Best pork and ribs in the city. As well as outstanding potato salad. Delicious chicken. Whole hog was a life saver during the pandemic with their drive through window and it's still a regular for delicious BBQ and catering. Ample accommodations for large families and accommodating service. read more

GREAT BBQ IN SPRINGFIELD, MO =========================== My husband and I stopped for lunch at Whole Hog Cafe on Tuesday, August 12, 2025. It was a good halfway point between Indianapolis, Indiana and El Reno, near Oklahoma City. I am really glad I chose this place because the food was very good. I am a creature of habit so of course I chose the pulled pork sandwich and that was delicious. My husband chose the brisket as usual. The steak fries were good too. It was an easy stop from the I-44. read more

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Whole Hog cafe catered a rehearsal dinner I attended over ten years ago, and I remember them to this day and had to stop in when we were driving by (we live 13 hours away). Still as good as I remember! Best potato salad in the world. Brisket is so tender and lean. This location was pretty empty on a Sunday evening but they had already sold out of ribs and burnt ends. Bathroom could use some TLC but everywhere else was clean and comfortable and the hostess was super friendly. Wish we lived closer! read more

I've only eaten here once. The one time I did eat here the staff seemed to be extremely rude considering we weren't asking for anything extra. This was like a year ago though, so situations change. Idk The food is pretty good. Classic bbq for sure. read more

Brisket was over done,tasted fresh out the oven. Gnat in my Cole slaw. Will not be back nor recommend Whole Hog Cafe.

We came for lunch 10.29.23 and caught it just before what might have been the after-church crowd, so wasn't busy when we got there, but then filled up. My two friends and I each had the lunch special of pulled pork sandwich(comes with slaw on it) and choice of 2 sides -- chose the baked beans and the cheesy corn, both that also have bits of meat ends in them. I also tried 3 of the 6 sauces on the table - -and appreciate the way they were labeled and described. Everything was very tasty and I was going to pack some up but instead I ate everything. #yum #ReviewsByRL read more

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Whole hog was always our go to before we found a couple other spots. But because they are so far away from us we don't get over there too often anymore. We use to order the smoked chicken by the pound! Definitely one of their best meats IMO. I would give them 5 stars but they were always a bit pricey. I know BBQ isn't cheap, but it's also not that expensive for cheaper meats. Very casual atmosphere though and when I want BBQ and I'm in that area this is definitely the first pick! read more

Disappointed that I couldn't eat half the burnt ends as it was so fatty. Don't recommend it. I should've ordered the pulled pork. read more

Whole Hog Cafe - Burnt Ends Plate - all fat - Barbeque Near Me - Springfield, Missouri

Amazing food and service was top tier! Burnt ends were amazing! The potato salad was great BUT different than others which is also great! The corn was good and I don't even usually pick corn type things.. the nice lady at the counter was the MJ of service and so nice.. read more

We stopped here after finding it on Yelp on our way through Springfield. I had a 2 meat combo, pulled pork and brisket, baked fries (more like sidewinder curly fries) and hush puppies, plus we I added a side of ribs, lol. My man had a brisket sandwich, we tried sauces #1 and #2, both were more reminiscent to a Sweet Baby Rays and Heinz BBQ. They were good nothing so special I would think I need this again. The ribs were flavored seasoned nicely but a lil dry. The pulled pork without sauce was actually my favorite very flavorful and moist (although I hate that word) with sauce it was even better. The brisket wasn't anything special a little dry for my liking. The service was quick and everyone was friendly, we ate outside since we were driving with pets so not sure what the dining room was like, there was a steady flow of customers while we were there so I'm assuming the area really enjoys it. read more

A terrific BBQ spot with a varied menu that covers the holy trinity of Midwestern smoked meats: pulled pork, brisket, and ribs. Chicken is also offered. Order by the meat or as reasonably priced plates with a selection of sides. Brisket was tender and flavorful but I prefer more smoke in the taste. Pulled pork: ditto. Creamy cole slaw was a bit sweet, deep fried okra were crispy/tender perfection, and home style fries were uniquely crispy on the outside with a bit of breading. read more

This is for North location. With a heavy heart I write this. I hate writing bad reviews. We went in to try a few items on the menu . Getting ready to use for wedding reception. I actually told the hostess that (and owner). I ordered brisket dinner and side of burnt ends. Added slaw , baked beans, green beans and one piece of catfish. Visited with both owner and young girl while they were preparing food and said I wanted to try little bit of everything. Got home and order was screwed up. Had two orders of burnt ends. No biggie things happen. HERES is the PROBLEM! Burnt ends were so fatty that half of it was fat. See pictures. I've had burnt ends at several other joints. They never looked like that. Half fat. Removed all fat took some pictures and decided I couldn't stand it. I called and spoke with owner . She said that's what I ordered and that is what burnt ends were. I asked if I could come back and pick up brisket tomorrow..... she was irritated, busy and basically said she would call her husband and have 1/3 pound at front . I appreciated that but I'm the one that suggested it. I don't usually post bad reviews. I can't imagine trying to have a restaurant. But this experience was not what I'm used to when a business gets something wrong . I paid in full for all the food , paid an additional 3 percent cause I wanted to use credit card and finally another couple of bucks to girl who took my order. Fail fail, fail . The beans were ok. The slaw ok but not special and the burnt ends were so gross we didn't eat any of them. I didn't go get the beef cause I really felt like I deserved a call back when owner wasn't busy. One positive was the $ 3.00 piece of catfish she cooked for me. It was very good. I've had their brisket before from other location. I would stick to that but this joint if off my list because of conversation with manager. They messed up. She should have made it right. Not worth my time to go pick up a little beef. You lost a customer and a catering job. 1-10. read more

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We were staying nearby, so decided to check out Whole Hog Cafe. They weren't very busy, so a table was available right away. I ordered fried catfish with cheesy corn and fried okra. The catfish was hot and not strong. The cheesy corn was delicious! The catfish comes with hush puppies and they were just OK. I was advised when ordering that they were made from a packaged mix so I didn't expect much. DH had the brisket and pork combo plate. Both were good. read more

Alw ays enjoy Whole Hog. My favorites are the burnt ends and the pulled pork. IMO Whole Hog has the best potato salad of any place. Ordering is always easy and it never takes long to get your food. .The atmosphere is comfortable and family friendly read more

Decided to try this place based on the previous ratings and the convenience to the hotel. I placed an order over the phone. The person was seemed very inexperienced, and was rushing through the order. When I went to go pick it up, I noticed the restaurant was not busy for a Wednesday evening. The person taking the order and working the front register was a teenager.... (Hence the poor service). The food was accurate and looked very mediocre. As mentioned in other reviews the brisket was sliced extremely thin and looked steamed. I definitely wouldn't come back here for bbq. It's just not what a good bbq should taste like. read more

Whole Hog Cafe - Two meat plate, cheesy corn, green beans - Barbeque Near Me - Springfield, Missouri

Fast casual dining. Excellent BBQ choices and if you want BBQ in Springfield Missouri, this is the best. I have eaten at both locations and no complaints about either. read more

Over the past 2 1/2 weeks, I have visited Springfield on business twice. I stayed at the Hampton Inn which is across the street from this café. On my first visit, I have the brisket, which was VERY good! I will say that the smoked green bean side is also very good! They have six different barbecue sauces to choose from, and they are all very good. On my second visit, I try the pool chicken. I was not disappointed! Overall, I would say this place is a good choice. It looks like they also do a lot of business with catering and orders to go. I would definitely recommend this place. read more

Tried calling. They'd put me on hold 3 different times then hang up. Decided to just go and told me out of food. During dinner. Place looked not busy and was clean. All could have been avoided by just talking on the phone read more

I very rarely leave a review, but I have to share my disappointment. I went to Whole Hog Cafe and ordered the pulled pork nachos. I love the nachos I get from Heady in Republic or Bubba's in Springfield, so I was looking forward to seeing what WHC brought to the table, pun intended. The restaurant was clean, bathroom was clean, and the whole place seemed well put together. The cashier was nice, and the food was served up quickly. This is where it goes bad. From my POV, I could have made better nachos. They seemed to be Tostitos with canned cheese on top, with some pulled pork piled in the middle. I had asked for beans and got a bowl of what tasted like canned pork and beans. The meat was good, but this dish (as a whole) was basically atrocious, and NOT EVEN CLOSE to the same dish at other BBQ places in this area. I gave it a chance and ate part of it, but left most of it on the table. That's thirty minutes and twenty bucks I'll never get back. Up your game, WHC. read more

Don't be fooled by the ambiance and decor. Not a fancy place, but good solid BBQ at a reasonable price. Quick, friendly service

Traveling through and found this place near our hotel and decided to stop in. Boy were we happy we did. They welcomed us, our little dog in hand and told us all about the different meats they have. My husband settled for the pulled pork, dinner salad and baked beans regular dinner plate and I had the beef brisket, potato salad and baked beans. Each plate was a great portion, the baked beans are ridiculously good, there was enough meat on each plate to share with our little 9lb puppy and still I shared with my husband. Great portions. And 6 types of BBQ sauce at each table. I also heard their cheesy corn is very popular, we didn't get a chance to try it. Maybe next time we are in the area. The restaurant is clean and the staff are friendly and knowledgeable. I encourage you to try it if your ever in the area. read more

Wanted to try....won't go back! Restaurant was clean enough but had to look through silverware to get clean plus there were holes and pulled places I'm tablecloth. Service was fine ...you waited on yourself. I got burnt ends...they were greasy, salty and full of fat.....salad had to have been made yesterday....Lettuce was wilted and cheese was a glob....French fries were barely warm....won't go back read more

An Important Bit of Kansas City in Springfield! We were in Springfield for an event at the Fairgrounds with a large turnout that included many hundreds of campers. That can put a real strain on local business like restaurants! A bit of background: I grew up in Kansas City developing a keen taste for good BBQ. Gates, Bryant's, Rosedale and LC's became benchmarks for smoker excellence. Today that list includes Q39, Burnt Ends, and many more from the smokers in KC. After getting many recommendations from trusted locals, we decided to give "Whole Hog" a try. So we snuck out a little early to beat any expected rush on our first night there. Arriving at their private parking lot we were amazed at the crowd outside: the lot was full (including a large number of touring motorcycles parking three to a parking space) and a bit of a line to get in. Amazingly, we found a handicap space right at the front door - that was a good omen! The line moved very quickly and soon we were at the counter. I asked if there was "anything here that could impress a Kansas City Boy." I was told that his fist job was on the smoker for Gate's and Sons in Kansas City, and learned his trade there! Wow! (Gate's is regularly found in the top three of Kansas City BBQ'S) Overall, the "Q" was exceptional! Some of the best ribs I have ever had. Not over cooked to dryness or falling off the bone soggy, you could take a bite off the bone and taste the flavor throughout. It was easy to see that they deserved the trophies filling their front window. The brisket was tender (without being soggy or tough), and full of great flavor. Their only downfall was that their BBQ beans were ho hum and tasted like they had come from a can. Otherwise, I could have sworn the I was on 18th and Brooklyn across from where Kansas City's Municipal Stadium once stood! Prices were very reasonable, and service as expected in a real BBQ. The second drawback was that they had not anticipated their demand from the fairgrounds. By 7:00 pm there was a sign on the door warned that they were completely out of food! Since for good BBQ you have to plan and start cooking at least a day and a half prior to serving, I was not surprised to see that same sign the next night. If you are a true BBQ guy you owe it to yourself to grab a plate of ribs there anytime you are heading through Springfield, MO. It is only a couple of blocks off I-44 and worth the effort. read more

Whole Hog Cafe - I take it that they're popular! Glad I already finished my ribs & brisket! - Barbeque Near Me - Springfield, Missouri

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Food was good French fries was the best, but they charge us 2.75 for a glass of tap water and we had to get it ourselves

I'm not sure how this place is sorting at a 3.9 the food was amazing!! This place was great from the second we walked through the door! The lady greeted us, was super nice, wasn't rude when we took extra time figuring out the sides we wanted. 10 outta 10 customer service! Now the best part, the food was AMAZING!! We got our food to go because we were short on time but I got out to the car and the food smelled so good that I had to try it right then and take pictures! . It did not disappoint at all!! I tried a piece of the half slab of ribs and told my son, let's go back inside and tell the lady how great the food is! We did just that! The catfish was so good, the fries were great, the sauce had the right amount of sweetness and spice. Everything was great!! I would drive from Kansas City to Springfield just to come back here! I cannot explain how great the food was! Bathroom was clean, all the tables were clean, the atmosphere was nice! We will definitely be back!! read more

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Nice portions, good sides. Brisket was a little different but I still enjoyed, ribs had a good flavor and the wings were great! Mint too fatty , good smoke and sauce was good. Love the variety of sauces. Hot was great! So was Carolina ! Overall decent place, food comes out quickly and there was a lot of activity while we were there so obviously well liked. We were traveling through but if I lived around would visit again. read more

Omg what a find. Ribs fall off the bone and taste delicious!!! Try home fries they are yummy and crisp. Don't forget to try baked beans BIG MISTAKE TO MISS read more

Simple the best BBQ in the world. I have yet to find anyplace better than this place. Quick, prompt, friendly service every time we have been here. It is one of the highlights of vacation to stop here if we are in the area. You don't want to pass it by. It really is just that good. read more

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I normally do not leave reviews but this place is a must! DELICIOUS! Will stop here every time im in springfield!

They redeemed themselves with the 1/4 Chicken. Local beers are amazing. Lorenza ordered the rib plate special and we both had a side of cole slaw and she had baked beans while I had baked potato wedges. We each got $1.00 off. The local IPA's are amazing. Very casual atmosphere with mostly locals. Great staff. Will return next year!! May 2018. Been here twice. First time in 2017 was the best. My wife and I shared a half chicken with cole slaw and fries and a local craft beer. Chicken was tender and delicious. We returned a year later on our annual cross country trip to Indianapolis. I ordered the half chicken with green beans and fries. They were out of half chicken so they offered me pulled chicken instead. IT WAS AWFUL. So dry and tasteless that no amount of sauce would help. The green beans were also terrible. Over salted and tough. I would not accept this substitution when we give them another chance this year. On the plus side my wife enjoyed her ribs and the local craft beers are always good. First visit was a high four stars second was a low three. Hope to get back up. FYI I don't eat pork or beef so my only option here is read more

Whole Hog Cafe in Springfield, MO, nails it with their pulled pork! The flavor is outstanding, making it a go-to spot for tasty barbecue. Whole Hog Cafe is a definite winner! read more

I got into Springfield early evening and after checking in to my hotel, I asked the desk clerk if there was a good BBQ around the area. He said that the Whole Hog was the best and right next door. After checking in, I walked over and ordered. Since there were a few empty booths and the place was spotless, I decided to stay and eat there. The beef was just right and after spotting the trophies for BBQ competitions, I figured that I was in the right place. I tried small amounts of each of the six sauces that were on the table and found them all to be of merit. The sides and the dessert were all equally good, it was one of those places where you realize that you just found the best BBQ joint in that area. I'll be back, I've got a full menu to go. read more

Large menu with more than just BBQ. 6 different BBQ sauces. Brisket and Ribs was tender and not fatty. Catfish and hush puppies were great. Different take on fries, everyone at the table loved them. We will be back. read more

Whole Hog Cafe - Menu - Barbeque Near Me - Springfield, Missouri

So proper ! Love BBQ & they have 6 types of BBQ sauce, so you know it's legit! I loved the pulled pork sandwich , baked beans were to die for, and the cheesy corn was on point. I highly recommend this stop if you're hungry read more

Whole Hog Cafe - Bar facing the TV - my food - Barbeque Near Me - Springfield, Missouri

Have loved this place since we 1st tried it years ago. Wish we lived closer, but it's a must whenever we are in town. Love the sauces & the meat is always perfect. Great portions & always friendly. The place is calm even when busy. read more

There's a reason why there's a bunch of BBQ contest trophies in the front window of this restaurant. It may not look like much from the outside, but the food here is delicious! The Pulled pork sandwich was so tasty! And there was 6 different barbecue sauces on the table that you could choose from. My husband also got the beef and sausage plate and he said everything was delicious for him too. What I really loved is that their kids meal was REAL food. Both of my kids had the smoked chicken and it was freshly pulled white meat chicken that would have been just as good on an adult's plate. read more

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Always come here for tenderest ribs and decadent, super creamy potato salad. Choice of 6 sauces at the table. Can't lose.

Midwest bbq, in other words they really don't know what they are doing. The are just winging it, hoping it lands.For a bqq place the prices are fair. It has a fast food bqq feel to it. read more

Whole Hog Cafe Come one, come all, mighty fine finger lickin' good BBQ (and sides) served here. Whole Hog Cafe on Glenstone near Interstate 44 shines from the inside out like a beacon of light from the BBQ heavens. Passing through Springfield on a Sunday afternoon we found this little inconspicuous spot through Yelp. What a find! They offer a wide range of award winning BBQ options: burnt ends, ribs, brisket, pulled pork, pulled chicken, pork loin, & sausages. They have the meats and all the fixins' plus six of their own BBQ sauces to try at each table. They offer great drink options including bottled beer, freshly brewed sweet and unsweetened tea, and Coca Cola products from the fountain. I was W O W-ed by the burnt ends and ribs with a dry rub. It was finger, lickin' good, y'all. Both meats were flavorful and so tender--cooked to perfection. So often I find myself loving the BBQ meats at spots like these and desiring for better sides--not here. I absolutely loved their sour cream based potato salad and burnt end cheesy corn and plan to order them again next time I'm passing through. I even loved their dinner roll they served with the burnt ends plate. It brought me back to my childhood as it's exactly the kind of roll that is traditionally served with BBQ--and it was fresh. I winced when I saw the vegetable spread they offered with the roll. I went back to the ordering counter and asked if they had any real butter and they were happy to oblige me--thank heavens because that made all the difference in the world (it's the small things, right?) Their service was spectacular. Our server was cordial, warm, and helpful. I felt she wanted us to have a great experience and that makes all the difference, too. They are open 11-9pm every day except Sunday when they close at 8pm. The bathrooms were clean, which is always important when you are road-trippin' it. All and all, I didn't find a single thing that could be improved upon (which if you know me is surprising ;) ). I've already told my friends that we should plan a trip together to Springfield to visit their new museum experience in town and also come to share a meal here. I'll be back, for sure. Hope you find have a great experience here, too. read more

Passed this place on the way to the hotel from the airport so I tried it for dinner. I ordered online and picked up the takeout on time. Staff was pleasant and attentive after I waited a few minutes. They have bottled beer in a large ice chest behind the counter, no tap. I came to find out While Hog is not a 'Local' place but a version of a quick BBQ. Not your BBQ Grille Atmosphere. I ordered a two meat plate with brisket and pork loin. Side of baked beans and coleslaw. I also had a salad with raspberry vinaigrette. My first impression was the servings were on the small side. I'm all for portion control but still this was a little weak. The meat although very tasty and moist left me wanting more but there wasn't any. The salad or should I say lettuce with two cherry tomatoes and a pinch of cheese was not wilted. I did the plates of ribs coming out of the window and they looked great. Maybe I should have had the ribs?? read more