Little Rock, Arkansas will always be associated with Central High School, the first high school to ever desegregate its classrooms and allow black students to attend alongside white students. But for foodies, the city has also been known for something else since 1937.

Sims Barb-B-Que has a cult-like following amongst the barbecue faithful. Unlike other well-known barbecue cities and states — Memphis, Kansas City, Texas and North Carolina — Arkansas' reputation for excellent barbecue still remains under the radar, which is fine with us, because we always enjoy walking in and being greeted with the friendly faces of the Sims family and friends who operate any one of the three franchises throughout Little Rock. Our presence is their pleasure, and we're treated as such.

Once pleasantries are exchanged, it is time for us to order and, usually, we're ordering enough to take home leftovers. The pork ribs are a must have — piping hot, juicy, falling right off the bone; also the chopped beef sandwich, with Sims' tangy barbecue sauce drizzled all over, in between two slices of traditional white bread. For the sides, it's always greens and a nice-sized portion of their barbecue baked beans. For the non-pork, non-red meat eaters, Sims serves up an excellent roasted chicken, which you can order in a variety of ways, including a whole chicken for only $8.00.

Of course, Sims also has a traditional selection of soda and juices to drink, but there's nothing better on the menu than their sweet tea, which always makes us pucker after the first sip.

We know it may seem like a stretch to suggest Sims Bar-B-Cue is worth a visit to the place they call "the Rock," but trust us when we say, it's well worth the visit. Use the museum located at Central High School as an excuse, visit the city's sprawling downtown with its beautiful waterfront, and then go find one of the three Sims in Little Rock. You may visit the city for a couple of reasons, but Sims will be the reason you come back.

Sims Bar-B-Cue
2415 Broadway
Little Rock, AR 72209
Ph: 501-372-6868

1307 Barrow Rd.
Little Rock, AR 72209
Ph: 501-224-2057

7601 Ceyer Springs Rd
Little Rock, AR 72209
Ph: 501-562-8844

Website

Posted in: Dining
Features: Food, Group Dining, Lunch Spot, Take-out