Best barbecue I've had in a while the coleslaw was great, and so was the potato salad

Meat is delicious and not dried out. Had the brisket, pulled pork (nicely seasoned and moist), ribs (perfectly cooked and good flavor). I ordered the 3 cheese sausage but they gave me the jalapeno/pineapple instead. I got all of this to go so I didn't notice until I got to my destination. It was really good though even if not my first choice. Baked beans are phenomenal! Smoky, meaty, sweet, peppers. So good - maybe best I've had anywhere. Mac n cheese was seriously lacking flavor. Didn't taste like cheese - just pasta. Needed some seasoning and maybe a smoked cheese or something for more flavor. I would NOT get it again. Green beans had good flavor but was season-less as well. Potato salad was good - mayo based. Bread was just toast - no butter or seasoning. Little frustrated with the service to go. I ordered a few different sauces to try but they just threw them all in the bag and I didn't know what was what. Colors were the same too so I couldn't tell. Would be nice to get some moist towelettes or something in the to go bags too. Ordered to go this time but I've eaten inside before. Restaurant always looks clean and well maintained. Family friendly. Modernish bbq look. Nicely done. Workers are nice and helpful. read more

Blue Ember Smoke House is a small chain of 6 BBQ restaurants scattered across western Arkansas. This one in Ft. Smith has a slightly higher rating on Google as of today. Conveniently located just a few blocks south of Highway 22 (Rogers Ave.). Big clean bright modern restaurant inside. Order at the counter, fetch your own drink and tableware. An assortment of BBQ sauce is available. Pump what you want in a little cup to take back to the table. Your food is delivered to your table. I had a turkey sandwich. Good smokey moist turkey. Slaw and beans on the side. Beans fair. Slaw was a pass. If you want jalapeno and onion, be sure to mention it at the counter when you order. My wife had the Fort Chaffee Salad. A fruity salad with candied pecans. She added the same smoked turkey. Over all a 4-star experience. Nice place, decent BBQ, but doesn't have that down home country BBQ joint feel. read more

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I've eaten here many times because after the very first time, I WAS HOOKED! This instantly became my favorite barbeque place and ABSOLUTELY STILL IS! That's why I was sooooo disappointed when the 1/2 lb. of turkey I ordered to go, was super dry. I've ordered this before and always LOVED how juicy the meat was... However, it still had that 5 Star, Blue Ember Smoke ... Their Kickin' Apple BBQ Sauce is literally a cup of awesome sauce ... and did I mention how great the staff is?? They are truly professional and always serve up their tasty eats with a pleasant smile! So, I have to say that I've had so many positive experiences that I want to make it clear .... this is THE BEST Barbecue in Fort Smith! I will continue to order from there and I'm sure this was just "one of those things" that just happens from time to time. read more

3.5 stars. For Fort Smith the BBQ here is great! I really enjoyed the smoked brisket and potato combo. The burnt ends were pretty good while hot too. While the smoked chicken leg quarter can feed 2 people. It is a bit pricy. But word of advice you need to know what you want because there's always a line. The bbq sauces were tasty. The only thing I did not enjoy on my visit is how the salad was composed. Because it's made to order, they used spring mix and dumped mandarin oranges w/the juice in it. So by the time you got it home it's all too soggy. read more

This place consistently serves outstanding food! The folks are friendly and the service is fast. You go through a line where you get the food hot out of serving dishes and cut fresh for the barbecue. They offer a dessert bar with soft serve ice cream as an option as well as hot fudge sundaes. It is a clean place to eat, and it is well maintained with spacious areas in the dining area so that you don't feel so cramped. There are large screen TVs where you can watch the latest games as you eat with your family. I personally appreciate the fact that they always have Christian music playing in the background. read more

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Thanks Yelp peeps! Driving through Arkansas and hitting Fort Smith at lunch time led me Blue Ember thanks to the reviews. The bbq was a treat! The meat was very lean and I liked the nice salad options. Service was great - fast and friendly, and the restaurant was bright, clean, and open with lots of sitting options. I appreciated that they played Christian music on outdoor speakers. Very enjoyable! read more

Blue Ember Smokehouse - Barbeque Near Me - Fort Smith, Arkansas

The bbq is great!! They have lots of different options. The pineapple sausage is one of the best I've had. I always get turkey here. Moist and flavorful. The brisket is very good as well. The sides are all good. It's hard to pass up the Mac and cheese. They have several sauce options. They are all very good. The restaurant interior is nice. The staff is great and the line moves quickly. Prices are good for the quality and that you get. read more

There were three of us and we all ordered the brisket sandwich. They asked if we wanted the trimmed brisket, i.e. fat cut off or the regular. We went with the regular and the amount of fat on the meat was minimal so there was no problem there. The amount of meat was twice what I typically receive at BBQ restaurants so the sandwich was large. The flavor was very good, not excellent, but I find the bbq scene in Fort Smith isn't very good so it was the best I have had when I am in town. The sauces were too sweet but the spicy sauce isn't really spicy and wasn't quite as sweet so I would recommend it. I thought the slaw was good, again a little sweet, the okra was perfect but the beans were under performing. I will go again and would recommend this restaurant but it isn't the best I have ever had. read more

Was in town for the night. Pork and sausage was good, but nothing spectacular. The brisket was dry and tough.

Food was delicious. I ordered the smoked chicken with a salad. I also ordered a side of smoked sausage. The sausage was the real star. Smokey yet still very juicy. Many times, smoked sausage turns out dry with all the juices smoked out of it. Not here. If you've got a bbq craving, Blue Ember Smokehouse will not disappoint. read more

Let's start with the expectations I or anyone that is a bbq fan in general would have. For the Fort Smith area good BBQ is definitely lacking. Unfortunately, Blue Ember is no exception. Let me explain... Burnt ends I was glad to see on the menu, however they were lacking everything a burnt end should have. They were way too small in size, way too much sauce and I don't like any meats pre sauced, but even if I was a sauce kind of guy, the sauce tasted like it came straight out of a Panda Express sweet and sour style sauce. The ribs had no flavor from any sort of rub or even just salt and pepper. No texture to them at all. the Brisket is just a no go. Way too much untrimmed inedible fat. The service was okay, no one really cared too much in my opinion, but I did go in at an odd time after lunch and before dinner so who knows.. The restaurant is clean for the most part. It looks the part but to whom it may concern you have a nice location and lots of upside, but definitely need to insert some quality control. 5 out of 10 read more

One of the things I love to do when traveling is to check out the BBQ scene. We have family in the Fort Smith area, but since Blue Ember opened I had not been back to visit until now. We finally made a visit and it certainly didn't disappoint. Driving up it has a modern, upscale looking building with a touch of rustic. When you get out of your vehicle you can immediately smell the wonderful aroma of smoking meat. Inside, more of the same decor. When you order, you receive your food right there off the line, meat cut to order. I ordered jalapeño and pineapple sausage, a mix of moist and lean brisket, and Mac and cheese. My wife ordered chicken, smoked baked potato, and baked beans. I got to sample her chicken and beans which was an added bonus for me. The meat is all prime, meaning the highest grade of meat given by the USDA. This is a big deal as not all BBQ joints use prime. Quality matters and makes a difference in taste. The Q did not disappoint. The meat was smoked to perfection. The marbled brisket was rendered down making juicy and tender bites. The post oak they use gave just enough smoke taste along with the rub to enhance without overpowering the flavors of the meat. The smoked sausage had a great snap to the casing with a nice blend of spices, meat, jalapeño and pineapple. The sauces are very flavorful, but certainly not necessary to use with the super tender meats. We enjoyed our meal so much and hope to be back sooner than later to try more delicious BBQ. read more

Blue Ember Smokehouse - Brisket, sausage and Mac n cheese - Barbeque Near Me - Fort Smith, Arkansas

Barbecue is expensive, and when it's mid...not pleased. This is mid. The sauce is full of sugar, which I assume is meant to mask barely passable smoked meats. This place is also extremely overpriced. For what they charge, the portions should be triple what they actually plate. Shameful portions for the price, and the sides are garbage. Hey, get the John Soule's BBQ stuff at Walmart and do yourself a solid. Add a better sauce. Otherwise, feel free to overpay for sugary, grade D meat and trash sides. read more

Blue Ember is near the top of the list for BBQ joints in Arkansas. I've never had something from here that was disappointing. Today I tried the Brisket Loaded Baked Potato w/ a side of Fried Okra. It's hard to judge meat quality when it's mixed with a bunch of other stuff, but overall it was really good. I topped my potato with the Kickin Apple BBQ Sauce, the perfect balance of sweet & spicy. The fried okra was AMAZING! I'll be getting this again. My wife had the Pulled Pork Sandwich w/ Mac & Cheese. She ate everything on her plate, so I'd say she loved it! My sister had the Chopped Chicken Sandwich w/ Baked Beans & Potato Salad. I didn't try her sandwich, but the chicken looked a little dry. I did eat about half of her potato salad and it was amazing as well. Service was standard to most BBQ joints. You follow a line as you pick out your meats, then sides, and then drinks/deserts and pay. The dining area was really clean. Soda fountains and BBQ Sauce stations were well organized and stocked with supplies. This is my Go-To BBQ restaurant when ever I'm in Fort Smith and I'll be sure to go back again and again. Don't forget you get you an ice cream cone! read more

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Doesn't matter what you order, it's all good! Food and staff are wonderful. I get the spud everytime but I change up the protein. We've arrived when they open and arrive before they close. All is clean and great! read more

Great BBQ. You walk in and select what you want pretty much from a buffet. Some things were sold out but we were there at night so that was ok. Large and seemed very clean. read more

Friendly staff!!! Love the ambiance and decor of Blue Ember. Christian music was nice to listen to while we were eating the amazing food. We went back for more! read more

Good quick service place with lots of smoked meat choices. Workers were friendly and I like the self serve beverage station. This is cafeteria style which is fairly typical for any BBQ joint. I had a rib, pulled pork and brisket. Each were good but not the best that I've had. I didn't care much for the BBQ sauce as I thought it were too sweet. But I do like my sauce to be mustard or vinegar based, so someone who likes a sweeter sauce might really like them. read more

Blue Ember Smokehouse - Rib, pulled pork, jalapeño sausage, brisket - Barbeque Near Me - Fort Smith, Arkansas

The Brisket has passed the test! Definitely the best BBQ in town, great sides and good sauce

so so yummy!!!! kinda confusing if it's your first time with the lunch line vibe BUT the food is amazing!!! ice cream afterwards is so neat. cool vibes inside also. read more

Ok. I've never seen a cleaner more modern and elegant BBQ place in my life. Matter of fact it so didn't look the part of a real BBQ place I wasn't expecting great food. I was wrong. Our table of 3 had three different meat choices and various different sides. All of it was excellent! The ribs were smoky and fall off the bone, and the bbq beans were perfect. My wife's stuffed baked potato was massive! We all love the 3 sauce choices. My tastes were to the spicy, my wife LOVED the apple, and our guest loved the more traditional sweet. I will be back. And with an even bigger appetite. read more

The food is amazing! When you walk in, you choose what meat, how much and the gentlemen even ask if you want tender meat with fat or sliced and lean. There are plenty of sides to choose from and you get a decent portion size. Service was wonderful and the atmosphere was quaint and quiet. They have an apple bbq sauce that was to die for and the food tasted good as leftovers. I would definitely recommend! read more

Blue Ember Smokehouse - Sliced brisket, green beans, bread. - Barbeque Near Me - Fort Smith, Arkansas

Polite pass. The brisket was good. All three sauces were excellent. However, the pulled pork was chopped and you get more bread than meat. The Mac n cheese is more like macaroni salad. Where's the cheese? Both cokes machines had "off" syrup and carbonation. The sides are $3 each. Sooooo a small fry is $3?! Definitely not worthy. TIP: there's a really great bbq truck over on Massard. Save your time and read more

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Where do I start?? Everything here is fantastic. The brisket, the jalapeno & pineapple sausage, the sides of mac and cheese and the baked beans were all so good. 3 different sauces were all tasty in their own way. Friendly staff also. Can't wait to go back. read more

At 5:45 on a Wednesday evening, with maybe 10 ppl. in the restaurant,after waiting in line to order bbq, then attempt to order corn on the cob as a side..."i am sorry, we are all out of corn". Corn is selling for $1 for 3 or 4 ears right now at the grocery stores...Blue Ember sells it for $2.99 each. What kind if initiative does it take to tell one of the help to pick up, or send an employee to the grocery store to get a dozen or so ears of corn? How does the restaurant run out by 5:45 on a slow night! Really very poor management or ownership. The wrong answer..."we are out". Good-bye! read more

Better than good BBQ. Self serve and industrial building interior lowered the review. But, a good place to eat without spending too much time or having high expectations. read more

Brisket was awesome. Fall apart fork tender with just the right amount of smoke. Potato salad was good and beans were really good.

Excellent BBQ in Ft Smith. Had the chicken sand w baked beans. Was so good I almost chewed my fingers off when I got to them. Ice cream dessert included is a nice touch! read more

Blue Ember Smokehouse - Signage - Barbeque Near Me - Fort Smith, Arkansas

Great food. I enjoyed the baked sweet potato with brisket. So good together! The sweet potato was loaded with all the fixings. My husband had the ribs and lived them. read more

For a BBQ place they offer the best selection of sides. Their sweet potatoes and baked beans are spot on. You can smell the aroma from the parking lot which triggers mouth watering cravings by the time you reach the front door. The BBQ is hands down the best flavor consistency and d taste of any smokehouse of all time anywhere in the US. Worth trying. They have unique sauces. Mondays their special is the nachos and Tuesdays their special is taco Tuesday. worth stopping in. Trendy quick order and seat yourself place that feels upscale when you sit down to eat. Upscale high end urban luxury picnic. read more

Blue Ember Smokehouse - Inside seating - Barbeque Near Me - Fort Smith, Arkansas

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Stopped off with friends after church. The atmosphere was very pleasant and the staff was very courteous. The food was good, we had the pulled pork sandwich and the loaded baked potatoes (sorry forgot to take pictures) It tasted good and the next time I come back to the area, we will definitely stop by for a bite. read more

Blue Ember Smokehouse - Front - Barbeque Near Me - Fort Smith, Arkansas

If I could give this place 10 stars I would . All I can is this is a absolute must stop . The ribs are to die for. The roasted turkey is amazing. The sweet potato is delicious. Everyone is so nice and helpful. The vibe is really laid back. Thank you for the best meal on my vacation. read more

I am giving Blue Ember a 5/5 rating, which is the same rating I give to Wright's BBQ in Rogers. For those familiar with Wright's, you will not be disappointed with Blue Ember. It gives Wright's a run for their money, maybe just a half step behind. The brisket was really good, as were the sides. Highly recommended if you are in Fort Smith. read more

Loved how clean and modern the design of the place is. Bright windows to let a lot of light in. You know, the usual stuff you don't always see in a BBQ place. Now on to the good stuff you're here for. You are enveloped in the mouthwatering aroma of smoky goodness the second you step out of your car. The line was out the door, but it went quick. They were very attentive with plenty of staff to make sure you got the right order and got it quick. I ordered the burnt ends, brisket, and jalapeño pineapple sausage. All of which were amazing. I honestly didn't expect to find such great BBQ in Ft Smith. But it truly exceeded all my expectations. Will definitely be back with friends! read more

Blue Ember Smokehouse - Burnt ends, jalapeño pineapple sausage, and brisket. So good! - Barbeque Near Me - Fort Smith, Arkansas

Visiting Ft Smith for work and wanted to try some bbq. This place was fantastic. I had the brisket sandwich with 2 sides. The. Riskier sandwich was tender and flavorful, with just the amount of chew. I had the bbq beans and they were delicious. The mac and cheese were a smidge dry but I bet a fresh pot would have been way better. The sauces were okay with the spicy being the best. The service was spot on. Quick and attentive. read more

We had great tasting food and easy, fast service! The restaurant is very clean. We love this place!

Best smokehouse in the state. We have enjoyed the Fort Smith location since they opened, so needless to say, we were very happy to see the new location in west Little Rock open, since this is closer. All their meats are smoked on location, and cooked to perfection. The sides are all great, along with three great BBQ sauces to chose from. At the Fort Smith and West Little Rock locations, the customer service is the best. It is wonderful to go into a restaurant and get great service. We highly recommend this place for quality, quantity, great flavors and people who really care about serving their customers. read more

I went to Blue Ember Smokehouse for the first time today and they have a customer for life. The smell before you even walk in was amazing. I got the pulled pork sandwich, baked sweet potato and cole slaw. The sandwich was huge and the pulled pork was perfect with a great flavor. The sweet potato was huge and baked just perfectly. The cole slaw was creamy, but not overly creamy and delicious. My partner had the chicken quarter and she said it was moist and had a great flavor. She also had the baked sweet potato and was impressed by the size and flavor. We both tried the kickin' apple bbq sauce and it was about as good as a bbq sauce can get. We also got the shawberry cake for dessert. It was moist with a great flavor. The food was amazing and the prices, you cannot beat. The restaurant itself was clean and the staff was very friendly. I highly recommend Blue Ember Smokehouse, you will not be disappointed. read more

The burnt ends were like jerky and the ribs were like chuck roast. The okra was the most satisfying thing on my tray. I think I will give it one more try and order something different. Restaurants have off days and I've heard good things about the food here so I will try again and come back and repost. read more