Bobby M.
Yelp
Well, well, well,..... I have made a tragic mistake, as I realized I never reviewed Jones Bar-B-Q Diner... and for that I am sorry.
(This is a TLDR type, but if you invest the time you won't be disappointed.)
I posted photos, and I didn't post a review... shame on me, and how dare I?!
SO, my darling, my wife, my Sassy Sally, found an article about amazing, James Beard Award Winning, pulled pork in Arkansas.
Let's be clear... Arkansas is the place to #gethcusome pulled pork... don't be fooled by liars and tricksters trying to "sell you water by the river." They have beauty and wonder, and when it comes to the contiguous states Arkansas is your go to for Pulled Pork. This was a level above the rest, sets the bar for what you should be strive to attain in your craft, worth the drive, and there's a reason that this man, and family, were able to garner such a great achievement.
This man has been honing his methods for years to produce consistent and delicious pulled pork. I'd say that he's put the same amount of time and into his pulled pork as a master level sushi chef. Refining basic elements until they all come together to create the perfect representation of what pulled pork can and should be.
Now that I've praised let's delve into the rest. Arrive Early... we made it to the Diner at 0850 and we just made it. People had already been served and gone. We were able to have our sandwiches in the small common eating area, and as I said it was simple. Pulled pork, on white bread, with some sauce, and that is all you get. But, it's all you need.
We took a platter away to share with friends at a craw fish boil later, and it was still good. Just not that piping fresh from the pit goodness we were able to have at the restaurant. (Because they cook that pig at the pit over night while you all are sleeping to give you the freshest product that morning.)
Mr. Jones was kind enough to pose with his award, and offer us the opportunity to again record history. It's amazing that a man from a small town in Arkansas was able to attain such feats with hard work, dedication, and a refined method for good food. We talked for a moment, like we do, and we even found out that it was he and the wife's first real vacation when they were whisked away to the event. Going to NY to be recognized and coupling that with yet another awesome moment in your life.
This visit left a mark, in that good way, which is why I remember most of the details till this day. I'm thankful for the experience, and I'm glad I was able to interact with a man who's made history in his own right. More people should know about Jones Bar-B-Q Diner, and make the effort to stop into Marianna Arkansas for his pulled pork.