Hog Pen Barbecue

An Oasis in the Arkansas Countryside

I was in the Osceola area for business meetings and was tasked by one of my colleagues to cater a lunch for 10 people. I was directed to the Hog Pen as the closest place to get food for a group. I must have driven past the non-descript building a million times and never even noticed it. The Hog Pen is a local mecca for barbecue in the area.

When I arrived, I was lucky to have just beaten the lunch rush and the kind staff helped me put together a lunch for twelve people. My order had pulled pork, dry-rubbed ribs, smoked chicken, baked beans, coleslaw, and peach cobbler. The staff also provided me with buns, cutlery, napkins, sauces and everything else needed for a catered lunch.

The food was exceptional, as I have had Barbecue from all over the US and can make a qualified statement about the flavour and quality. The chicken and ribs were fall-off-the-bone tender and had an excellent smokiness. The rub was not overpowering and the flavour was mild with just a little touch of heat. The Pulling pork was soft and smoky and went well with the sauce provided by the Hog Pen team.

In the end, there was not one scrap of food left as every morsel of food was eaten by the Big River Steel team whom I had brought the lunch for. I had tried a little of each of the items in the order and was pleasantly surprised. On my way back to my hotel, I stopped at the Hog Pen and bought a pulled pork sandwich for my drive.

Just pulling into the parking lot you can smell the smoker going, so you know it is authentic. I did the BBQ plate, which is a huge helping of pulled pork, bbq baked beans, coleslaw and a piece of white bread. It was the most delicious and juicy pork I have ever had. There was a ton of flavor and it really didn’t even need bbq sauce. It is a little off the beaten path, but well worth the drive.

We came from west today their services was amazing! We got 2 pig salads the serving size amount was just perfect. The taste was phenomenal and meat was seasoned just right. We will definitely be back. Thank you for you dedication and service yall was wonderful!

Well worth the drive from the interstate. Just the number of pickup trucks outside at lunch is a testimony to the quality of the BBQ here. A unique bbq sauce that has to be homemade, two types of coleslaw and beans with a special flavor too. And for desert something I never heard of, pecan cobbler. Sorry no banana pudding. At least not on the menu.

I love this little bbq shack. The people are great, the food even greater

Had pulled pork and slaw. It was DELICIOUS! I was very surprised to eat such good bbq off the path. Has a slight vinegar taste, which I like. Probably best pulled pork I ever had and at a nice price. Staff was very friendly and made you feel like family. Not exaggerating, when I say might be best bbq I ever had. Did not know Arkansas had such a place.

We had a hankering for some BBQ while heading back north from Hot Springs. Being from the Chicago area, it's always interesting to go off the beaten path into more rural/farming communities.
After missing the exit to a BBQ place about 20 miles south, I Googled and located Hog Pen. Stopped in and found the place clean (including the bathroom), the service friendly and informative, and the food pretty darn good. My husband had the half slab of ribs and I had the pork steak... Which I think is one of their specialties.
He seemed to enjoy the ribs and the pork steak was great. Something different than most places offer. The pork steak didn't have tons of fat to cut off, which I appreciated. It was tender enough to not require a knife either. The sides and bbq sauce were good. I wouldn't say they blew me away, but really I had no complaints whatsoever either.
I would definitely stop back again the next time passing through the area.

I ordered 2 bbq plates thinking I could have 1 and take 1 for lunch. There was plenty of bbq in 1. Love the slaw. Ask for an extra bbq so you have plenty. It's a nice little place, and they're friendly.

Some people would call this lovingly, a hole in the wall. I would call it a hidden gem. An old barn or tool building converted to a small, quaint restaurant. We had the sweet tea, pulled pork platter, and rib platter. Sides were baked beans and coleslaw with a side of bread. We also had whole fried okra. BBQ sauces and rubs are on the table. All were excellent. We've been in 12 southern states over the last month. This is in the top two for BBQ places.

1st time eating here. Very good BBQ and nice people. I will definitely be stopping again.

I had a cheeseburger and fries. It was some good eating too! My hubby-dubby had ribs, slaw, and baked beans. The presentation was wonderful. The ribs were so tender. They were very nice to us. We were seated at a very clean table to wait for our to-go order. I recommend this eatery to anyone looking for a great experience! 💛👍

Jeff is King of Barbecue. The Smoked chicken and Pork steak and Rib plates are Awesome. Everyone who works there make you feel like family. The Cole slaw and bake beans are amazing. You won't be disappointed.

Never had a bad meal here

Ordering is easy as long as you can make up your mind. Mix and match three combo or two combo. Many ways to go. Choose how spicy on several items. Mudpuppies, lobster, shrimp, cajun sausage. And on and on. Been here twice and both times was right on spot. Also has beer and mixes drinks. If that's your thing. Will be back multiple times.

I was at Osceola for 7 days, thanks to DMAR people that invited me and i could discovered a great place to eat… I hope back in future… the pork steak plate the best, unfortunately I did not take a picture

Ribs were awesome, great sweet tea, shredded pork sandwich with cole slaw on top. My 1 year old loved the chicken strips and to top it all off was the pecan cobbler that was absolutely amazing. Staff was very polite and helpful. Can't wait to go back.

My humble opinion this is the best bbq experience. I had half a rack of ribs, smoked chicken, slaw, potato salad and sweet tea - YUMMY 😋. Make sure you try the house hot sauce! The staff and atmosphere were super pleasant, orderly, and friendly.

Great BBQ. Out in the middle of know where. Can't wait to go back again!

We were Trucking and looking for lunch... Was able to squeeze in a full size OTR semi around the back near the woodpile and back out after lunch. Foods was delicious, owner has a nice setup, reclining in his lawn chair watching NASCAR, he waited on us....memorable place and food, thanks 2018

Hole in the wall but the pork steak was amazing. Best Cole slaw I've had.