it is amazing...I ask friends in Memphis to mail me some on a regular basis! Yummmmmmmmmmmmy! Well worth the slight detour off the Interstate! read more

Great meat - meh sauce. A little too vinegary for this part of the country in my taste. The ribs were a perfect consistency and flavor. The slaw on the pulled pork sandwich was a nice addition. Nothing fancy. Cash only. Might ask for the ribs dry next time. Don't try the other Craig's on Yelp down the street - it doesn't exist. read more

Time tested. Not a fancy place just really good. One of the finest BBQ sandwiches around. Heated bread, slappin' sauce, savory slaw and the Q. Your biggest decision: medium or hot ? read more

Stopped by on way to Memphis from Hot Springs based on Yelp reviews. Probably won't be back. BBQ was VERY thin sliced version, never seen anything like that before. As much slaw on the sandwich as BBQ. Flavor wasn't bad, just not my cup of tea. Sliced so then they had to use a meat slicer. read more

Best bbq pork sandwich anywhere. It's all in the sauce. Be sure to get the spicy version!

The sausage with the cole slaw on a bun....was incredible. If I hadn't gotten it to go, I would have gotten a second one. Wow.

Craig's catered my Website in a Day workshop in the nearby Prairie County community center. We enjoyed smoked BBQ chicken, slaw, and beans. Food was delivered hot and on time. We were treated to some pie mid-afternoon. First time I've ever taken a pie break. Thanks to Craig's we had a successful, no stress event. Consider them for your next event or just stop in for a authentic Southern experience. read more

Craig Bros Cafe - BBQ chicken, beans, slaw and corn bread in to-go box. - Barbeque Near Me - De Valls Bluff, Arkansas

This is the best barbecue I have ever had and the bar for how I judge every other barbecue. If you are looking for a trendy place, this is not it. It is a backwoods hole in the wall place with awesome food. The best thing is the sliced pork barbecue. You must get the coleslaw...the mixture with the barbecue sauce is what sets it off. You can get mild, medium and hot. I like hot stuff and the hot is good, but I have had it when it made my ears burn. I usually do the medium. Beginners: try mild first. They do not take cards, so bring cash. We bring $100 and get a whole sack full to take home. You got to try it. read more

Not much to look at inside or out (unless, like me, you love to people watch) but this place is hoppin and the BBQ is delicious! Go for hot if you like any heat, medium was too mild. And ask for chopped or you will get sliced. Great little roadside stop in Arkansas, nice people, yummy food. read more

Craig Bros Cafe - Craig's - Barbeque Near Me - De Valls Bluff, Arkansas

I love craigs bbq! I love their chopped pork sandwich (hot/spice) . The sandwich comes with coleslaw on it. 1 sandwich is not enough and two is too many. Lol i have been here several times. The food comes out fast and always soo good. Cant wait to take my aunt and my mom here from California. read more

Very good BBQ beef sandwiches. Had the mild sauce with coleslaw. Very lean, and flavorful without being overly saucy. Looking forward to a future visit. read more

Cash only, best BBQ around. I generally dislike vinegar bbq sauce but it's great here. Worth the detour if you're driving anywhere remotely close by. read more

I consider myself a Bar-B-Que expert, having grown up eating my father's hickory smoked boston butts at the dairy dip, followed by carolina bbq in nc, Kansas City bbq, and more recently memphis bbq. Craig' is unique, sliced, unusual bitter sauce with sweet slaw. Together the flavors work to give a unique taste. It is an acquired taste, similar to carolina bbq. This is my second visit. Great way to bypass construction on I 40. read more

Wow! Worth the extra few miles out of the way. Going home to Texas from Tennessee and was really wanting some Bbq. This place came up on Yelp and we decided to give it a try. Talk about a whole in the wall type of place. It was pretty busy when we went in and looked like a run down shack more then a restaurant (I knew right away it would be good!) We ordered a pound of ribs and half a chicken both with mild sauce, to go. Messy decision should have eaten there but we were in a bit of a hurry. Wow, talk about smoked to perfection. Definitely different then the Texas Bbq I'm used to, but very very good! I also got a piece of sweet potato pie, I think I would just almost drive the 800 miles back just for another. Wish I would have bought the whole pie! I've never had a piece so delicious in my life! Give it a try if you're willing to drive a few minutes out of the way. You won't be disappointed! I just don't recommend getting it to go, just like Bbq should be, it was messy! read more

Excellent "hole in the wall, off the beaten path" restaurant. I stop in, every time I'm headed to Hot Springs, AR for the weekend. If the BBQ plate doesn't fill you up, cross the street and go to the home-aid pie shop. Outstanding pies! read more

I'll stop at Craigs and The Pie Shop anytime I'm within 20 miles. The ambiance of the place is just off the charts great. The BBQ is fabulous as is the other menu items. I like the sliced pork sandwich with 1/2 mild 1/2 hot bbq sauce and slaw on the sandwich. It's bit tangy and sweet, more of a Carolina Base, but make no mistake ... this is traditional Arkansas BBQ done right. read more

We love Craig's BBQ! We take I40 across country whenever we drive, just to stop there for lunch. The funky decor is wonderful, and so is the food. It's always packed when we get there but somehow we've always found a table. We always get the pork BBQ sandwich, love the cole slaw in it. Once they had buttermilk pie from the pie shop across the street, and it was to die for. A couple of times we've found the pie shop open. Once we got fried pies and ate them later on in Memphis; a bit greasy but good. Another time we got a piece of pie and ate it there (one piece was plenty for both of us.) It's definitely worth the detour from I40. read more