If You Didn't Get It All Over You, You Didn't Do It Right

Whole Hog Cafe
5107 Warden Rd
North Little Rock, Arkansas 72116

Ya'll know that I'm very provincial when it comes to barbeque. As I've mentioned before, with the exception of the Rendevouz, I think Memphis barbeque is highly overrated. I can't tell you how many times I've been in Memphis and had people swear that this place or that was the best 'que in the world. I didn't buy it then and I don't buy it now. Compared to Arkansas, Memphis barbeque is just sub-standard. I'd rather eat boiled pork with catsup sauce at a dairy bar.

Which brings to mind just how important sauce can be on a perfectly smoked piece of meat. I love the delta style vinegar based sauce like you get at the Dixie Pig. The Carolina style mustard based sauce at Sims has been a favorite of mine for nearly thirty years. But what if you could get the best of both of those worlds in one place?

The answer to that question is the Whole Hog Cafe. And the fact that they always seem busy will attest to just how appealing that can be. But here's a tip: folks in Little Rock being uneasy about crossing the river (something about fear of water, hydrophobia or something...) the one in North Little Rock always seems to have at least one table available. Never fails. And with six different distinct styles of sauce on the table, you can combine to your heart's content to make the perfect sauce. Mine is the tangy mustard sauce (#6) with an overlay of vinegar and spices sauce (#4). Oh, and there is a seventh, volcano sauce, that's only available on request.

Perfectly smoked meats, this is the vitamin Q that your body craves. And I'm particularly enamored with the half smoked chicken plate. Yes, I know, real barbecue typically consists of pork (we ain't Texas, ya know). That's good too, but give the chicken a try if you haven't. This, folks, is the real deal. Arkansas barbeque at its finest. A hybrid if you will.