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Over the past month, AY Publisher Heather Baker and KARK host DJ Williams have road-tripped to some of the best barbecue joints in Arkansas listed on AY’s Barbecue Bucket List. For their final trip, they saved a hidden gem in North Little Rock.

 

Hawgz Blues Café sits right on JFK Boulevard in North Little Rock, and while it may be a relative newcomer to the barbecue scene, it’s already developing a following.

 

Part of its appeal may lie in its atmosphere. With a massive patio space, cool indoor features and more, it’s a funky spot to sit down and grab a bite.

 

“They have a really cool vibe,” Williams says. “It is blues to a T.”

 

The patio, which has a huge fireplace and TVs for watching games, is set up at the front of the restaurant. And when you’re outside, you can smell your food cooking.

 

“They are actually smoking the barbecue right outside, so we can smell it. They have an amazing patio set up out here. It’s the place to be,” Baker says.

 

But on to the food!

 

Owner Kristian Nelson says he wanted to distinguish his barbecue from other places, mainly to satisfy his own specific tastes.

 

“There are a lot of other barbecue places, and in Arkansas, we have some of the best barbecue, I believe. But I’m very picky about my barbecue,” he says. “I like a real smoked, slow-smoked, hickory-tasting barbecue that’s been slow-cooked and is falling off the bone. Sometimes if you can’t find it, you’ve got to make it yourself.”

 

Hawgz Blues Café doesn’t just offer barbecue, though. It has catfish, smoked chicken, fried chicken, ribeye steaks, burgers, gumbo and more. One of Nelson’s unique items caught Baker’s eye.

 

“What’s catching my eye over here is this pizza. That’s something you don’t typically see at a barbecue restaurant. It is looking good,” Baker says.

 

“This is our Meat Lover’s. It’s got a little bit of everything. It’s got everything but barbecue – sausage, pork sausage, pepperoni,” Nelson says.

 

After testing out an array of food from Hawgz Blues Café, both Baker and Williams gave it a hearty recommendation. In fact, Williams says one of its menu items is an all-time best.

 

“Those baked beans are hands-down the best I’ve ever had,” Williams says.

 

Now that the Barbecue Bucket List tour is finished, you might think that’s the end for this dynamic duo. But never fear!

 

They will be back to explore the best in Arkansas catfish. Check back soon!

 

READ MORE: Checking Out Smokin’ Buns with Heather Baker and DJ Williams