Downtown Little Rock got a serious smoke infusion when Back Home BBQ opened in April 2025, bringing Texas-style barbecue to the historic corner of West Markham and State streets.
Co-owners Adam Murray and Chase Rittelmeyer met overseas in China, where Murray operated several barbecue restaurants, and decided to bring their smoky vision “back home” to Arkansas.
With pitmaster Curtis Guerrero (who honed his craft at Houston’s legendary Pinkerton’s Barbecue) manning two custom-built 1,000-gallon offset smokers from Primitive Pits, this spot very quickly became the talk of the town. 🔥
How Back Home BBQ Quickly won Arkansas hearts
Back Home BBQ didn’t waste time making believers out of Little Rock’s barbecue skeptics.
The secret?
Market-style service where meats are carved fresh to order and sold by weight—just like the legendary Texas joints.
View this post on Instagram
Every morning at midnight, Guerrero starts the smoking process, ensuring that when doors open at 11 a.m., customers experience barbecue at its freshest moment.
The “no leftovers” policy means everything sells out by mid-afternoon, creating an urgency that has locals lining up early.
Reviewers consistently rave about the tender, perfectly smoked meats that don’t need sauce—though the house-made options are stellar.
One Texan reviewer declared it rivals Houston’s best, while another noted the brisket was “as good as I’ve had anywhere.”
The historic 1889 building adds character to the experience, and the friendly counter service makes newcomers feel like regulars.
Plus, having dedicated parking spots in the Little Rock School District lot eliminates downtown parking headaches. 😎
Food Highlights
View this post on Instagram
-
Brisket: The glistening star of the show undergoes an 18-hour smoking process with just salt and pepper, resulting in tender slices that melt in your mouth with deep, smoky flavor radiating through every bite that doesn’t require drowning in sauce.
-
Pork Belly Bites: This unique take on pork belly offers something different from traditional burnt ends, featuring rich, succulent chunks that showcase Guerrero’s creative approach to classic barbecue with incredible depth of flavor and satisfying texture.
-
Spare Ribs: Smoked for 8-10 hours every morning, these beautifully caramelized ribs fall off the bone with tender perfection, delivering bold Texas-style flavor that requires minimal sauce and leaves diners reaching for seconds before they’ve finished their first bite.
-
Texas Twinkies: Don’t let the name fool you—these aren’t dessert—they’re bacon-wrapped jalapeños stuffed with brisket and three different types of cheese, then smoked and charred for a spicy, savory, indulgent bite that packs serious flavor punch.
-
Pulled Pork: Chopped fresh to order and lightly dressed with a vinegar-based sauce during preparation, this classic offering delivers tender, flavorful shreds of pork with just the right balance of smoke, tang, and moisture throughout.
-
Beef Ribs: Available on weekends only, these massive, prehistoric-looking beauties are worth planning your visit around, offering incredible bark, succulent meat, and authentic Texas barbecue experience that rivals anything found in the Lone Star State.
Atmosphere
The beautifully renovated brick building from 1889 creates an inviting, warm backdrop for serious barbecue.
The downstairs operates counter-service style—order at the front, watch your meat get sliced fresh, grab your sides, and settle into the relaxed dining room.
It’s spotlessly clean with shiny floors and friendly, helpful staff who guide newcomers through the ordering process.
The smell of smoke hits you immediately—in the best possible way—making your mouth water before you even reach the counter.
Upstairs, The Attic Bar (opened in August 2025) offers a complete vibe shift with its 70s-style lounge atmosphere, craft cocktails featuring bourbon smoked downstairs, and elevated bar bites.
Whether grabbing lunch downtown or enjoying an evening upstairs, the building serves two distinct experiences under one roof. ✨
Bottom Line
Visit Back Home BBQ for some of the finest Texas-style barbecue in Arkansas, where authentic smoking techniques, quality ingredients, and no-shortcuts philosophy create memorable meals worth arriving early for before they sell out.
Address: 801 W Markham St, Little Rock, AR 72201
📞 (501) 819-4227
🕔 Thu-Sat: 11 AM–7 PM, Sun: 11 AM–5 PM, Wed: 11 AM–2 PM (sandwiches only), Closed Mon-Tue
Meta
5 Ultra Clickbaity Titles:
-
Little Rock’s BBQ Secret Everyone’s Talking About Now
-
Arkansas Found Its Texas BBQ Rival Downtown Finally
-
Little Rock BBQ Joint Rivals Houston’s Legendary Spots
-
Arkansas BBQ Spot Sells Out Daily Here’s Why
-
Little Rock’s Newest BBQ Obsession You Must Try
5 Clickbaity Sub-Titles:
-
Little Rock’s Texas-Style Smoke Show Worth The Wait
-
Arkansas BBQ Restaurant Making Texans Jealous Downtown
-
Little Rock’s Brisket Game Just Changed Forever Here
-
Arkansas Historic Building Hiding Incredible BBQ Joint
-
Little Rock BBQ Spot Bringing Serious Texas Hea