Friendly restaurant serving the best barbecue we've ever had. The pork ribs were tender and flavorful with a good smoky taste. The cornbread was fresh and moist. Greens tender and flavorful, potato salad and coleslaw were delicious. Good parking indoor seating and drive up prices average read more

Howell's BBQ - pork ribs, cornbread, greens coleslaw - Barbeque Near Me - El Dorado, Arkansas

I visited this restaurant since it received high reviews and it was close to our hotel on a recent business trip. I almost thought it was closed since it was dark inside and no cars parked near the front. It was 2 hours before closing time afterall and generally it's not a good idea to eat bbq late at a restaurant. I probably wouldn't have even bisited at all, but when choosing a dinner spot I had to take into consideration my work colleague who has a very limited palette and prefers restaurants close to our hotel on business trips. I chose the 3 meat plate with fatty brisket, sausage and rib tips. At least it sounded good in theory. I added a tea and a lemon cake. Unfortunately, they didn't have banana pudding the day I visited, only on Thursdays. Brisket - I had asked for fatty brisket, but they pretty much gave me lean. I'm sure this brisket was either select or choice as there was little to no marbling, but for the price, you aren't going to get prime. 2/5 Sausage - this is a decent jalapeño sausage, although the menu does not specify it was even made with jalapeños. It is a tight fill and had a nice snap. 3/5 Rib tips - not sure why I ordered these, as you don't get much meat at all. Flavor is ok, but these are not spiced very much at all. 2/5 Mac n cheese - this was ok and has some pepper in it. Seems like it doesn't use many cheeses at all. 3/5 Turnip greens - I actually thought this may have been the best part of my meal. These were cooked just the way I like them. 4/5 Toast - every meal comes with either cornbread or toast. Since I don't eat corn bread and I like to make sandwiches, I chose the toast. You only get 1 thick slice. Pretty standard white bread. Lemon cake - this was a dense 4 -layer cake which was ok but I could only eat half of it. 3/5 Service was friendly but I felt like I had to use a lot of their bbq sauce to help the meats. Luckily their spicy sauce is actually pretty good. When the turnip greens are the best item at a bbq restaurant, that's a pretty bad sign. My colleague actually enjoyed his meal, but then again he would be happy with pre-made bbq from the grocery store. Another meal that was barely 3 stars for me. read more

The food is so tasty. I tried many different options and all were a great choice. The sausage, ribs, and pulled pork were the meats I tried and nothing disappointed. The slaw, potato salad, and baked beans were great as well. Customer service was very nice! They were welcoming and patient as we made decisions on what to try. They even offered advice from their experience as well. Great place to try! read more

Almost forgot to leave a review! They were about to close when we arrived and still gave us an excellent service! The food was delicious we will for sure be back. Thank you!! read more

We enjoyed a meal at Howell's BBQ. The brisket was dry. Needs more fat for taste. Portions were skimpy. read more

See all

Ordered 1/2 slab of ribs. Meat was very dry, overcooked, & difficult to chew. Sides (beans & mac/cheese) were nothing special & meal not worthy of the price. read more

Howell's BBQ - Dry, tough pork ribs - Barbeque Near Me - El Dorado, Arkansas

This is one of those places that looks like a hole in the wall. The food however was top notch. I got brisket and baby back ribs, so good! Did not need a knife to cut the brisket. I highly recommend. read more

Don't be fooled by the exterior. It's people and the food within the building you'll comeback for. We sat down and friendly staff took our order. Being first-timers, we asked for recommendations but everything came highly recommended! For our party of 4, we ordered 3 orders of the 2-meat-2-sides combo dinner plates (pick your choice of 2 meets and 2 sides): chicken, slab of ribs, rib tips, pulled pork, Mac n cheese, bbq beans, corn bread, collard greens, corn on the code and potato hash. Then we added an order of pulled pork nachos with everything on it, a tamale and two, YES TWO BC IT WAS THAT GOOD, of banana bread pudding. We had no complaints of the home-taste of the food. TheIr house bbq sauce was absolute perfection. Tangy, with a subtle kick and just the right amount of sweetness. You'll dip dip everything in it. The meat were cooked to perfection and the ribs were oh-so tender. The sides were spot on: creamy and dreamy mac n cheese, the corn on the cob had some salted butter on it, and the greens were savory and oh so delicious. I'm not a fan of bbq baked beans but they were sweet and flavorful. Top it off with such a friendly staff and a warm welcome from the owner (I think she was the owner). If you stop by this place, do yourself a favor and remember to get that banana bread pudding. read more

Howell's BBQ - Two meat combo plate - Barbeque Near Me - El Dorado, Arkansas

See all

Nice family run restaurant, very clean and friendly service. We had the pulled pork and brisket both were excellent. The ribs were amazing, great dry rub flavor! Their sauce is a nice vinegar base. Sides were delicious. But if you don't get the banana pudding you're missing out. read more

See all

I just tried to eat a small chop beef. It was dry and tasted old. Literally dry and crumbly. The worst bbq I've ever tried to eat. I will not eat from them again. I haven't eaten from there in over 4 years because I got some ribs that tasted like lighter fluid. I thought I would give them another chance.....NOPE NEVER AGAIN read more

Best BBQ in El Dorado, AR. Their brisket is very good. The pork and sausage are also good. They do not over season the meats like other BBQ places in El Dorado. The Arkansas Sweet Green Beans are a special treat. Staff is friendly. This is the ONLY place in El Dorado to get real BBQ. read more

Wow! This place is amazing. Went on a Wednesday, got the brisket, corn on the cob, green beans, corn bread, two kinds of sauces & in my opinion, Best Green Beans ever! Go Arkansas! read more

Howell's BBQ - Briscett. Carn. Banes. Brud. Sauc. The best in tri state area. - Barbeque Near Me - El Dorado, Arkansas

Rude customer service by girl up front, for almost 30 dollars i would expect food to be warm and decent, Brisket was cold and dry only good savory dish was broccoli casserole, macaroni had no flavor what so ever, but this place was better then some bbq places in Memphis, i travel alot for work so yea i definitely leave reviews everywhere i go. read more

Food is good. Ambience is terrible. Ours are too limited. Tip: one sandwich generally feeds two normal people.

Good food and service. One of the places I can count on to be consistent with their food.

Awesome food great service friendly staff some of the best sauce. I've had the smoked sausage off the chain.

Stopped at this place based on the Yelp recommendations and it didn't disappoint! Portions were huge, neither of us could even finish our meals and the staff was super friendly! We will definitely be back to visit when we are in town again. read more

Howell's BBQ - Jumbo Barbecue Sandwich - Barbeque Near Me - El Dorado, Arkansas

See all

This place is spotless. Got a rack of ribs to go. Some of the best I've had lately. Real smoke flavor

Hey, y'all... great "family BBQ" here! Dessert first: Banana pudding had a unique, rich vanilla/caramel flavor, fresh bananas and crisp vanilla wafers. The BBQ pork on my sandwich was tender and moist with a mild smoke flavor... topped with a creamy home-style coleslaw, served with tasty BBQ sauce that isn't too sweet. The staff members were friendly and enthusiastic. Watch for this restaurant's sign. You'll be glad you did. read more

See all

Great bbq nachos!!. Their bbq is is good. I havent tried anything but the nachos, but I have seen their loaded baked potatoes also they looked delicious read more

Great food, and great service ... the sides are So so good as well.... very clean and inviting restaurant. read more

The absolute BEST BBQ I have tasted in years. A group of 5 ate and we all echoed the same thing. The owner checked in on us multiple times and provided excellent service. I don't know what he does with the meat but it is delish!!!! We have brisket, smoked turkey, rib tips, tamales, and pork. read more

Staff is friendly and fast brisket is tender and good. Pull pork sandwich is great atmosphere is kid friendly

This place may not be the fanciest place but it sure does have some of the best barbecue. The jumbo pulled pork sandwich was great . They added coleslaw and the sauce was awesome. The beans and potato salad were great also . I finished it out with a small banana pudding and it was fantastic. The people who were working there were some of the kindest you will come by. They sure do know how to make a good first impression and I even came in right before closing time . I highly recommend this place if you like good bbq and are passing through this small town. read more

Great food. Great service. Fresh and fast. The pound cake was recommended and it was moist and sweet. Five stars to Mr Howell and the Fam. read more

Howell's BBQ - Combo Plate and Loaded Potato. - Barbeque Near Me - El Dorado, Arkansas

Ate here on another business trip to the area. A colleague recommended it highly, and it was across the parking lot from the Holiday Inn. The BBQ was very good. Generous portions, no surprises. Nothing fancy, but that's what barbecue is all about! The staff was friendly and accommodating. Prices are very affordable. No complaints! I'll be back the next time I'm in town. read more

Absolutely love their loaded bake potato! Friendly service and the restaurant is always clean

Generic is an understatement. Busch's baked beans and box macaroni. The house sauce tastes like a first time user googling a recipe.

Best barbecue around so much to choose from and great service good hospitality, will definitely be going back soon!!BBQ Pork

Another great local spot. The BBQ is delicious, the loaded potato is LOADED. Not expensive or outrageous. The hubby ate there two days in a row. read more

Went there in search of food not realizing they were closing in just a few minutes. I ask the lady at the counter what's good and I was immediately met at response of "EVERYTHING!!!!" from behind the counter. The gentleman emerged and told me that he was so confident he guaranteed that I would be back the next night. I ordered a half slab of ribs with macaroni & cheese and baked beans. Well I never made it back that next night........BUT only because I didn't get back into town before they close. The ribs are tender and juicy and the beans and macaroni were on point. Definitely will be stopping by the next time I'm in the area. If you are looking for good bbq in El Dorado don't look anywhere else. TRUST ME, we did and regretted not stopping here first. Great place and you guys were right and I will be back. read more

I love the loaded baked potato!!!! The food here is amazing and I love to get it delivered with Waitr when I do not feel like cooking. You can use the code LOCAL 5 to take 5.00 off or Sorry20 to take 20 percent off your order! read more

Best BBQ in town for sure. I had a three meat platter with brisket, pulled pork, and sausage. My friend had brisket, ribs and sausage. The brisket was really good - and this is coming from a Texan who's had some excellent brisket. Flavorful peppery bark, smoke ring, and moist, flavorful meat. The pulled pork was very good as well, with a good bark. The sausage was ok; nothing really special to be honest. Next time I'll get the ribs instead, which I'm told were very well done - not too soft, not too hard, with good flavor and a good peppery bark as well. I was not tempted to use any sauce on my meats, just a little salt and pepper, though I tried a little of the spicy sauce and it was good. It wasn't needed as the meat had enough of its own flavor. The sides that I had were good, but the meat is why you come here. Nice folks in the store too. Will be back. read more

Howell's BBQ is one of El Dorado's best kept secrets. Do not leave without getting the banana pudding. BEST BANANA PUDDING EVER!!!!! Delicious BBQ read more

Howell's BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - El Dorado, Arkansas

The ribs were meaty, juicy and delicious. My sides were potato salad and broccoli casserole which were both very good too. If you're in El Dorado and in the mood for some great bbq, Howell's is the place to go! read more

Best BBQ and sides in a 30 mile radius! So glad y'all updated your hours and my husband will be there in a few for some ribs and sides!!! I wish y'all would do beef ribs at least one Saturday a month or something!! No one anywhere does them unless we go to 407 BBQ in Argyle, TX- too far to drive!!! BTW, the menu tab on here is not y'all's menu. read more

Absolutely best pork stuffed baked potato!!! The pork was melt in your mouth delicious. I really wanted to try the banana pudding but no room after eating 1/2 of the huge potato. Very friendly folks.. I will be back next time I am in town read more

Howell's BBQ - Pork stuffed baked potato - Barbeque Near Me - El Dorado, Arkansas

Awesome food a little high priced and usually takes awhile, but worth it. Best potato salad and macaroni and cheese I've ever had. Call ahead to save time. Staff is very friendly and remembers your name if you eat there often, usually only after the first visit. Lol. Uses Square for credit card purchases so be prepared for some issues with paying, but rare. Again, awesome food!! read more

Stopped in during MAD Fest and was not Disappointed. I ordered the rib plate, and it was excellent. To top it off the turnip greens could be the best I've had since my grandmother made them. Excellent BBQ! read more

Best BBQ in El Dorado area. My family eats here at least once a month. Pretty sure we've had at least one of everything on the menu, and I haven't heard any complaints. My favorites are the ribs, brisket, rib tips, and sausage; maybe I like it all. Don't forget to finish it off with a serving of their banana pudding. read more

Howell's BBQ - Menu - Barbeque Near Me - El Dorado, Arkansas