I was born in Arkansas so, of course, I have known about the famous Jones’ Bar-B-Q Diner forever. But, somehow I had never been there!
I have now remedied this terrible oversight and I honestly can’t believe that I wasted so many years without having this delicious bar-b-q in my life.
Jones’ Bar-B-Q Diner in Marianna, Arkansas
Jones Bar-B-Q Diner is truly a must try Arkansas food experience.
Location of Jones’ Bar-B-Q Diner
This small barbecue joint is located in the tiny Delta town of Marianna, Arkansas.
It is also right on the Arkansas portion of the Great River Road for those who are exploring this incredible Mississippi River Route.
Address of Jones’ Bar-B-Q Diner: 219 W Louisiana St, Marianna, AR 72360
You will drive up to a narrow white building in a residential neighborhood of Marianna. There is a sign and a big awning and picnic table in the front.
The parking area is small and many of the patrons were parking on the street.
The minute we got out of our car we could smell the glorious aroma wafting from the smoker behind the restaurant.
Cash Only
Before you visit Jones’ Bar-B-Q Diner it is important to know that this establishment is CASH ONLY.
Hours
Remember to always check the opening days for yourself because this is a small business and anything could happen to change things.
In general the hours are 7:00AM to 1:00PM OR whenever Mr. Jones runs out of Barbecue.
You heard that right: Mr. Jones opens the restaurant at 7:00 AM and closes at 1:00 PM or WHEN HE RUNS OUT OF BARBECUE!
Seriously, that could happen at 10:00am if someone comes in and buys a bunch of barbecue by the pound.
I would highly suggest that you arrive early especially if you are coming on the weekend.
And don’t expect to get breakfast there at 7:00am. Mr. Jones sells barbecue and barbecue only from open to close.
We showed up on a weekday at 10:30 because I was determined to not miss out on my first Jones’ Bar-B-Q sandwich.
We walked right in to the small dining room to place our order with Mr. Jones at the window counter inside. There is a small two or three table dining area as well as the large picnic table outside.
You can learn about some other iconic Arkansas restaurants here!
But Let’s Talk About the Menu
So, let’s talk about the menu.
It’ll be a short conversation because there really isn’t a menu.
You can order a barbecue pork sandwich or you can buy barbecue by the pound. There’s also slaw and barbecue sauce and bread that you can buy in larger amounts if you are taking barbecue home to share with a group.
In other words, if you go to Jones’ Bar-B-Q you are going to be getting a pork sandwich on white bread.
He will ask if you want slaw on your sandwich. The correct answer is yes.
Do you want a Coke? Yes. Grab one from the fridge that is right by the order window.
That’s it.
You will be served a pork sandwich on white bread wrapped in foil. You will wash that down with a soft drink from a can and it’ll be the best thing you have eaten in ages.
Why is this SUCH a Good Sandwich?
First of all Mr. Jones has been smoking pork for 60 years. The man knows what he is doing. He has the low and slow cooking process down to an art form.
The meat is tender but still has a bit of a bite. (I hate when barbecue has a mushy texture)
It also has just the right amount of smoke flavor. I will tell you that this is not a super smoky barbecue – this which happens to be my preference but you know your taste buds best.
You can still taste the flavor of the pork and the slight smoke flavor in this barbecue enhances rather than overwhelms.
I honestly could find no flaws!
Not only is the meat perfection, but the slaw adds that perfect bit of crunch and bite without too much mayonnaise.
Then there is the sauce…the sauce, y’all.
This is NOT a super sweet, thick sauce. It is a thin, peppery, vinegary sauce. The flavor is incredible and your sandwich will come with just the right amount as served. Mr Jones knows how to add just enough sauce for flavor without making the white bread soggy.
However, there will also be a bottle of it on the table if you want to add extra. I did. I could have had a cup of the stuff to drink.
The meat, the bread, the slaw, the sauce – it all comes together in the most heavenly, mouthwatering way.
Another tip: These are not huge sandwiches. They are filled but not overfilled. Go ahead and order two.
A Bit of the History of Jones’ Bar-B-Q Diner
The business started in the early 1900’s in Marianna and has been in the same location since the 1960’s.
The current owner is the 4th generation of the Jones family to own the restaurant. The current plan is for his son to take over when he retires.
They are using the same recipes that have been handing down through the generations and they keep them a secret!
Why is Jones’ Bar-B-Q Diner Famous
Jones’ Bar-B-Q Diner is locally and nationally famous because it is both special and award-winning in so many ways.
- It is considered to be the oldest continuously operating black owned business in the United States!
- It is also one of the oldest continuously operating restaurants in Arkansas.
- Winner of the James Beard award in 2012
- They are the only currently operating James Beard award winning restaurant in Arkansas.
- Placed on the New York Time’s Restaurant List in 2021.
- Recognized by Food and Wine Magazine as the best Barbecue in Arkansas.
- They have been written about by almost every food critic in the US.
Pretty amazing for a humble little restaurant tucked into the Arkansas Delta!
We loved our visit here. There is such a feeling of tradition. You can tell that this place has been a community gathering spot for generations.
As we finished our sandwiches a line of people had gathered to get their barbecue.
Everyone was happy and chatting, as southerners do.
We spoke with a couple who had stopped by from Texas, a family who used to live in Marianna and were visiting home, a barbecue aficionado who had driven way out of his way just to give this place a try, and some locals who are lucky enough to eat these barbecue sandwiches regularly.
If you ever find yourself in the Arkansas Delta, Jones Bar-B-Q Diner is absolutely worth the detour. It will remind you why you fell in love with barbecue in the first place.
Simple and unforgettable.
Thanks so much for stopping by!
