Banjo's Bar-B-Que
Located: 217 S. Gentry Blvd., Gentry, AR. 72734
Phone:
479-736-2030
Need directions? CLICK HERE
Type of dining experience: Casual / BBQ / Take-Out only
Mark Smithson just started up Banjo's Bar-B-Que in mid November of 2010, but has already made a name for himself for some really good BBQ. I got the chance recently to swing by his place and try first hand some of his offerings, and I have to tell you I was very glad I did.
Many times restaurants and food establishments end up muddling their menus, and find it necessary to create overly fussy and complicated foods. To the point that the "heart" of the food is lost in all the frills and fuss, they forget that the golden rule of thumb is just "keep it simple".
Mark provides us with simple offerings, that speak to the heart of a foodie. Straight forward, great food! When you have a recipe for success, you do not mess with that recipe. And he has hit the nail on the head! Good solid food, and at a reasonable price with good sized portions.
Their location is primarily carry out only, though there is a picnic table to the right of the building. They are located straight across from Marvin's Grocery in Gentry.
Just give him a call and let him know what you are wanting, and he will have it ready for you when you get there.
In addition, Mark does offer catering services.
Checking out their cooker, you first and foremost get hit by these wonderful aromas of bbq meat.
On closer inspection the one thing I notice right off the bat is that the dry rub he uses is not over-powering, which is nice to see.
He also does up some great smoked chicken!
First, let me explain that the photo of the pork rib is after I took a small sampling off the end. I just couldn't help myself!
The meat was tender, the dry rub infused nicely into the meat. The meat released from the rib nicely.
Currently they only do pork ribs, no beef. But I have to tell you, they do them well!!!
In addition to their pork ribs they offer smoked chicken as well. You can also order a whole smoked chicken which is only $7.
The chicken was tender and the seasonings and smokiness infused itself into the meat perfectly.
This one is a must try when you go there, it was very good.
I also tried their brisket, and this turned out to be another winner.
The brisket was moist and flavorful.
In addition I also tried a couple of their sides. Their beefy beans is a simple brown bean and meat side dish.
But don't lets its simplicity fool you, it is packed with really good hearty flavor.
The other side I tried was their baked beans. And these were really good!
Very flavorful, with just the right touch of "sweetness". So many times baked beans can be too sweet, and this was not the case for these.
Very good and worth trying.
In summary I would recommend this eating establishment to my viewers. In talking to Mark I can tell he has a desire to provide his customers with top quality food and service. The food he serves is hearty and flavorful, and the value is there. In addition to the offerings I detailed in this review, he also offers; sandwiches, salads, meat by the pound, bulk sides and family packs.
If you are in Gentry, go by and give them a try. It will be money well spent.
Review by Frank Elder
