The other BBQ place we went to was out of brisket, so we followed the path to Tim's Tavern BBQ. When you drive up it looks like a dive bar with a fabulous covered patio. ***Warning: Results may vary*** There are no accidents. We were meant to experience TT BBQ. Let me just share that this was an experience. We walk in and there are diner style dinner tables with 2 families filling up many spaces, a date night couple and a lone diner. There is a small bar with stools and a special spot for "Mr Murray". (Reminded me of Norm from CHEERS. Mr Murray was not there) I loved that the TV's were off... otherwise I don't think it would have happened the way it did. The server was welcoming and friendly just like a family member you hadn't seen in a while. She answered our questions and was hustling between taking out HOT food to patrons and giving us the scoop on the menu. (Only server there and she kept up with all of us)! We decided on Beef Brisket and Jalapeño Cheese Sausage with 2 sides. Excellent choices, brisket was lean and tender, jalapeño sausage did not disappoint. Bbq sauce was tangy. Our sides were simple and flavorful. We were so hungry, we forgot to take a photo before we dove in. We were talking with the staff and other guests enjoying their meal. One suggested the Banana pudding for dessert and they were correct, it was soooo good. (Later learned it was made by our server, Sarah. Heart Emoji. It felt like grandma's kitchen and the family was gathered and sharing a meal. No strangers. Several take out orders came and went. Tim opened this place 2 years ago to bring good BBQ to the smaller local scene of Benton. (Plus downtown Little Rock is no longer a desirable destination). It may be off the beaten path but so worth the extra couple miles. Had a nostalgic moment when I saw the Horse Ride. OMGoodness so fun, how many times I would beg my daddy to let me ride one of those anytime I saw one. Now I am too big, but loved the memory. There is a great big outdoor patio covered over have where they have live music and events. The look out on over green grass lawn and forest is beautiful. This place is a "Hole in the wall" type but excellent in all areas. Service 5-Stars Food 5-Stars We stayed much longer due to great conversations with the other guests and family feeling. Hopefully you experience the same. Oh, did I tell you we were just visiting? :) read more

See all

The best barbecue hands-down I've had in Arkansas, and we've had a lot of it! The most hilarious thing is, Tim, the owner, specializes in Texas style brisket. Stopped in for lunch the other day and had the macaroni and cheese topped with chopped brisket and asked them to put the sauce on the side because most places just drown their meat in sauce and you can't even taste the beef. There's usually reason they don't want you to taste it. But Tim is VERY talented on that smoker! He was wonderful and honored my request without batting an eye (some chefs get offended). The staff and Tim both chatted with me in between customers and there was a good clip of folks in and out picking up food and raving about it as was I. The sauce is homemade and a family recipe and of course he's serving his grandma's macaroni and cheese, which is different from how I make mine, but it was still really delicious. The best part are the prices - so reasonable I t's not even funny, and I left absolutely stuffed to the brim. Be sure and try their fried pies too, I got a cherry pie to go and it was yummy! I'll drive all the way from Diamondhead on the regular anytime I want brisket because it was just that good. I would've taken photos, but I am held my lunch before I thought to do so. Sounds like a good excuse to go back to Tim's Tavern ;-) read more

Service is the embodiment of southern comfort. Waiter and owner were very friendly and the customers are all repeat customers. Enjoyed talking with all of them! The food was delicious, some of the better BBQ I've had. Very smoky flavor, and the bbq had a peppery taste. The fries were cooked perfectly (Cajun crinkle fries), and the greens were a bit sweet. Also had some fried pies, and boy were they good! Definitely recommend getting the ice cream with them! Some of the best desserts I've had in a minute - cooked to utter perfection! Banana pudding was also super delicious and homemade! The store is a bit small, but has a cool vibe. Just on the side of the road, very easy to drive past it. Store is a bit warm, so if you are a bit hot natured that would be my only complaint, but still a great spot for some great food read more

See all

Really enjoyed the burgers and mac here, and the atmosphere is nice. Sadly moved away shortly after trying it for the first time, but probably was instantly my favorite restaurant in Benton. read more

I stopped by Tim's Tavern on a Friday lunch rush. I was debating on what to try because I have heard such wonderful reviews on everything, but I opted for the catfish. Let me tell you I made the best choice!!! The fish was crispy and as perfect as the Southern Saints could make. The tarter was cold and perfect (I don't know if it was homemade, but it was wonderful) The okra was seasoned well with course salt after being perfectly fried. I could have ate 10 of those hush puppies !! I didn't finish the 2 huge pieces of fish because I wanted to save room for one of their fried pies. The options were endless so I chose a pecan fried pie a la mode. Ohhhhh man!!!! Sooo good. 10/10 recommend. Now let's talk about the service. Those girls were so attentive and nice!! I was watching my server, Sarah, taking orders on the phone, filling drinks, running from one end of the restaurant to the other always with a huge smile on her face. It was a very nice experience to have those girls in there actually enjoying their work and taking pride in giving the best service. The ambiance of the restaurant matched the name of the establishment. Tavern. It could use some sprucing up but all and all it was very quaint. I would be excited to see the back patio being utilized in the warmer weather and I will definitely be back to see what that Tuesday karaoke is all about. read more

Parking lot was not packed, after being seated we were told the fried food would be a 30/45 minute wait due to all the tickets in the kitchen. We got our fried mushrooms in about 10 minutes. Food was another 15 minutes. The mushrooms, okra , hush puppies and catfish were over fried, grease was too hot. BBQ brisket was fair at best. The owner was very attentive and checked on us twice and explained how busy the kitchen was. Two couples left when told about the HOUR wait. We walked through the bar area when we left, two high tops, maybe 8 people and two tables where we sat. We saw no reason for the delay in food service. Trying to make a go of an old house with added on deck for outside dining and future live music. Hopefully they will work out the kinks. read more

Tim’s Tavern - Fried okra, catfish and hush puppies - Southern Near Me - Benton, Arkansas

Great food! Best burgers I've had in Benton. The service is outstanding too! A must try, YUM

Excellent service and food! Will be back again for sure. Wish we had some thing like this close to home! Look forward to coming back again!

This is an old school southern eatery. I grew up coming to places like this. The BBQ is excellent, the service is southern hospitality at it's best, and the fried pies are killer. read more

Good bbq, great mushrooms, cold beer and wonderful, friendly service. Little hole in the wall bar with a big outdoor deck on the back with music. I'll be back read more

Tim’s Tavern - 2 meat plate - Southern Near Me - Benton, Arkansas

Great food excellent service. Delicious barbecue. We stopped in on a whim and are so pleased that we did. Barbecue was excellent. And the fried pies are to die for. read more

Great catfish. Traveling down I 30 and looked up something that wasn't a chain. Not sure who the waitress was but she was an asset to the establishment. Thanks Tim. We were the 3 non locals that showed up last Saturday. read more

The BBQ is top notch period. Brisket, pulled pork, ribs, chicken & links, you' won't be disappointed!!! Excellent catfish and all the trimmings too. Frito pie that is out of this world and the burgers are awesome as well!! Highly recommended!!! So much better than the previous Ice House restaurant that they took over!! Definitely one of our go to spots!! read more

See all

The burgers here are beyond belief. Just finished the Specialty Burger. Definitely recommend! I've never had a burger this good, seriously. Wife had the Texas Red brisket burger and she loved it. Service was fast and incredibly nice. Thank you, Sarah! This is definitely a family owned place and so it was good to support good hometown people rather than a chain. WE WILL BE BACK!!!!!! read more

Tims Tavern has been a go to of mine since it opened. I get soooo tired of fast food it's nice to have a place that serves great food, is reasonably priced and the staff is always happy to see you!! read more

service was slow because wait staff lost our order. in addition, wait staff didn't know what beer brands were available and gave me mayo instead of sour cream with my requested meal. With the restaurant half full it still took over 45 minutes to get the food and only be delivered cold. Taste of the food was minimal at best. won't be back. read more

Delicious BBQ and Catfish!! The sides are homemade and the fried pies are to die for!! We had great service by Tim himself. Friendly spot and quick to go orders. Highly recommended. I read previous reviews and it doesn't seem like the same place. We had a great experience. read more

Fantastic Texas style brisket, everything made from scratch in house- Mac n cheese, mustard potato salad, greens, everything was delicious! Great service and personable owner that made it a point to visit tables and insured that we had everything we needed for a great dinner. We will be back! read more

I got I a 2 piece fish meal. My fish was delicious but my Mac & cheese came in a condiment container. It was maybe 5 bites. My hushpuppies were burnt and the tartar sauce was runny. My husband got a cheeseburger meal and it was great! read more

My husband and I ate at Tim's Tavern last week for the first time. Really pleased. Fried mushrooms delicious. Cold beer on tap. My husband loved the mustard potato salad. Both our meals were tasty and served hot. This is not a fast food place. But it was nice to relax, have a beer, share appetizers while we waited for our meals. It was not real busy so we did not have to wait very long. read more

Great tasting, super hot catfish, squash and okra. They also know how to make mustard potato salad the right way! Great cozy dinner spot.

Well if your hungry this isn't the place for you. We got here at 2:00 . There were several tables of people waiting on their food. They were out of pulled pork and ribs. We ordered cat fish and a burger and were still waiting my wife is ready to leave. We still have four tables in front of us and it's been 45 min. At this point I don't know if I'm ever gonna get my food. It's a shame this place is packed but now people are leaving because of no seats.and the people here are starting to look crazy. Six people just left because the waiter told them the food was an hour and a half out. I don't how many people have been turned away. Ridiculous and bad for business for sure.... read more